STEM Research Association
When Roger Muñiz joined CPP as a Kinesiology major, with the goal of becoming a physical therapist, he got involved in exercise research in Professor Eddie Jo’s lab. He discovered his passion for research. After talking with chemistry professor Alex John and his students about their research, Muñiz switched majors to biochemistry, feeling it would allow even more opportunities for research.
Muñiz recognized that, like him, many of his fellow students were at a loss on how to get involved in undergraduate research. At the time, there were no research-oriented clubs, so in 2025 he formed the STEM Research Association (STEMRA). “We’re students wanting to help other students get into research. It’s not as daunting as it appears at first,” Muñiz said.
STEMRA isn’t limited to College of Science. The club also helps students from College of Agriculture and College of Engineering to connect with professors conducting research. Muñiz and his executive board have developed a database of CPP STEM research that they make available to interested students but their assistance doesn’t stop there.
The club will assist every step of the way, from locating a research project to writing an introductory email to a professor. “We’ve had 120-140 students attend our informational events and have helped about 40 students to get into research labs,” Muñiz said.
STEMRA’s general meetings are open to all and feature guest speakers who demystify the process of getting into a research lab. 2025 events included advice from Chemistry and Biochemistry Chair Gregory Barding, information on getting into summer REUs, finding paid research and scholarships, and presenting at symposia and conferences. Barding advised that introductory emails sent to a professor should not be longer than 3-4 sentences.
Muñiz encourages STEM students. “Come to one of our meetings, we can get you in. Faculty here at CPP really care about students and want to give them opportunities,” he said.
2026 STEMRA general meetings will take place bi-weekly starting February 5th, during U-hour (12-1 p.m.) in room 3-2137. Food will be provided. For more information, follow them on Instagram at @stemra.cpp , join their mailing list, or email them: stemresearch.cpp@gmail.com.
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
In 2024 environmental biology major Jordyn Scott attended SACNAS’ National Diversity in STEM Conference. “I had never seen a professional space that celebrated diverse cultural identities alongside novel, interdisciplinary scientific research. After meeting and talking with other latinx women who shared the same cultural practices and scientific interests as myself, I realized I wanted to bring this kind of community to CPP,” Scott said.
Along with lab mate, Sal Gutierrez, Scott gathered a team to build a SACNAS chapter at CPP. “We wanted to create a chapter that offered workshops, volunteer opportunities, socials, and cultural discussions that brings students representing diverse backgrounds together,” she said. Assistant Professor Stephanie Mora Garcia, and Associate Professor Janel Ortiz are their faculty advisors.
In 2025 CPP SACNAS collaborated with Kellogg Elementary and the Prete Fellows to help take care of their community garden and assist Fellows in leading their interactive classroom projects. Scott said, “Last fall, we collaborated with Green-MPNA’s ALMA program, where we traveled with members to mentor and lead workshops for high school students at Santa Ana high school. Our CPP events included speaker-led workshops focused on cold emails, personal statements, mentorship, scholarship applications, and how to become involved in research.”
CPP SACNAS Vice President Ximena Corona said, “Anyone pursuing a scientific career is welcome.” Like STEMRA, SACNAS has students from the Colleges of Agriculture and Engineering. Corona encourages students who may feel overwhelmed and feel they would benefit from a supportive community to come to a meeting. “SACNAS is there for students who have a dream, but might not know how to achieve it,” she added.
SACNAS is a national organization that was initiated by biochemistry professor Dr. Alonzo Atencio in 1973. There are over 150 student and professional chapters. VP Corona said, “Seeing what other chapters are doing can be encouraging. The national organization provides workshops and students can apply for travel scholarship funds to attend the national conference.”
President Scott said, “In 2026, we will continue our collaboration with Kellogg Elementary and ALMA. Our on-campus workshops will include guest speakers from CPP and other institutions that will focus on bilingual science, research presentation practice, networking, how to tailor your resume to a certain program, and more!”
For more information Instagram check out their Instagram: @cppsacnas. Visit MyBar and fill out an interest form. You can also follow the QR code (on Instagram) to join their Discord. In spring 2026 they will be implementing a SACNAS punch card- the more events you attend, the more ‘punches’ you receive, and the more fun prizes you can earn!
