Jessica A. Chichester, Ph.D

Jessica was initiated into Sigma Alpha Iota by the Sigma Omega chapter at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA where she majored in Biochemistry and played the euphonium in the Symphonic Band. Her service to SAI began in college, where she served as chapter president and was honored with both the Sword of Honor and Ruby Sword of Honor. After graduating, Jessica affiliated with the Selinsgrove Alumnae Chapter while pursuing a doctorate in Microbiology and Molecular Virology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. During graduate school, she was elected Chi A Province Officer, a role she held for six years. She was subsequently appointed Region VIII Regional Officer and served in that capacity for another six years. In 2014, Jessica was appointed the National Vice-President, Collegiate Chapters, a position that she held for eight years. Most recently, she was elected to her second term as National President at the 2025 National Convention, an honor she is deeply humbled to continue. Jessica’s dedication to Sigma Alpha Iota has been recognized with the Rose of Honor, the Wreath of Achievement, and the Ring of Excellence. She credits active leadership in SAI with allowing her to keep her passion for music alive in a career full of scientific experiments. Jessica currently resides in Glen Mills, PA and works as a Principal Scientist in the Regulated Bioanalytics and Exploratory Vaccines group at Merck & Co. Inc. She continues to play the Euphonium in community ensembles.