SACNAS was founded in 1973 by a group of minority scientists, and was incorporated in 1986 under the name of Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science, Inc.  In 1987 SACNAS received tax-exempt status under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code. SACNAS is dedicated to fostering the success of  scientists—from college students to professionals—to attain advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in science.

To learn more about the national SACNAS organization visit sacnas.org.

UO’s chapter of SACNAS was established in 2014 by Physics PhD student Mayra Amezcua. In addition to attending the SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference, UO SACNAS holds professional development events (résumé-writing workshops, workshops on getting involved in STEM research or applying to graduate school, networking opportunities, workshops on creating an “elevator talk” about your research, preparation for conference attendance); community and local middle and high school STEM outreach events; and science-related fun and recreation events. Our goals are to build a supportive community of undergraduates in STEM, build relationships with other STEM-field students and professionals through regional and national conference attendance, and to have a positive impact in the world through outreach.