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 NDiSTEM Conference.

The 2025 NDiSTEM Conference is taking place October 30 - November 1, in Columbus, Ohio.

For any questions, please contact members@sacnas.org.

Board Nominations

Board members provide guidance and vision for our organization through direct service, fundraising, and top-level leadership. Self-nominations are welcome. The deadline to submit a nomination application for President-Elect and General Board is July 15, 2025.

How to Submit Your Nomination:

1. Candidate must be a SACNAS member. Become a Member / Renew Membership Here.
2. Read Candidate Criteria and Board Member Responsibilities and Expectations (PDF), SACNAS Code of Ethics and the 2021-2026 SACNAS Strategic Plan.
3. Submit a completed nomination application, which includes uploading an abbreviated (5-page max) CV/resume and professional headshot.
4. Submit a 5-minute (or less) video about why you want to run for the SACNAS Board of Directors.
5. All materials must be submitted by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Board nominations for 2025 will open on May 15.

Self-nominations are welcome. To nominate someone else, please share this webpage with them or contact elections@sacnas.org and provide the name and contact information of the person you would like to nominate so that SACNAS can invite them to submit their nomination materials.

Chapter Officer Leadership October Retreat (C.O.L.O.R.)

C..O.L.O.R. 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 chapter to self-nominate for an opportunity to improve skills, boost confidence, and grow their network of support through a series of engaging activities! Accepted applicants are eligible for registration to NDiSTEM, airfare, and lodging! For more details visit: sacnas.org/chapters/retreat

Eligibility requirements:

• Must be a current SACNAS Student Member (join/renew here!)
• Your chapter must be ACTIVE, meaning that your chapter submitted or will submit a 2024 Annual Report
• Submit a complete nomination by May 31st, 2024

Nominations for 2025 will open in the Spring.

For any questions, please contact chapters@sacnas.org.

NDiSTEM 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 2025 NDiSTEM 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 diverse, multidisciplinary audience in an intimate and meaningful way.

Learn more on our main website: Session Proposals.

Spring submissions closed in April but a summer submission period will open in July for the 2025 Conference in Columbus.

For questions, please contact Liliane Neubecker, Conference Programs & Logistics Manager, at sessions@sacnas.org.

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 are available in the spring, you can learn more about them here:

• Research Presentation abstract reviewers
• Session proposal reviewers: 
  • Professional Development Sessions
  • STEM Symposia Sessions
• Travel Scholarship application reviewers

Once you have been assigned items to review, you'll be able to find them under the "My Account" > "My Reviewing Assignments" at the top of the page.

For any questions, please email the respective program's point of contact listed above.

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 be held virtually from April 22nd - 24th, 2025!

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 2025.

Eligibility & Requirements:

• Must be a dues-paying SACNAS member
• Be one of the following at the time of submission:undergraduate student, postbac, graduate student, post-doctoral researcher, or early/mid-career professional interested in a career in industry and/or government

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.

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.

Eligibility & Requirements:

• Must be an early- or mid- career STEM professsional working to advance change in STEM. Applicants should have a terminal degree, such as a doctorate.
  • Early career STEM professionals are generally in their 3-7 years followeing awarding of a terminal degree and/or postdoctoral training.
  • Mid career STEM professionals have generally moved beyond their entry level status through promotion or transition to new roles of increased responsibility.

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.

NDiSTEM Plenary Speaker Nominations

Help shape the 2025 NDiSTEM 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 2025 NDiSTEM Conference is taking place October 30 - November 1, in Colombus, Ohio.

Nominations closed on February 12th, 11:59pm PST.
Have someone in mind for 2026? Fill out our contact form so you can be the first to know when nominations open. 

NDiSTEM 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.

Click the link for Research Presentation FAQ or watch this Research Presentation 2023 Application Walk Through for more information.

Eligibility requirements:

• Be a current SACNAS student-level member or postdoc-level member before applying. Sign-up or sign-in here.
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of the conference (October 30 - November 1, 2025)
• Be one of the following at the time of submission:
  • SPRING Only: community college, undergraduate, post baccalaureate, graduate student, or post-doctoral researcher.
  • SUMMER Only: undergraduate students in summer research programs

Applications will close on Friday March 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM PST.

For any questions, please contact Emily Pavlik, the Student Programs Manager, at presentations@sacnas.org. 

NDiSTEM 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 2025 NDiSTEM 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 diverse, multidisciplinary audience in an intimate and meaningful way.

Learn more on our main website: Session Proposals.

Professional Development Proposals will close on Friday March 28, 2025 at 11:59pm PST.

STEM Symposia Proposals are due by Friday April 4, 2025 at 11:59pm PST.

For questions, please contact Liliane Neubecker, Conference Programs & Logistics Manager, at sessions@sacnas.org.

NDiSTEM 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. Click the link for Travel Scholarship FAQ or watch this Travel Scholarship 2023 Application Walk Through for more information. 

Eligibility requirements:

• Be a current SACNAS student-level member before applying. Sign-up or sign-in here.
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of the conference (October 30 - November 1, 2025)
• Be one of the the following during Fall 2025
  • Undergraduate student interested in pursuing a higher education in a STEM field and enrolled in a two-year or four-year college/university
  • Graduate student enrolled in a STEM program

Applications will close on Friday March 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM PST.

For any questions, please contact Emily Pavlik, the Student Programs Manager, at travelscholarships@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 2024 SACNAS 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 and diverse network of fellow STEM leaders for year-round support.

Accepted applicants are eligible for registration to NDiSTEM, airfare, and lodging! 

Applicants must be:

• Must be a postdoc having begun the position no later than April 2024 [i.e., have been a postdoc for at least six (6) months or more].
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

PLI is provided with funding support by the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) R25GM130515.

Applications closed on July 26, 2024.

For any questions, please contact Programs Associate 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. For more information about SACNAS mentoring, please visit the webpage here.

The Details:

• When: Selected Mentee and Mentor pairs are expected to have bi-weekly meetings from March - September.
• Where: Virtual

IMPORTANT: Sign-ups are on a first-come, first served basis. If not selected for the initial sign-up period, you will be contacted for a future mentor match.

Mentee Eligibility:

• Must be a current dues-paying SACNAS member.(Student)
• Community college, undergraduate, and graduate students welcome!

Applications for the Spring Cohort close on Friday February 28, 2025 at 5:00pm PST.

Mentor Eligibility:

• Must be a current dues-paying SACNAS member. (Professional)

 Applications for the Spring Cohort close on Friday February 28, 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. 

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