Congratulations to our 2024 #SACNISTAGRADS! #truediversity

Adrian Molina Vargas

Institution: University of Rochester

Degree: PhD

Discipline/Focus Areas: Biomedial Research - Genetics; Bioinformatcs

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter Member @ University of Rochester; Mentor Judge, National Diversity in STEM Conference -Research Presenter

"SACNAS allowed me to see myself in positions of leadership which gave me the strength to finish my program when it sometimes felt out of reach. More importantly, it gave me a community where I could bring my full self and where I made life long friendships."

What will you do next? Life Edit Therapeutics

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Enjoy the last stretch of your program. While hectic, it is a special time so make sure you allow yourself to take it in. Do not be afraid to ask for help and ask questions. Most people are eager to help and share advice.

Alyssa Cruz

Institution: University of Colorado

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Discipline/Focus Areas: Biomedical Research - Public Health; Biology & Biophysics

Honors: College honors, NIH T34 Scholar, Chancellor Scholar

SACNAS Involvement: NSF Grant Writing Workshop; National Diversity in STEM Conference - Travel Scholarship Recipient, Research Presenter 

"Presenting my research poster at the 2022 & 2023 conferences helped me meeting graduate school programs and network."

What will you do next? Graduate school @ Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Network! Present your research as much as possible!

Angel Jimenez

Institution: University of Illinois at Chicago

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Health - Public Health; Biological Sciences

Honors: Suma Cum Laude, President's Award Program Honors, Wentcher Scholars

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference -Travel Scholar

 "[SACNAS] provided me the opportunity to present my lab and research nationally at a national conference. I got to connect with other students and meet with other professionals in my field."

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Take your time if you need to. It may seem scary to take a gap year, or get another degree, perhaps work for a bit, but these experiences will always help you grow whether it be through small setbacks or through additional accomplishments.

Angelica Lozano-Romines

Tribal Affiliation: Chickasaw/Choctaw/Mississippi Choctaw

Institution: Oklahoma State University

Degree: Master of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Psychology & Social Sciences

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference - Travel Scholar

"SACNAS provided a sense of community to support my true, authentic identity. The organization offered a platform for me to showcase my research in my graduate program, which helped improve my presentation skills. Additionally, the organization allowed me to participate in the National Conference, where I could network with other STEM students and professionals. This experience has instilled in me a sense of hope and optimism for my academic and career journey."

What will you do next? I am starting to work on establishing my own gaming business to provide services to the Indigenous community through video games. The ultimate goal is eventually creating a non-profit organization to help more marginalized populations. Additionally, I aim to pursue a doctoral degree in either Native American or Chicano/a Studies.

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Find your support system and become resourceful in the services that will provide you with the tools for success. Understand that everyone's journey looks different, and you are creating your own path!

Austin MBaye

Institution: Vassar College

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Discipline/Focus Areas: Mathematics; Education

Honors/Awards: Magna cum laude, sigma xi, math departmental honors

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference -Research Presenter; Travel Scholar

"It provided me with confidence in my knowledge of mathematics, and gave me the opportunity to further better my presentation skills. Also provided me with a network of great mentors and peers."

What will you do next? Graduate School @ Northeastern University

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Take advantage of all grad school panels.

Benjamin Osei-Tutu

Institution: University of Minnesota Duluth

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Discipline/Focus Areas: Biomedical Sciences - Health; Psychology Associate, Philosophy Associate, Sociology Associate, & Liberal Arts Associate

Honors: 3.9 GPA, University of Minnesota Duluth Arrowhead Award Spring 2023, University of Minnesota Duluth FinnFest USA '92 Scholarship Fall 2023, Burst program undergraduate award June 2023, John McCabe Scholarship Fall 2022, College of St. Scholastica Dean's List Spring 2023 University of Minnesota Duluth Dean's List fall 2021, fall 2022, spring 2023, fall 2023  Normandale Community College Dean's List Spring 2019

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference - Research Presenter, Travel Scholar

"SACNAS completely transformed my education and life by providing a warm, inclusive community where I could fully embrace my passion for research and discover the welcoming nature of the scientific world. By connecting with a diverse group of peers who share my enthusiasm for STEM, I found collaborative opportunities and fresh perspectives I couldn't have found elsewhere. SACNAS strengthened my belief that science should be open to everyone and motivated me to pursue a joint Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Ph.D. degree. Thanks to a travel scholarship, I was able to attend SACNAS and experience invaluable growth, learning, and networking that have significantly shaped my academic and professional journey. So I'm honored and proud to be a SACNISTA"

What will you do next? Im Curently accepted to a Doctorate of Physical Therapy with a joint Ph.D. in Rehabilitative Sciences at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? The future is bright, and it’s ours to shape. Let's carry the passion, curiosity, and determination we've gained through SACNAS into our next chapter. Lean on our community and continue seeking new perspectives. Together, we can create a more inclusive and innovative future in STEM.

Adebisi Akinyemi

Institution: University of California, Irvine

Degree: PhD

Discipline/Focus Areas: Psychology & Social Sciences

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter Member @ UC Irvine

"SACNAS has given me more confidence that I belong in STEM and I will succeed in the workforce once I graduate with my PhD."

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future?
Believe in yourself, work hard, and build a community.

Brendan Spinks

Institution: University of Rochester

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Discipline/Focus Areas: Health - Public Health; Black Studies

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference - Travel Scholar

"SACNAS opened the door to so many opportunities"

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Network!!

Cecilia Sahnow

Institution: Portland State University

Degree: Master of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Life Sciences - Biology; GIS minor

Honors: Cum laude

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference

What will you do next? RaMP fellowship at NAU

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Join!!

Chelsea Smith

Institution: University of Texas at San Antonio

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Life Sciences - Biology; Immunology

Honors: Magna Cum Laude

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference - Travel Scholar

"The travel scholarship awarded by SACNAS allowed me to attend my first conference and present my research."

What will you do next? Post-bacc & then graduate school.

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Be a scientist with integrity.

Cherish Grassrope

Tribal Affiliation: Lower Brûlée Sioux

Institution: Salish Kootenai College

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Discipline/Focus Areas: Computer & Information Science

Honors: Cobell Undergraduate of the Year

SACNAS Involvement: Leadership Programs: MAS Mentee

"SACNAS has given me opportunities to network, share, and learn with others with similar goals and aspirations."

What will you do next? Graduate school @ Gonzaga University; remote internship

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? We can do this!

David Gragirenes

Institution: University of Puerto Rico Cayey

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Biology

Honors: Cum Laude

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference

"SACNAS for me was one of the opportunities to grow as a scientist. When I attended the National Diversity in STEM Conference 2023 in San Juan, Puerto Rico (in my beautiful island of enchantment) it was the first time I attended a big national conference in which I presented a poster for the first time which was an amazing experience. I got to meet lots of peers and expanded my networking greatly. Undoubtedly, being part of SACNAS helped fall in love more deeply with research and immerse myself deeply in this amazing community."

What will you do next? Before graduate school, I’ll be participating in a post baccalaureate program. Graduate school @ Weill Cornell.

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? My advice to all my fellow SACNISTAs and peers who are graduating to keep working hard for their goals and keep fighting for your future. We are living in times where things are difficult for our generation but I believe if we keep working hard for our future and for the future of the younger generations, we still have a shot to make this world, our home, in a better place for everyone.

Ethan Johnson

Institution: Arizona State University

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Discipline/Focus Areas: Chemistry; Minor in Geography

Honors: magna cum laude & Barrett, The Honors College

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference

"SACNAS gave me the opportunity to attend my first scientific conference, at which I was familiarized with many graduate schools, including the one I will attend starting this fall."

What will you do next? Graduate School @ Purdue University

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Make the most of the opportunities available to you, including those through SACNAS! Congratulations Class of 2024!

German Lagunas Robles

Institution: University of California, Riverside

Degree: PhD

Discipline/Focus Areas: Life Sciences - Ecology/Evolutionary Biology

"[SACNAS] provided a support network."

What will you do next? Starting a Postdoc @ Indiana University

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Network as soon as possible.

Javon Hickmon

Institution: University of Washington

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Discipline/Focus Areas: Computer & Information Science

Honors: Graduating with Honors, GEM Fellow

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference - Research Presenter, Travel Scholar

"[SACNAS] has helped build my confidence as a researcher and given me opportunities to connect with other underrepresented students across the country."

What will you do next? Graduate School @ University of Washington

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? If you want to apply for graduate school, START EARLY!!

Jenavier Tejada

Institution: Denison University

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Discipline/Focus Areas: Life Sciences - Biology; Global Health

Honors: POSSE

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference

"[SACNAS] really opened up my eyes to the possibilities and capabilities of what I can be. It felt good to be surrounded by other BIPOC students with similar aspirations as mine being successful."

What will you do next? Entering the workforce.

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Be confident in your accomplishments, in who you are, and who you want to be in the world! You are worthy of all of this and more, celebrate your wins loudly and proudly!

Jennyfer Zarate

Institution: Lamar University

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Life Sciences - Biology; Chemistry & Psychology minors

Honors: Cum laude, McNair Scholar, Southeast Texas Legends Scholar

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter Member; National Diversity in STEM Conference - Research Presenter, Travel Scholar

"SACNAS changed my life. Within it, I found a sense of community I was missing. SACNAS encouraged me to pursue research opportunities and gave me the chance to present my research at a national conference."

What will you do next? I will be taking a gap year to apply to a PhD program

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Cease any opportunity that is given to you. Sometimes blessings can come in the most unexpected vessels. Be your authentic self wherever you go and TAKE UP SPACE.

Jessie Loucks-Tavitas

Institution: University of Washington

Degree: PhD

Discipline/Focus Areas: Mathematics - Algebra/Number Theory/Combinatorics

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference

What will you do next? Tenure-track position at CSU Sacramento

Julissa Laignelet

Institution: New York University

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Honors: Presidential Honors Scholar, WINS Scholar

Discipline/Focus Areas: Computer & Information Science

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter Member; National Diversity in STEM Conference - Travel Scholar

"[SACNAS] has allowed me to be confident in my skills and create my own professional network."

What will you do next? Entering the workforce; Graduate School

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? To keep fighting for their dreams!

Krystalyn Edwards-Calma

Institution: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Psychology & Social Sciences

Honors: Magna cum laude

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference - Research Presenter, Travel Scholar

"[SACNAS] helped my to plan the next steps of my education journey."

What will you do next? Graduate School

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Attend the graduate school fair!! It was really helpful to determine which schools I want to apply to for graduate school. SACNAS has been a great experience all around! Attend the events & watch talks that interest you, you never know what will spark your interest!

Laurel Kastner

Institution: University at Buffalo

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Biomedical Research - Neuroscience

Honors: Summa Cum Laude, Biotechnology Award, Thermo Fisher Award

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference - Research Presenter

"[SACNAS is] a great way to get connectd to a larger more diverse community of scientists from all ages, fields, and backgrounds."

What will you do next? Graduate School

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Working at a job you enjoy is so worth the effort of grad school! Keep working hard and it will pay off.

Maria Gonzalez

Institution: University of Central Florida

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Psychology & Social Sciences; Anthropology

Honors: Honors in the major, Honors undergraduate thesis

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter Member

"SACNAS allowed me to find a community of likeminded individuals at my own university"

What will you do next? Gap year and workforce

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Explore all options

Mario A. Aleman

Institution: Villanova University

Degree: Master of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Engineering - Electrical Engineering; Sustainable Engineering

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference - Research Presenter, Travel Scholar; NSF Grant Writing Workshop

"[The SACNAS impact was] building relationships and finding new opportunities"

What will you do next? Graduate School & Entering the workforce

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Take advantage of every opportunity to develop their skillsets.

Mayra Plascencia

Institution: Colorado State University Pueblo

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Biomedical Sciences - Biology; Minor in Chemistry

Honors: Kane Family Foundation scholarship recipient

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter Member; National Diversity in STEM Conference

"SACNAS has exposed to me to different professionals, thus expanding my social networking skills. This has helped me in forming connections that will help me in the future."

What will you do next? Graduate School/Medical School

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Always be involved! You can form connections with people you never thought you’d meet.

Melanie Salas

Institution: Syracuse University

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Life Sciences - Biology; Minor in Philosophy

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference - Research Presenter

"SACNAS has brought lots of connections, adventures and overall lasting opportunities I have never been opened too until SACNAS came along"

What will you do next? Graduate School @ Baylor University

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Never let anyone tell you, you can’t do anything, thrive and be strong

Nancy Paniagua

Institution: Yale University

Degree: PhD

Discipline/Focus Areas:  Biomedical Research - Genetics

Honors: UCLA Emerging Genomic Scientist Scholar​​ Mar. 2024 Yale Conference Travel Fellowship​​ Nov. 2023 Stanford Postdoctoral Recruitment Initiative in Sciences and Medicine​​  (PRISM)  Oct.  2023   National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Travel Scholarship by Ancestry​​ Sept. 2023 NIH NIGMS-F31: 5F31GM145178​​ Dec. 2021 NSF GRFP Honorable Mention​​ 2020 Genetics Training Grant, NIH: T32GM007499-43​​ 2019 - 2020

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter Member; National Diversity in STEM Conference - Research Presenter, Travel Scholar, Session Presenter, Mentor Judge

"SACNAS has made an enormous impact on my life and career. SACNAS is this large supportive community where I constantly connect and re-connect with friends and colleagues. By attending the SACNAS conference, I have been connected with opportunities such as a summer internship at NYU Vilcek Institute to recently being selected as a UCLA Emerging Genomic Scientist Fellow. Each of these opportunities would not have been possible without SACNAS."

What will you do next? Starting a Postdoc @ Stanford University 

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Be open and excited about embarking this new chapter in your life! It may be scary and uncomfortable at first but be sure to surround yourself with your supportive community.

Paola Baldaguez Medina

Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Degree: PhD

Discipline/Focus Areas: Engineering - Chemical Engineering

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter Member; Leadership Programs; National Diversity in STEM Conference - Travel Scholar

"SACNAS meant a lot to me. I had a community that made me feel part of something important and I made a lot of friends. I also grew as a person and obtained lots of leadership knowledge."

What will you do next? Entering the workforce @ University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? You are not alone!

Raena Zabala

Institution: California  State University of Fullerton

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Health - Public Health

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference - Research Presenter

"[SACNAS] opened my eyes to the many opportunities there are."

What will you do next? Obtain teacher credential

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Do your best to attend a SACNAS conference and take advantage of all the resources that are provided.

Raina Irons

Tribal Affiliation: Curve Lake First Nations

Institution: University of Toronto

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Physics & Astronomy - Astronomy & Astrophysics; Physics Major, Mathematics Minor

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference

"SACNAS has helped me make connections with other Indigenous astronomers and build a close relationship with them."

What will you do next? Entering the Workfroce; Graduate School

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Network!!

Sarea Recalde Phillips

Institution: Texas A&M University

Degree: PhD

Discipline/Focus Areas: Engineer - Bioengineering

SACNAS Involvement: National Diversity in STEM Conference - Travel Scholar

"My first experience in presenting my research was at a National Diversity in STEM Conference, and that has shaped my desire to hold space for all the multitudes we hold as individuals. SACNAS provided me a community where I could be my authentic self and helped instill a confidence that I could pursue a career in STEM."

What will you do next? Starting a Postdoc

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Best of luck in all your endeavors, and your hard work will pay off in the end!