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