Conference Plenary Speaker Nominations
Help shape the 2026 SACNAS Annual Conference by nominating a trailblazing researcher, barrier-breaking professional, or inspiring mentor to speak on the plenary stage. At SACNAS we encourage our community to bring their whole self to STEM and we cannot do it without your voice. Help us find the speakers who belong on our plenary stage.
The 2026 SACNAS Annual Conference is taking place October 29 - October 31, in Long Beach.
Nominations are open for 2026!
For any questions, please contact us at info@sacnas.org.
Check back soon for our 2026 program details!
Reviewers Portal
Each year hundreds of members support our student community by participating in various reviewing and mentoring opportunities. Giving back time and feedback to our community empowers the future generation of STEM and helps uplift the SACNAS mission of fostering success for our members.
The following reviewing opportunities will be available in the spring, you can learn more about them here:
- Research Presentation Abstracts
- Session Proposals
- Travel Scholarship Applications
Board Nominations
Board members provide guidance and vision for our organization through direct service, fundraising, and top-level leadership. Self-nominations are welcome.
Learn more on our main website: Board Nominations.
Nominations closed on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 11:59pm PST.
For any questions, please contact Board Liaison, Marilu Chavez at elections@sacnas.org.
CareerCon 2025:
CareerCon is an immersive, community-based learning event for our members who are interested in industry and/or government careers.
This event will host sessions from industry and government experts and our own SACNAS members who work in these sectors. Get insight into the workplace, and learn about current internships and positions you can apply for, all while expanding your professional skillset and network for your future career.
Learn more on our main website: CareerCon.
Applications closed on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 11:59pm PST.
For any questions, please contact Programs Director, Dr. Elizabeth Aguilera at careercon@sacnas.org.
Chapter Officer Leadership October Retreat (COLOR)
COLOR is a 1 day retreat designed to support SACNAS chapter officers as they continue to place themselves in positions of leadership within their chapters, campuses, and communities. This retreat will not only equip chapter leaders, but also highlight and strengthen their leadership talents through connection and unity with the broader chapter network. SACNAS seeks at least 1 member from each student chapter to self-nominate for an opportunity to improve skills, boost confidence, and grow their network of support through a series of engaging activities!
Learn more on our main website: COLOR Retreat.
Applications closed on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:59pm PST.
For any questions, please contact Chapters Manager, Angel Rebollar at chapters@sacnas.org.
Conference Research Presentations
Through student research presentations, the SACNAS conference equips young researchers with the skills and mentoring you need to be successful on your STEM journey. Accepted applicants will have the opportunity to refine presentation skills, receive one-on-one mentoring and feedback on research, and connect with a supportive community of peers, mentors, and role models throughout the 2025 NDiSTEM Conference in Colombus, OH.
Learn more on our main website: Research Presentations.
Spring Applications closed on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 5:00pm PST.
Summer Applications closed on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 5:00pm PST.
For any questions, please contact Student Programs Manager, Emily Pavlik at presentations@sacnas.org.
Conference Session Proposals:
SACNAS is dedicated to equipping attendees with resources and skills to obtain advanced degrees, progress in their careers and attain positions of leadership in STEM. At the SACNAS Annual Conference, our community can learn and grow together from two types of sessions: STEM Symposia and Professional Development. Presenters share their research and professional development interests with the conference community and serve as role models and mentors working at the intersection of STEM, equity, and inclusion. Propose a session to share your expertise with a multidisciplinary audience in an intimate and meaningful way.
Learn more on our main website: Session Proposals.
Spring Applications closed on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:59pm PST (extension for STEM Symposia Proposals closed on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11:59pm PST).
Summer Applicatons closed on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 11:59pm PST.
For questions, please contact Conference Programs & Logistics Manager, Liliane Neubecker at sessions@sacnas.org
Conference Travel Scholarships
SACNAS provides conference scholarships that include funded travel, lodging, and/or registration for undergraduate and graduate students to attend the SACNAS National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference. Accepted awardees will also have access to specialized programming to welcome and orient them to the conference in October.
Learn more on our main website: Travel Scholarship.
Spring Applications closed on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 5:00pm PST.
Summer Applications closed on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 5:00pm PST.
For any questions, please contact Student Programs Manager, Emily Pavlik at travelscholarships@sacnas.org
Distinguished Awards Nominations
Through SACNAS Distinguished Awards, we celebrate exceptional STEM professionals who are uplifting our communities and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable STEM experience. Selected awardees will receive an invitation to accept their award as well as complimentary travel, lodging, and registration for the SACNAS Annual Conference.
Learn more on our main website: Distinguished Awards.
Nominations closed on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11:59pm PST.
For any questions, please contact our Member Services team at members@sacnas.org.
Linton-Poodry SACNAS Leadership Institute (LPSLI):
The Linton-Poodry SACNAS Leadership Institute (LPSLI) provides premier training for motivated STEM professionals. Professionals interested in advancing their leadership within STEM (academia, industry, and non-profit, and government), are encouraged to apply.
Learn more on our main website: LPSLI.
Applications closed on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 11:59pm PST.
For any questions, please contact Programs Director, Dr. Elizabeth Aguilera at elizabeth@sacnas.org.
SACNAS Postdoc Leadership Institute (PLI):
PLI is a three-part workshop; Wednesday is dedicated to developing participant leadership competencies and skills, Thursday through Friday participants will have opportunities to practice their leadership at the 2025 SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference, and Saturday will be dedicated to finalizing a leadership action plan. PLI is for postdocs looking to develop their ability to bring their whole selves – including their culture – to their leadership practice. Participants will access a customized curriculum, mentoring opportunities, and both leadership attributes and practical skills training focused on team leadership, discernment, identity, and cultivating community. Participants will end the conference having gained essential leadership competencies and skills, and be a part of a strong network of fellow STEM leaders for year-round support.
Learn more on our main website: PLI.
Applications closed on Friday July 25, 2025, at 11:59pm PST.
For any questions, please contact Programs Director, Dr. Elizabeth Aguilera at elizabeth@sacnas.org.
STEM Advancement for Community, Research, Education, and Development (SACRED) Program:
A six-month program designed to foster meaningful mentor-mentee relationships rooted in the SACRED framework. This program provides guidance, connection, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, aligning with the principles of Vision, Strength, Connection, and Impact.
Learn more on our main website: Mentoring.
Spring Applications closed on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 5:00pm PST.
Summer Applications closed on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 5:00pm PST.
For any questions, please contact Student Programs Manager, Emily Pavlik at emilyp@sacnas.org or Native Initiatives Manager, Elisabeth Johnson at elisabeth@sacnas.org.