Ahead of its National Diversity in STEM Conference, Oct. 19–24, the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) has announced the awardees to be recognized during the six-day event.
“Every year we recognize two excellent scientists that have made significant contributions to their field and that have a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion in STEM. This year we honor Javier Rojo, Ph.D., and Lorenza Levy, Ph.D., inspiring professionals who embody the mission of SACNAS,” said SACNAS President Dr. Sonia Zárate.
According to SACNAS, this year’s scientists were nominated by students and colleagues who were impacted by their work and selected by a committee of peers. SACNAS serves 28,000 supporters, including more than 8,200 members, and 118 student and professional chapters.
Since the Distinguished Awards program was initiated in 1997, the organization has honored over 80 scientists, educators, and program directors for their commitment to, and personification of, SACNAS’ mission to help those underserved in STEM to attain advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership.
Dr. Rojo is the Korvis Professor of Statistics at Oregon State University. Some of his career-long achievements include founding a BioStatistical Laboratory; leading efforts to create two Ph.D. programs; and creating a Research Experience of Undergrads called RUSIS, which has had 246 participants and 40 alumni subsequently receiving their PhDs.
“One of the amazing things about Dr. Rojo is his willingness to take risks,” said Professor Bill Velez of Arizona State University. “He accepts students who don’t have a great GPA or who do not have a substantial background in mathematics. Yet his data is enviable and shows that in spite of this, his RUSIS (Research Experience of Undergraduate Students) graduates are pursuing postgraduate studies.”
Lorenza Levy is an associate professor of physics and astronomy at San Diego City College, where she has been since 2007.
“Lorenza challenges her students to think critically while encouraging them to keep true to their Latinx heritage,” said Dr. Alberto Vasquez of the University of California, San Diego. “She has written hundreds of recommendation letters for summer research programs, scholarships, and transfer applications for her students and club members. Such efforts have helped students be accepted to various research programs and universities, locally and across the nation. Her students admire her, colleagues consult her, and her mentorship changes lives.”
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