Alpha Eta Honor Society

The National Scholastic Honor Society for the Allied Health Professions

Alpha Eta Society.

UB Chapter

The purpose of the society shall be the promotion and recognition of significant scholarship, leadership, and contributions to the advancing health professions. Our chapter has grown to include members from various disciplines within the School of Public Health and Health Professions, including Athletic Training, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy programs.

History of Alpha Eta

Founded as a national honor society for the allied health professions in 1975, The Alpha Eta Honor Society recognizes and promotes significant scholarship, leadership, and contributions to the Advancing Health professions at collegiate institutions.  Membership is by nomination and open to: undergraduate and graduate students in their last academic year of enrollment; alumni; and faculty. The UB chapter was chartered in April 1975, with the initial members inducted in 2010.

Alpha Eta Eligibility and Nomination

Each nominated student will be contacted by the Alpha Eta Chapter President notifying them of their nomination and explaining the application process.

  • No more than 20% of the graduating class shall be invited to membership 
  • Graduate degree candidates must be in their last year of enrollment
  • Maintain a 3.8 or better GPA
  • Show capacity for leadership and achievement in their chosen Allied Health field.

Post-Nomination Projects

The following are examples of types of projects UB Alpha Eta student nominees have recently completed. 

Scholarship

  1. Poster presentation (or acceptance) of original research at refereed state, regional, national, or international meetings - or Perry Poster day, UB Neuroscience Day, SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference.
  2. Platform presentation (or acceptance) at refereed state, regional, national, or international meetings.
  3. Acceptance or publications in a refereed professional journal including but not limited to research articles, review article, abstracts, editorials.

Leadership and contribution to Health Professions

  1. Holds membership in professional organizations at the local, state, regional, national, or international level.
  2. Participates in community projects that benefit the community.
  3. Utilizes professional abilities for the community's benefit (Adaptive Sports).
  4. Participates in services to under-served communities.
  5. Volunteers at charitable events.
  6. Recognized for having a positive impact on peers.
  7. Podcast itself as a project/or reporting their community service in the form of a podcast.

Alpha Eta Inductees Roster

Athletic Training

  • Ryan Boyette
  • Danielle Christensen

Dietetics

  • Sam Chamberlain
  • Jacqueline Frederick

Occupational Therapy

  • Hope Ciganek
  • Andrea Efthemis
  • Patricia Freitas
  • Sarah Fritschi
  • Justine Kurowski
  • Samantha Maloney
  • Abigail Obrist
  • Elizabeth Saturnino                           

Physical Therapy

  • Cassidy Burgner
  • Jack Edwards
  • Nicole Gruber
  • Kali Iacucci
  • Maggie Kalba
  • Jen Limer
  • Sam Morris
  • Jenna Sonnenberg
  • Angelino Torres

Rehabilitation Science

  • Ignacio Nova Cornejo
  • Wenjie Ji

Alpha Eta 2025 inductees conducted four service projects: 

  • Spoke in elementary school classrooms about their professions in OT, PT, and AT.
  • Lead a workshop on fall prevention at a local community center.
  • Hosted an informational session with first and second year undergraduate students interested in pursuing graduate-level studies in OT and PT.
  • Tabled at the Live Well Erie Older Adults Health and Wellness Fair with UB's Million Hearts.