On Saturday, October 1, 11 members of the Alpha Iota Chapter of Chi Beta Phi and two other members of the Glenville State College community attended the 69th National Conference of Chi Beta Phi. The conference was hosted by the Zeta Chapter of the organization at the Eshelman Science Center on the Davis & Elkins College campus in Elkins, West Virginia. Student members who attended the conference were Brianna Caison, Samuel Canfield (Chapter President), Tara Evans, Kelly Weaver, and Zachary White and Clay resident Carrie Huffman.
In the afternoon session, 22 presentations of student research were made. Glenville State College students gave six of these presentations, the most by any chapter present.
Huffman presented ‘Evolutionary Analysis of Monopyle (Gesneriaceae) from Central America.’ Her research was under the direction of Professor Keene and was funded by the West Virginia Space Grant Consortium.
“The faculty in the Science and Mathematics, Land Resources, and Social Science Departments at Glenville State College are doing an excellent job providing our students with opportunities to participate in STEM-related research. Our faculty are also doing an excellent job helping the students attend professional meetings, such as the Chi Beta Phi National Conference, where the students can present their research experience and results to a broader audience. This is something our faculty are passionate about as evidenced by the number of faculty who went on a Saturday with our students to the Chi Beta Phi National Conference,” said Department Chair and Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Gary Morris.
In the award ceremony at the end of the conference, GSC’s Alpha Iota Chapter was recognized as the Most Improved Chapter. All presenters received a presentation award. National President Bill Pohley announced that Alpha Iota Chapter will host the 70th National Conference of Chi Beta Phi on the Glenville State College campus next fall.
Chi Beta Phi is a scientific honorary for undergraduates. An affiliate of The American Association for the Advancement of Science since 1935, the object of the organization is to promote interest in science and to give recognition to scholarly attainment in science. Members participate together in events of scientific interest and wholesome fellowship. Membership is open to honor students in various scientific disciplines and to faculty members at colleges with local chapters. Alpha Iota Chapter at Glenville State College was chartered in 1964 and has been continuously active since then.