Welcome to SACNAS NAU!
SACNAS is a national organization dedicated to increasing the representation of true diversity of all backgrounds in all fields of STEM research. If you’re interested in finding both research opportunities and a community of STEM enthusiasts where you can bring your whole self, and your cultural background as well as your academic interests, SACNAS might be your perfect home! We work to coordinate research and learning opportunities across campus, share mentorship and career development skills, and prepare for all the amazing networking and science at the National Diversity in STEM Conference every year!
SACNAS Chapter Leadership
Ivory Bacy, President (email me!)
NAU Degree Program: BS in Environmental Sciences, starting an MS in Biology Fall 2023
Where I’m from: Tucson, AZ
What I have learned from SACNAS: SACNAS has taught me how important proper representation and diversity are in the STEM field. Attending the conferences has also made me a more confident young scientist, especially one who identifies as a member of several historically excluded groups.
Best advice for students new to research/science: If you are new to science and/or research, sign up and apply for as many things as you can that interest you. Even if you don’t think you’ll be accepted, you can definitely learn something from the journey.
Future goal: My future goal is to work in a lab that researches plant biology and/or mycology.
Chantel Tsosie, Vice President (email me!)
NAU Degree Program: MS in Biology
Where I’m from: I am a Diné (Navajo) woman originally from Fort Defiance, AZ within the Navajo Nation. I am of the Kiyaa’áanii clan, born for the Naaneesht’ ézhi Táchii’nii clan, my maternal grandfather is of the Naakai dine’é clan, and my paternal grandfather is of the Honágháahnii clan.
What I have learned from SACNAS: SACNAS has provided me so many opportunities for networking and future direction steps, whether that be connecting with potential employers or universities with fee waivers and program opportunities. Attending the conference provided me with a sense of community where students are bright and like-minded scientists excited to change and be a part of the scientific field.
Best advice for students new to research/science: Use the time you have as a new scientist to explore the field to gauge your interests. Look out for opportunities that sound interesting by talking to your classmates, upper classmates, and professors!
Future goal: Ultimately, I want to teach at a Tribal University (on or near the Navajo reservation) to broaden research opportunity within my community and to especially provide the indigenous perspective to future indigenous scientists. Along the way I will finish my masters program here at NAU and look forward to a PhD program.
I am excited to be a part of SACNAS’s officers and look forward to meeting future and current members. Please reach out to me at anytime if you have questions or just want someone to talk to! Together we will create a fun, scientific environment open and accepting to all.
Brianne Cooke, Secretary (email me!)
NAU Degree Program: MS in Biology
Where I’m from: I am originally from Costa Mesa, California. I come from a family of California natives that are part of the Acjachemen-Juaneño Tribe.
Best advice for students new to research/science: Take advantage of the many opportunities for research experience at NAU and don’t be afraid to ask your Professors/mentors to learn new skills, research experience, or recommendations.
Future goal: My future goal is to earn a PhD in Biology focusing on how the environment affects human health, and to eventually become a Professor at a university to conduct research I am interested in and to be able to promote diversity in STEM and offer people like me research opportunities.
Shynowah Lee, Treasurer
Phillip Kalaniopio, Past President
Matthew Salanga, Faculty Mentor
NAU Department: Biological Sciences
Research interests: My research is focused on understanding how organisms interact with their chemical environments in ways that affect development and health.
What I have learned from SACNAS: I have learned that there is a community of educators, scientist, and engineers with a vision of True Diversity. SACNAS is one of the most supportive STEM communities I have been involved with, and their efforts directly promote student success.
Best advice for students new to research/science: Start early in your academic career, talk to faculty that teach interesting classes, ask them about their research and research in their department. Faculty like enthusiasm, so if you’re psyched about being in science, say so – your energy will be received!
Future goal: Lead my graduate students to degree completion and their next career step.
Amanda De La Torre, Faculty Mentor
NAU Department: School of Forestry
