For incoming science students, there are multiple student organizations that can help along their career path.
Currently on campus there are four student organizations that cater for students in a science major to get involve around Rock Hill or to help kick–start students’ careers. The student organizations at Winthrop University are set to have their first meetings in the upcoming weeks on campus. Students with intrigue for biology or science are in luck when it comes to organizations.
One example is the Student Environmental Action Coalition which focuses on teaching sustainability in the Winthrop Community. Tira Beckham, one of SEAC’s presidents, said that the group was open to students outside the biology majors for new members.
“We welcome anyone who is passionate about environmental stewardship and who wants to know more about current events in environmental issues,” said Beckham.
Beckham hopes that the SEAC will be able to provide more events on campus in order to teach students the values of sustainability and how improving your everyday actions can help the environment too.
“Each year, SEAC hosts a number of events designed to educate students in the current issues facing the environment including documentary showings, tabling events and giveaways. We also partner with our faculty mentor Chris Johnson to enact the annual ‘Weigh the Waste’ event in Thomson cafeteria,” said Beckham.
SEAC will have their first meeting on Sept. 4 at 11 a.m. (common time) then meeting every other Tuesday in Owens G08.
Another science organization for students with biology majors is TriBeta, a national organization that is recognized as an honors society for biology students. TriBeta President Anneke Van Eldik notes how she recruits students with interests in medicine, genetics and conservation this semester.
“All Freshmen biology students have to take symposium classes, so I’ll go there to recruit [for TriBeta],” said Van Eldik.
One of the events that TriBeta does with its members is bring older students and professors from scientific fields on campus to discuss about preparing for graduate school and what career they would choose. Another event that TriBeta does on campus is doing collaborations with other student organizations.
“TriBeta works with the SEAC to do environmental work around campus and the Rock Hill community,” said Van Eldik.
TriBeta has a Facebook page to the Winthrop Organization and email at tribeta@mailbox.winthrop.edu for new students to learn more information.
Another club on campus that freshmen can join is Serving Others and Reflecting which focuses on hosting events around the Rock Hill community that focus on environmental issues, hunger and special needs. SOAR has its first meeting on Aug. 28 at Thurmond Hall Room 210 at 7 p.m. and meets every two weeks.
For more information on the science student organization on campus, students can email the head of Student Organizations.
