Sagrado Students Honored for Excellence in Research Presentations at the 2026 SACNAS Annual Conference

Two students received the Outstanding Poster Presentation award in the Chemistry and Geoscience categories at one of the leading scientific conferences in the United States.

By Institutional Communications

Three students from the School of Health and Sciences at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón delivered outstanding presentations at the 2026 annual conference of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), recently held in Long Beach, California. The conference brings together students, researchers, and science professionals, and provided an opportunity for two of Sagrado’s students to be recognized for the quality of their research and scientific presentations.

Students Camila Colón Amaro and Yamilette Román Rodríguez received the Outstanding Poster Presentation award in the Chemistry and Geoscience categories, respectively. These awards recognize excellence in research and scientific communication skills.

“We are extremely proud to see our students take their research to an international scientific forum and receive recognition for the quality of their work. These experiences broaden their academic and professional horizons, allow them to exchange knowledge with researchers from other institutions, and demonstrate that meaningful and impactful scientific research is being conducted at the university level in Puerto Rico. At Sagrado, we promote an educational experience that integrates research, critical thinking, and a commitment to addressing the challenges facing our society,” said Dr. Bianca Valdés Fernández, dean of Sagrado’s School of Health and Sciences.

The three students presented research addressing scientific, environmental, and social issues relevant to Puerto Rico:

Camila Colón Amaro received the Outstanding Poster Presentation in Chemistry recognition for “Production of Biodegradable Plastic from Plantain Peels (Musa paradisiaca).” Her research explores the production of bioplastics from plantain peels as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. The project also examines their biodegradation process, with the goal of helping reduce environmental pollution.

Yamilette Román Rodríguez was recognized with the Outstanding Poster Presentation in Geoscience award for “Physicochemical Impacts of the Martín Peña Channel Obstruction.”, an investigation that examines how the obstruction of the Martín Peña Channel affects water quality and environmental conditions in the San Juan Bay Estuary, based on samples and measurements collected since 2022.

Samuel Arce Mercado presented “Towards Sustainable Long Coriander (Eryngium foetidum) in Puerto Rico: Pathogen Diversity & Grower Survey Insights.” His research identifies pathogens affecting recao production in Puerto Rico and documents, through surveys of farmers and agricultural extension professionals, the strategies used to address these challenges and promote sustainable production.

The students’ participation in SACNAS 2026 represents a significant opportunity to showcase the scientific talent emerging from Puerto Rico, exchange knowledge with the international research community, and bring visibility to research addressing important challenges facing society.

This experience was made possible thanks to the support of JetBlue, whose contribution helped the students participate in this important scientific gathering. This collaboration underscores the value of partnerships between the private sector and academic institutions in expanding students’ opportunities for professional development and international exposure.

The SACNAS annual conference promotes the development and excellence of students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), fostering a more diverse and inclusive scientific community.

For more information about the recognitions at SACNAS 2026, visit this link.

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