Phi Beta Kappa Inducted Six Chemistry Seniors
The induction into Phi Beta Kappa is an achievement bestowed upon fewer than 10% of the graduating class of 2025.
The Xi Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa voted to invite a distinguished cohort from the Class of 2025 to membership in the Society in recognition of their excellent academic records and commitment to the objectives of a liberal education. Six members of the esteemed group who have received this notable achievement are graduating Chemistry majors:
- Sebnem Gul
Chemistry and Biology - Josh Lian
Chemistry and Biology - Nicolas Manno
Chemistry and Mathematics - Leon Wang
Chemistry and Biology - Jason Zhang
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering - Qiyang Zhou
Chemistry and Biology
Founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary, Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) honors the nation’s most outstanding undergraduate students for excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Only 10% of higher education institutions have PBK chapters, and fewer than 10% of students at these institutions are selected for membership. The Department is incredibly proud of these inductees and all of their illustrious achievements.
MIT’s own chapter, Xi of Massachusetts, annually elects students in their senior year of undergraduate study. Students do not apply for membership. Election is conducted by a faculty committee, which reviews the academic records of seniors to find students with superlative records and clear evidence of breadth in the liberal arts.
The annual Phi Beta Kappa lecture and initiation ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM, during MIT’s Commencement week. This year’s annual Phi Beta Kappa guest lecturer was Dr. Andrea Louise Campbell, Arthur and Ruth Sloan Professor of Political Science and MacVicar Faculty Fellow. Professor Campbell’s work examines the intersection of public policies and mass politics (public opinion, political behavior, and political inequality), with a particular interest in the politics of social policy, health policy, and tax policy.
After the lecture, the Historian and Guide provided a brief introduction to the rights and responsibilities of Phi Beta Kappa members. The newest inductees were individually recognized and asked to sign the official register of the Xi of Massachusetts chapter. They were also taught the Phi Beta Kappa secret handshake, but strict Society regulations prohibit us from revealing its characteristics here!
