2013 Assembly of Delegates
Area Groups, Industries, State and Federal Labs Associate Director
Name: HollyAnn Harris
Present Positions:
- Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
- Associate Professor of Chemistry
Organization: Creighton University
Chapter Affiliation: Omaha Chapter
Candidate's CV
Candidate's Statement: I have known since I was 10 years old that I wanted to be a scientist. The physical world has always fascinated me. I attended Harvey Mudd College for my undergraduate degree where, after quickly realizing that engineering was not for me, I vacillated between chemistry and physics. I attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, for my Ph.D. in chemistry where I studied electronic structure theory and transition metal containing catalysts. My current research interests include the electronic structure and functions of enzymes containing transition metals at the active site and chemistry pedagogy, specifically the factors that affect ability of students to be successful in General Chemistry.
I have been at Creighton University for 23 years and served as the Chemistry Department Chair for eight years. I am currently on leave from the Chemistry Department, serving in the Dean's office where one of my principle duties is to coordinate all of the undergraduate research programs across the campus. I have also been active in helping to launch our new interdisciplinary program in Energy Technology.
I am committed to scientific research and to investigating science at the edges of the traditional disciplinary boundaries. I have been a member of Sigma Xi since 1991 and have served the Omaha Chapter in a variety of roles since that time. I have served the National organization as a member of the Committee on Qualifications and Memberships, the Development Committee, and National Nominating Committee. I believe that Sigma Xi has a unique role to play on the national and international stage as an advocate for science education and scientific research across the disciplinary boundaries. I would be honored to continue to serve as the Associate Director of the Multi-Institution Constituency.