Faculty Advisors:
Dr. Bala Chaudhary (Associate Professor of Environmental Studies) is an ecologist who studies microbial dispersal, community assembly, and biogeography with a focus on plant-fungal mycorrhizal symbioses. She writes and speaks extensively on strategies to promote antiracism in STEM and is thrilled to support the new SACNAS chapter at Dartmouth and be in community with such a vibrant group of scientists.
Email: Bala.Chaudhary@dartmouth.edu
Dr. Zaneta Thayer (Associate Professor of Anthropology) is a biological anthropologist with expertise in understanding the impacts of stress on maternal and child health. Using data from New Zealand, the US, the Philippines, and Rwanda, she has demonstrated the intergenerational effects of maternal exposure to poverty, racism, genocide, and immigration-related stress. As a scientist and mother, she is passionate about ensuring that pregnant people and their families feel well supported across the perinatal period. She is excited for the opportunity to support the SACNAS at Dartmouth community.
Email: Zaneta.Marie.Thayer@dartmouth.edu
Jane Seibel (Assistant Dean of Recruiting and Diversity) has been at Dartmouth since 2011 in her current role as Assistant Dean of Recruiting and Diversity in the School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. She is really looking forward to working with the SACNAS chapter as one of their advisors, there are so many opportunities that lie ahead for the members.
Email: Jane.B.Seibel@Dartmouth.edu
2024-2025 Executive Board
Co-President: Sarah Najera
Sarah Najera is a 5th year in the Biochemistry and Cell Biology track. She is interested in understanding the biochemical and mechanistic aspects of selective autophagy. As a SACNAS member she hopes to give back through outreach programs and mentor/mentee relationships in order to build a welcoming STEM environment for underrepresented people in STEM. She will continue to create such an environment throughout her scientific career
Email: sarah.i.najera.gr@dartmouth.edu
Co-President: Sarah Vandal
Sarah Vandal is a 4th year PhD student in the Biochemistry and Cell Biology department. She is interested in the molecular and biochemical mechanisms behind cells size and shape regulation during the cell cycle. As a SACNAS member, she is interested in developing an inclusive community and comfortable environment for URM individuals to work towards their personal and professional goals.
Email: sarah.e.vandal.gr@dartmouth.edu
Director of Activities: Hector Sanchez, PhD
Hector Sanchez (he/him/él) is a microbiologist turned DEIB practitioner. He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology studying the microscopic relationships between microbes and immunity, now through a macroscopic lens, he hopes to develop new strategies to build diverse, inclusive, and equitable spaces. His goals with SACNAS are to support and mentor underrepresented minorities from STEM backgrounds to pursue Ph.D. programs and to increase the visibility of URM students in the workplace.
Email: hector.f.sanchez@dartmouth.edu
Secretary: Carson Finger
Email: carson.finger.gr@dartmouth.edu
National Liaison: Keyla Ramirez Soto
Email: keyla.m.ramirez.soto.gr@dartmouth.edu
Treasurer: Samantha Liu
Sam Liu is a 4th year student in the Biochemistry and Cell Biology Department. She is interested in the organelle-dependent quality control mechanisms of tail-anchored proteins. Through SACNAS, she hopes to help support a welcoming community for underrepresented groups in STEM and establish/maintain strong connections with early scientists in our local community through outreach programs
Email: samantha.l.liu.gr@dartmouth.edu
Community/Outreach Coordinator: Jessica de Alcantara Ferreira
Jessica de Alcantara Ferreira (she/her) is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Biochemistry and Cell Biology department. Her research focuses on the dynamics of prion formation, aiming to uncover strategies to combat this challenging neurodegenerative disease. As a member of SACNAS, she is interested in seeking outreach opportunities and mentoring underrepresented minority students, helping them navigate the path to graduate school, and supporting them throughout their academic journeys.
Email: jessica.de.alcantara.ferreira.gr@dartmouth.edu