SACNAS 35th Anniversary & Theme
Leadership Institutes
Professional Development
Scientific Presentations
Exhibit Hall
Special Events

SACNAS 35th ANNIVERSARY & THEME

The 2008 SACNAS National Conference celebrates the organization’s 35th anniversary. In honor of this milestone, SACNAS marks this year’s conference by engaging conference participants from all scientific fields in discourse on a specific science-focused theme.

Interdisciplinary connections, scientific presentations of exemplary quality, professional development and mentoring activities tailored to the needs of conference participants, and an open, welcoming environment that embraces members from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds—these are the trademark features of the SACNAS meeting. To compliment this unique and powerful combination, SACNAS has chosen this anniversary year to initiate another layer to our conference: a unifying theme focused on a scientific topic that touches all SACNAS communities.

In 2008, SACNAS’ theme focuses on global change—particularly climate change and its impact on all fields of science and all ecosystems and populations from the poles to the desert Southwest. Timed to correspond with world-wide efforts related the International Polar Year and supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, SACNAS' IPY conference represents an opportunity for the minority scientific community to have a voice in the direction and application of research affecting the health of the planet and her people.

• Taking place on Thursday, October 9, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. – SACNAS IPY Forum Agenda & Speaker Biographies (PDF)
• General information about International Polar Year – IPY Resources (PDF)

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTES

A 1/2-day Leadership Institutes program is structured in three unique tracks to meet the leadership development needs of SACNAS members at various stages of professional growth: a) postdocs, b) young faculty, and c) mid-career faculty and professionals. The institute is part of the year-round leadership initiative which includes summer week-long leadership training and on-going communication during the academic year. Institute topics vary by year and cover key skills such as taking charge of your career, creating a leadership path, building and working with teams, and university administration. Current offerings include:

Postdocs—Creating Your Individual Development Plan
Postdocs are at a critical juncture in their careers where decisions need to be made about their career paths. Unfortunately, they often are unaware of the variety of career options and do not have access to professional career advice to help guide them through the process. This workshop will provide a process which postdocs can use to create a career plan that is tailored to their own individual strengths and aspirations. Participants will be led through exercises intended to assist in self exploration. They will be provided with tools to assist in career exploration. By the end of the session participants will set specific goals for taking charge of their own careers.

Junior Faculty & Professionals
In this interactive workshop we will explore the long view of your career from an inside out perspective. Starting with your aspirations and talents we will develop a life line approach to examining different paths to becoming a successful senior academic scientist as a person of color. In our discussions we will weigh approaches to effectively balancing research, teaching and service over the course of one's career and identify potential obstacles and opportunities that one may encounter along the path. We will pay special attention to your interests in developing supportive social networks among other successful academicians. At the conclusion of the session all participants will have created a working development plan to be used as a tool for guiding career decisions.

The SACNAS Professional at Mid-Career—Negotiating the Forks in the Road
This workshop is targeted to scientists at mid-career, typically rising associate professors and recent full professors. But the training is not only for those on an academic trajectory. In a fluid global economy, scientists should be prepared to pursue various pathways. Negotiating the forks in the road requires the acquisition of skills and strategies. Ultimately, to take the next big step, one should have a Leadership Development Plan. Workshop segments will feature experts from inside and outside SACNAS. Exercises will supplement talking heads. The final hour will be reserved for drafting the outline for one's Leadership Development Plan.

SACNAS Chapter Leadership
Offered in conjunction with the Leadership Institute, the SACNAS Chapter Committee hosts a two-hour, hands-on leadership development workshop for chapter leaders.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

International Polar Year Activities
Professional development sessions present a combination of concrete tools and valuable advice to help advance one's education and career. Participants take part in interactive discussions and workshops designed to provide professional career strategies, skills and guidance from experienced members of the scientific community. Topics include achieving tenure, summer research opportunities, selecting a career path, and balancing work and family.

Mentoring Activities
Throughout the conference, opportunities for informal and formal networking and mentoring abound. Individualized mentoring activities range from the opening evening of Conversation with Scientists to the Graduate School Application and Advising Workshop.

"SACNAS has been like my mentor who always lets me see the potential that I have to become a real outstanding scientist."
- SACNAS Student

SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATIONS

Keynote Addresses
Plenary sessions feature keynote presentations by some of the nation's leading science leaders and researchers shared over sumptuous meals. Keynote speakers serve as role models whose evocative life stories, research work and leadership inspire Gatherings which unite the entire conference, keynote speeches are not to be missed.

Scientific Symposia
The highly regarded scientific symposia provide an opportunity for tenured and budding professionals to share their latest findings, represent the diversity of science research, highlight the interdisciplinary nature and connections to the conference theme of their work, and increase the national visibility of their research's potential impact. The sessions offer students insights into new research methodologies, connect them with prospective research mentor and introduce them to possible areas of study and career.

Graduate and Undergraduate Student Research Presentations
Showcasing the work of undergraduate and graduate students in all science disciplines, the SACNAS student poster and oral presentation represent some of the finest predoctoral research being conducted today. Feedback from professional reviewers and the opportunity to present before an audience of peers, faculty, researchers, and exhibitors make this event a cornerstone in the professional development of young investigators. Exemplary presentations are recognized at the Awards Ceremony.

Postdoc Research Presentations New in 2008!
The postdoc poster showcase, presented during the Postdoc and Graduate Student Reception, will feature members of the SACNAS postdoctoral community presenting their exemplary research. All conference attendees, especially exhibitors and professionals, are encouraged to use this session as an opportunity to network with postdocs and take advantage of this chance for faculty search committees andindustrial recruiters to meet potential job candidates.

EXHIBIT HALL

"I go to a small community college. I knew what my career path was, but I was fuzzy about how I would get there. At the SACNAS conference last year I met a recruiter who put me in touch with an internship at Yale. I applied and was accepted. I got mentoring at Yale an exposure to programs at other large universities. All of this paved the way for my graduate school application. None of it would have happened if I hadn't come to the SACNAS conference."
- SACNAS Student

Exhibit Hall and Poster Presentations
Bring your resume for internships and fellowship application opportunities! Students, faculty, and professionals are invited to expolore science research and education opportunities with over 200 exhibitors. Universities, colleges, national laboratories, and government agencies from across the country will be available to recruit conference participants for internships, fellowships, graduate programs, research/faculty positions, and more. In addition, enjoy presentations by student researchers given in poster format interwoven throughout the exhibit hall.

"The SACNAS conference is a priority for us because it ties into our mission of diversifying the environmental field and mentoring the next generation of environmental leaders through paid internships."
- SACNAS Exhibitor

SPECIAL EVENTS

"...the conference was such a wonderful experience for me and all four of my colleagues....All of us were touched in many ways by the magnitude and cultural strength of the meeting."
- SACNAS Professional

Receptions and Special Interest Forums
The SACNAS National Conference is a diverse and inclusive gathering of individuals with a broad range of research areas, backgrounds, affiliations, and interests. Special interest forums and receptions support opportuntities for informal networking among participants and a chance for members with shared interests to gather, form connections, and develop strategies for mutual support. Receptions and special interest forums are hosted by a range of SACNAS members and partners. In addition, SACNAS hosts the following receptions for our attendees:

Welcome Reception
All conference attendees are invited to the opening gala of the SACNAS National Conference celebrating science, community, and minority advancement. Enjoy music, food, and a relaxing setting before the lively business of this year's chapter in the best minority science conference around begins.

Postdoc & Graduate Student Reception & Postdoc Poster Presentations
Discuss the joys and challenges faced by minority scientists during the postdoctoral training period. Join this vibrant community of new Ph.D.s to build relationship with peers and connect with mentors, fellowship directors, and others dedicated to enhancing the recruitment, mentoring, and success of minority postdocs. The reception will also feature postdoc research poster presentations.

Founders, Life Members, Friends of the Society, & Partners Special Breakfast
The SACNAS Board of Directors and executive director host a special breakfast reception, inviting our lifetime and founding members along with our generous supporters and sponsors as honored guests.

Awards Recognitions
The diverse SACNAS community of students, postdocs, faculty, researchers, administrators, and precollge educators come together throughout the annual conference to share, connect, achieve expertise within their disciplines, and further the role of underrepresented minorities within the scientific community. In recognition of the excellence of our members, SACNAS hosts two special awards ceremonies:

Opening Ceremony
Distinguished awardee, SACNAS presidential honoree, and outgoing Board Member recognitions are celebrated at the Opening Ceremony. These awards honor dedicated community members for their contributions to mentoring, scientific research, education, and the advancement of underrepresented minority science students.

Awards Ceremony
The Student Awards Ceremony is SACNAS' gala concluding evening event of the conference. In honor of the organization's vibrant and exceptionally talented student community, we bestow the student poster and oral presentation awards and recognize the research presentations of all SACNAS students. In addition, the ceremony is an opportunity to highlight the achievements of the outstanding SACNAS Chapters.

Cultural Events
Cultural celebration is infused throughout the conference—from the opening night dinner/reception to Friday night dance and the Pow Wow on the last evening of the conference. SACNAS cultural events represent music, dance, and cultural expression from Chicano, Latino, Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Island traditions.

SACNAS Dance ¡Pachanga!
Come celebrate another successful SACNAS conference with dance, music, and friends.

SACNAS Pow Wow
Celebrate a night of cultural diversity at the SACNAS Pow Wow. Come share the traditions of the society's Native American members in this intertribal gathering of music and dance. Dancers demonstrate their talents with Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Fancy Shawl, and Jingle Dress dancing.

"My first time [at the SACNAS conference] I have been duly affected by the passion of our members. I have been enlightened and educated, and I will certainly be back."
- SACNAS Mentor