The University of Guam delegation to SACNAS continued to celebrate Indigenous cultures, and expand their academic and professional horizons during the third day of the 2026 Annual Conference.
The day marked another milestone for the UOG delegation as students completed their research poster presentations, sharing their scientific work with researchers, educators, and fellow students from institutions across the nation.
“The presentations for the students from Guam were very interesting,” said Margaret Rinna who observed students during the event. “I was able to learn a lot about the research that sounds like a lot of fun and is very well informed. You can really see the dedication to the science and the great mentorship that is place.”
Rinna was just one of the thousands of attendees for the conference who witnessed the research presentations of the UOG delegation throughout the two days of judging.
Beyond the research presentations, students immersed themselves in opportunities for professional and personal growth through a variety of professional development sessions and breakout discussions.
These sessions offered valuable insights into graduate education, career pathways, mentorship, leadership, and navigating opportunities within the STEM community. Students engaged with professionals and peers, gaining knowledge and building connections that could help shape their future academic and career journeys.
One of the day’s cultural highlights was the conference Pow Wow, which brought participants together for a celebration of Native American heritage, traditions, and community.
The experience reinforced one of the central values of SACNAS: that cultural identity and scientific excellence are not separate pursuits, but powerful forces that can strengthen and enrich one another.
The day ended with optimism for the next day’s awards announcements and a greater appreciation for the opportunity to showcase the research on such a grand stage.