My experience in SACNAS conference…

On September 27-30, I had the opportunity to participate on 2001 SACNAS National Conference at the Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center in Arizona. This annual conference had been a great experience for me. Following I will explain what is SACNAS, what does this organization does on such activity, and how it did impact my life.

SACNAS is the abbreviation for Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science. The mission of SACNAS is to encourage Chicano/Latino and Native American students to pursue graduate education and obtain the advanced degrees necessary for research careers and science teaching professions at all levels.

For over 28 years, SACNAS has provided strong national leadership in improving science and math education, as well as expanding opportunities for minorities in the scientific workforce and academia. SACNAS’ Annual National Conference and Teacher Workshops, summer research opportunities, E-mentoring program, and online internship/job placement resources are tools that help a diverse community of students, professors, administrators, and K-12 educators achieve expertise within their disciplines.

The 2001 SACNAS National Conference was tremendous. Over 1600 attendees participated in scientific sessions, career development workshops, mentoring activities and Native American, Chicano and Latino cultural events. In addition, 155 exhibitors came to promote scholarship, fellowship, graduate school and postdoc opportunities. It is a wonderful activity to meet people from all sciences, math and education areas, start making new contacts and get any kind of professional and educational information you may need.

The highlight for many students was the opportunity to present their research and receive feedback from top scientists. 340 undergraduate science students participated in the poster session and 36 graduate students gave oral presentations.

The Conference began with a number of K-12 Teacher Workshops. Following the Welcome Reception, all gathered for a Native American Blessing, President Maria Elena Zavala's Welcome Address, and a dynamic keynote address by Eloy Rodriguez (Prof. of Biology and Environmental Science at Cornell University). The SACNAS Annual Meeting Program included addresses, scientific symposia, workshops, poster sessions, exhibits, and also breakfasts, lunches and dinners that offered the opportunity for students and other participants to mingle and hear other keynote speakers.

It is my third time coming to these meetings and every time it has being a motivation for my educational and professional career. It is wonderful to meet excellent researchers, meet new people and actually see their work. I absolutely believe that this kind of Conferences encourage us (the students) in our pursuits.

Note: Future SACNAS National Conferences

2002 SACNAS National Conference

Anaheim, California

September 26-29, 2002

2003 SACNAS National Conference

Albuquerque, New Mexico

TENTATIVE DATES: October 2-5, 2003