The University of Alabama at Birmingham chapter of Sigma Xi — the scientific research honor society — earned an honorable mention for the Chapter Program of Excellence award.
This award is given to chapters that have organized or hosted a single, outstanding program, especially one that other chapters can emulate. In particular, the Program of Excellence Award recognizes initiatives that address the four cornerstones of the society’s mission: honor in science and engineering, STEM education, science policy, and the public understanding of science.
The chapter received this award for a seminar titled “Wetumpka Impact Crater — Alabama’s Greatest Natural Disaster,” given by James Lowery, a UAB retiree who has been a member of Sigma Xi for 22 years.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have been bestowed this honor as our chapter has worked incredibly hard over the years to broaden the participation of the public toward scientific endeavors,” said Samiksha Raut, Ph.D., associate professor of biology in the UAB College of Arts and Sciences and former president of UAB’s chapter of Sigma Xi.
Sigma Xi is an international community of science and engineering professionals dedicated to research excellence. Since 1886, the society has offered its members professional development training, leadership opportunities and access to career development resources.
UAB’s Sigma Xi was established in 1957 and supports the society’s mission by hosting monthly seminars highlighting local and scientific research efforts. Members of UAB’s Sigma Xi include undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and professional scientists and engineers.