Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta) 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.
Tri-Beta 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.