Sigma Xi

Sigma Xi is the scientific honor society at Knox. Members must have a Ph.D. in a scientific discipline for a full membership. Associate members in the midst of their education may be nominated, yet they need to have completed a significant research project, present the results of their research at an off-campus forum, and show promise for the future. Two full-fledged members of Sigma Xi must nominate a student for associate membership. The executive board must approve of the nomination before a student can become a member.

Sigma Xi was founded in 1886 at Cornell University, and has over 60,000 members worldwide. More than 200 Sigma Xi members have received the Nobel Prize, most recently the 2006 Physics prize, which went to members John C. Mather and George F. Smoot.

Summer 2015 Sigma Xi Outstanding Student Seminar Award

Alexander Volkov

"Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Activity of Iron Complexes Supported by Conjugated Ligands"

New members for 2014-15

Julie Wertheimer

• Research Project: "The C.S.I. Effect: The Effects  of Forensic Crime Shows on The Public's Perceptions  of Forensic Evidence
• Mentor: Daniel Peterson, Psychology
• Research Presentation Venue: 2015 ILLOWA Undergraduate Psychology Conference

Taylor Gladfelter

• Research Project: "Optimism and Pain"
• Mentor: Judy Thorn, Biology and Andy Hertel, Psychology
• Research Presentation Venue: 2015 ILLOWA Undergraduate Psychology Conference

Erik Gustafson

• Research Project: "Design of a Temperature Controller for Investigating Phase Transitions in Liquid Crystals"
• Mentor: Tom Moses, Physics
• Research Presentation Venue: Fall 2014 Midstates Consortium Conference, St. Louis

Sadie Coates

• Research Project: "Sexual Aggression and Pleasure"
• Mentor: Heather Hoffman, Psychology
• Research Presentation Venue: 2015 ILLOWA Undergraduate Psychology Conference

Officers

• President: Larry Welch, Chemistry
• Vice President: Stuart Allison, Biology
• Secretary: Chuck Schulz, Physics