On Thursday, November 17, Gamma Eta, Marian University’s chapter of the Sigma Zeta National Science and Mathematics Honor Society, inducted 23 new members.
During the event, co-advisors Joyce Horton, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology and chemistry, and Steve Doughtery, assistant professor of biology, gave a presentation on the history of Marian’s Gamma Eta chapter and its many accomplishments since starting in 2012 including:
- Awarded the Sigma Zeta Founder’s Cup three times.
- Marian’s Gamma Eta chapter having more members than any other chapter (34 current members and 23 inductees).
- Paige Swan ‘18, Gamma Eta member and current med school student, being the first student to ever serve on Sigma Zeta’s executive board.
- In 2017, Marian University hosted the Sigma Zeta National Convention and members of its chapter have attended every National Convention since its induction in 2012.
- In 2019, the chapter received four research awards but students also received seven the year before.
- Alexis Felty ‘21 serving as the 2020-21 student representative to the executive board. At the 2021 National Convention, Dr. Horton will take the oath as the next President of Sigma Zeta.
“Our Sigma Zeta chapter has been so successful due to the “research across the curriculum” model students encounter in their College of Arts and Sciences science programs,” said William Mirola, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “They learn to conduct primary research from their first day as new majors, and this provides them with a foundation that students in many other programs don’t have. It really sets Marian’s science programs apart. Faculty support for this model and for working side by side with students on research programs also gives them significant advantages. Our faculty understand what students need to be successful in whatever field they plan to pursue and challenge them to go above and beyond—a challenge our students embrace because they know they will be supported too.”
Marian University’s Gamma Eta chapter is one of 76 chapters nationwide. The chapter provides students the opportunity to expand science knowledge and experience outside the classroom. Students also have the opportunity to hold leadership roles within the chapter through officer positions.
“Supporting undergraduate research is also a priority for me as the dean regardless of the programs our students are in,” said Dr. Mirola. “Opportunities to participate in organizations like Sigma Zeta set our students apart and their successes here carry forward as they enter medical school, graduate programs, or take their first job.”