STUDENT EXECUTIVE BOARD

Interested in becoming an officer? Reach out to us at colostatesacnas@gmail.com

Chapter President - Lucas Guerrero

Hi everyone! My name is Lucas Guerrero, and I’m the president of the CSU SACNAS Chapter. I’m a first-generation senior majoring in neuroscience. I work as a research assistant at the University of Colorado Anschutz in Dr. Kerrie Moreau's lab, investigating the effects of sex hormones, exercise, and aging on cardiovascular health. Outside work and school, I enjoy spending time with my family and playing video games like Team Fortress 2. I’m excited to be the new president and strive to make our chapter an inclusive space where students can professionally develop and build a community for underrepresented students on campus.

Chapter Vice President - Maritza Morales

Hey Everyone! I am Maritza Morales and the Vice President of the CSU SACNAS Chapter. I am a second year graduate student pursuing my Professional Science Masters in Biological Data Analytics. Currently I work as a bioinformatics intern in Dr. Dawn Duval’s lab at the VTH. Currently I am exploring correlations between genes and drug response in cancer cell lines. When not at school or work I enjoy horseback riding, reading, crafting, and hanging with my cats. I’ve recently gotten more into video games and I am playing Boulder’s Gate 3 with a friend. I hope to see you at our next meeting. We are an inclusive space for all on campus.

Chapter Treasurer - Josh Flowers

I am a senior in the Neuroscience program and an undergraduate research assistant at CSU. My lab studies synaptic biology, and my project is investigating how low-dose ketamine can reverse stress-related mental disorders. I love benchwork and plan on staying in research after I graduate in pursuit of a PhD. in neuroscience.

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Chapter Outreach and Social Media Chair - Catalina Mazariegos Mejia

Hi everyone! My name is Catalina Mazariegos, I am a first year graduate student in the biology program at Colorado State University. I earned my bachelors in Zoology. I'm currently a student in Dr. Shane Kanatous' lab of Extreme Physiology in the Biology Department. I plan in the future to be involved in conservation through research and medicine. Throughout my undergrad and now graduate education, I've volunteered for the Dolphin Communication Project to help catalog video data for bottlenose dolphin behavior studies. My favorite animals are felines, and I enjoy wildlife photography, listening to music, and traveling.

Chapter Advisor | Professor of Biology - Dr. Shane Kanatous

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Shane Kanatous first became enamored with the ocean and marine life while watching the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau as a child. That love turned into a dream of becoming a marine biologist/physiologist, which led him to pursue a degree in marine science at Southampton College of Long Island University. Dr. Kanatous received his Ph.D. in exercise and skeletal muscle physiology from Texas A&M University, before joining the faculty at Colorado State University. As a teacher, Dr. Kanatous stresses to his students to do whatever it takes to achieve your dream and enjoy the journey getting there.

Chapter Mentor | Director of Inclusion, College of Natural Sciences - Arlene Nedegog

Arlene Nededog received her M.Ed. degree in 1983 and bachelor’s in 1979 from Colorado State University. She has been at Colorado State University since 1985. She joined the Dean’s Office in 1998, bringing with her a background in diversity, TRIO and advising programs. Currently, she is the Director of Inclusion in the College of Natural Sciences, working with the college to develop and guide a comprehensive strategy for retention, diversity, and inclusion. In addition, she serves as the CSU Site Coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Alliance for Minority Participation (RMAMP).

Past Board Members

Melissa Morado, GDPE M.S.

President (2022-2024)