Check out the photos from SACNAS 2015!
Congratulations to Oregon State University’s SACNAS chapter for winning the Outstanding Development and Outreach Role Model Award, which was presented at the SACNAS 2015 National Conference in Washington, D.C., October 29-31. The Oregon State chapter was one of 13 chapters recognized for outstanding achievements by SACNAS.
Julie Greenwood, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs in the College of Science, accompanied a group of OSU students to the conference, several of whom presented their research. The College supports SACNAS students to expand its community of students from diverse backgrounds to enhance academic excellence.
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by SACNAS,” said Greenwood. “This award means so much to our students who have worked hard to offer programming to its members. The award will inspire them as they work to strengthen our STEM community at Oregon State.”
“Diversity is a cornerstone of our College,” said Sastry G. Pantula, dean of the College of Science. “We are deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces diversity by supporting students’ growth and success.”
The SACNAS National Conference is the annual meeting of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). Attracting nearly 4,000 scientists of color, the national conference is one of the largest and most diverse gatherings of STEM professionals across the country. The three-day national conference offered participants cutting-edge research, professional development, inspiring White House speakers.
“Our chapter awards recognize STEM students who are emerging as leaders at SACNAS and their universities,” said. “With 115 SACNAS student chapters nationwide, chapter members carry out much of the grassroots work in the movement to diversify STEM in the United States. Our chapter members are changing the face of science in communities every day.”
With goals of engaging and training students to achieve their highest goals in pursuing an education and career in STEM fields, the conferences targets undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and career professionals. SACNAS 2015 provided programming specifically designed to support them at each transition stage of their careers as they move towards positions of leadership in STEM.
-
- Zoology major Elva Manquera presents her research involving the thermal tolerance of frogs in Costa Rica.
-
- Mathematics major Michael Lopez presents his research, “Dynamic Sample Space Transformations for Nonlinear Data Assimilation.”
-
- Jesse Rodriguez presents his research on long-range pressure gradients in subsurface flows involving granular materials.
-
- SACNAS welcomes its LGBTQ members with a special reception.
Conference speakers included top tier White House advisors, current and former public officials, and industry leaders. U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and Deputy Secretary of the Interior Mike Connor were among the keynote speakers.
SACNAS held its annual conference Pow Wow on October 30 in addition a number of Native American cultural events as part of the 2015 National Diversity in STEM conference.
SACNAS believes offers students the opportunity to meet allies in an environment where “the intersection of science, culture and community is a celebration of identity and diversity.”
The SACNAS organization was founded in 1973 by a small group of minority scientists and now comprises more than 25,000 members, partners and friends. Visit to learn more about the Oregon State chapter.
