Society that Supports Hispanics, Chicanos and Native Americans in Science Names Colorado State University a Role Model Chapter

Note to Reporters: A photo of Arlene Nededog is available with the news release at http://news.colostate.edu.

For the fifth year in a row, the society of scientists dedicated to Advancing Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science, or SACNAS, has honored Colorado State University SACNAS Chapter with another major award.

Colorado State is one of only eight chapters of 60 nationwide to be recognized with the Role Model Chapter Award for its Outstanding Chapter and Regional Leadership. The chapter is managed in the College of Natural Sciences by Arlene Nededog, director of Undergraduate Retention Programs.

The Role Model award was based on numerous factors including an extensive analysis of the chapter’s annual report and the types of activities accomplished, as well as chapter membership. The Colorado State chapter will be formally recognized at this year’s SACNAS National Conference in San Jose, Calif., in October 2011.

In 2010, the Colorado State chapter was one of six recognized with the Medium Size (15-30 members) Chapter of the Year Award. The chapter was recognized for, among other accomplishments, leadership development and overall cohesiveness of the chapter, the chapter’s extensive facilitation of the Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting and mentoring with the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair and tutoring with the Triunfo/Triumph Leadership Program – a partnership that matches undergraduate CSU tutors with underserved K-5 students in the Poudre School District. The program is coordinated by El Centro Student Services and the College of Natural Sciences Education & Outreach Center.

“The chapter and Ms. Nededog’s team continue to be honored for their tireless work to encourage ethnically diverse students to pursue advanced degrees in science and engineering and to prepare them for leadership in research and teaching careers,” said Colorado State Provost Rick Miranda. “We are delighted with this most deserved recognition.”

“Your example has made the Colorado group an outstanding and unique chapter – one that we
look forward to learning more from,” Tanya Beat, program manager for the national SACNAS organization, said in the award letter to Colorado State.

According to National Science Foundation figures, more than 15,000 doctoral degrees in science and engineering were granted in 1989, 387 to Hispanic and 55 to Native American U.S. citizens and permanent residents. In 2009, the number awarded to Hispanics had tripled to 1,131 – out of nearly 21,000 doctoral degrees – but the number awarded to Native Americans only increased by 24, totaling 79 degrees granted.

The purpose of the SACNAS CSU chapter is to connect people from all racial, ethnic and professional backgrounds who are passionate about working with diverse populations in the science and engineering fields. The group also aims to encourage ethnically diverse students to pursue graduation education and obtain advanced degrees.

Faculty and advisory board members of the CSU chapter:

• Brad Reisfeld – Chemical and Biological Engineering
• Brett Beal – Coordinator, School of Biomedical Engineering
• David Gilkey – Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences
• Erica Suchman – Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology
• Iuliana Oprea – Mathematics
• Lisa Angeloni – Biology
• Paul Laybourn – Natural Sciences and Biochemistry
• Shane Kanatous – Biology
• Shannon Archibeque-Engle – Animal Sciences
• Lawrence Goodridge – Animal Sciences
• Judy Brobst – College of Natural Sciences Career Center Liason

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