“It feels like family.”

That is how Azam Khan, a third-year computer science student with a minor in mathematics, describes the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, or SASE, a student organization in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers members pictured at SASE’s first Formal in April. Photo courtesy Marissa Edwards Download Full Image

Whether it’s boosting each other in academics, community service or professional development opportunities, SASE members steadfastly support their fellow students by fostering an inclusive environment that seeks to enable all to thrive.

“We strive for academic excellence,” says SASE President and third-year mechanical engineering student Marissa Edwards. “But equally important is our mission to build a community where everyone feels comfortable and can build connections.”

To SASE members, maintaining academic excellence involves resume reviews, leadership and technical skills workshops and industry presentations, among other communal development opportunities.

Gaining local and national exposure

In the spirit of maintaining connections, SASE, a subsidiary of ASU’s Asian/Asian Pacific American Student Coalition, or AAPASC, organizes a variety of events for its members. Along with bi-weekly general members’ meetings, the group participates in socials, including its first formal this year. Students also performed two dances at the AAPASC Culture Fest at ASU in May.

Since the organization’s launch in 2012, the SASE community has encouraged participation in local and national networking events. In February, members participated in the SASE West Regional Conference at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a one-day networking experience for SASE chapter members at various universities across the Southwest. ASU’s chapter brought 18 members — the highest number of students at the event from one university.

“We networked and discussed preparing for success in STEM fields as well as how to refine our interpersonal and tech skills,” Edwards says. “We also got to meet people in person whom we had only met virtually. We saw the Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas Strip and bonded with new friends over the course of three days.”

On the horizon is the SASE National Convention this fall, which offers ASU chapter members opportunities for similar bonding experiences with SASE members from across the country.

In April, SASE members volunteered at the Arizona Science Olympiad, a national K–12 STEM competition. The ASU chapter’s faculty adviser, Chao Wang, a senior lecturer in the Fulton Schools, recalls it being her favorite activity in the past year.

“It is important to get involved in the community and help cultivate young scientists and engineers to become future members of SASE,” Wang says.