KATHY LU

Chapter Affiliation

Virginia Tech

Background Information

CV
Biography

Statement

The COVID pandemic has imposed an enormous burden on our scientific community, most notably regarding research collaboration and oversea education. This significantly hinders our ability of addressing urgent problems in our time, such as climate change, health crisis, infrastructure deterioration, etc. The most outstanding scientific problem is how to articulate the human dimension and societal impact of our scientific work during such constant disruption. At Sigma Xi, we must open new paths, break down barriers, and provide both physical and digital means for our members to pursue science and knowledge. 

Many of our members join the Society during their college studies. We are most likely to lose them after they leave a campus. Also, considering the importance of international collaboration on scientific research, developing new members internationally is also urgent. We also need to engage industry, research organizations, and governments to broaden our community. The power of retaining and motivating members at large lies in local chapters. We must creatively work with local chapters to keep expanding our membership pools. For example, we can recruit exemplary initiatives and contents from local chapters for distribution. We can also offer an internet portal for members all over the world to share engagement ideas and discussion topics.

The history of Sigma Xi starts with joining heart and hand and forming a brotherhood in science and engineering. In today’s world, we need to re-define this outlook and form brotherhood as well as sisterhood of all skin colors, ethnicities, religions, and gender backgrounds. We need to break down all biases and promote all talents. I aim to realize this vision through the DEI initiatives at each chapter. We need to put in place of DEI metrics and gauge our performance accordingly. Our society is diverse, the needs are diverse, and our talents are also diverse. To promote science, we need voices and minds from every corner.

While technology has been advancing at an astonishing pace, the general understanding of science still seriously lags. The most recent example is the public’s perception and acceptance of COVID vaccines. Science can bring solutions to world problems, but only if the public puts science to use. If we desire to improve the human condition, we need our members to act as the strong advocates for science education. Often, such groundwork needs to be done decades early. Sigma Xi, with its rich tradition of solving urgent societal problems, has the best talents, networks, and experiences to improve public understanding of science and related ethical issues.

Scientific endeavors are not always successes. Scientists often learn more from failures than from successes. However, today’s scientific environment focuses too much on success. Failures are not talked about and papers that focus on failures may never be published. This culture has produced an undue emphasis on number of publications, citations, grant dollars, awards, etc. In the long run, this can compromise our core values of ethics and excellence. Sigma Xi can be a leading voice in changing this success-only culture.

If elected, I will use my skills to strengthen Sigma Xi’s effectiveness in promoting science, ethics, policy, and diversity. I will promote high standards and new efforts in science education and result sharing. I will work with the Sigma Xi staff, board, local chapters, and members in breaking down scientific research and cooperation barriers. I will expand domestic and international memberships while leading diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. I will also work closely with the Sigma Xi executive director and staff to make financially sound decisions. Together, we keep our Sigma Xi strong and vibrant.