Phi Sigma
Who we are
Phi Sigma is a national society that was founded in March 1915 at Ohio State University to promote academic achievement and research in the biological sciences. There are currently 32 active chapters with approximately 50,000 members. Phi Sigma is the only nationally recognized honor society for both undergraduates and graduates in Biological Sciences. On the campus of Illinois State University the Phi Sigma Biological Science Honors Society is represented by the Beta Lambda Chapter (a registered student organization) which was founded in 1966. Phi Sigma is devoted to the promotion of scholarship and research in the Biological Sciences. To this end the Beta Lambda Chapter of Phi Sigma works closely with the School of Biological Science and is a sponsor of the weekly school seminar series, and the annual research symposium. The Beta Lambda Chapter of Phi Sigma also holds an annual grant competition to provide research funds to both graduate and undergraduate students. Visit our facebook
President: Abu Habib Abdullah
Vice President: Sharanya Paul
Treasurer: Tanisha Bhimwal
Business Manager: Arjuman Lima
Social Chair: Mason Sanford
Secretary: Mackenzie Seymour
Membership Chair: Olivia Draper
Faculty Advisors: Carlos Rodriguez-Saltos and Ben Sadd
Our membership drive occurs in the fall and spring terms. Interested in Joining Phi Sigma?
Fall Applications are open and due September 23rd by 5pm. Phi Sigma Membership Application Fall 2024
For more information contact the current membership chair Olivia Draper or check out the national website for Phi Sigma
Phi Sigma Beta Lambda Chapter promotes the engagement of undergraduate and graduate students in biology research and academic pursuits. To achieve these goals, we sponsor an annual research symposium in the spring, provide $10,000 in funding for student research in the biological sciences, and fund seminars from speakers in the biological sciences.
Mockford-Thompson & Weigel
The 2024-2025 funding cycle for the Mockford-Thompson Fellowships and Weigel grants will open February 1, 2025.
Application materials are available on Phi Sigma ReggieNet page and submission is TBD at 5:00pm via ReggieNet. We encourage all eligible students apply for these funding opportunities! For more information, contact the current Phi Sigma President, Abu Habib Abdullah (aabdul12@ilstu.edu)
External Grants
In addition to supporting students at ISU, we also strive to support K-12 and community-based efforts to engage students in authentic experiences related to the biological sciences. The grant application is intended to support such efforts in McLean County.
Travel Grants
Travel Grants are currently unavailable. More information will be coming soon.
Seminar Events
Weigel Seminar Speaker, October 7, 2024
Dr. Michael Downey, Associate Professor from University of Ottawa will delivery the 7th annual Weigel Seminar.
Social Events
Grant Writing Workshop TBD
Nominations for Phi Sigma Executive Board takes place in April
Phi Sigma Spring Banquet, TBD
TA Welcome Week, August Date TBD
Fall Picnic, September 7th
Phi Sigma members can socialize, enjoy food, play games, and get to know one another at our Fall Picnic.
Weigel Seminar Speaker, October 17, 2024
Dr. Michael Downey, Associate Professor of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, from University of Ottawa will delivery the 7th annual Weigel Seminar.
His seminar is entitled: 'How Acylation and Polyphosphates are Synthesizing to Maintain Cellular Homeostasis in Humans."
Winter Potluck, December 6th
Members will have a chance to wind down after a long semester and enjoy food and beverages that each member contributes.
For more information on upcoming social events contact the Phi Sigma Social Chair, Mason Sanford
Phi Sigma Research Symposium
Save the Date: 25th Annual Phi Sigma Research Symposium ....more details to come.
See links below for abstracts of past symposiums.