2021 FELLOWS

Nancy Elwess

State University of New York at Plattsburgh

For distinguished achievements and contributions to science education, outreach, teaching, and scientific mentorship in genetics and biological science.

Biography

Nancy Elwess is a Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Elwess earned her bachelor's degree in Zoology from Eastern Illinois University, a master's degree in Science Education from Governors State University, a master's degree in Molecular Biology from Purdue University, and a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Vermont. She specializes in genetics and molecular biology, for which she both researches and teaches.

She was the recipient of the Genetics Educator Award sponsored by the American Society of Human Genetics and the Genetics Society of America; the Sigma Xi’s Evan Ferguson Award for Service to the Society; and the Outstanding Undergraduate Science Teacher Award sponsored by the Society for College Science Teachers. Additionally, she received the National Association of Biology Teachers National Biotechnology Teaching Award; the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring from the National Science Foundation and President Obama.

Elwess is a strong proponent of science education, outreach and mentorship at SUNY Plattsburgh and within the surrounding community by creating various science outreach activities for adults and students. This includes high school AP biology classes spending the day in her research laboratory. She has given over 25 presentations about her research at community events and/or within the local grade schools and high schools. She has offered 12 hands-on workshops for the New York State Master Science Teachers Program to help science teachers experience cutting edge research techniques that they could share with their students. The two-day Real-Time DNA Barcoding within the Adirondack State Park workshop was sponsored in part due to a Sigma Xi Science, Math, and Engineering Education grant.

Mentorship of future scientists is Elwess’ primary goal. She has mentored over 134 undergraduate research students and eight high-school students. From this mentorship, 152 presentations were made at local, regional and national scientific conferences or symposia. As a result, 33 students co-authored peer reviewed papers. And eighteen students who have worked with her were awarded the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence.
Elwess has been an active member of Sigma Xi since 1999 and received the Sigma Xi Evan Ferguson Award (2012) in recognition of her outstanding service to the Sigma Xi's mission. She has served as a chapter officer (President, Vice-president, and Secretary) continuously since 2004; has co-chaired the annual campus Sigma Xi Research Symposium since 2005, and has served as a chapter delegate and judge at several Sigma Xi National Conferences. Her undergraduate research students have present at the Sigma Xi Student National Conference on a regular basis. She is thankful for the opportunities that Sigma Xi has afforded her and her undergraduate research students.

2021 FELLOWS

Nancy Elwess

Biography

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