This past October, I had the privilege of attending the National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference in Columbus, Ohio, organized by the Society for the Advancement of Chicano and Native American Scientists (SACNAS), where I helped table for the exhibition booth representing the NSF-funded ROOT & SHOOT RCN.
Attending the NDiSTEM conference was a breath of fresh air, especially as many scientists of color are being targeted through funding cuts and current administrative changes, making this a particularly difficult academic year. Despite the limitations placed on our community, the event was full of enthusiasm and inspiration, notably from the keynote speakers sharing their stories of perseverance. Hearing from leading scientists who were not only experts in their fields but also champions of diversity and inclusion gave me hope for the future of STEM. Additionally, I was captivated by the way the conference celebrated culture alongside scientific achievements, from mariachi music to folkloric dance performances to facilitating an Indigenous marketplace. At this conference unlike others, our cultures weren’t just recognized, it was also actively integrated into the fabric of the scientific conversations happening around us.
I was inspired by ROOT & SHOOT’s role in advancing DEI practices within plant science, a field that has historically marginalized groups of color from participating in research (1). Alongside Crispin and Andrea, we engaged with students and professionals about the opportunities provided, including travel funds and mentoring programs offered by the six plant science organizations within the network. It was empowering to share the work being done and what I had been involved with recently, especially with undergraduate students who are at the beginning of their careers in pursuing plant research. One of the most valuable aspects of the conference for me was the opportunity to connect with students, both as a mentor but also as a mentee to PhD students, particularly from graduate programs I am applying to. I was also fortunate to present my thesis research during the poster session and received encouraging feedback from the connections I had made throughout the event.
I first heard about SACNAS earlier this year through a colleague at the UMass Amherst chapter. As I learned more about the organization and its mission, attending community gatherings and regional events, I immediately resonated with its commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and unity for underrepresented groups in STEM fields, especially as a Latina, first-generation master’s student coming from a predominantly white institution. Being able to attend their annual event was a full-circle moment for me and one that I will carry with me throughout my academic career, thanks to ROOT & SHOOT!
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Marge Poma Alarcon is a second-year master’s student at Smith College. Her research focuses on studying how trees native to the Northeast US will respond to drought through an eco-physiological lens. She is an active member of the Botanical Society of America (BSA).
(1) Marks RA, Amézquita EJ, Percival S, Rougon-Cardoso A, Chibici-Revneanu C, Tebele SM, Farrant JM, Chitwood DH, & VanBuren R. (2022). Global disparities in plant science: a legacy of colonialism, patriarchy, and exclusion. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI: 10.1101/2022.10.15.512190
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