April 24, 2015

Induction ceremonies are a highlight of the year for Sigma Xi, as new members bring with them the promise of a strong future for the Society. With the academic year coming to a close, many college-based chapters are inducting new members. The latest to join that list was the Sigma Xi Eckerd College Chapter, which inducted 10 new members on April 23. Seven out of the 10 are women. 

The induction ceremony took place on the eve of a conference on food security at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. The conference was put together by the college, the Institute on Science for Global Policy, and Sigma Xi. This timing allowed Sigma Xi President George Atkinson to participate in the chapter’s induction ceremony and for the rest of the Board of Directors to attend.

The new members are:

Associate Members:
  Julia Billington (Biomedical Concentration)
  Steve Felman (Computer Science)
  Kimberly Fitzpatrick (Marine Science)
  Christopher Flight (Marine Science)
  Macie Hanneken (Mathematics and Environmental   Studies)
  Jessica Mandula (Biology)
  Melissa Pappas (Marine Science & Spanish)

Full Members:
  Liza Conrad (Genetics and Molecular Biology)
  Lisa Bonner (Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology)
  Steve Weppner (Physics and Computational Science)

The Food Security Conference’s goal is to link scientifically credible information to the formulation and implementation of sound, effective domestic and international policies. Main topics will include food production and sustainability. It runs April 24-25 and it is open to the public for free with registration. 

The Institute on Science for Global Policy and Sigma Xi co-hosted a similar conference with Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, earlier this month. 

Top photo: The new members of the Eckerd College Chapter were inducted April 23. 

Bottom photo: Sigma Xi President George Atkinson, standing in back second from left, participated in the induction ceremony.