This was my first time attending SACNAS, and it gave me the chance to explore an area of STEM I hadn’t interacted with much before. Most of my experience is centered around statistics and data science, so being in a space focused on life sciences and bio research introduced me to perspectives and applications that were new to me. I appreciated being able to see how different disciplines connect in ways I hadn’t considered.

I also met students and professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, including minority, first-gen, and international attendees who openly shared their experiences. Their honesty made it easier for me to think about my own path and how people navigate STEM in very different ways. These conversations made the conference feel more welcoming and easier to navigate.

Overall, SACNAS helped me understand the broader landscape of opportunities in STEM and showed me that my quantitative background can fit into more spaces than I originally thought. It reminded me to stay open-minded, keep learning, and connect with people who can help me grow along the way.