Since 2009, the National Postdoctoral Association has sponsored National Postdoc Appreciation Week to recognize the significant contributions postdoctoral scholars make to research and discovery. In 2010, the week was officially recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives. At SACNAS we participate by hosting events, sharing stories, and celebrating postdocs. This week, join in — however you choose to show appreciation!
A: “When I moved to my postdoc institution, I immediately sought out the SACNAS chapter as I had such a great experience building community and being involved with SACNAS during graduate school. I'm currently the secretary of the chapter, have continued to develop as a leader through the chapter's activities, and have made some of my best friends through SACNAS!”
— Evan Brooks
A: “It can be hard to find community as a new postdoc, but I know that with SACNAS, I always have a community of support backing me, no matter where I go or where my career takes me."
— Mia Pacheco
A: “My long-term goal is to become tenure track faculty at an R1 institution and to have my own lab where I can cultivate a research environment that feels welcoming to students from all backgrounds.“
— Mia Pacheco
A: "My career goals were shaped by a mentor I had as an undergraduate, the first man in my life who was warm, caring, and genuinely lived to serve students. He made a lasting positive impact on me that shifted my career focus. One day I asked him once how I could do what he did. He told me to earn a PhD, run a lab, and develop training programs. So that's the path I set out on. The current funding and academic hiring landscape has made me honest with myself about what's attainable. I continue actively working toward that original goal by pursuing grants like the K01 and HHMI to support me further as a postdoc. But I've also gotten clearer about something more important than a job title. I know what job description I'm looking for. I want to work with people. I want to teach, mentor, and problem solve. I want to work at the intersection of scientific disciplines and diverse communities, finding what's missing and figuring out how to add it. Whether that's in academia, industry, government, or somewhere I haven't considered yet."
— Esteban Vazquez-Hidalgo
A: "Being a postdoc means continuing to grow as a scientist while becoming more independent in my research and career. It is an exciting stage where I have a new confidence with having my PhD, while exploring new questions and developing the skills."
— Kate Kragness
A: "Being a postdoc means taking the knowledge and skills we developed during our PhD and applying them to new research questions and challenges. It is an opportunity to grow as an independent researcher while expanding our expertise, developing new skills, and shaping our own scientific direction."
— Adriana C. Salazar Coariti
A: "I am proud to be part of a community that values scientific excellence, mentorship, and creating opportunities for researchers from all backgrounds. SACNAS has shown me the importance of supporting future generations of scientists while building a network that celebrates diverse pathways into research."
— Angelica Riojas
A: "I am proud to be a SACNISTA because it gives me a community where we can share our passion for science while also celebrating our cultures and backgrounds. It is meaningful to be part of a community that brings these aspects of who we are together."
— Adriana C. Salazar Coariti
ABOUT SACNAS
For over 53 years, SACNAS has been committed to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American individuals in STEM—from students to professionals—by supporting their pursuit of advanced degrees, meaningful careers, and leadership positions. SACNAS welcomes everyone to join as members and participate in its programs. Today, SACNAS supports a vibrant and expanding community of approximately 5,300 members and more than 150 student and professional chapters across the United States, including Puerto Rico and Guam. The organization strengthens the STEM workforce through outreach, leadership development, and career advancement opportunities—highlighted by its flagship event, the SACNAS Annual Conference. Discover more about SACNAS and how to get involved at sacnas.org or connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and X.