OSU launches National Biological Honor Society
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Oklahoma State University recently approved Beta Beta Beta, its first national biological
honor society for students majoring in life sciences. The group includes on left:
Don French, zoology professor and chapter adviser; Loren Smith, zoology professor
and department head; Julie Golla, zoology senior of McAlester; and Andrew Mixson,
zoology senior of Vinita. On right: Kendra Chillemi, physiology senior of Stillwater;
Melissa Gentry, zoology senior academic counselor; and Cedric Fry, zoology senior
of Vinita.
(March 27, 2008 Stillwater, OK) - Oklahoma State University recently launched its first national biological honor society for students majoring in life sciences.
Beta Beta Beta, known as Tri-Beta, aims to promote undergraduate research and to create a sense of community among life sciences students and faculty at OSU.
“We are trying to stimulate undergraduate research here at OSU,” said Cedric Fry, chapter president who is majoring in zoology and German. “Because Tri-Beta is one of the largest honor societies that publishes student research, the organization is a perfect fit.”
Since its inception in 1922 at Oklahoma City University, student research has been an important aspect of the society.
In 1925, Tri-Beta’s national conventions began giving undergraduate students a forum to present research findings to peers. In 1930, the society’s journal, BIOS, was created to highlight student work.
“The opportunities students have to publish and present their research will prepare them for graduation, especially if they seek to further their education at graduate or professional schools,” said Melissa Gentry, co-adviser of the chapter and senior academic counselor for the zoology department.
Fry, a native of Vinita, Okla., is preparing for graduate school. He says the organization is important because it helps undergraduate research. “Having your research published can really set you apart,” he said.
Although undergraduate research is a major goal of the society, it is not its only focus. The society also works to increase the community’s understanding of biological study. They recently partnered with the Oklahoma State Secular Organization to present “Flock of Dodos,” a documentary highlighting the debate between creationism and evolution.
OSU offers more than 12 majors in life sciences including zoology, wildlife ecology, and microbiology and molecular genetics. Students from all areas of life sciences can apply for membership. Monthly meetings feature faculty and professional speakers. The meetings are open to all life sciences students, regardless of society membership.
Donald French is the chapter’s adviser and professor of zoology at OSU. To learn more, e-mail donald.french@okstate.edu