A group of 31 University of Oregon students explored the power of diversity in science at the nation’s largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity conference Oct. 31 through Nov. 2.
The UO chapter of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) sent its second annual delegation to the National Diversity in Stem (NDiSTEM) Conference in Phoenix, where they were immersed in cutting-edge STEM technology and research, professional development sessions, academic and career expos, and multicultural celebrations and traditions.
Jordan Rodriguez, president of UO SACNAS and a third-year PhD student in biology, said the conference was a huge success for UO students.
“Not only did we connect as a community, but we were able to reach beyond UO and make connections with other universities, government entities and research communities,” Rodriguez said.
At NDiSTEM, which prides itself on inclusivity and emphasizes cultural identity, the UO students had the opportunity to attend a powwow, a Pachanga (a traditional Cuban dance) and a daily ofrenda to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos.
“These events, being embedded within the conference experience, allowed people to bring their whole selves to the conference,” Rodriguez said. “I noticed that when conversations about culture and identity intersected with conversations about science, true breakthroughs were made.”
The UO SACNAS chapter, which won a 2024 CAS Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award for its impact on students from underrepresented backgrounds, raised funds to fully support 12 students' attendance at the conference, provide supplemental funding for 10 students, and offer additional financial resources for other attendees. The College of Arts and Sciences, the Materials Science Institute, the Department of Human Physiology, ASUO and UO discretionary funds all contributed to help SACNAS students attend the conference at little to no cost.
Many members of the delegation said the conference offered their first look at researchers in higher ed who are similar to them. Several students found that engaging with these researchers helped affirm their decision to pursue STEM research.
As a first-generation Latina, I never had role models who looked like me. At NDiSTEM, I felt so empowered and motivated when the majority of professionals and leaders started their speeches with, ‘I am a first-generation Latino(a), I am the first of my family to get a higher degree.’ I finally saw a potential future for myself from listening to the amazing leaders at SACNAS
—Francia Lopez Palomera, third-year biology graduate student
SACNAS aims to create a supportive environment for STEM students through mentorship programs that empower students to feel comfortable in academic settings and provide them with opportunities to engage in professional development workshops and other science outreach activities. The NDiSTEM conference provided a unique space where SACNAS students could connect with peers, mentors and professionals who share similar cultural and academic backgrounds, reinforcing the value of diversity in STEM.
For many attendees, the experience not only strengthened their commitment to STEM but also offered a glimpse of a more inclusive future for STEM fields.
"It has been really empowering to see people similar to me in high-level academic backgrounds,” said third-year biology graduate student Sam Fernandez-Ortiz. “It makes me feel like being in those positions is possible for me, because it has been possible for them despite facing many obstacles."
—By Bailey Meyers, College of Arts and Sciences
NDiSTEM was a great opportunity to connect with peers and professionals about my research, but also to learn so much more about some specific research areas I didn't previously know much about.
—Sarah Kraske, fourth-year biochemistry major
It was great to present my research for the first time. Another presenter who did similar research who saw my poster reached out to graduate students in their lab. The graduate students asked about my research and were impressed with my work. They gave me their business contacts and encouraged me to apply to their graduate program since they thought I would be a great fit.
—Kayla Cho, fourth-year biochemistry major