SACNAS Honors Dr. Nazune Menka and Dr. Michael Sesma with 2026 Presidential Service Awards

SACNAS recognizes Dr. Nazune Menka and Dr. Michael Sesma for their long-standing commitment to the Society, exemplary leadership, and contributions to advancing its mission and supporting the next generation of scientists.

SACNAS Celebrates Its 2026 Presidential Service Award Recipients

The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is pleased to recognize Dr. Nazune Menka and Dr. Michael Sesma as the recipients of the 2026 SACNAS Presidential Service Awards.

The SACNAS Presidential Service Awards recognize long-term commitment to SACNAS, the many contributions an individual has made to the Society, and the strong leadership they have modeled. Awardees are mentor-scientists singled out for exemplary service and deep commitment to SACNAS, its mission, and its members. Former Presidents and current Board members are not eligible.

This year's recipients have each demonstrated a sustained commitment to supporting the SACNAS community and advancing opportunities for scientists from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Dr. Nazune Menka

Assistant Professor of Law and Faculty Director, Northwest Center for Indigenous Law, Seattle University

Dr. Nazune Menka has made significant contributions to SACNAS through her service on the Board of Directors and leadership in supporting Native American and Indigenous communities.

She has served two terms on the SACNAS Board of Directors, first as a graduate student and later as a professional from 2020 to 2022. During her most recent term, she chaired the Native American/Indigenous Affairs Committee (NAIAC), where she led the development of recommendations to strengthen SACNAS's support for Native communities. The committee's recommendations focused on increasing Native participation in SACNAS, enhancing programming, and expanding initiatives to better serve Native American and Indigenous members.

Dr. Menka is currently an Assistant Professor of Law and Faculty Director of the Northwest Center for Indigenous Law at Seattle University. A Denaakk’e (Koyukon Athabascan) and Lumbee scholar, her teaching and research focus on Indigenous Peoples and Native Nations, constitutional law, legal history, property law, and environmental law and policy. Her work aims to support the self-determination of Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples.

Before joining Seattle University, Dr. Menka served as Executive Director of the Center for Indigenous Law & Justice at Berkeley Law, where she also held roles in the Environmental Law Clinic and other initiatives.

Her commitment to public service extends beyond her academic career. She has served as Board Treasurer for several nonprofit organizations, including SACNAS, and has worked on policy issues and public service initiatives at the state and federal levels.

Through her leadership, legal scholarship, and service to SACNAS, Dr. Menka has contributed to strengthening support for Native American and Indigenous members within the Society.

Dr. Michael Sesma

Retired from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health

Dr. Michael Sesma is a neuroscientist, educator, community advocate, and SACNAS Life Member whose career has centered on supporting scientific research, professional development, and the biomedical research workforce.

During his 30-year career at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Sesma served as a scientific review administrator, program director, and branch chief. At the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), he led postdoctoral and early career faculty research training and career development programs as branch chief for Postdoctoral Research Training in the Division of Training and Workforce Development.

His NIH career began in 1994, and he held leadership and program roles across NIGMS and the National Institute of Mental Health. His work included supporting neuroscience research and programs designed to strengthen the biomedical research workforce. He retired from NIH in 2024.

Dr. Sesma was elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in the Section on Neuroscience and served as section member at large. Beyond his scientific career, he has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to community service. He served four terms on the Gaithersburg, Maryland, City Council from 2005 to 2021, becoming the first Latino and underrepresented person elected to the council in the city's history.

As a SACNAS Life Member, Dr. Sesma has been a steadfast champion of SACNAS programs and an advocate for increasing the visibility of diverse scientists in research and leadership. His professional and community service reflects a continued commitment to supporting scientists and expanding opportunities in STEM.

Celebrating Service and Leadership

SACNAS celebrates Dr. Nazune Menka and Dr. Michael Sesma for their dedication to the Society, their communities, and the advancement of science.

Their contributions reflect the values of service, mentorship, and leadership that the Presidential Service Awards seek to recognize. SACNAS is grateful for their continued commitment to supporting its members and strengthening the scientific community.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Menka and Dr. Sesma on receiving the 2026 SACNAS Presidential Service Awards!