MSU scientific research society chapter presents annual awards

Contact: Maridith Geuder

Mississippi State's chapter of an international scientific research society is welcoming a group of new members while recognizing the contributions of others for university research and high school teaching.

Sigma Xi is an organization of professional scientists and engineers that works to promote and support university research. Like its counterparts elsewhere, the MSU chapter has made a considerable effort to expand and improve the general public's appreciation for scientific investigation and the critical role it plays in expanding human knowledge.

In addition to university faculty members, membership in the organization is open to qualified students at both the bachelor's- and graduate-degree levels.

During recent ceremonies at MSU, four individuals were honored for outstanding achievements. They include:

--Mark E. Zappi of chemical engineering, the Sigma Xi Ralph E. Powe Research Award. A Hearin Professor in the Bagley College of Engineering and the Texas Olefins Professor in the Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, he directs MSU's Environmental Technology Research and Applications Laboratory. He also directs the Department of Energy-funded Mississippi University Research Consortium for the Utilization of Biomass.

--Brenda O'Bannon of Starkville, the Sigma Xi High School Mathematics and Science Teaching Award. A 1968 graduate of Wingfield High School in Jackson and a 1978 MSU graduate, she has taught algebra and trigonometry at Starkville High School since 1979. On six occasions, her students have nominated her for "Who's Who Among American High School Teachers."

--Magan E. Green of biological sciences, the Sigma Xi Support of Research Award. A research associate in the department, she is a 2001 MSU microbiology graduate and former Sigma Xi Student Research Award winner.

--Jeffrey S. Alvey of Columbus, Sigma Xi Graduate Student Award. Receiving an MSU bachelor's degree in anthropology in 1998, he now is completing a master's degree in applied anthropology with an assistantship to explore remote sensing techniques in archaeology.

Also during the ceremonies, eight faculty and staff members were inducted into full Sigma Xi membership. They include Mark R. Bricka of chemical engineering; Gary N. Ervin of biological sciences; federal research plant physiologist Leigh K. Hawkins, an adjunct in plant and soil sciences; Mark F. Horstemeyer of the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems; Brenda L. Kirkland and F. Leo Lynch of geosciences; James A. Parsons of mechanical engineering; and Amy P. Vickery of the Division of Continuing Education. Additionally, College of Veterinary Medicine doctoral student Gavin W. Glenney of Starkville was awarded full membership.

Thirteen were elected to associate membership. They include [by hometown]:

BRANDON--Michael T. Begonia, a graduate student in biological sciences;

CARTHAGE--Jennifer N. Seymer, a graduate student in biological sciences;

LELAND--Sarah E. Fratesi, a graduate student in geosciences;

RIDGECREST, Calif.--Amanda M. Cooksey, a graduate student in biological sciences;

RIDGELAND--Erin A. Propst, a graduate student in biological sciences; and

STARKVILLE--Evelina Y. Basenko, a graduate student in poultry science; Banu Elibol, a doctoral student in the College of Veterinary Medicine; William B. Herron, a doctoral student in biological sciences; Monica J. Roth, a graduate student in geosciences; John K. Sorrell, a graduate student in biological sciences; Kevin W. Stafford, a graduate student in geosciences; Michelle L. Williams, a liberal arts major; and Rita Yu Zhong, a research associate at MSU's Diagnostic Instrumentation and Analysis Laboratory.