Fostering the next generation of scientists

The national SACNAS organization was established in 1973 to foster the success of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American scientists in attaining advanced degrees and careers and positions of leadership in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines.

Students and mentors attend the 2018 SACNAS New England Regional Conference hosted by the SACNAS-UMMS student chapter.

In the year since its inception, the SACNAS-UMMS student chapter has received a national award, hosted the 2018 Northeast Regional Conference and established itself as one of the more active chapters nationally.

“Having the opportunity to create the SACNAS student chapter at UMass Medical School has allowed us to contribute to the institutional mission of promoting and empowering underrepresented groups,” said Dr. Padilla-Benavides, faculty co-advisor of the chapter with Jaime Rivera, PhD, associate professor of pediatrics.

Teresita Padilla-Benavides, PhD, (center) received the 2017 SACNAS Outstanding Research and Professional Mentor Award for her record of encouraging underrepresented minority students to pursue advanced degrees in science.