October 02, 2019
The new Sigma Xi chapter at Nova Southeastern University will connect faculty and students with research opportunities.
A new Sigma Xi chapter was installed on September 19 at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ceremony recognized the new chapter's five officers, sixteen additional members, and support from leaders at the university and nearby Sigma Xi chapters.
"Sigma Xi will enhance and support faculty and student research, promote collegiality among fellow scientists, and allow a prestigious venue for presentation of science topics to both the institution and public," wrote a chapter founding member, professor, and Department of Biological Sciences chair Emily Schmitt Lavin in her petition letter to Sigma Xi to start the new chapter.
The chapter's proposed three-year plan includes serving as a research hub to better connect students with renowned faculty, developing skills students can use to obtain research opportunities and funding, and facilitating opportunities for professional development.
Students were involved in the initial inquiry to start the new chapter, and two students will serve on the first officer team.
The university's executive vice president and chief operating officer Harry Moon was the guest speaker at the installation, and the vice president of Research and Technology Transfer Gary Margules was the presiding officer. Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO Jamie Vernon attended to officially install and present the new chapter.
NSU is a private, not-for-profit research institution that has been classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a research university with "high research activity" and has been awarded Carnegie's Community Engagement Classification. NSU is also a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. The university awards associate's, bachelor's, master's, specialist, doctoral, and first-professional degrees in a range of fields including the humanities, biological and environmental science, business, counseling, computing and engineering sciences, conflict resolution, education, family therapy, medicine, dentistry, various health professions, law, marine sciences, performing and visual arts, psychology, and other social sciences.
Nova Southeastern University Sigma Xi Chapter Officers, 2019-2020
- President: Veronica Fortino
- Vice President: Avidor Gerstenfeld - NSU student
- Secretary: Jose Lopez
- Treasurer: Joshua Feingold
- Student Representative: Allan Barraza - NSU student