The Vermont EPSCoR Center for Workforce Development and Diversity (CWDD) recently joined five EPSCoR representatives from jurisdictions around the country to represent NSF-EPSCoR at the SACNAS conference. SACNAS, the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science, hosts a national conference each year. The 2015 National SACNAS Conference, held in Washington D.C from October 29-31, hosted speakers, workshops, conference sessions, poster presentations, and more, for undergraduate and graduate scientists. It offers an opportunity for a diverse group of researchers to disseminate their research while networking and engaging in career development opportunities.
The NSF EPSCoR booth was set up in the exhibitor hall which offers attendees the opportunity to explore graduate schools, fellowships, internships, and job opportunities. The NSF-EPSCoR table represented opportunities in fifteen different states/jurisdictions, and five states sent representatives to talk to students and faculty about the research programs available. The conference was also a chance for EPSCoR jurisdictions to network with each other about NSF EPSCoR education, outreach, and diversity (EOD) programs.
In addition, RACC intern Jake Carrasquillo-Rodriguez was awarded a SACNAS Travel Scholarship which enabled him to present his research poster at the SACNAS National Conference. Jake presented the research he conducted with Dr. Yaoyang Xu, Peter Isles, Dr. Jason Stockwell, and Dr. Andrew Schroth on algal blooms in Lake Champlain and Shelburne Pond during the 2015 Summer Internship.
Additional information about the SACNAS conference can be seen at the SACNAS Website.