Harvard's chapter of Phi Beta Kappa Society, Alpha Iota, last week announced the names of the 48 seniors and advanced-standing juniors it has elected.

A committee, headed by chapter president and Professor of the History of Science Everett I. Mendelsohn, selected the honorees out of an original pool of 96 students who were chosen on the basis of grade point average.

The recipients were then elected based on two recommendations and their transcripts.

Professor of Comparative Religion Diana L. Eck, vice president of the chapter and master of Lowell House, said the society looks for students who demonstrate academic breadth.

"[Phi Beta Kappa] recognizes excellence in scholarship that goes beyond one's own field of study," she said.

Twenty-five students were elected to the society in an initial round last spring, and more will be picked in a final round before commencement.

Daniel B. Baer '00, a Quincy resident, said he appreciated the honor.

"Of course honors like these aren't something you work toward, but it is a nice recognition of the time and effort that goes into schoolwork," Baer said.