Minority Student Organization Awarded for Professional Development

Texas Tech University’s Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Chapter received the 2013 Outstanding Professional Development Award.

SACNAS is a society dedicated to helping underrepresented minorities advance their academics and professional careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The 40th Annual National SACNAS Conference on Oct. 3 in San Antonio will recognize the chapter for its professional development.

The award is given to the chapter whose efforts during the 2012-2013 academic year are exemplary of accomplishments and activities corresponding with the SACNAS mission, vision, goals and values.

“The Texas Tech chapter was recognized because of our professional development series ‘Series in 3D,’ which is currently not offered by other SACNAS chapters across the nation,” said Jaclyn Cañas-Carrell, SANCAS faculty advisor and associate professor of environmental toxicology.

The series brings what the students are learning out of their textbooks and into more personalized meetings. These meetings feature professors, who speak on their research and academic pathway.

Stephanie Pleasant, Texas Tech SACNAS chapter president, said events like the ‘Series in 3D’ allow students the opportunity to network with professionals and learn about research projects on campus.

“The goal of our chapter is to help guide underprivileged and first-generation college students to reach their academic goals in order to continue into their desired profession after graduation,” said Pleasant, a senior chemistry major.

The Texas Tech chapter aims to support students in STEM, especially minority students. Chapter events include a monthly speaker and social.