What is CAHSI?
"The core purpose of the CAHSI is to create a unified voice in an effort to consolidate the strengths, resources, and concerns of CAHSI institutions that are committed to increase the number of Hispanics who pursue and complete baccalaureate and advanced degrees in computing areas. The core purpose provides the fundamental reason for the Alliance's existence while guiding and inspiring the organization. by working as a focused, unified group, CAHSI efforts have been deliberate and effective."For more information about CAHSI, you can visit: http://cahsi.cs.utep.edu/ABOUT/AboutCAHSI/tabid/191/Default.aspx.
What is SACNAS?
"The Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is a society of scientists dedicated to fostering the success of Hispanic/Chicano and Native American scientists—from college students to professionals—to attain advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in science ... The goals and outcomes SACNAS hopes to achieve are:
- To increase the number of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans with advanced degrees in science and the motivation to be leaders.
- To increase the number of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in science research, leadership, and teaching careers at all levels.
- To increase governmental commitment to advancing Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in science resulting in increased resources, elimination of barriers, and greater equity."
NMSU goes to Seattle!
The 2012 SACNAS/CAHSI Conference had a record number of attendees - approximately 3,800! Three YWiC research assistants received scholarships from CAHSI to attend this conference, and proudly attended to represent the Young Women in Computing program and NMSU. For YWiC and NMSU this conference was not just about exploring new places. SACNAS/CAHSI was about making new contacts and networking with other outreach initiatives, and taking advantage of leadership workshops.
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| Representing NMSU! |
CAHSI Symposium
The CAHSI Symposium took place before the SACNAS conference started. The day started off with breakfast and a keynote speech by Rosa Enciso Baca from Microsoft. Dr. Pontelli, YWiC's Program Director, gave a presentation outlining all of the outreach activities conducted by CAHSI institutions.
Research assistant Tasha Nesiba had the opportunity to participate in the CAHSI Student Panel themed "Lessons Learned for Academic or Research Success". Panelists each had a turn to talk about their experiences as a student and share any tips they had learned along the way. If you want to check out the slides prepared for the panel by Tasha and Yolian, another CAHSI student on the panel, click HERE.
Relevant workshops and sessions
This conference provided participants the opportunity to attend special sessions designed to inspire attendees. These sessions varied in content and included sessions featuring technical talks, leadership workshops, research presentations, and in-depth conversations with scientists.
Over the course of the conference, YWiC members attended sessions including:
- CAHSI Symposium
- Making New Contacts: Learning to Network Strategically
- Engaging Underrepresented Communities with Science Using Social Networking
- Making Our Voices Heard: Negotiating the Promises and Challenges of STEM Education for Historically Underrepresented Youth
- How Safe Are We From Cyberattacks: Protecting Our Infrastructure and Computers from Intruders
- Effectively Managing Conflict
Hugely influential in the success of SACNAS/CAHSI conferences are the keynote speakers and cultural programs. One speaker in particular stood out to our students: Dr. Steven Strogatz.
"Dr. Steven Strogatz is the Jacob Gould Schurman professor of applied mathematics at Cornell University. A renowned teacher and one of the world's most highly cited mathematicians, he blogs about math for the New York Times and has been a frequent guest on National Public Radio's 'RadioLab'." Dr. Strogatz spoke candidly about past experiences and his journey to finding out what he wanted to accomplish in life, effectively inspiring the audience to pursue their intellectual passions.
As part of their mission to create awareness and foster feelings of solidarity and community among all peoples, SACNAS and CAHSI incorporate the cultures and customs of people native to the conference site into the conference programming. This year, Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest were prominently featured in all general conference keynote sessions, presenting Pendleton blankets to speakers at the conclusions of their presentations. Other cultural programs at the conference included:
- Native American cultural presentation
- Pachanga on Friday evening
- Pow Wow on Saturday evening
Out on the Town!
Seattle is an incredible city, featuring tastes and styles from unique and eclectic to urban and high profile. Of course we had to take some time out of our busy schedule to see the city and tour some of its most recognized points of interest including the Seattle Aquarium, Pike's Place Market, Seattle Gum Wall, Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, and Original Starbucks!
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| King Tut Exhibit - Science Center |
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| Seattle Aquarium |
Our thoughts
"The CAHSI/SACNAS conference was so much fun! It was great to meet new people who are CAHSI members, and I loved learning about the different cultures of the region." - Tasha
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