Jennifer Patterson

Present Position

Voluntary Researcher, Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

Chapter Affiliation

Swiss

Background Information

CV
Biography

Statement

I was first nominated for membership in Sigma Xi as an undergraduate student at Princeton University, and I received a Sigma Xi Grant-in-Aid of Research while a graduate student at the University of Washington, so I have been aware of the programs and membership benefits of the Society for a long time. Further, I attended several events organized by the Princeton, University of Washington, and Swiss chapters; however, when I moved to Belgium, there was no local chapter. Therefore, I ran for and was elected to a position on the Sigma Xi Committee on Nominations as Canadian/International representative from 2013-2016 to remain more active in the Society, and I am running for a position on the Sigma Xi Board of Directors, representing Canadian/International, as a logical next step. My first priority as Director would be to expand the international reputation of the Society, by trying to increase membership outside the U.S. and by partnering with organizations with a similar vision/mission in other countries. Of relevance, I served as International Member Coordinator, International Senator, and International Ambassador of the Society of Women Engineers when that organization was trying to expand internationally, so I am aware of the challenges and potential opportunities for such an endeavor. In addition, I think it is crucial for the Society to continue and strengthen its flagship benefits, such as the Grants-in-Aid of Research Program and American Scientist  magazine. Last but not least, I think it is important for the Board of Directors to set forward-thinking strategic goals for the Society and to adapt to current trends (for example, by building a stronger presence on social media), and I would be honored to serve in this role.