University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Kamuela Yong was named the 2023 recipient of the Outstanding Mentor Award for Native American Students by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS).
SACNAS, the largest multicultural and multidisciplinary STEM diversity organization in the United States, announced the award at its National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference in October in Portland, Ore.
Winners of the SACNAS Outstanding Mentor Awards are individuals who show exceptional commitment to mentoring the next generation of diverse STEM students.
“Dr. Kameula Yong is a long-time, dedicated SACNAS member and champion of true diversity in STEM,” said Daniela Bernal, SACNAS Associate Director of Member Services. “On behalf of the SACNAS community, we are honored to celebrate Dr. Yong for his commitment to mentoring the next generation of STEM.”
Yong said receiving the Outstanding Native American Student Mentor award and being recognized as an outstanding mentor mean a lot to him.
“I owe so much to my mentors,” Yong said. “They saw things in me before I did and provided unwavering support.
“Their impact changed my life, and it motivates me to pay them back by mentoring the next generation,” he continued. “I hope to make a positive impact on others, just as my mentors did for me.”
For 50 years, SACNAS has served as an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership within STEM. Every year, SACNAS honors members of its community who have demonstrated dedication to science, education, and mentoring.
The other 2023 SACNAS Outstanding Mentors are: Outstanding Research and Professional Mentor Dr. Giovanna Guerrero Medina from Ciencia Puerto Rico and Yale Ciencia Initiative; Outstanding Hispanic Student Mentor Dr. Teresa Ramírez, founder of the Brown University SACNAS Chapter; and Outstanding College/University Mentor Dr. Joslynn S. Lee with Fort Lewis College.
Yong and his fellow SACNAS award-winning Outstanding Mentors were recently part of a panel featured in the SACNAS webinar, “Mentoring for #TrueDiversity in STEM.”
During the webinar, Yong shared about his experiences being mentored and how that helped him become the mentor he is today. He also gave advice to both students who are looking for mentors, as well as faculty looking to become mentors.
“Mentorship is crucial because students may be unaware of key aspects in navigating the educational and professional landscape,” Yong said. “With their knowledge, mentors play a pivotal role in connecting students to opportunities, ranging from specific classes and research to internships, graduate programs, and job prospects.”
Unfortunately, students from underrepresented STEM backgrounds may not be aware of these possibilities, facing challenges in seeking assistance or feeling included, Yong said.
“Providing mentorship is about sharing knowledge, fostering belonging, and ensuring equal access to resources for the success of all students,” he said.