STEM Students Recognized for their Research and Presentation Skills at 2019 SACNAS – The National Diversity in STEM Conference

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) awarded 82 graduate and undergraduate underrepresented minority (URM) students for their research and presentation skills at 2019 SACNAS – The National Diversity in STEM Conference held in Honolulu from October 31 through November 2. The Presentation Awards recognize the next generation of underrepresented scientists and STEM leaders while giving visibility to their research and home institutions. The awards also encourage students to continue pursuing the STEM fields.

“The SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference partners with institutions by providing a venue where students and professionals are able to enhance their science communication skills. As a multidisciplinary scientific society, the opportunity to present research to a general scientific audience fosters skills needed to not only build public support for science but also ensure that science is accessible to everyone. Through the Presentation Awards, we recognize and celebrate presenters that make STEM inclusive,” said SACNAS President Dr. Sonia Zárate.

2019 SACNAS – The National Diversity in STEM Conference Presentation Awardees are as follows:

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Astronomy and Astrophysics & Environmental Science
Erica Molnar-Bufanda, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa

Chemistry, Physical Chemistry
Ariel Nessl, University of Southern California

Computer & Information Sciences, Mathematics
Latha Saradha, Northeastern Illinois University

Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Hyunjin Kim, University of California, Santa Barbara

Earth Science, Marine Science & Other Geoscience
Michelle Herrera, University of California, Irvine

Life Sciences, Biochemistry
Allyson Langley, The Ohio State University

Public Health, Medicine & Pharmacology
Tannia Lau, University of California, Santa Cruz

Life Sciences, Cancer Biology
Jocelyn Rodriguez, California State University, Los Angeles

Life Sciences, Cell/Molecular Biology
Melissa Roberts, University of California, Berkeley

Life Sciences, Cell/Molecular Biology & Developmental Biology
Stephanie L. Silva-Del Toro, University of Iowa

Life Sciences, Genetics & Physiology/Pathology
Nicholas Carleson, Oregon State University

Life Sciences, Ecology/Evolutionary Biology
Ariel Heyman, California State University, Fullerton

Life Sciences, Microbiology
Priscila Guzman, Kansas State University

Life Sciences, Microbiology
Shaun Cross, Colorado State University

Life Sciences, Ecology/Evolutionary Biology & Plant Sciences/Botany
Reyes Murrieta, Colorado State University

Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry & Other
Regina Trevino, The Ohio State University

Mathematical Biology & Other Life Sciences
Kyle Dahlin, Purdue University

Professional Fields, STEM Education & Learning, Animal Sciences/Zoology
Victoria Jimenez, Weill Cornell Medical College

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Chemistry
Daniel Aguirre, New Mexico State University

Valeria Reyes, University of San Diego

Annie Fritz, Northeastern Illinois University

Alyssa Marie Rivera, California State University, Fresno

Daniel Martinez, University of Texas at San Antonio

Shaina Nguyen, California State University, Fullerton

Computer & Information Sciences
Elizaveta Atalig, Wesleyan University

Lucas Encarnacion-Rivera, Emory University

Engineering
Safi Mohammed, University of California, Berkeley

Aranza Barreda, University of Kansas

Larry Moore, Dine College

Ashley Santana, University of Central Florida

Geoscience
Ciara Dorsay, University of California, Berkeley

Junellie Gonzalez Quiles, Johns Hopkins University

Health
Micah Lawrence, University of California, Irvine

Sean Hernandez, California State University, San Marcos

Sarah Singh, University of California, Irvine

Natasha Morales, Boston University

Samantha Hernandez, University of California

Life Sciences, Animal Sciences/Zoology
Madison Granduke, Valencia College

Life Sciences, Biochemistry
Alexandra Strom, San Diego State University

James Chang, University of Central Florida

Roman Meza, University of California, Irvine

Alyssa Miller, Miami University

Life Sciences, Biology
Isabella Terrazas, New Mexico State University

Life Sciences, Cancer Biology
Jacob Brooks, Howard University

Daisy Palomera, University of California, Los Angeles

Life Sciences, Cell/Molecular Biology
Hai Pham, University of Houston

John Francois, City University of New York

Valery Aguilera Ortiz, Monterey Peninsula College

David Sanchez Godinez, University of California, Santa Cruz

Adrian Barrera-Velasquez, San Francisco State University

Cuauhtemoc Ramirez, University of California, Irvine

Life Sciences, Developmental Biology
Nikolas Morrison-Welch, California State University

Life Sciences, Ecology/Evolutionary Biology
Katherine Montana, University of California, Berkeley

Valerie Brewer, New Mexico State University

Life Sciences, Environmental Science
Paola Negrón-Moreno, University of Puerto Rico, Cayey

Rainee DeRoin, Oklahoma State University

Yakaiyastai Gorman, Northwest Indian College

Life Sciences, Genetics
Carmelle Catamura, University of California, Santa Cruz

Isaryhia Rodríguez, University of California, Irvine

Life Sciences, Marine Sciences
Marisa Thompson, California State University, Monterey Bay

Megan Salomonson, California State University, Monterey Bay

Mayra A. Silva, California State University, Fullerton

Life Sciences, Microbiology
Shania Sanchez, The University of New Mexico

Marissa Duckett, University of Kansas

Sokleng Kelly Leong, Skyline College

Jessica O’Berry, University of Texas at San Antonio

Life Sciences, Neurosciences
Marlyn Torres, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research

Matthew Mitchel, Midwestern State University

Lilian Rose, University of California, San Diego

Materials Research
Anne Cardenas, University of California, San Diego

Mathematics
Howard Weatherspoon, Albany State University

Jan Tracy Camacho, University of California, Davis

Scott Cleven, University of Iowa

Alayt Abraham Issak, The College of Wooster

Physics & Astronomy
Lauren Lugo, Haverford College

Ekram Towsif, Wesleyan University

Psychology
Gerardo Sandoval, California State University, Fullerton

Sergio A. Ruvalcaba, Pomona College

Paola Montufar Soria, University of Texas at San Antonio

Social Sciences
Riva Silver, New Mexico State University

Divya Batchu, The Ohio State University

Traditional Knowledge
Sheri Marzan, Kapi’olani Community College

Click here to download the full 2019 SACNAS conference Student Research Presentation Abstract Book.

ABOUT 2019 SACNAS – THE NATIONAL DIVERSITY IN STEM CONFERENCE
The largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event in the country, 2019 SACNAS – The National Diversity in STEM Conference serves to equip, empower, and energize participants for their academic and professional paths in STEM. From October 31 to November 2, 2019, college-level through professional attendees are immersed in cutting-edge scientific research and professional development sessions, motivational keynote speakers, a Graduate School & Career Expo Hall, multicultural celebrations, and an inclusive and welcoming community of peers, mentors, and role models. The conference is a training ground for the next generation of diverse STEM professionals, aiming to level the playing field for first-generation college students of color through mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.2019sacnas.org/.

ABOUT SACNAS
For over 46 years, SACNAS has served as an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanics & Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership within STEM.

Today, the organization serves a growing community of over 20,000 supporters, 6,000+ members, and 115+ student and professional chapters throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. SACNAS influences the STEM diversity movement through STEM outreach & advocacy, promotion of STEM leaders, and The SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference. Learn more about SACNAS at sacnas.org, Facebook, or Twitter.