Ngozi Franca Okoye

Membership At Large

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We are living in a world today, that is so complicated with so many issues and yet at the same time so exciting because of the scientific and technological breakthroughs being made. I believe that Sigma Xi as a society has helped in solving some of these pressing issues and can also continue to offer solutions by being adaptable to change in order to remain and flourish at the forefront of science, leadership and influence.

In a post pandemic world with so many climate and environmental challenges, where so many people seem not to understand what is going on nor what had gone on. Sigma Xi as a society needs to be the bridge between the world renowned Scientists and the lay man on the street. Sigma Xi as a society has to be at the forefront of explaining science to the average man on the street to understand how science can be of benefit to the world by collective effort and the fact that every one of us counts and every little helps to make our society a better place.

Sigma Xi is known for its prestige and greatness as a Science honour society. Most people if given the opportunity would gladly want to associate with this wonderful society.

Sigma Xi influence has to continue to grow while recognizing the changes in society as a whole. It has to be known and be seen to be known as a listening society that is inclusive of everybody especially the underrepresented and the disadvantaged. This could be achieved by having great leaders who are progressive.

As a University Professor and some one that has my own organisation of young women in science, engineering and technology whom I mentor, I understand the difficulties and challenges faced by so many people who are trying to make it as scientists. Some of these challenges could be lack of funds, lack of role models/ mentors and lack of direction.
Sigma Xi has always provided things like grants and so on for students, but we can go a lot further to include more people especially the disadvantaged in some of the poorer countries of the world. Furthermore as I have just been made the coordinator of Port Harcourt POD chapter of 500 women scientists, it will be good to make it easier to establish Sigma Xi chapters in some of these countries to show that Sigma Xi is a global society.

I am honoured to be serving Sigma Xi in different capacities. In 2021 I was elected into Sigma Xi Committee of Nominations. I am also in the Sigma Xi Global Outreach Committee, so I have clear understanding of Sigma Xi’s strategic plan. Our society’s strategic plan for 2020 – 2025 focuses on advancing STEM education, promoting scientific leadership and cultivating diversity and inclusivity.

I am honoured to be going for the position of Director of Sigma Xi for the Membership at Large Constituency and I understand the inclusivity and diversity that Sigma Xi represents and I also understand the challenges that a lot of people face and more importantly how these challenges can be resolved. If elected, I would be particularly interested on how Sigma Xi can harness the potential of our bright minds including the disadvantaged and the underrepresented from around the world.

Ngozi Franca Okoye

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