SACNAS-APUS - Follow Us
Email - sacnas.apus@gmail.com
Our chapter of The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) at APUS (American Public University System) promotes both students and professionals within our community, fostering a haven for a community of minority scientists and STEM students. We hope to energize members and support a network of visibility of minority scientists.
A Latinx's Journey in NASA while Pursuing a PhD in STEM.
Breaking Barriers: A Latinx's Journey in NASA while Pursuing a PhD in STEM.
Email - sacnas.apus@gmail.com
As a dedicated non-traditional student at the American Public University System, I am pursuing my M.S. in Earth and Planetary Science, building on my A.S. in Space Studies and B.S. in Aerospace Science. My ethnic background is a rich tapestry woven from my Cherokee, Seneca, and Mohawk heritage, which has instilled in me a deep respect for nature, community, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Additionally, I embody my Spanish Chicano heritage, reflecting a blend of diverse cultural influences that have shaped my perspectives and aspirations.
This cultural foundation informs my passion for exploration and environmental stewardship, driving my ambition to contribute meaningfully to the fields of astrobiology and aerospace aviation through future doctoral research. I recently gained valuable experience as a safety intern with the Virginia Spaceport Authority in the summer of 2024 and am excited to explore new opportunities within these fields.
Beyond my academic pursuits, I am committed to education and outreach as a NASA Eclipse Pathway Ambassador. I look forward to participating in the ASP Winter Field Study on Helio Physics in Fairbanks, Alaska, and I take pride in being a NASA L’SPACE alumnus. I am also honored to have been selected as a NASA Climate Change Research Initiative Educator Ambassador for 2025. After my Analog Astronaut training in Spring 2025 for the AARG Mission, I aim to further my involvement by training as a Flight Director.
In my personal life, I enjoy a diverse array of hobbies, including hiking, cooking, writing, painting, creating music, traveling, spelunking, and collecting first edition books. As a parent to three grown sons, I fully embrace the adventure of lifelong learning.
One of my guiding beliefs is encapsulated in my favorite quote: "Together we can change the world, just one random act of kindness at a time.".
Pedro Maldonado has over 20 years of experience in the federal government and has been working in Washington, DC, for the last ten years.
Pedro currently serves as Director of the Office of Financial Management at the Federal Highway Administration.
After serving in the U.S. Army as a 19D Cavalry Scout, with a deployment to Iraq in 2008, he received his master's degree in International Administration at the University of Miami in 2012. He is currently a Doctor of Global Security student at American Military University.
Evie Arrona is a U.S. Navy veteran and recent graduate with a B.S. in Space Studies and Aerospace Science. She currently works in the Critical Systems Department at NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, where she directly supports astronaut training operations. Evie is a proud alumna of NASA's L'SPACE Mission Concept Academy, where she helped develop innovative concepts for lunar exploration as part of the Artemis program. She was named a Space Gala Scholar by Reinvented Magazine and won first place in an engineering design challenge, sponsored by the Department of Education. As a member of wSTEM, WiVLA, AIAA, HMNS, HAS, and SACNAS, she is passionate about advocating for inclusivity in STEM and building a future where brilliance is never limited by ability.
Dr. Kristin Drexler is a full-time faculty of Geography and Conservation of Natural Resources for American Public University System’s School of STEM. She recently earned her PhD in Educational Leadership at New Mexico State University (NMSU) specializing in socio-ecological systems research. Drexler earned her Master of Arts degree in International Affairs/Latin American Studies from Ohio University, with an emphasis in Natural Resources Management. Drexler has conducted numerous community surveys and feasibility studies in Belize regarding agroforestry, conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Until she became a full time Instructor with APUS in 2009, Ms. Drexler was an Environmental Scientist in New Mexico, conducting field biology surveys and environmental impact analyses. Drexler founded the Belize Field School Program at NMSU, coordinating short courses in Belize in wildlife science, marine ecology, agriculture, and documentary film (2006-2014). Most recently, Drexler produced an award-winning short film, “Yochi” (2016), a story about youth conservation and action against poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Dr. Michelle Watts is the Assistant Department Chair for Global Security in the Department of Security and Global Studies at the American Public University System, where she also teaches in the doctoral program. She has a degree in International Studies from the American University, a master's degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Arizona, and a Ph.D. in International Development from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has collaborated with colleagues on nine research grants encompassing a wide range of topics. Her work includes “Bomberos, Maestros y Psicólogos: Guatemalan Civil Society Response to the Volcano of Fire Disaster,” “Making Sovereignty Mean Something: Native Nations and Creative Adaptation”; “Drugs, Thugs, and the Diablos Rojos: Perils and Progress in Panama;” “Seguridad del Canal de Panamá: Una Década Después de la Salida de Estados Unidos” (Security of the Panama Canal: One Decade after US Departure); and “Game of Norms: Panama, the International Community, and Indigenous Rights.” She is Principal Investigator for the research study “A Case Study Comparison of Pandemic Experience of Indigenous Groups in the Americas.”
Hello! My name is Jim Burch and I currently reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I finally reached my lifelong goal to work with students at the university level. I enjoy interacting with students and helping them align their efforts to reach their professional and academic goals.
Background.
I am originally from Panama in Central America of U.S./Panamanian ancestry. I lived in Panama until I was eighteen. I attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy located in Kings Point, New York. I speak fluent Spanish, with a working knowledge of Portuguese and French. I am married to my wife Maria, of 33 years, who is also from Panama. We have five kids, two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, one granddaughter, three dogs, and one cat! We have really taken to life in Colorado!
Career.
I am a veteran of the U.S. Navy, where I served for 20 years as a Naval Cryptologist and as an Intelligence Professional. Most of my career took me overseas. My last duty assignment was with NORAD U.S. Northern Command, where I worked on homeland security and defense issues. I retired from the U.S. Navy in 2009.
Education.
I have a Doctor of Management from Colorado Technical University. I also have a Master of Art from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Security Studies (Homeland Security) and a Master of Art in Military History from the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College, located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. I also hold a master’s level graduate certificate from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in Homeland Security and recently completed a master’s certificate program in Strategic Warning from National Intelligence University (NIU). My military education includes both phases of Joint Professional Military Education the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island, and the Joint Forces Staff College at Norfolk, Virginia.
Topic: SACNAS Membership
Time: Dec 19, 2023, 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Meeting ID: 959 8363 5672
Passcode: 141083
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Topic: SACNAS-APUS Membership Meeting
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Ashley Johnson is originally from Miami, FL and currently lives in Georgia with her husband and 2 young children. She is working towards her B.S. in Natural Science with a concentration in Biology with the goal of pursuing a Masters in Marine Biology. She is passionate about marine animals and ecosystems and hopes to combine her love of science and animals to further research and conservation efforts. She is excited to be serving her WSTEM community.
Lori Mateus is originally from Rhode Island and currently lives in Maryland. She received her B.S. in Information Technology Management in 2012 and her M.S. in Cybersecurity Studies in 2020 from AMU. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She has been a member of wSTEM/AWIS since 2018. In 2019, she served as the Webmistress for wSTEM/AWIS from 2019 to 2020 upon the completion of her term she then stayed on as an Alumni Advisor for both wSTEM and AWIS.