Thousands of Chicano, Hispanic and Native American Scientists Call for True Diversity in STEM at National SACNAS Conference in Southern California

SANTA CRUZ, CA – Thousands of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American scientists will converge on the Long Beach Convention Center for the largest multicultural and multidisciplinary diversity in STEM event in the country next month, October 13-15. Hosted by SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science), nearly 4,000 students and science professionals of color and their allies will convene for a three-day conference of cutting-edge science, mentoring, networking, and professional development.

“To maintain a globally competitive STEM workforce, we need to achieve true diversity in STEM,” said SACNAS Executive Director Dr. Antonia O. Franco. “The sheer number of attendees proves that not only does STEM diversity matter, it is possible.”

SACNAS 2016 is a training ground for the next generation of diverse STEM professionals, aiming to level the playing field for first generation college students of color through mentoring, professional development, and strengthening networks—tools that individuals in the college going culture already have.

This year’s conference will be keynoted by a renowned collection of multidisciplinary researchers and STEM leaders, including:

● Gabriela González, PhD, LIGO Scientific Collaboration spokesperson

● Hannah Valantine, PhD, Chief Officer for Scientific Workforce Diversity, NIH

● Gregory Cajete, PhD, Director of Native American Studies, University of New Mexico

● Mónica Feliú-Mójer, PhD, Vice Director, Ciencia Puerto Rico

● Ari Daniel, PhD, Digital Producer, PBS NOVA

● Jedidah Isler, PhD, NSF Astronomy & Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellow, Vanderbilt University

● David Saltzberg, PhD, Professor of Physics & Astronomy, UCLA, Science Advisor for “The Big Bang Theory”

Details on other keynote panels on “STEM & the Media” and Featured Speakers is available here.

Media representatives are invited to attend the SACNAS National Conference. Press registration can be found here.

WHAT: 2016 SACNAS: The National Diversity in STEM Conference

WHEN: October 13-15, 2016

WHERE: Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, CA