UC Students Win Sigma Xi Grants-in-aid-of-Research Awards

The UC Chapter of Sigma Xi has announced the following students as recipients of the 2013 Grants-in-Aid of Research Awards:

• Tyler Fosnight, “An infrared system for measuring tissue temperature during radiofrequency ablation in real-time” Department of Biomedical Engineering, Doug Mast, advisor
• Bethany Stahl, “Pigmentation loss in cave animals: a high resolution analysis of destructive genetic mutations” Department of Biological Sciences, Josh Gross, advisor
• Haley Titus-Mitchell, “The role of the Notch pathway in nervous system pathogenesis in gain of function rasopathies”, Department of Neuroscience, Nancy Ratner, advisor

The UC Sigma Xi chapter annually offers three Grants-in-Aid of Research awards in all areas of science and engineering. Students may use the funds for travel expenses, to present research results at national meetings, or to purchase of research materials and supplies or laboratory equipment necessary to complete a specific research project.  Each award totals $3,000, with $1,000 of the award provided by the UC Sigma Xi Violet M. Diller Awards and Scholarship Endowment Fund, $1,500 funded by the UC Vice President for Research and $500 from the primary faculty mentor’s research resources or from the mentor’s academic unit.

The UC chapter of Sigma Xi, an international research society dedicated to promoting scientific enterprise and honoring scientific achievement, is a 600+ member strong organization dedicated to scientific education and research on the UC campus.
 
The chapter, founded in 1925, has a rich history of supporting and showcasing excellence in science and engineering research. In 2010, then chapter President Ronald Millard, PhD, a professor in the department of pharmacology and cell biophysics, working with a new faculty leadership team and a board of advisors convened to chart a new course for the UC chapter, including an expanded extramural regional role of partnership with other colleges and institutions.
 
Sigma Xi’s annual showcase event is the Young Investigator Lecture and Fall Mixer, which includes research highlights from the Student Grants-in-Aid-of-Research (GIAR) Award Winners. This event will be held Oct. 18 at the Faculty Club.