May 25, 2021

On May 18th, Sigma Xi installed its newest chapter at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. The ceremony was held in-person and presided over by Sigma Xi President-elect Robert Pennock. It was a celebration of the new chapter’s officers, members, and commitment to growth and advancement of the university’s research enterprise. 

Professor & Associate Dean for Research John C. Mitchell spearheaded the efforts of the university in its petition to form the new chapter. He will lead a group of 19 founding members through the initial years of the chapter’s development. 

As a medical and health sciences institution, Midwestern has a strong record of student/faculty collaborative research. Its low student-to-faculty ratio allows for a high level of mentoring and tutoring. The university is also well-known for its public outreach programs. Mitchell anticipates that the new Sigma Xi chapter will enhance and support this collaborative research, promote collegiality among fellow scientists, and provide a prestigious venue for presentation of science topics to both the institution and the public.

The founding members presented a three-year plan of activities for the new chapter that includes recurring meetings, sponsorship initiatives, Science Café lectures, promotional events, and participation in the Sigma Xi annual meetings. The in-person ceremony included election of officers, a networking dinner, and a presentation of the official charter upon installation of the new chapter.