Larry Johnson Appointed Executive Director of Sigma Xi

COLLEGE STATION, TX - Dr. Larry Johnson, professor of veterinary integrative biosciences at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, has been appointed the new Executive Director of the Texas A&M Chapter of Sigma Xi.

Dr. Johnson began his membership with Sigma Xi while he was a faculty member at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas. Upon his arrival to the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, he became a member of the Texas A&M Chapter of Sigma Xi, and has served as a member and/or chair of the awards committee, the outreach committee, the board, and later became a president of Texas A&M Chapter of Sigma Xi.

Sigma Xi, founded in 1886, is a scientific research society that encourages excellence and community in scientific investigation.

In an effort to bring the wonders and knowledge of science into future generations, Dr. Johnson has a special interest in furthering scientific education in youth. As president, he started the science promotion of youth committee, and has served on that scientific outreach committee for several years. In recognition of these efforts, Johnson has received the Science Communicator award, from the Texas A&M Chapter of Sigma Xi, which goes to those who promote an interest in science and research in youth.

As Executive Director, Johnson will give continuity to the group and assist the current president in preparing the annual report, submitting four award nominations to the national Sigma Xi level, hosting the annual banquet and presenting the Distinguished Lecturer award.

"This appointment gives me an opportunity to pursue my outreach interests with a scientific organization who shares the same mission as I do; promoting research in the future" said Johnson.

Johnson will begin to serve in the position of Executive Director on March 1, 2010.