UMass Boston

History of Beta Beta Beta

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. Since its founding in 1922, more than 175,000 persons have been accepted into lifetime membership, and more than 430 chapters have been established throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

TriBeta was founded in 1922 at Oklahoma City University--the Alpha Chapter--by Dr. Frank G. Brooks and a group of his students. The idea of an honor and professional society for biology students spread rapidly and by 1925, the society was a national organization. Biennial national conventions of student and faculty members began in that year and in 1930 the society journal, BIOS, began publication of student research, articles of interest to biologists and society news. As the society grew, it was divided into regional and district groups, each of which holds a convention annually. At the heart of every district and national meeting are student research papers presented in the style of graduate meetings. Awards are given for outstanding individual and chapter accomplishment.

Responsibilities of TriBeta

1. To encourage research.
2. To promote scholarship in the biological sciences.
3. To promote dissemination in the biological knowledge.

History of the Theta Omicron Chapter

Thanks to the dedication and efforts of Dr. Alexia Pollack, Associate Professor, Biology Department, the Theta Omicron Chapter of the TriBeta was founded at UMass Boston in May 2004. An official induction ceremony of the officers and members took place at the UMass Campus Center. In May 2005, the second session of the Theta Omicron Chapter was inducted and the officers have already begun planning a year full of new activities. Associate Membership in TriBeta is available to students of all majors with an interest in the biological sciences. Students who have successfully completed at least three Biology courses (with a minimum of two completed at UMB) & have a minimum 3.0 GPA calculated for all Biology courses are eligible for Regular Membership. Graduate, Alumni, and Honorary Memberships are also available and anyone interested in becoming a member should contact Prof. Pollack for details. Since TriBeta is an honor society, participation and involvement is not only encouraged but also expected. As your are finding ways to get involved on campus, we hope you will come check us out and see how easy and rewarding it is to be part of TriBeta! Non-members are also welcome to attend our meetings and activities.