PSU Sigma Pi has eldest member in country

Portland State’s Sigma Pi Sigma chapter includes the nation’s most senior member, physics professor emeritus Gertrude Rempfer. She was recognized as a Sigma Pi honorary member in December 2008, during the chapter’s induction.

Rempfer joined Sigma Pi in 1933 during her studies at the University of Washington, only 12 years after the society’s formation in 1921.

“She was one of the early pioneers in electron microscopy, which is the field I’m involved with. It’s pretty amazing that we have someone here who studied in the 1930’s—someone who was there when new instruments were developed—and now, today, I’m using those instruments in the lab,” said PSU Sigma Pi graduate president Micah Eastman.

Rempfer joined the PSU faculty in 1959. According to the Society of Physics Students’ Radiations magazine, her research led to the development of the photoemission electron microscope.

“As a woman in science, it’s a different world than most people think. It’s still a highly male-populated world. Just listening to [Rempfer] go through her trials and overcome all of her obstacles, it’s really inspiring in that regard,” said Sigma Pi graduate representative Rebecca Schaller.

Sigma Pi is a nationally recognized honor society within the Society of Physics Students. It currently has 14 members, according to chapter advisor Sergei Rouvimov. It recognizes students for their academic scholarship, promotes interest in physics, and provides fellowship for students who excel in physics, Eastman said.

According to Eastman, Sigma Pi holds two meetings every other week where faculty and students give technical lectures. In addition, the society holds social events and has even judged middle school science fairs.

“Having a community is really important. When I was an undergrad I didn’t have much communication with graduate students. In Sigma Pi there’s a lot of undergraduate and graduate discussion, hands-on physics, research experience, and opportunities for scholarship,” Eastman said.

“There’s also learning outcomes. It gives direction to undergraduate students,” said Schaller.

Rouvimov, alongside Department of Physics Chairman Eric Bodegom, played a big role in petitioning to establish a new Sigma Pi chapter on campus, according to Eastman.

“Sergei did a lot of the early footwork to get the chapter recognized,” Eastman said.

He also credited Rouvimov for revitalizing SPS at PSU, in which Sigma Pi is housed.

“As a revived chapter, they are a very enthusiastic group who has seized all aspects of what SPS represents—interaction among each other, outreach to the community, and involvement in national meetings,” said a councilor for the National Society of Physics Students.

To qualify for Sigma Pi membership, students must be in the upper one-third of their class and hold a minimum GPA of 3.5 in physics courses. The society is open to all majors, though undergraduates must have completed at least three courses in physics before being considered, Eastman said. Acceptance into the SPS is based only on an interest in physics, rather than academic achievement.

For more information on joining the PSU Sigma Pi chapter, visit sps.groups.pdx.edu.