ALBERT DORMAN HONORS COLLEGE

and sIGMA XI - NJIT CHAPTER present a seminar on

Monday, April 6, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Campus Center Atrium

New Jersey Institute of Technology

THE VALUE OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES

Dr. Jerome F. Baker Executive Director Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society

Abstract

How should we measure return on investment for membership in a scientific society? The training programs for engineering and science focus on methodology, theory, integrity, creativity, discovery, and the scientific method. To answer the question on ROI it might be useful to ask a related question: what would science and engineering professions look like today without professional engineering and scientific societies? The professional societies serve many purposes and the benefits to the members are numerous. However the returns are not just to the members but also the society as a whole. Members of Sigma Xi are committed to the purpose of improving the human condition through their positions as scientists and engineers.

The presentation by Dr. Jerry Baker will focus on how Sigma Xi is working to assist the members in adding value to their lives and to the lives of those impacted by engineering and science. The format will encourage discussion and exchange of ideas.

Biography

Jerome F. Baker is the Executive Director of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society. He began working at the Sigma Xi Center in Research Triangle Park, NC in April 2008. Prior to coming to Sigma Xi, Baker served as Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS) in Savoy, IL. He had more than 25 years experience as a research scientist at the University of Georgia, Texas A&M University and the University of Nebraska before entering non-profit management. Baker has edited three books, written more than 50 journal articles, presented nearly 100 abstracts, chaired 18 graduate student program committees, and served on three editorial boards. He has also served on national and international program committees focused on animal genetics and has received more than $1.6 million in research grants over the course of his career. His research programs have involved collaborative projects in Mexico, Costa Rica, Taiwan, Republic of Philippines, Argentina, and Zimbabwe. Jerry Baker came to Sigma Xi with a vision for restructure, revitalization and refocus of the original mission. His strong scientific credentials and farmland-bred work ethic gives Sigma Xi the leadership it desires in an Executive Director. Dr. Baker’s background in education and collaboration development has already birthed new partnerships with organizations as diverse as the National FFA Organization, National Science Teacher Association, and the Pete Conrad Foundation Innovation Awards to widen the pipeline of future engineers and scientists. Jerry believes that relationship-building is at the heart of effective leadership. Under his direction the staff has increased direct communication with chapter leaders, individual members, and the general public using both new technologies and personal contact.

Co-sponsors: NJIT Technology and Society Forum Committee, Albert Dorman Honors College, Sigma Xi.

NJIT welcomes attendees from Essex County College, Rutgers-Newark, and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

For more information, contact Dr. Andrew U. Meyer at meyer@njit.edu or Dr. Jay Kappraff: at (973)596-3490 or at   kappraff@adm.njit.edu

Information and directions to NJIT are also available on the Web at http://www.njit.edu/about/visit/gettingtonjit.php

For information on the NJIT Technology and Society Forum, visit http://tsf.njit.edu

For information on the Albert Dorman Honors College, visit http://honors.njit.edu/

For information on the NJIT Chapter of Sigma Xi, visit http://www.njit.edu/v2/professional_society/sigmaxi/