Sigma Xi

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Chapter of Sigma Xi organizes events that promote, support, and celebrate scholarly research in the sciences and more broadly, with an emphasis on research being done by students. 

2025 Research Exhibition

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Chapter of Sigma Xi holds an annual exhibition showcasing the research being done by students. The 29th annual exhibition took place on April 16th and 17th, 2025. The exhibition followed the format of poster sessions at professional society meetings, and was held at the Library Livingroom. Participants discussed their work with the public and with judges, who scored posters based on the poster content, the poster design, and the verbal presentation of the research. The top scorers among the undergraduate students and the graduate students were awarded cash prizes of $500 for first place and $250 for second place.

Congratulations to our 2025 awardees!

Undergraduate posters

First place: Daphne Poirier, Chemistry & Biochemistry, “Redox Mediated Flow Batteries: Next Generation Energy Storage”

Second place: Linh Dan Nguyen, Chemistry & Biochemistry, “Developing an Ultrasensitive Biosensor Using Metallic Nanoparticles for Early Detection of Neurological Diseases”

Graduate posters

First place: John Augusta, Psychology, “Longitudinal Effects of Interleaved Versus Blocked Homework on Statistics Retention”

Second place: Maureen Otieno, Chemistry & Biochemistry, “Antioxidant Activity and Cytoprotective Effects Of Massachusetts Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Cultivars "

Download the 2025 Exhibition Program here: Sigma Xi program 2025

The Exhibition was made possible by funding and other support from the Office of the Chancellor and the Office of Research Support.

Membership Information

Anyone who has participated in science research and presented or written about their work can become a member of Sigma Xi. The national organization recognizes scientific achievements through grants and awards, promotes public understanding of science, provides opportunities for professional development, and promotes research integrity.

The Sigma Xi Grants in Aid of Research program offers competitive grants for scientific research of up to $2000 for undergraduate members and up to $5000 for graduate student members. 

For students: To become an Associate Member, you must have conducted an independent investigation and either authored a paper in a peer-reviewed journal, or done an oral or poster presentation at a scientific conference. (Hint: Presenting a poster at our Sigma Xi Exhibition counts!)

For faculty and advanced graduate students: To become a Full Member, you must have been the primary author on at least two different papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Individuals must be nominated for membership. If you would like to be nominated, please download the Sigma Xi nomination form and forward it to Dr. Tara Rajaniemi (trajaniemi@umassd.edu).

More information

For more information about Sigma Xi and how you can get involved, contact any of our chapter officers.