University of Guam biology student Jordan Barcinas, center, won the "Outstanding Research Presentation" award at the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Conference for his presentation on jellyfish. Standing with Barcinas are SACNAS Past President Dr. Maggie Werner Washburne, left, and SACNAS President Dr. Lino Gonzalez.

 

University of Guam students presented their research projects last month at the nation’s largest conference focusing on diversity in STEM with one UOG student winning an award. The conference was the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Conference, held Oct. 9–13 in San Antonio, Texas.

The students gave poster presentations, competing against thousands of other students nationwide. UOG biology major Jordan Barcinas received a coveted “Outstanding Research Presentation” award in the General Biology/Life Sciences division. His presentation was on his hydroid (jellyfish) research project.

“Winning the award felt surreal, but I am honored that my experiment and presentation were held in such high regard,” Barcinas said. “I really enjoyed the 2018 SACNAS conference, and I’m thankful to UOG for the experience.”

Dr. Bastian Bentlage, an assistant professor of bioinformatics at UOG’s Marine Laboratory, mentored Barcinas in his research.

In its 45th year, the SACNAS National Conference is regarded as the nation’s largest conference focusing on diversity in STEM with more than 4,000 student and professional attendees annually. From UOG, 17 students and faculty attended this year.

The University of Guam sent a delegation to the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science National Conference, held in October in San Antonio, Texas.

An opportunity for the community to meet with UOG's SACNAS conference attendees and learn about their experience will be held at a special UOG SACNAS Chapter Seminar from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. this Thursday, Nov. 8, in Room 129 of the UOG School of Business and Public Administration. The attendees will also share how others can take advantage of future STEM opportunities.

Travel for the UOG delegation to the SACNAS National Conference was made possible through grants awarded to UOG, including the Guam Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (Guam EPSCoR), National Science Foundation INCLUDES Pilot: Growing STEM, UOG Sea Grant, UOG School of Health’s BUILD EXITO program, UOG Professional and International Programs, and the Research Corporation of the University of Guam.