November-December 2011 · Volume 20, Number 6

Ensuring a From the Executive Director Renaissance Perspective from a Looking Back and Moving Forward Retiring Board Member Reflecting back on this past year we have focused a lot of our attention on the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of Sigma igma Xi has reached its 125th Xi, The Scientific Research Society. I have always appreciated anniversary, a great achievement for the original name the Society of the Sigma Xi, or a simple translation to the society of Sany organization. Organizations with companions in zealous research. It is nearly unfathomable how much has changed over such longevity have reason to believe that the past 125 years in the realms of scientific research and education. However, what they should actively resist change. Yet, the has not changed is the necessity of all engineers and scientists to collaborate and work present economic stagnation, deep debt, and across diverse disciplines for advancement and achievement of specific fields. globalization ensure that there is no future This year American Scientist featured a new series of ethics columns on peer review for “business as usual.” and authorship. I hope you will read each of the six columns published this past year When I joined the Board, I saw numerous and share them with your colleagues, students and peers. As noted by our president indications that the Society was moving Michael Crosby, “Public confidence in the fundamental truths derived from the down the wrong path—operations were application of science is perhaps more critical now than at any time in the Society’s rapidly eating endowment funds, the history. From accuracy in reporting research to integrity in the peer review process and authorship, we have an obligation to focus on these issues.” growing negative cash flow indicated pending insolvency, the Board was a house divided Even as we prepare for the future I am reminded of how fortunate I have been in against itself, membership renewals were fast my career. My major professor has been a life-long mentor. I will always be grateful declining, committees were dysfunctional to the guidance he provided at each step I took. He demonstrated the ideals we and results-free and transparency was absent. should all seek to emulate. Whom do you look up to in your professional career? Whom do your colleagues and students look up to as an example to emulate? In Our next steps should be to accelerate recent conversations with graduate students they have suggested that Sigma Xi should the reinvention of Sigma Xi. What is clearly produce a product which could be called Graduate School 101. What has either needed for the next few years of turnaround been spoken outright or implied in these conversations is that they need more than are at least the following strategic changes: an academic advisor—they need a mentor. It was even suggested we offer a webinar 1) Streamline governance to facilitate, not on how to be an effective mentor. I look at the pledge that we have each taken when delay change we joined Sigma Xi and suggest that is a wonderful place to start: encourage original 2) Reorganize the Board to include relevant investigations in science,… foster companionship and cooperation,… maintain honor, experts integrity and honesty in all scientific activities. 3) Create an effective, new nominating In this issue and on the Society’s website you will find recognition of some of our committee “fresh faces” at Sigma Xi and distinguished members of Sigma Xi, all nominated by 4) Restructure financial management to their fellow companions. This is not an exhaustive list because I know that many prevent recurrence of errors more of you devote numerous hours each year toward the mission of Sigma Xi. There 5) Recruit 1000s of high-prestige researchers is still much work that needs to be done and I encourage each of you to renew your as members pledge. I don’t know if there is more unethical behavior today than when Sigma Xi was founded but I do believe that public awareness of this insalubrious activity is 6) Increase new member nominations from greater today than at any time in our Society’s history. You have an obligation to the top-tier research universities profession to promote integrity and excellence in engineering and scientific research. 7) Provide substantial career-stage value and reason to stay active as members As we approach the conclusion of this year celebrating Sigma Xi’s contributions to companionship in zealous research remember our careers are interdependent with 8) Insist on integrity and excellence in every others across the spectrum of disciplines. We advance science through informal and decision formal conversations with others—and one way that Sigma Xi is actively seeking to 9) Develop non-dues sources of revenues facilitate those conversations is through the attached white paper “Team Science: such as grants, donations and webinars. Heaving Walls & Melding Silos.” Please take a few minutes to read the attached Martin Apple, PhD, June 23, 2011 Sigma Xi white paper, and I encourage you to share it with your colleagues. For the complete essay, please visit Jerome F. Baker www.sigmaxi.org/martyapple • www.sigmaxi.org 2011 November-December 509 Fresh Faces of Sigma Xi s part of the Sigma Xi 125th anniversary celebration, members Awere asked to recognize those students and early-career members who have shown A Milestone: 125 Years promise in their respective fields of study and dedication to Sigma Xi. The following 15 he changes in scientific research have others—and Sigma Xi actively seeks to Sigma Xi members were recognized. been extraordinary since Sigma Xi facilitate those conversations in new ways. Matthew Anderson (SX 2007), assistant was first established. Over the past professor, Department of Psychology, Saint T “Ideas that develop as a result of lifetime 125 years, Sigma Xi, with the help of Joseph’s University networking are examples of ‘team its widespread network of chapters, has Steven Crosby (SX 2007), assistant professor science.’ Teams can be loosely organized launched a great number of initiatives, of pharmacy practice, Massachusetts College of or formally mandated by regulations or Pharmacy and Health Sciences programs and benefits to serve its grant requirements. Increasingly, they will members and educate the public at large. Dalong Gao (SX 2007), senior researcher, coalesce by needs of the very issues that Manufacturing Systems Research Lab, Yet the deepest ongoing benefit of the must be solved. However they are formed, General Motors Global Research and Society is its core values of companionship, Development Center science and engineering advance in steps connection and teamwork. It is an Honor both small and large because we do not Kristian Hargadon (SX 2001), assistant Society of leading scientists focused on professor of biology, Hampden-Sydney conduct our research on an island.” College in Virginia improving the human condition, and that is a goal that can never be The way Sigma Xi members Melissa Kenney (SX 2005), assistant research scientist in Environmental Decision Analysis, accomplished working can connect today Johns Hopkins University in the Department of alone. The Society would have been Geography and Environmental Engineering fosters a culture perceived as Alexandra Koba (SX 2011), student, San of collaboration science fiction Francisco State University where inter­ when the Matthew J. Korn (SX 2005), Ph.D. candidate, disciplinary Society was Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, problem solving founded. Today’s the University of California, Irvine achieves greater web- and mobile- Sudarshan Kurwadkar (SX 2010), assistant impact on research based social media professor of environmental engineering, Tarleton State University today, and the solutions and collaboration tools of tomorrow. make time zones and distances Yan Leyfman (SX 2009), graduate student, irrelevant. It’s now as easy for a scientist SUNY at Stony Brook “A lot of the really important scientific to collaborate across continents as it is Roger J. Narayan (SX 2006), professor in the questions occur at the borders between the to share ideas down the hall. These tools joint department of Biomedical Engineering, traditional disciplines,” says member John University of North Carolina and North also allow scientists to cross disciplines Prados. “The biggest contribution that Carolina State University and generations. Beginning and senior makes Sigma Xi unique is the fact that it Tiffany J. Rynearson (SX 2009), graduate scientists can share experience, knowledge is an interdisciplinary organization that student, physical analytical chemistry, San and capabilities that create instant Diego State University really tries to be interdisciplinary. It’s not synergies. Joshua Sturmfels (SX 2010), graduate student, just that it has members from all over the Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Florida scientific community, but that it makes We look back with great respect Institute of Technology a conscious effort to bring those people on the 125 years of scientists who Christof Teuscher (SX 2009), assistant together and have them communicate have been Sigma Xi members and professor, Portland State University with joint with each other on an intellectual level.” whose contributions have created so appointments in the departments of Electrical much positive impact across so many and Computer Engineering and Computer Jerry Baker, executive director of Sigma Science disciplines. Now we look forward to the Xi, views the future of scientific research next generations of scientists, the next Lei Yang (SX 2008), School of Engineering, as a necessary blend of disciplines, Brown University significant research and the next great perspectives and innovation. “We cannot advancements. As lifetime partners in Elsa Youngsteadt (SX 2009), programs be lone wolves toiling in isolation. As manager, Sigma Xi and associate editor, the pursuit of that advancement, we look our knowledge has grown, so has our American Scientist forward to that next 125 years with much understanding of the complexity of our We invite you to read the biographical anticipation. We hope you will be a part of universe. Our careers are interdependent summaries for each member on our website: that future. http://www.sigmaxi.org/about/125th/index. with others across a vast spectrum of shtml. Based on the work of these newer disciplines. We advance science through Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society Sigma Xi members, our future looks bright! • informal and formal conversations with 1886-2011, published in 2011 •

510 Our Distinguished Members s part of this year’s anniversary celebration, we asked our members Ato recognize those more established Reflections from Members members who have demonstrated notable achievement in their field of discipline and To commemorate Sigma Xi’s Anniversary, Larry Kushner (SX 1948), former deputy shown loyalty and dedication to Sigma we challenged our newer members to engage director of the National Bureau of Standards Xi during their years of membership. The following Sigma Xi members were identified more established members in brief interviews (now NIST, the National Institute for by their peers. covering aspects of their careers and reflections Standards and Technology), and past on the Society. These interviews can be read in president, Sigma Xi John Ahearne (SX 1964) Norm Augustine (SX 1958) their entirety on the Sigma Xi website. Excerpts Interviewed by Josh Sternfels (SX 2010), are as follows: Francisco Ayala (SX 1964) graduate student, Florida Institute of Technology Frank Barnes (SX 1957) Gregory Pope (SX 1992), associate professor, Q: Where would you like to see Sigma Xi in Kestas Bendinskas (SX 1993) Dept. of Earth & Environmental Studies, 125 years? May Berenbaum (SX 1981) Montclair State University Michael Breed (SX 1981) A: I would like to see Sigma Xi much more Interviewed By Danielle Prioleau (SX 2010), Thomas Budinger (SX 1957) prominent at the undergraduate level. I feel Scott Burns (SX 1985) student in Environmental Studies, Montclair that this is the key to Sigma Xi’s survival, George Carruthers (SX 1969) State University both from a membership standpoint and as a Perry Chowdhury (SX 1982) Q: What would you consider to be the most fruitful avenue for chapter activity. Rita Colwell (SX 1960) Marlene de la Cruz (SX 2004) important advice you could offer a younger, ••••• upcoming scientist? Casimer DeCusatis (SX 1990) Fred Gould (SX 1982), William Neal Sylvia Earle (SX 1969) A: Learn how to write well and practice! Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Marye Anne Fox (SX 1998) Pay attention to math and chemistry. Don’t Entomology, North Carolina State University Bob Frosch (SX 1951) be afraid to talk to people in unfamiliar Mimi Goldschmidt (SX 1949) disciplines. Live interdisciplinarily, though pay Interviewed by Elsa Youngsteadt (SX 2009) Fred Gould (SX 1982) respect to your home discipline as well. Lastly, Q: Where would you like to see Sigma Xi in Roald Hoffmann (SX 1987) don’t be just a scientist. Take up something else 125 years? John Holdren (SX 1966) Francis Howarth (SX 1969) for the other side of your brain; you’ll be better A: That’s way too far! rounded and more attuned to society. Shirley Jackson (SX 1968) Q: How about in 25 years? Jo Ann Joselyn (SX 1968) ••••• Dave Kassoy (SX 1963) A: I’d like to see them still publishing Bill Klemm (SX 1963) Albert A. Bartlett (SX 1950), professor American Scientist so I can read it on planes. emeritus in Physics, University of Colorado Larry Kushner (SX 1948) If we still have plane travel. But I hope that Neal Lane (SX 1964) Interviewed by Rachel Wildrick (SX 2010), they will continue to be involved in bringing Charles Lawson (SX 1976) student, University of Colorado interdisciplinary kinds of things together, Phil Lebednik (SX 1973) Q: What significant changes have you seen keeping that broad audience. Ray Lutz (SX 1967) in your field during your career? I should not end this interview without saying Thomas Malone (SX 1943) that the most important thing of Sigma Xi to Linda Mantel (SX 1964) A: Through the years, there has been a Walter Massey (SX 1966) transition into high-energy applied physics me in my life was the Grants-in-Aid. That’s Linda Meadows (SX 1999) with giant accelerators. There are exciting why I’ve always felt an allegiance to Sigma Xi, Richard Meserve (SX 1966) developments in this research area…. because that was the first grant I ever got. It Mario Molina (SX 1973) Physics, on the whole, has moved from the wasn’t much money but it helped me to pay an Gordon Moore (SX 1953) small scale to the very big scale. Now we assistant when I had to take off for a weekend or Trish Morse (SX 1962) have papers authored by 30 or more authors. something. I was working on spider mites and Ben Mosier (SX 1958) This would have been very rare 60 years ago. they just needed to be cared for all the time; it Magdalena Navarro (SX 1996) was like working with dairy cattle—you couldn’t Tim Ng (SX 1979) ••••• go away and you needed somebody to step in Stan Ovshinsky (SX 1990) Marye Anne Fox (SX 1998), chancellor, for you. That little grant went a long way, and Kumar Patel (SX 1961) University of California, San Diego I’ve always supported that part of Sigma Xi. Willie Pearson (SX 1991) Penny Penugonda (SX 1993) Interviewed by Elsa Youngsteadt (SX 2009), ••••• John Prados (SX 1956) programs manager, Sigma Xi and associate Edward A. Burke (SX 1960) former physicist Alan Preston (SX 1969) editor, American Scientist for NASA Richard Pugh (SX 1987) Peter Raven (SX 1957) Q: What significant changes have you seen Interviewed by Kathleen O’Brien (SX 2010), in your field during your career? Irwin Rose (SX 1951) engineer, General Dynamics Electric Boat Coby Schal (SX 1980) A: I’d say a shift from being a single investigator One Sigma Xi member volunteered to interview Roland Schmitt (SX 1986) to more and more involving collaborative her grandfather, who is also a Sigma Xi member. Oliver Smithies (SX 2009) research. It’s happening because the problems Ms. O’Brien begins: Fred Spilhaus (SX 1961) that remain in science or engineering are Kathy Sullivan (SX 1989) themselves interdisciplinary. They require “In a large family full of a variety of interests, my Morris Tanenbaum (SX 1950) expertise in things as disparate as the social grandfather, Edward A. Burke, has always been Julio Turrens (SX 1994) sciences, chemistry, engineering and medicine. the more science inclined member of the family. Harry Weiss (SX 1949) • www.sigmaxi.org 2011 November-December 511 Sigma Xi’s Ethics Symposium November 11-12, 2011 Raleigh Convention Center Annual Meeting and International Raleigh, North Carolina Research Conference Panelists n light of the ongoing need to Commemorative medals will be cultivate high standards of professional presented for outstanding research Melissa Anderson, Center for Iethics among all scientists, American presentations. Bioethics, University of Minnesota Scientist featured a series of special essays Students present research to be throughout the year on research ethics with evaluated by professional researchers David Baron, Health & Science a focus on peer review and authorship. in: Behavioral Sciences, Biochemistry, Editor, PRI’s The World Expert columnists examined authors’ Cellular & Molecular Biology, and reviewers’ roles and responsibilities Chemistry, Ecology & Evolutionary in contexts such as international research Biology, Engineering, Environmental Stephanie Bird, Co-Editor-in-Chief collaborations, developing ethical Sciences, Geo-Sciences, Math & of Science and Engineering Ethics guidelines and improving the performance Computer Science, Physics & Astron­ of peer review. omy, Physiology & Immunology and Catherine Clabby, Associate Editor, Our discussion of this important topic Interdisciplinary Research. American Scientist Magazine will include a two-day symposium—The Through Regional and Constituency Responsible Researcher: Conscience and Caucuses, Assembly of Delegates, Brother Guy Consolmagno, Collaboration—at Sigma Xi’s annual chapter training, structured networking Vatican Observatory meeting and international research and informal discussions, the Sigma Xi conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, Annual Meeting offers an opportunity Peggy Fischer, Assistant Inspector November 10-13. for delegates from Sigma Xi chapters to General for Investigations, This conference will bring together learn more about the Society. Delegates National Science Foundation students, professional scientists and Sigma are able to share ideas for chapter-based Xi members from North America and activities, to learn best practices of chapter abroad for presentations in all fields of management, and to conduct important Dr. Fred Grinnell, Founding Director science and engineering, a science session Society business impacting both of Ethics in Science and Medicine on ethics, lectures by award-winning chapters and individual members. The Program, University of Texas speakers and more. All sessions are open environment is further enriched through Southwestern Medical Center to the public and this is an excellent activities that foster scientific exchange. networking opportunity. The Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and Dennis Meredith, Undergraduate and graduate students International Research Conference Science communicator and are invited to present their research is open to all interested participants. author of Explaining Research conclusions (or preliminary findings Registration is required. Please visit from ongoing research), participate in our website to register, and to find out Mohammed Noor, Professor of mentoring and networking activities, more information about the ethics Biology, Duke University panel discussions, and other events. sessions and speakers. •

Stephen Rappaport, Moskowitz Jacobs Inc. Reflections that my grandfather had a long and winding history in science and engineering that I had David Resnik, Bioethicist, (continued from page 511) National Institute for never taken the time to learn, including work Environmental Health Sciences, Growing up, I remember detailed descriptions at the MIT nuclear reactor, radiation research, and researching with a number of notable National Institutes of Health of the physics and chemistry behind any introductory school lesson I mentioned to him institutions. A few months later, I heard of William Steiner, Dean of the College at family gatherings. I never put much thought the Sigma Xi 125th Anniversary interview of Agriculture, Forestry and into how he obtained his vast knowledge. I invitation, which gave me this opportunity.” Natural Resource Management, thought he was born knowing it, just like I was ••••• University of Hawaii at Hilo born not knowing it. To read her complete interview, please visit: http:// “It wasn’t until high school, when a love of www.sigmaxi.org/about/125th/index.shtml. Dan Vallero, Director of the Ethics logic problems combined with a pining for On our website, you will also find an interview across the Curriculum Program, New York City glamour led me to Columbia of Edward M. Mikhail (SX 1961) professor Duke University Engineering School, that I thought I might of photogrammetry, former head, Geomatics have had some of the ‘thirst for knowledge’ Engineering, Purdue University, conducted by Daniel Vasgird, Director of Research gene from my grandfather. Eventually, I Melissa J. Rura (SX 2010) Ph.D., Geospatial Integrity & Compliance, earned a Masters in Engineering from MIT, Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, as well West Virginia University and subsequently joined Sigma Xi. At the as an interview of Harry Weiss (SX 1949), induction dinner, my grandfather, a fellow professor emeritus of mathematics and engineering Bora Zivkovic, Blogs Editor at Scientific Sigma Xi member, flourished in conversation mechanics, Iowa State University conducted by American and science blogger • with professors and research scientists. Charles Strehlow (SX 2009), graduate student, During the dinner conversation, I learned Iowa State University. •

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