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 University of Guam (UOG) continued to make its presence felt on Day 2 of the 2026 Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Annual Conference, as students, researchers, and university representatives showcased the island’s growing contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Excitement, anticipation, and Guam pride filled the air as the University of Guam (UOG) delegation arrived in Long Beach, California, for the opening day of the 2026 Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Conference (SACNAS 2026).

For many of the students, the trip represents a series of firsts: their first national scientific conference, their first opportunity to present research to a national audience, and, for some, their first experience traveling to the mainland United States.

“I’m not going to lie, for me, this is a ‘lifetime achievement award.’” That is how Cheryl Sangueza, Ph.D., describes being named a 2026 SACNAS Distinguished Mentor.
The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is recognizing Sangueza, one of Guam’s own, for a sustained, long-term record of mentorship in STEM, the standard the Distinguished Mentor Award is built on. She will receive the award during the conference general session.