Mentees @ SACNAS 2022: Dr. Alexandra Colón-Rodríguez

The National Diversity in STEM Conference, SACNAS 2022, which will take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from October 27 to October 29, marks a historic event in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields in Puerto Rico!

What do mentees say about this historic scientific event? Take a glimpse of the answers by one of my mentees Dr. Alexandra Colón-Rodríguez!

Dr. Rivera-Mariani: Alex, why will you participate in SACNAS?

Dr. Colón-Rodríguez: This year, I have the honor to have been invited to be the keynote speaker for the SACNAS C.O.L.O.R. (Chapter Officer Leadership October Retreat) event. However, I would have attended to continue building my network, mentor students, and learn and celebrate the amazing science being done by diverse scholars at home in Puerto Rico.

Dr. Rivera-Mariani: What panels or workshops are you interested in attending and why?

Dr. Colón-Rodríguez: I am always really interested in professional development workshops/panels about communication and specific career topics like science policy. However, my favorite part is always the keynote and featured speakers. Their work and journeys are inspiring!

Dr. Rivera-Mariani: What do you plan to gain by attending SACNAS?

Dr. Colón-Rodríguez: I am confident that I will continue to grow my network, mentor students, share my experience now as a science policy fellow and my journey in general (during my talk) and hope to encourage others to think about exciting areas one can pursue with a Ph.D. in science.

Dr. Rivera-Mariani: What does it represent to you that a conference like SACNAS is held in PR?

Dr. Colón-Rodríguez: It is very special to have a scientific conference like SACNAS in Puerto Rico. Not only it facilitates the opportunity for Puerto Rican scholars to showcase their work and have exposure to the immense amount of opportunities in internships, jobs, etc., who wouldn’t be able to do so otherwise because of limits in funds, but it also allows others to see the amazing work being done in the island, the resources we have, our people, culture, and hopefully inspire them to invest in and establish collaborations with a scientist in the island.

Dra. Alexandra Colón-Rodríguez

Dr. Alexandra Colón-Rodríguez is a trained neurotoxicologist, and founder of the STEAM100x35. In addition to being a scientist, she is an advocate for equity, a mentor in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) fields, and very passionate about science communication and outreach. Click here to learn more about Dr. Colón-Rodríguez.