LOS ANGELES, April 6, 2009 –Undergraduates at most colleges and universities have few opportunities to conduct original scientific research. But at Loyola Marymount University, science students get hands-on research experience and they are receiving national recognition for their achievements.
Sigma Xi, an international organization dedicated to the support of scientific research, recently inducted 29 undergraduates into its LMU chapter, calling the group one of the top 15 chapters in the nation.
To be considered for membership in Sigma Xi, students must present original scientific research in a peer-reviewed format. Most university chapters of the society are comprised primarily of graduate students because the rigorous selection process. However, the LMU Chapter of Sigma Xi encourages its members to explore research opportunities early in their college careers and it promotes research presentations. The national group also offers scholarships and other benefits.
“It is really a testament to the amount of research that our undergraduates do here at LMU,” said Hawley Almstedt, assistant professor of natural science and president of the LMU Chapter of Sigma Xi. “There is something unique about LMU that our undergraduates get to do this kind of research. The opportunity is there, if they seek it out.”
At LMU’s recent Undergraduate Research Symposium, the Sigma Xi chapter gave awards to three students — Kevin Entzminger, Lynda Villagomez and Janelle Ruiz — for their outstanding oral and poster presentations.
The LMU Chapter of Sigma Xi began in 1967 and has been flourishing because of the opportunities the university provides to its undergraduates. “LMU is doing a good job supporting undergraduate research,” said Almstedt.
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