Congratulations to our 2025 SACNISTA Grads!

Perla Zapata Martinez

Institution: University of Texas at Dallas

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Other - Neuroscience

SACNAS Involvement: Public Outreach Chair Officer Chapter Member @ University of Texas at Dallas; Community College Day

"SACNAS has not only helped me succeed academically but has also instilled in me a deep commitment to supporting others in STEM, especially those from underrepresented communities."

What will you do next? I will be doing research at UT Southwestern over my two gap years

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? To graduating SACNAS members, believe in your abilities and the community you've built through the organization. Continue to seek new perspectives and build a more inclusive and innovative future in STEM. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and embrace new experiences

Cecilia Hernandez

Tribal Affiliation: Mayan - Kachiquel

Institution: Rollins College

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Chemistry; Minor in English

Honors: Cum Laude and Honors in Chemistry

SACNAS Involvement: NDiSTEM Conference; Research Presentations

"I found such an amazing community at the SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference. I never knew there were other Mayans in STEM, or that I even had a community. I met so many genuine people who want to help me grow. I started as a poster presenter but will soon be a guest speaker for the panel "Navigating Disabilities in STEM" for the 2025 NDiSTEM Conference. SACNAS gave me a chance to expand on my advocacy post-graduation and beyond."

What will you do next? Graduate School @ The University of Central Florida

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? SACNAS is an amazing community that will help you every step of the way.

Lori Huck

Tribal Affiliation: Cherokee Nation, Choctaw Nation

Institution: Oklahoma State University

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Other - Geology

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter Vice President @ Oklahoma State University; NDiSTEM Conference; Research Presentations; Travel Scholarships; Leadership Programs; Native American Programming

"SACNAS, to me, has been instrumental in my success. I have been given so many opportunities through this group and have learned so much. SACNAS has become a big part of my life, I feel like I gained a huge family when I joined. It is a place I can feel comfortable being myself and where I feel like I belong. I am grateful for everything I have been able to do and learn through SACNAS. I know that with SACNAS, I will continue to receive the support I need to be successful in graduate school and in my future career."

What will you do next? Graduate School @ Portland State University

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Never give up, I went through so much in pursuit of my education including the loss of both of my parents, my 12- year old niece, and my aunt along with so many mental and physical health issues. Because of this, there were so many times I wanted to just give up and go run away to live as a forest gnome but I somehow pushed through because I knew they would not want me to give up. My dream has always been to move to the PNW and study volcanoes and that dream has become a reality! I am accomplishing everything I thought I thought I was not good enough or strong enough to do. Sometimes we do need a break to go run away to the forest, but as long as we come back and push forward then that is OK. You are strong enough to do this even if you might not think you are, just remember that things are going to happen that you have no control over but you are strong enough to get through them!

Vivian Sieu

Institution: California State University Fullerton

Degree: Master of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Life Sciences - Biology

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter Secretary Chapter @ California State University Fullerton; NDISTEM Conference; Research Presentations; Travel Scholarships

"SACNAS has played an big role in my academic journey. As a first-generation college student and child of immigrants, I often struggled with feeling like I didn't belong in STEM. But through SACNAS, I've learned to bring my whole self into STEM spaces because my identities make me who I am and are my strengths. SACNAS reminded me that I don't have to choose between my cultural identity and my academic goals."

What will you do next? Entering the workforce @ CA Sea Grant State Fellow with the Delta Stewardship Council

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? My advice to fellow SACNISTAs is that people's path in STEM isn't always linear and that you should say yes to as many opportunities as you can even if they may not be what you were expecting. Don't be afraid to ask for help, advocate for yourself, and seek out community

Anahi Carrasco Rodriguez

Institution: Gavilan College

Degree: Other

Discipline/Focus Areas: Computer & Information Science

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter Co-President @ Gavilan College;  NDiSTEM Conference; Webinars

"SACNAS basically handed me the playbook. The national conference took grad school from a big question mark to a step-by-step plan I saw exactly how the research world works and where I could fit. Back at Gavilan, our chapter feels like family: doors wide open, every culture represented, no one left out. We keep it practical, to resumés that land, LinkedIn profiles that pop, interview outfits that say I'm ready. Because of SACNAS, I'm moving forward with a clear roadmap and a crew that makes sure I'm never walking alone."

What will you do next? Entering the workforce @ Cisco

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? "You never know until you try" is my go to phrase

Katianna McClain

Institution: Texas Woman's University

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Health - Chemistry

Honors: Touchstone Honors, Magna Cum Laude

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter President @ Texas Woman's University

"My goal has always been to be apart of moving STEM forward by including diversity. Thank you SACNAS!"

What will you do next? Apply to medical school

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Don't pour your energy into distractions but do everything intentionally

Jace Kuske

Institution: University of California Davis

Degree: PhD

Discipline/Focus Areas: Psychology & Social Sciences - Neurosciences

Honors: National Science Foundation GRFP

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter Graduate Student Representative @ University of California Davis Graduate Student and Postdoc; NDiSTEM Conference; Research Presentations; Travel Scholarships

"SACNAS has provided me guidance, mentorship, friendship, and so much more throughout my undergraduate and graduate career. I have directly benefitted from the efforts of the original SACNAS leaders (funded through the Cota-Robles fellowship), and the current leaders (participated in C.O.L.O.R. and received travel awards for NDiSTEM). More than anything else, SACNAS has connected me with a network of dedicated scientists and professionals who are passionate about STEM and culture. SACNAS taught me that they do not need to be separate and that both should be celebrated! I am a proud Taos and Mexican scientist!! Thank you SACNAS for helping me achieve my dream of becoming a doctor!"

What will you do next? Entering the workforce - CalHR, Civil Rights Division

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? The future may be uncertain and these times may be difficult, but our SACNAS family has been here before. Alone, it will never be easy. But, if we are together, we can preserve

Mitzi Hernandez

Institution: University of California Berkeley

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Discipline/Focus Areas: Life Sciences - Biology

SACNAS Involvement: NDiSTEM Conference; Travel Scholarships

"SACNAS has profoundly shaped my educational journey and personal development by immersing me in a vibrant community of diverse scientists committed to uplifting underrepresented voices in STEM. Winning a travel scholarship to the National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) conference provided me with the invaluable opportunity to connect with mentors, peers, and professionals who share similar backgrounds and ambitions. Engaging with this community not only inspired me to continue pursuing higher education in STEM but also reinforced my commitment to fostering inclusive spaces where Latine scientists can thrive and contribute meaningfully to their fields."

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? My advice to fellow SACNISTAs graduating this year or in the future is simple, keep going. Even when it feels like spaces weren't built for us, remember that it doesn't mean we don't belong there. Our presence is powerful, and our voices matter. Keep showing up, keep pushing forward, and keep making space for others to follow. You deserve to be here, and your journey is just beginning

Jeffrey Bernard

Institution: Texas Tech University

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Life Sciences - Microbiology; Minor in Chemistry

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter President @ Texas Tech University

"SACNAS has introduced me to the larger community of people like me. It has changed what I wanted and made me more active in the community."

What will you do next? Starting a PhD in Biology @ Texas Tech University

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Take full advantage of the institution and the conference every year. Build those small relationships each year and expand your network

Francisco Gomez-Rivera

Institution: University of Michigan

Degree: PhD

Discipline/Focus Areas: Biomedical Research; PhD in Immunology

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter Financial Chair @ University of Michigan; NDiSTEM Conference; Travel Scholarships; Research Presentations; Mentor Judge (or Application Reviewer)

"SACNAS provided a supportive environment that helped me develop my leadership skills and improve my ability to communicate my research effectively."

What will you do next? Starting a postdoc @ University of Michigan

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Be persistence, never give up and be your own advocate

Caitlyn Fastenau

Institution: University of Texas Health Science San Antonio

Degree: PhD

Discipline/Focus Areas: Biomedical - Biomedical Research

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter President @ University of Texas Health Science Center; Leadership Programs; NDiSTEM Conference; Webinars

"SACNAS has connected me with outstanding science advocates and passionate leaders. I will stay connected for life and throughout my career!"

What will you do next? Starting a postdoc @ Buck Institute for Research on Aging

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? My best advice is to utilize the SACNAS resources like CareerCon and COLOR! These unique opportunities will definitely improve your leadership and career development!

Kristen Reece

Tribal Affiliation: Native Village of Selawik

Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Other; Minors in Fisheries & Environmental Change

SACNAS Involvement: NDiSTEM Conference; Travel Scholarships

"SACNAS has impacted my professional and personal development through meeting other researchers at the SACNAS conferences. I feel that I belong in the SACNAS community, and feel empowered as an individual learning from my peers. I wish that UAF had a SACNAS chapter!"

What will you do next? Graduate school @ University of Alaska Fairbanks

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Know your boundaries, advocate for yourself, and take time to heal from the land

Balam Ruiz

Institution: Gavilan College

Degree: Other

Discipline/Focus Areas: Mathematics

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter President @ Gavilan College; NDiSTEM Conference

"SACNAS gave me the opportunity to bring community to my community college campus and as a result, enriched our STEM department."

What will you do next? Transfer to a 4 year institution to complete my Bachelors in mathematics

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? You can bring your whole selves with you, at every level. You belong because you already are!

Gavin Dunn

Tribal Affiliation: Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Institution: University of California Irvine

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Discipline/Focus Areas: Life Sciences - Biology

SACNAS Involvement: Chapter Social Events Chair @ University of California Irvine

"SACNAS has made an impact in my life because carrying the mission statement of trying to build a diverse and welcoming community in stem bleeds into everyday life where everyone I meet can have the light of day so as to be able to make them feel welcome no matter the situation."

What advice do you have for your peers/fellow SACNISTAs who are graduating this year or in the future? Things get tough, thug it out, the tough never lasts forever.