Student Clubs
Science Organizations Undergraduate
Science majors and other students interested in activities related to the following areas are invited to join these student clubs. In most cases graduate students may also participate.
Astronomy and Physics Club members are known for being intellectually adventurous. They have designed rockets and held rocket performance competitions. They host pizza/movie socials, star parties at the Jewett Observatory, and take tours to places like the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and to LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational Observatory (both in the Tri-Cities). They also assist one another with research and class assignments.
Chemistry Club (Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society) is open to any undergraduate interested in chemistry. The group is very active hosting bi-weekly meetings with Chemistry faculty members and outside speakers to discuss issues of importance. One of the issues that we discuss is the opportunities for research and funding that are available both in the Department of Chemistry and outside. . The Club sells laboratory jackets in the Fall and Spring semesters as a means for generating funds. These funds are used to support several outreach programs. One of the major outreach projects is a Mom's Weekend Chemistry Demo show by our group which brings between 25 and 50 moms to see the show ( a mixture of flames, explosions, and demonstrations of the interesting behavior of some chemicals and substances) . Members also do outreach to local junior high and high schools as well as Boy Scouts meetings.
Environmental Science Club gives students an opportunity to tineract with their peers who are interessted in the well being of the environment and to work to improve the environment on campus and in the community.
Forensics Club is open to anyone interested in this field. This active group works with some of the nation’s leading forensics experts. They set up crime scenes to practice using forensics to solve crimes. Members also take tracking classes, study decomposition of biological materials, and make children’s ID cards so parents will have a record of their vital statistics.
Geology Club arranges field trips to local sites of geologic interest, and hosts an annual departmental Christmas dinner. They give Mom’s Weekend tours to the Webster Hall roof to explain visible geological features and sell rocks and geological specimens. Their regular pizza/lunch meetings are held in the department undergraduate study lounge that offers computers and lockers. The club advisor is Professor Peter Larson, and graduate students are invited to attend. Contact the department office at 509-335-3009.
The PreMedicine Club invites speakers from the medical field to their monthly meetings. Speakers have included physicians, Washington State University health researchers and experts on medical economics. The group takes field trips primarily to Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane and to the University of Washington Medical School in Seattle. Some years they also field intramural soccer, floor hockey and flag football teams. Club advisor is Coordinator of Pre-health Advising and Professor of Biological Science David Moffett. Contact the Pre-health Advising Office at 509-335-4549.
The Pre-Physical Therapy Club advisor is Stacia Moffett, associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences, 509-335-3290. Students interested in a physical therapy career take trips to visit Physical Therapy graduate programs, network to get assistance in making their applications, take part in fun runs and participate in charitable activities.
The Math Club is a student organization for those with an interest in mathematics. You don't have to be a math major to join! The purpose of the club is to give students an opportunity to use and improve their mathematics skils and to learn more about advancements and opportunities in the fields of mathematics. Both graduate and undergraduate students are invited to attend. The group invites guest speakers and hosts a campus-wide math competition.
Molecular Biosciences Club takes field trips to industries and research labs related to the field, such as regional wineries. They hear from scientists about research advances and about career opportunities. They also host social events such as picnics and volleyball games.
The Organization of Future Veterinarians is advised by Cheryl Dhein, associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The group takes field trips to such places as wolf parks, grizzly bear facilities and big cat rehabilitation centers. They host presentations by veterinary science faculty and fundraise so they can attend a national pre-veterinary conference. They also hold mock interviews and in other ways help each other prepare to apply to Veterinary Medicine schools.
Zoology Club (Zeta Omega) explores career options for zoology majors by visiting sites like the wolf center near Lewiston, Idaho, and the raptor rehabilitation center in Boise, Idaho. They also invite professional zoologists to give presentations. The group takes on local public service projects and hosts social activities.
Although the National Society of Collegiate Scholars is open to undergraduates with any major, many science majors are members. A national honorary, its mission, in addition to recognizing academic achievement, is community service. It’s primary campaign is to promote the value of a college education. The WSU chapter does outreach in middle schools (often the Lincoln middle school in Clarkston, Wash.) Members also help with Cougar Summer Science Camp and middle school science fairs. Socially, the group attends hockey games and coordinates with the Honors College on ice cream socials. Students must have a 3.4 grade point or better and join prior to earning 60 credits. The national membership fee is $60.
Science Graduate Student Organizations:
Phi Lambda Upsilon is the graduate chemistry club. It is a national chemistry honorary which hosts an annual event where a professional chemist is invited to speak and achievement awards are given to faculty and students. It also hosts social events. Senior chemistry majors can also participate. Contact club member Carrie Shepler 509-335-6176 for information.
Molecular Biosciences Graduate Student Association provides an effective and influential voice for the students' viewpoint regarding various issues and acts as a liaison between students, faculty, and administration. MBGSA works closely with the WSU Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA), enabling graduate students to have an influential voice in matters of WSU policy and campus-wide activities. MBGSA is also responsible for facilitating various activities for students and faculty in the School of Molecular Biosciences throughout the year. Past events have included the SMB Halloween Party, fielding a team in the the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, family night at Zeppos, graduate student night at Rico's, whitewater rafting, and volleyball at the Student Recreation Center.
Annual Physics Club Pumpkin Drop from the top of Webster Hall
The Zoology Club visiting the Portland Zoo
