ALLEN THOMAS

Chapter Affiliation

Background Information

Statement

I think scientific outreach and the opportunity to connect with scientists from other disciplines are key strengths of our organization. I believe we can grow if we can get potential members to see how these strengths would benefit them. Being part of a highly active chapter at UNK, has made me appreciate how important engagement in the organization can be for attracting new members and retention. As the Director of the Northwest region, I would be a strong proponent of Sigma Xi doing more to facilitate and encourage chapters. For example, I would like for chapters as well as individual members to be better recognized for their public outreach. I would also like to do more to encourage Sigma Xi chapters to co-host events. Lastly, member retention is an area for improvement that could benefit from chapter leaders inviting lapsed or less active members to chapter activities as well as staying connected to members through social media. I would want to make sure that our members are well incentivized to be active in their chapter and/or local community.  

I greatly look forward to working with members of our vast region to brainstorm additional ideas and generate action plans to make Sigma Xi a better organization.   

I am still relatively new to Sigma Xi, inducted as a full member in 2015; however, I have been highly active both in my local chapter and at the national level. I served as President of the UNK Chapter for 2 years, during which time we held numerous Science Cafes and multiple Panel Discussions including celebrity scientists including Drs. Phil Plait (aka the Bad Astronomer and chief science writer for the Bill Nye show) and Greg Forbes (The Weather Channel). Our chapter was recognized with both Program and Chapter of Excellence Awards by Sigma Xi in 2017 and 2018, respectively. In addition to currently serving as my chapter’s vice-president, I have been quite involved at the national level. I have served as Associate Director of the Northwest Region since 2020 and on the Committee on Qualifications and Membership (CQM) for the past 5 years. For the past year, I have served as the chair of CQM, a position I will hold until 2025. Additionally, I have served on an ad hoc committee on chapter revitalization since 2018. I have been a poster judge at Sigma Xi’s Student Research Conference for multiple years and twice a judge for the online Student Research Showcase. I also volunteer to review applications for at-large membership. I am excited to continue serving Sigma Xi’s Northwest Region as Director!