2008 Woodie Awards
Shooting for Grad School
Organization promotes underrespresented student's advancement
John C. Osborn
Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: Campus
Winter Santander thought a bachelor's degree was enough. The zoology and botany student changed her mind after seeing the available opportunities for scientists through the community building practices of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS).
"They opened my eyes to see that you can get into grad school," she said. "They really show you how to get in."
For more than 30 years, the society has created opportunities for minority science students interested in going to graduate school. Through community outreach and conferences, students can network with other scientists and students across the country for the common goal of advancing in the sciences.
At first the society focused on Chicanos and Native American students, but expanded to include students from all ethnic backgrounds.
Every year, the society hosts a national conference where members present research and network with scientists from across the country. The society provides grants to get members to the conference.
SACNAS' outreach director and education graduate student Jessica Pimentel wanted to start a chapter of the society here after attending her first conference two years ago.
"As a science student, I can see the connection to my community," she said. "It's really important to attend a conference like this."
Last year, 11 students attended the conference. Associate Professor of biology Sean Craig joined them.
"The organizers did things that I didn't think could be done," he said. "It's a one-stop shop, especially for minority students interested in the sciences."
The conference also hosted graduate school sessions to link students with the right professors in their field, he said. The keynote speakers were also minorities.
Santander, who did a presentation on a summer science project at this year's conference, had professors approach her.
"I met people in that exact field of neurotoxology," she said.
"They opened my eyes to see that you can get into grad school," she said. "They really show you how to get in."
For more than 30 years, the society has created opportunities for minority science students interested in going to graduate school. Through community outreach and conferences, students can network with other scientists and students across the country for the common goal of advancing in the sciences.
At first the society focused on Chicanos and Native American students, but expanded to include students from all ethnic backgrounds.
Every year, the society hosts a national conference where members present research and network with scientists from across the country. The society provides grants to get members to the conference.
SACNAS' outreach director and education graduate student Jessica Pimentel wanted to start a chapter of the society here after attending her first conference two years ago.
"As a science student, I can see the connection to my community," she said. "It's really important to attend a conference like this."
Last year, 11 students attended the conference. Associate Professor of biology Sean Craig joined them.
"The organizers did things that I didn't think could be done," he said. "It's a one-stop shop, especially for minority students interested in the sciences."
The conference also hosted graduate school sessions to link students with the right professors in their field, he said. The keynote speakers were also minorities.
Santander, who did a presentation on a summer science project at this year's conference, had professors approach her.
"I met people in that exact field of neurotoxology," she said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Richard
posted 7/10/08 @ 4:49 PM PST
You go girl, you've come a long way from DVC
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