Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
Nine CSUSB students and faculty in the biology department — assistant professors Heidy Contreras, Joe Heras and Anna Zelaya — represented the College of Natural Sciences at the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference held in Phoenix.
The students presented their research, networked with leading scientists and engaged in professional development workshops. Additionally, they gained invaluable exposure to cutting-edge science and the broader STEM community, fostering connections with mentors and peers nationwide.
The SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference is widely regarded as the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event in the nation. It serves as a vital platform for historically underrepresented scientists to share their research, exchange ideas and build networks to support their academic and professional journeys.
“The outstanding work presented by our faculty and students at SACNAS highlights the power of mentorship, collaboration and curiosity-driven science,” said Sastry G. Pantula, dean of the College of Natural Sciences. “This conference not only provided a venue to showcase our research excellence but also provided an inspirational and networking opportunity for future leaders in science from CSUSB.”
Contreras presented her research in a featured session, “STEM pedagogy in a post-COVID world: Culturally relevant pedagogy and student-centered teaching in the STEM classroom.” Her work explored how culturally relevant teaching methods and student-centered approaches can transform STEM education, particularly in a post-pandemic era where equity and inclusivity are more critical than ever. By focusing on strategies that prioritize diverse student voices and learning experiences, Contreras’ presentation offered valuable insights for educators striving to support student success in STEM.
“As a lifetime member of SACNAS and an alumna of the Lindon-Poodry SACNAS Leadership Institute (LPSLI), I deeply understand the transformative power of belonging to a community that celebrates individuality and diversity,” said Contreras. “The National Diversity in STEM Conference creates a vital space for students, early career professionals and established scientists to come together, celebrate diverse perspectives and confront systemic barriers. It fosters meaningful collaborations that drive innovation while offering underrepresented scientists a place where they are truly seen, valued and empowered to thrive.”
At the conference, two CSUSB students earned Outstanding Research Presentation Awards for their poster presentations: Karen Alvarenga (from Zelaya’s lab) and Mark Adams (from Contreras’ lab). These awards are a testament to the quality of research being conducted in the biology department at CSUSB and the dedication of the students and their mentors. Alvarenga’s and Adams’ projects demonstrated innovative approaches to scientific inquiry, addressing important questions in their respective fields and showcasing the potential of future leaders in STEM.
“I am honored to be a part of the SACNAS student chapter at CSUSB. For many of our students, the NDiSTEM is the first national conference they attend,” said Zelaya. “This year marks the third conference I have traveled to with CSUSB students. Each time, students have returned to CSUSB with greater confidence and a renewed commitment to their science and studies.
“It is a privilege to serve with people and programs that foster inclusivity in science and to see the positive impact these programs have on our students,” she added.
By bringing students into a space where they can network, present their research and connect with peers and professionals from similar backgrounds, Zelaya is helping to build confidence and forge a path for the next generation of STEM leaders.
“I had the honor – as one of the SACNAS faculty advisors and LSAMP co-coordinator at CSUSB – to bring students from CSUSB to experience the SACNAS NDiSTEM conference,” said Heras. “It feels full circle for me because I know from firsthand experience just how pivotal a conference like this can be for the trajectory of one’s career, having now attended four of these conferences. I’m excited to continue offering these types of opportunities for students to not only build upon their professional skills but also feel like they can be supported in STEM spaces.”
SACNAS NDiSTEM is more than just a conference. It is a community that validates participants’ identities, celebrates their achievements and inspires them to reach new heights in their scientific journeys. The experience is a reminder that representation, connection and support can make all the difference in creating inclusive and thriving STEM communities.
Participation in the conference reflects the biology department’s deep commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM. By empowering students to engage in high-level research and present their findings nationally, the department is cultivating a new generation of scientists who are prepared to tackle global challenges.
The College of Natural Sciences is proud of the contributions made by faculty members Contreras, Heras and Zelaya, as well as their students, whose efforts not only advance scientific