SACNAS fosters the success of underrepresented Americans – from college students to professionals – in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and leadership positions in science, technology engineering, and mathematics, otherwise known as STEM. It is the largest multicultural and multidisciplinary STEM diversity organization in the United States, serving more than 20,000 students and professionals.

At the University of Guam, Shelton is a principal investigator of several grants from the National Science Foundation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that provide scientific research training for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in Guam and Micronesia.

“As a local scientist, it is a joy and privilege to find opportunities for other islander students to prepare for careers in science,” Shelton said. “Through the SACNAS national network, I look forward to helping more of our Pacific Island students get connected to and included in scholarship, internship, and advanced degree programs.”

Shelton also serves as the faculty co-advisor, together with Associate Professor Cheryl Sangueza, for the SACNAS University of Guam Student Chapter.

The SACNAS UOG chapter supplements the academic training students receive at UOG with mentorship and professional connections for students in STEM-related industries and institutions, making them highly competitive for opportunities around the country.

“Pacific Island students see the world in unique ways and add diverse perspectives to the national STEM enterprise,” Shelton said. “SACNAS is a valuable network to make sure our students are exposed and connected to successful careers and positions of leadership in STEM.”

Shelton joins four other new members to the SACNAS board elected in December 2021:

• President-elect Charla Lambert, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (N.Y.) Jani C. Ingram, Regents’ Professor at Northern Arizona University Dena Smith-Nufio, Program Director at the National Science Foundation Ingrid Montes-González, Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Campus Student Board Member-elect Lauren W. Yowelunh McLester-Davis, Graduate Research Assistant at Tulane University (La.)

“As we reflect on 2021, it is clear that no person can achieve our vision of ‘True Diversity in STEM’ alone. It takes all of us, bringing our unique talents, backgrounds, and experiences together, to make positive change happen,” said SACNAS President Pamela Padilla in a release. “That’s why I am so pleased to welcome these diverse and committed leaders to our board. Together, the board of directors will work, alongside members, partners, and staff, to accomplish the ambitious goals laid out by SACNAS’ five-year strategic plan, including a doubling of our membership by 2026. Together, we will achieve more.”