UF Faculty Members of Sigma Xi

Though The University of Findlay’s chapter of the scientific research society Sigma Xi was founded only two years ago, faculty and student members alike have been busy making significant contributions both on campus and with the international organization.

Sigma Xi was founded in 1886 and is a nonprofit honorary society of nearly 60,000 scientists and engineers. The society recognizes scientific achievement and promotes ethics and excellence in scientific and engineering research. Two UF faculty members serve as key governing officials for the international society.

Charles Norris, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry, serves on the governing board as the chair of the Committee on Nominations where he is responsible for selecting nominees for executive positions.

Terry Schwaner, Ph.D., dean of the College of Sciences, recently was elected to the position of director of baccalaureate colleges where he will contribute by recruiting members, encouraging members to stay active, assisting baccalaureate colleges with existing chapters and encouraging other baccalaureate colleges to establish chapters at their institutions.

The University of Findlay’s chapter was established in 2010 and has inducted 13 faculty members and 44 students. According to Ben Dolan, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, the main purpose of the chapter has been to facilitate undergraduate research and to establish a new student organization for undergraduate students.

The organization, Scholarship and Research Society, was born from the Sigma Xi chapter and serves to further facilitate scholarship and research among UF students. The organization is hosting a research fair on Friday, April 20, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Malcolm Lecture Hall.

At the event, faculty members from various colleges who are performing scholarship or research will be discussing their research goals and interests informally with students. The room will be divided into sections based on colleges, and students will be able to learn about different types of research and how they can get involved. Refreshments will be served.

Joy Sizemore, president of the student organization and senior pre-veterinary, biology and animal science major, encourages students of all majors, including those without a science background, to become involved and learn about the various types of research in their fields.

By Katie Baumgart