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SNHS CHAPTER NEWSLETTER

Issue: October 2026

As a new school year gets underway, welcome back to every SNHS advisor and student member. This issue celebrates what our chapters accomplished last spring, and it sets the tone for the year ahead.

We’re delighted to welcome three new members to the SNHS Board of Directors: Sara Brooke Burnside, Dr. Wendy Raso Bruffy, Priya Abiram. MJ Marggraff, a board member since 2024, has been appointed the new Treasurer. Their experience and energy will help SNHS continue to grow.

Our spotlights show what SNHS members do best:

St. Charles East High School hosted a Community Science Night for more than 500 attendees, and a student team presented original research at Argonne National Laboratory.
Spalding High School launched its very first chapter, inducting 13 students with a memorable flame-test ceremony.
Laura Bevill, a 2026 SNHS Scholarship recipient, shares how she watched her chapter grow to more than fifty members.

As we prepare for the Student Scholarship Application period, be sure to review the practical guidance for students preparing to apply. Advisors, watch for the 2026/27 application to open in December, and consider joining us as a reviewer this spring.

Thank you for all you do to inspire the next generation of scientists. We look forward to a wonderful year together.

Sincerely,

Nelson Totah, PhD
SNHS Founder & Board Chairman
and the SNHS Board of Directors

SNHS Welcomes New Board Members

Nelson Totah Awarded a Decoration by the President of the Republic of Finland

The President of the Republic of Finland has awarded Dr. Nelson Totah, Associate Professor of Neurophysiology and Pharmacology at the University of Helsinki and Chairman of the Board of the Fulbright Finland Foundation, the distinction of Knight, First Class, of the Order of the Lion of Finland. As a distinguished foreign national, Dr. Totah received the decoration in recognition of his significant achievements and valuable contributions to strengthening the relationship between Finland and the United States.

This distinguished honor reflects Dr. Totah's strong commitment to advancing collaboration between the two countries and his impact in fostering engagement among governmental, academic, and professional communities. His work through the Fulbright Finland Foundation has helped promote transatlantic cooperation in research, innovation, and academic exchange, including in emerging areas such as Arctic security and maritime transportation.

"Having witnessed Nelson's work in Washington, D.C., I can tell you that he is a prime example of Finnish sisu," said Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, Ambassador of Finland to the United States, when presenting the award to Dr. Totah at the University of Helsinki on 21 August 2026.

SNHS proudly congratulates Dr. Totah on receiving this prestigious and well-deserved recognition.

SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT

SNHS Scholarship Recipient: Laura Bevill

2026 SNHS Scholarship recipient Laura Bevill on watching her school's chapter grow to fifty-plus members while charting her own path in science.

A Chapter's First Year, A Student's Next Step

By Laura Bevill

Hello, my name is Laura Bevill, and I am one of the recipients of the 2026 Science National Honors Society (SNHS) Student Scholarship. The scholarship is available annually to seniors in their local SNHS Chapter with a passion for science, academic excellence, and leadership. In addition to Merrimack High School’s SNHS chapter, I was the treasurer of the French Honors Society and the editor of my school’s newspaper “The Hawk.” I also participated in many STEM clubs such as Mu Alpha Theta and FIRST Robotics team Chop Shop 166.

CHAPTER SPOTLIGHTS

St. Charles East High School - St. Charles, IL

The Science Night Banner was created by all three participating elementary schools.

Community Night for Science

By Maya Thakkar, Public Relations, Senior (Grade 12)

Science Night was held on April 10th at Saint Charles East High School, where three D303 elementary schools attended to learn more about all things science. Davis, Fox Ridge, and Munhall Elementary schools joined forces to create the unique experience hosted by St. Charles East High School in the Sports Complex. Science National Honor Society members ran a variety of stations, each featuring unique experiments for the kids. Experiments showcased a variety of scientific principles, including Newton's laws, optics (reflection and refraction), chemical reactions, magnetism, and more. Sponsors like Fermilab, American Science and Surplus, and Illinois Science and Math Academy (IMSA) also participated in the event. With 500+ total attendees and 50+ STEM-related activities, this event was a major success for the Science National Honors Society, D303, and the St. Charles community.

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St. Charles East High School students present at Argonne National Laboratory

St. Charles East High School Joins Argonne Research Team

By Courtney Payne, SNHS Chapter Adviser

Liberty Christian Prep's SNHS chapter hosted the school's first ever STEM night in March. This event has been a long time coming. Inagural members of LCP's SNHS chapter initially desired to host a STEM Night in 2024 but could not get approval in their first year. After much planning, meeting with administrators, and project proposals, members were granted approval for the 2025-2026 school year.

Members hosted a mini STEM day for the lower elementary classes one morning in October as a trial run, to generate excitement. Members then spent a few months planning and organizing 22 different STEM stations across all science disciplines for all ages. In the weeks leading up to STEM night, members organized and prepared all the station materials, instruction sheets, signs, and scheduling to ensure a successful evening. It was an all hands-on deck type of evening when over 400 students and their families flooded campus. Members were responsible for hosting a station and teaching the science behind the exploration. Staff supported each member by helping families navigate the stations and supplies.