ALLEN THOMAS

Present Position

Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Nebraska at Kearney

Chapter Affiliation

Background Information

Statement

Since being inducted as a full member of Sigma Xi in 2015, I am extremely enthusiastic about what I have seen taking place within this organization! Leaders at the top levels and within our institutional and area chapters as well as our many thousands of members are highly motivated to make Sigma Xi a world-class honor society. Without a doubt, there is a significant opportunity and need for scientists to influence the public, both in terms of lobbying for pro-science policies, but also in educating non-scientists about what it is that we actually do. Accordingly, I see Sigma Xi as much more than an honorary society to recognize research accomplishments; and though I would not want to minimize this valuable central objective, I think our chapters should play an active role in reaching out to the community at large and advocating on behalf of science. Moreover, I firmly believe that member retention and engagement revolve around activities at the local level.

As the former president and current vice-president of the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) chapter, I frequently am asked by prospective Sigma Xi members as to why they should join us. My short answer is that by joining Sigma Xi they are receiving recognition for their hard work in research, supporting outreach to educate the public about science, and gaining opportunities to interact with and present their research to other scientists. Working closely with the Director, I would like to help in any way possible to enhance the chapters in our diverse Northwest Region by providing them with information and resources to expand their outreach and member involvement. It is my hope that ALL of our members will be able to readily and confidently answer the question “why should I join Sigma Xi?”

My involvement with Sigma Xi: Though I am relatively new to Sigma Xi, inducted as a full member in 2015, I have been actively involved both in my local chapter and at the national level. I served as President of the UNK Chapter for 2 years, during which time we held numerous Science Cafes and multiple Panel Discussions including celebrity scientists including Drs. Phil Plait (aka the Bad Astronomer and chief science writer for the Bill Nye show) and Greg Forbes (The Weather Channel). Our chapter was recognized with both Program and Chapter of Excellence Awards by Sigma Xi in 2017 and 2018, respectively. In addition to currently serving as my chapter’s vice-president, I have significantly stepped up my involvement at the national level. For example, at the most recent National Meeting, I led a panel discussion on Ethics and participated in a discussion on best chapter practices, in addition to presenting a research poster and an oral presentation on Data Sharing in Collaborations. I also serve on the Committee on Qualifications and Membership as well as serving on an ad hoc committee on chapter revitalization. I have twice served as a poster judge at the National Meeting and as a judge for the Student Research Showcase since April 2017. I have encouraged all my research students and science faculty colleagues to join Sigma Xi. Since 2016, seven of my research students have been inducted as associate members. I am highly excited about this potential opportunity to serve Sigma Xi as an Associate Director!