Sigma Xi chapter recognized nationally for performance at statewide program

December 16, 2011 | News, UToday
By Cathy Zimmer



The UT chapter of Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Society has received a Program Award for its distinguished performance at the Posters at the Capitol event.

Dr. Tom Kvale, right, accepted the Program Award for the UT chapter of Sigma Xi from Michael Crosby, president of Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Society.

The Program Award recognizes initiatives that address the four major issues at the foundation of the society’s mission: honor in science and engineering, science education, science policy and the public understanding of science.

UT is one of seven chapters to receive the Program Award recognition this year and was honored during the society’s annual meeting last month in Raleigh, N.C.

Sigma Xi is committed to supporting the research enterprise, and the strength of this organization comes from the strong foundation of 522 chapter-based programs.

“The grass-roots nature of the society allows us to think globally and act locally. In a world increasingly impacted by science and technology, the need for informed science leadership in our communities and neighborhoods is great,” said Cristina Gouin-Paul, chair of the Sigma Xi Committee on Qualifications and Membership. “Your award-winning chapter is helping to create that kind of leadership, and we hope you feel a part of that success, and we appreciate the time and effort your chapter put in to your chapter and program.”

Posters at the Capitol is an annual event where undergraduate students from northwest Ohio display their research at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.

For the fourth annual event last April, more than 50 students from UT, Bowling Green State University, the University of Findlay, Ohio Northern University and Heidelberg University participated.

Posters at the Capitol is led by UT’s Office of Undergraduate Research and has been supported by UT’s chapter of Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Society since the inception of the event in 2008. 



“Posters at the Capitol provides an opportunity for undergraduate students from northwest Ohio to showcase their research,” said Dr. Thomas Kvale, director of the UT Office of Undergraduate Research. “This event is designed for students to become more involved with their elected officials and thank them for their support, and for the representatives and senators to learn more about the students’ research and discoveries on a one-on-one basis.”


The University’s Sigma Xi chapter was established in 1955, a UT student research symposium commenced in 1980, and undergraduate researchers started presenting in 2002. The national Sigma Xi is celebrating its 125-year anniversary this year.

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