Sigma Xi Announces Recipients of 2008 Awards

The Texas A&M University chapter of the scientific research society Sigma Xi honored a Texas A&M professor and three local school teachers at the chapter's annual induction and awards banquet. Richard E. Orville, honored as this year's "Distinguished Scientist,” is a professor and department head in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, College of Geosciences. He is one of the world’s foremost experts on lightning and is director of the Cooperative Institute for Applied Meteorological Studies. Lana Hood is the recipient of the Outstanding Science Teacher-High School award. She teaches physics at Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler, Texas. Gary Strickland is the recipient of the Outstanding Science Teacher-Middle School award. He is an eighth grade science teacher at Coleman ISD, in Coleman, Texas. He is the lead science teacher for the middle school and is a member of the technology planning team for the Coleman school district. Pam Cohea is the recipient of the Outstanding Teacher-Elementary School award. She teaches fourth grade science and social studies at Coleman Elementary in Coleman, Texas. She serves as the K-5 science curriculum specialist, lead campus teacher and technology assistant for the Coleman elementary campus.

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, was founded in 1886 and has since been active in serving the scientific community as well as general society. It is a non-profit society that has about 70,000 scientists and engineers as members in more than 100 countries. 

Sigma Xi promotes science and engineering research and education, professional ethics, the public understanding of science and engineering, international research networking and the overall health of the research enterprise.

Contact: Jason Whisenant: sigmaxi@tamu.edu