Jacob Girard of North Adams named to Saint Michael’s College newly installed national biology honor society, the Omicron Omicron chapter of Beta Beta Beta

2010 May 11

Jacob Girard, son of Sharon Simon-Girard of Adams and Joseph Girard of North Adams of North Adams, was named to the Saint Michael's College newly installed national biology honor society, the Omicron Omicron chapter of Beta Beta Beta. Girard, a sophomore biochemistry major, graduated from Hoosac Valley High School before coming to Saint Michael’s in Burlington, Vermont, one of America’s best college towns.

After a year of formal application procedures and a site visit, Saint Michael's College was deemed qualified to host a chapter of the national biology honor society, Beta Beta Beta. On April 16, the Omicron Omicron chapter of Beta Beta Beta was installed during ceremonies at the college. Forty-six members were inducted, including five faculty members and six associate members. Four additional faculty had previously been inducted and will transfer their members to the Saint Michael’s chapter.

According to their website http://www.tri-beta.org/ , Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) is a society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. Unlike many academic honor societies, students are encouraged to participate in TriBeta as soon as they enter college, and can be inducted as full members as early as their sophomore year. The intent of the organization is to encourage active participation and to reward academic excellence in the biological sciences.

TriBeta activities

During the year of applying for the TriBeta chapter, SMC biology students began holding TriBeta events. They hosted two guest speakers, a biology quiz, and a faculty panel on research opportunities in the department. The society has also elected three officers: President Corey Dolbeare; Vice President Marie Agan; Secretary Randy Breeckner.

Six new inductees, Kaitlyn Begins, Marie Agan, Corey Dolbeare, Meghann Palermo, Samantha Hidy, and Gregory Keefe, presented results of their research at the North East TriBeta District Convention hosted by at the University of Vermont. They joined fellow researchers from four other colleges and universities in a celebration of research accomplishments. The day included oral presentations, posters, and a Jeopardy-style biology quiz.

TriBeta members receive and can submit research papers to the journal Bios. They can compete for society research funding as well as travel grants for participation in national and regional conventions. The chapter will provide additional opportunities to host speakers, departmental social events, and networking opportunities for students in the biological sciences. The SMC chapter of TriBeta also plans to provide opportunities for interested alumni to reconnect with the department and share their experiences with current students. Graduation honors in biology will be awarded to inducted members meeting established criteria of academic excellence in their senior year.

Biology associate professor, Dr. Declan McCabe, is faculty adviser for the chapter. Assistant professor, Dr. Adam Weaver will assume the role during the 2010/2011 academic year.

Learn What Matters at Saint Michael’s College, The Edmundite Catholic liberal arts college, www.smcvt.edu . Saint Michael’s provides education with a social conscience, producing graduates with the intellectual tools to lead successful, purposeful lives that will contribute to peace and justice in our world. Founded in 1904 by the Society of St. Edmund and headed by President John J. Neuhauser, Saint Michael’s College is located three miles from Burlington, Vermont, one of America’s top college towns. It is identified by the Princeton Review as one of the nation’s Best 371 Colleges, and will be included in the 2011 Fiske Guide to Colleges. Saint Michael’s is one of only 270 colleges and universities nationwide, one of only 20 Catholic colleges, with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. Saint Michael’s has 1,900 undergraduate students, some 500 graduate students and 100 international students. Saint Michael’s students and professors have received Rhodes, Woodrow Wilson, Pickering, Guggenheim, Fulbright, and other grants. The college is one of the nation’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges as listed in the 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

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