Fall 2013 Newsletter

Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer: The Science of Speed: Faster, Stronger and Safer Diandra Leslie-Pelecky, Department of Physics, West Virginia University Within the next few weeks, a ballot will be sent to the active chapter members to approve a change to the chapter constitution, adding the following provision: “If the chapter goes inactive and remains dormant over 5 years or dissolves, any funds the chapter possesses which were the direct result of local dues and chapter support will go back to the Sigma Xi the Scientific Research Society.” This is a new requirement of the national Sigma Xi organization, and is supported by the Executive Committee of the ISU Chapter. Read More

October 5, 2013

President’s Message

From C. Lee Burras President, ISU Sigma Xi Chapter 2013-14 Dear Sigma Xi Colleague, The early 21st century is an incredible time to be a scientist. Every discipline is advancing at an accelerating pace. Discoveries historically considered basic are routinely finding immediate application, which is creating new, intellectually enriching collaborations for all of us. And this is exactly what Sigma Xi is about. We are an honorary society dedicated to excellent research. We promote inclusivity across the scientific community. So my first message is to encourage all of us at Iowa State University to keep doing exactly what we are doing. We are making a difference to the citizens of Iowa and the world. We are advancing knowledge. But my second message is one of caution. The very success of science at ISU and around the world is creating opportunities and challenges. I want to remind us of three of those challenges. Read More

September 1, 2013

Spring 2013 Newsletter

Initiation Banquet Mycoplasmas: Great things come in small packages Professor F. Chris Minion, Professor of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine Read More

March 5, 2013

Winter 2013 Newsletter

Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer: Demons and Butterflies -- Weather predictability and predictions Dr. Richard Anthes, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research The 2012 Annual Sigma Xi meeting (the 113th annual Assembly of Delegates) was held for the first time in an on-line format, on November 3, 2012. The 2013 meeting will also take place by means of a webcast. Read More

January 5, 2013

Fall 2012 Newsletter

Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer: The Ice Age Dispersal of Humans to the Americas: Do Stones, Bones, and Genes Tell the Same Story? Ted Goebel, Department of Anthropology, Texas A&M University Local Honor Lecture: Learning to Think Like Scientists: Does Our Future as Humans Depend on it? Professor Suzanne Hendrich, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, ISU We need to have you begin to think about those graduate students and colleagues whom you would wish to nominate for either Associate or Full Membership in Sigma Xi, or for Promotion from Associate to Full Membership. Please take a little time to identify individuals who have impressed you with their achievements or research aptitude necessary for membership. Read More

October 5, 2012

Spring 2012 Newsletter

Initiation Banquet Diet, genes and microbes: complexities of colon cancer prevention Professor Diane Birt, Distinguished Professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition Read More

March 5, 2012

Fall 2011 Newsletter

Sigma Xi Lecture: DNeandertals and Us David Frayer, Department of Anthropology, University of Kansas Local Honor Lecture: Self-assembling Polymers for Gene Delivery and Biomineralization Professor Surya Mallapragada, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, ISU We need to have you begin to think about those graduate students and colleagues whom you would wish to nominate for either Associate or Full Membership in Sigma Xi, or for Promotion from Associate to Full Membership. Please take a little time to identify individuals who have impressed you with their achievements or research aptitude necessary for membership. Read More

October 5, 2011

Spring 2011 Newsletter

Initiation Banquet New chemistries for new lithium batteries for a green future: Why the Chevy Volt only goes 40 miles on a charge Professor Steve W. Martin, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Engineering Read More

March 5, 2011

Winter 2011 Newsletter

Sigma Xi National Lecturer: DNA at the Dinner Table: The Global Politics of Genetically Modified Food Dr. Lisa Weasel, Associate Professor of Biology, Portland State University Sigma Xi is observing its 125th anniversary this year, having been founded at Cornell University in 1886. The Iowa State University chapter of Sigma Xi is observing its 90th anniversary this year. Look for some historical observance at the April banquet! Read More

January 5, 2011

Fall 2010 Newsletter

Sigma Xi National Lecturer: Climate Change: What Could Happen and What Can Earth’s Past Tell Us? Bette L. Otto-Bliesner, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder CO Local Honor Lecturer: Algorithmic Thinking in Biology Professor Vasant Honavar, Department of Computer Science, ISU Director, Center for Computational Intelligence Learning and Discovery We need to have you begin to think about those graduate students and colleagues whom you would wish to nominate for either Associate or Full Membership in Sigma Xi, or for Promotion from Associate to Full Membership. Please take a little time to identify individuals who have impressed you with their achievements or the research aptitudes necessary for membership. Read More

October 5, 2010