Last week, MBARI staff participated in the 2026 SACNAS Annual Conference, the country’s leading multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM conference. With support from MBARI and Dalio Philanthropies, six former MBARI summer interns attended the conference, providing them an opportunity to network with fellow STEM students and young professionals.

SACNAS is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and leadership positions in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). 

The SACNAS Annual Conference works to equip, empower, and energize college students through early-career professionals for their academic and career paths in STEM. During the three-day conference in Long Beach, California, attendees were immersed in cutting-edge STEM research, professional development sessions, motivational keynote speakers, and the Academic and Career Expo, as well as multicultural celebrations and traditions.

MBARI sponsored a booth in the SACNAS Academic and Career Expo, giving conference participants a chance to meet Talent Acquisition and Retention Specialist Jessica Chapman to learn more about career opportunities at MBARI. Senior Education and Research Specialist George Matsumoto and Research Technician Megan Bassett were on hand to answer questions about MBARI internships.

MBARI’s Summer Internship Program pairs undergraduates, graduate students, and educators with MBARI staff for a 10-week research project. MBARI summer interns represent a variety of backgrounds, experience, and education. Approximately 18 percent have come from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in STEM. This year, MBARI summer interns were invited to participate in local conferences, providing a chance to share their research, network with their peers, and learn about STEM careers.

MBARI’s Summer Internship Program is supported by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and Dalio Philanthropies.

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