M C N A I R
SCHOLAR EXCELLENCE:
Scholars aim high with confidence, culture, and identity.
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome to the third annual report for the UI McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program This past year, we engaged 25 scholars enthusiastic about undergraduate research and exploring graduate school opportunities We welcomed six new incoming juniors and five incoming sophomores At the end of the academic year, we celebrated 13 graduating seniors who will continue their journeys with a deeper understanding of how to weave identity and culture into academic research, non-western methodological approaches to knowledge production, and how to center community sustainability into research
The McNair Program remains committed to enhancing our scholars' experiences and fostering connections across departments and programs. This year, we recruited eight new graduate mentors for the McNair Undergraduate-Graduate Mentoring Program, with majors ranging from political science to bioinformatics. Thanks to the generosity of several colleges and the Office of the Provost, McNair received $26,600 in additional funding for summer research stipends While federal McNair funds are capped at $2,800, the additional UI support allows us to continue providing competitive and necessary summer support for our scholars
We hope you enjoy reading this year’s report and learning about our scholars’ academic journeys
LEANNA DANN ASSOCIATE PROJECT DIRECTOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Academic Year Highlights..................................
Faculty and Graduate Mentors......................
Academic Year Research Highlights..................
Senior Graduates.................................................
Summer
STAFF
Dr. Scott Clyde Executive Director & Principal Investigator scottc@uidaho edu
Leanna Dann
Associate Project Director ldann@uidaho edu
Adamarie Marquez Acevedo Graduate Program Assistant adamariem@uidaho edu
Tracy Kanikkeberg Operations Compliance Manager tracyk@uidaho edu
Office Contact
Phone: 208-885-9081
Email: mcnair-trio@uidaho edu
Website: uidaho edu/mcnair
ABOUT
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is a comprehensive program structured to prepare undergraduates for successful careers as graduate students, professors, and professional researchers. At the University of Idaho, the McNair Program will provide services to at least twenty-five students each year.
All students participate in academic year and summer graduate preparatory activities until they graduate and enroll in a doctoral program. TRIO McNair Scholars are motivated students who have both the desire and the potential to earn a doctorate Scholars participating in the program increase and refine their academic skills and learn the tools necessary to be successful in graduate school
ACADEMIC YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
The McNair Program kicked off the academic year with a field orientation, beginning with a boat tour down the Snake River to ground our sense of place on the lands of the Nimiipuu. Through stories and
site visits, including to the Nez Perce National Historical Park, scholars were introduced to indigenous knowledge, familiarized themselves with the land, and engaged in discussions about the importance of sustaining cultural practices and indigenous ways of life. The last component of the orientation included an overnight stay in Ahsahka, ID to set academic expectations for the McNair Scholars Program and to foster a sense of community within the McNair cohort. The top photos include the new McNair scholars during the field orientation.
During the rest of the academic year, workshops and events were organized to assist scholars in effectively preparing for graduate school. These initiatives aim to cultivate
a cohesive scholarly community, encourage collective achievement, and expose participants to multiple approaches towards knowledge production. One of these events was the welcoming dinner in August where McNair scholars and graduate mentors gathered together to recreate the IDAHO letters, pictured bottom right. Another event with graduate mentors included a discussion of setting personal and professional goals for the academic year, pictured in the bottom middle. Shown in the bottom right, is our Fall colloquium where faculty members Erin Chapman, Brenda Murdoch, Pedram Rezamand, Shirley Luckhart, and Katrina Eichner presented about the graduate admissions process. All scholars were provided with advice on their graduate h l li ti d i n general career advice in rack.
ACADEMIC YEAR
MCNAIR GRADUATE MENTORS
KWAKU OPOKU-WARE
Program: Ph D in Computer Science
Research focus: Satellite Image and Spatial Analysis
MARWA ELSAYED
Program: Ph D in Political Sciences
Research focus: Inter-Country Water Governance
KASSIDY WIGEN KARINA SILVESTRE BRINGAS
Program: M.A. in English
Research focus: Cultural and Media Studies
STEFF SIROIS
Program: M F A in English
Research focus: Fiction Writing
Program: Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology
Research focus: Tarantula Evolution
RODRIGO PADILLA
Program: Ph D in Mechanical Engineering
Research focus: Fluid-Structure
Interactions and Aerodynamics
ELIJAH DANQUAH DARKO LUIS BREUER CALCENA
Program: Ph D in Computer Science
Research focus: Machine Learning Model Development
Program: M S in Psychology
Research focus: Human FactorsJudgment & Decision
SUMMER ‘24 MCNAIR FACULTY MENTORS
MARK COLEMAN, PH.D.
Professor of Forestry
Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences, University of Idaho
TRACI CRAIG, PH.D.
Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs
Department of Psychology & Communication, University of Idaho
ADRIANNE GRIEBEL-THOMPSON, PH.D.
Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist
School of Family & Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho
LUKE HARMON, PH.D.
Professor
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho
CHELSEY LEWALLEN, M.S.
Instructor
School of Family & Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho
CHRISTINE PARENT, PH.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho
PAUL ROWLEY, PH.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho
RANDALL TEAL, PH.D.
Architecture Department Chair, Professor Architecture Program, University of Idaho
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
UNM MCNAIR SCHOLARS RESEARCH CONFERENCE
September 2023
Five McNair Scholars polished their research posters and traveled to the University of New Mexico to present their projects at the UNM McNair Scholars
Research Conference. This experience allowed our students to connect with fellow McNair scholars from across the nation, engage with others on their research projects, visit graduate recruiters in their respective disciplines, and explore the city of Albuquerque.
Throughout the remaining academic year, multiple McNair seniors presented their research projects through a variety of means. Monica Hurtado, with faculty mentors Dr. Magdy Noguera and Dr.
Stephanie Ramirez, gave an all-college presentation to the College of Business and Economics, informing staff and faculty about financial literacy and financial distress among Latinx college students. They also gave notice of their intent to publish their work in a related academic journal.
Natalie Suaste, along with the support of McNair staff Adamarie, transformed her research findings on Latinx women in political leadership roles into a workshop for high school students during the Hispanic Youth Leadership Symposium where students were encouraged to reflect on their identity, create comunidad, and resolve to keep future generations in mind.
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
SCHOLARS’ PERSPECTIVES
PRESENTING AT CONFERENCES
“As a first generation student, it truly felt unreal to be on the other side of the country being able to share my findings with others passionate about psychology.”
-- Abril Correa at the American Psychological Association 2023 Conference
“Examining the impact of stress on Detroit police officers' health has expanded the knowledge of the criminology and criminal justice field. Our research focused on how diverse sources of support can play a mediating role in the way stress affects police officers' physical and mental health.”
--Daniela Aguilar Carranza at the American Criminology and Justice Society Annual Meeting
“This conference truly motivated me to continue on my educational journey as research plays a tremendous part in advancing agriculture and helping producers maintain and gain profits in their operation.”
--Gabriella Ponce at the Pacific Northwest Animal Nutrition Conference
April 2024
McNair Scholars, Yerika Marquez Ruiz and Natalie Suaste traveled to the University of Washington Campus for the UW Gabriel E. Gallardo Research, Student Leadership & Advocacy Symposium to present their research posters. While there, Leanna caught up with Briana Navarro, a UI McNair Alumna attending the UW Law Program.
HIGHLIGHTS RESEARCH
MCNAIR SENIOR RESEARCH SHOWCASE
January 2024
Felino Macatuno
Mentor: Dr Damon Woods
Research Topic: IR and LiDAR in building controls
Alexandra Gomez
Mentor: Helen Brown
Research Topic: Farm workers' perspectives on accessibility to nutrition and physical activity
Narcisse Mubibya
Mentor: Dr Joshua Bailey
Research Topic: High-Intensity Interval
Training as an effective strategy to increase physical activity in ethnic global majority populations
Natalie Suaste
Mentor: Dr. Graham Hubbs
Research Topic: The Racial Opportunity Cost of Latina and Chicana politicians in the State of Idaho
Susana Torres
Mentor: Dr Traci Craig
Research Topic: Conversation dynamics of Latinx families around sexual and reproductive health
Sky Pete
Mentor: Dr Diane Thompson & Dr Peter Reinthal, University of Arizona
Research Topic: Oceanic remediation: Harnessing the power of nudibranchs for coral reef restoration and integrated pest management
Monica Hurtado
Mentor: Dr. Magdy Noguera
Research Topic: Addressing the financial literacy gap in the Latinx community: Understanding its impact on financial distress during post-secondary education
Gabriella Ponce
Mentor: Dr. Pedram Rezamand & Dr. Amy Skibiel
Research Topic: The effects of in-utero wildfire-PM2 5 on dairy heifers
Daniela Aguilar Carranza
Mentor: Dr Patricia Wren, Wayne State University
Research Topic: Impact of stress on Detroit police officers' health
SUSANA TORRES
Susana graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She was awarded a Research Assistantship in the Department of Applied Human Sciences at Kansas State University. Susana will be attending KSU for her Master’s in Prevention Science this fall
TING SENIORS 2023-2024
NATALIE SUASTE
Natalie graduated with two Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Philosophy. She will be pursuing her Juris Doctorate in Law at the University of Idaho.
MICHELLE SALDAÑA
ABELARDO HERRERA
GABRIELLA PONCE
Gabriella graduated wit Bachelor of Science in & Veterinary Sciences received a summer inte at the University of Ten working with Dr Agust and has received a Res Assistant position to co her master’s at the Univ of Tennesee in the fall
Abelardo graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Urban Agriculture. He will be seeking a lab technician position in the Palouse area
HECTOR GUERRERO
Hector graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He plans to continue his education journey here at the University of Idaho, pursuing his Juris Doctorate in Law
Michelle graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal & Veterinary Sciences She plans to apply to Veterinary School this fall and is considering her options between multiple schools in the West
Narcisse graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal & Veterinary Sciences. Narcisse is heading to Minnesota to attend Bethel University’s Master’s in Medical Sciences before continuing to a Doctor of Medicine program
GRADUATING SENIORS 2023-2024
FELINO MACATUNO
Felino graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics-Computer Science Option Felino plans to move to Houston, Texas to secure a full-time position in his field.
ALEXANDRA GOMEZ
Alex graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, with a minor in American Indian Studies. The University of Idaho is excited to have Alex enroll in the Master’s of Arts in Anthropology program here on campus Alex will be entering her program with support from the Cultivating Indigenous Research Communities for Leadership in Education and STEM (CIRCLES) program.
YERIKA MARQUEZ RUIZ
Yerika graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Sociology, with minors in Spanish and Justice Studies and an academic certificate in Equity & Justice She plans to attend the University of Washington’s Educational Leadership master’s program this fall or the University of Idaho’s Master of Public Administration.
ABRIL CORREA
Abril graduated with two Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Child Development. Abril intends to take a gap year and attend the doctoral Psychology program at either the Northwest Nazarene University or Idaho State University.
ABIGAIL OLMOS
Abigail graduated in the Fall of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal & Veterinary Sciences. Abigail is considering an MBA program or an Animal Welfare Master’s Degree.
DANIELA AGUILAR CARRANZA
Daniela graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Spanish, with a minor in International Studies. Daniela has been accepted to the CDC John R Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Program at the University of Pittsburgh where she will complete her internship and weigh her options for graduate school.
SUMMER FIELD HIGHLIGHTS
After the semester ended, scholars departed to the island of O‘ah connect and apply their classroom learning There, they engaged in va decolonial and community restoration projects. This experience provid both experiential and transformative learning opportunities as they connected with the Āina by contributing to the work of the Wai‘anae Mountain Watershed Partnership and the Kūkaniloko Birthstones Stat Monument. They gained valuable insights into native species restorati revitalization of oral history traditions, and the connections between v Indigenous ways of knowing, specifically those of the Nimiipuu and Kānaka Maoli. This field experience could not be possible without the community and education leaders who generously shared their time and knowledge with us. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our friends at the Pacific Islands Institute for their continued partnership in organizing this extraordinary t appreciation goes out to our cultural liaisons, Piko and A and teachings were a powerful reminder of the importan preservation, balancing the duality of traditional and mo maintaining connection to our ancestors KULEANA
May 2024
As part of the Decolonizing Methodologies course, McNair juniors explored place-based knowledge systems. Scholars examined the ways in which non-western science often remains secondary in today's academic hierarchy Guest lectures by Nimiipuu scholar and educator,
Dr. Angel Sobotta, highlighted the ways valuable non-traditional knowledge is marginalized or excluded to the detriment of the academic enterprise. Using the movement to decolonize traditional Hawaiian knowledge as a case study, the juniors delved into the extensive scholarship informing efforts to reclaim the history, culture, and sovereignty of this rich place-based way of knowi
FIELD NOTES
Aunt Tammy’s storytelling was reminiscent of my ow stories of growing up...In a certain sense, I felt at hom When I looked up, I realized there was a whole forest hands, time, and effort.
Upon stepping into the opening, I could feel the energ It has motivated me to investigate other ways of living that were removed by settlers.
The experience underscored the importance of decolonization as an ongoing process of learning, respect, and active support for indigenous cultures and their right to self-determination.
We now hold a responsibility to uphold and spread the knowledge of being a good guest.
[Future McNair Scholars should] think about what they can do to bring about positive change in the islands and the world in general.
SUMMER RESEARCH
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH EXPERIENCES
May - August 2024
Each summer, McNair Scholars engage in hands-on research through either the UI McNair Summer Research Institute (SRI) or a similar program of their choice For
instance, one scholar completed their Doris Duke Scholars Program internship in Alaska working with eiders and salmon, while another scholar participated in both the SRI and the UI INBRE program.
During the McNair Summer Research Institute, in addition to working with scholars’ respective faculty mentors to complete their research benchmarks, scholars participate in weekly graduate preparation seminars. Topics range from selecting best-fit graduate programs to crafting personal statements. At the end of this year’s SRI, scholars prepared themselves to present their research posters at the Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research. This opportunity allowed the scholars to practice their research communication skills, network with peers, and hear from professionals in industry and academia.
Scholars use the summer to prepare for the fall expectations as outgoing seniors Deadlines for graduate funding and graduate applications tend to sneak up on busy students and we do our best to help students get ahead of those looming dates! We are proud of scholars’ summer milestones that help build their academic portfolios.
Mentor: Dr Traci Craig | Program: UI McNair SRI
Research Topic: Mindfulness and Social Media Recall JADE NARVAIZ
“Exploring how mindfulness affects time perception during social media use can contribute to our understanding of how people experience and estimate time in a digital environment There are health benefits from mindfulness and understanding its impact on time awareness could develop better strategies for managing social media use which is often associated with social comparison and mental health outcomes ” - J Narvaiz
DAY SCOTT
Mentors: Dr Luke Harmon & Dr Christine Parent | Program: UI McNair SRI
Research Topic: Comparison of Ecomorphospaces of Land Snail Communities on Islands and Nearby Mainland
“My research examines the influence of evolutionary constraints and ecological drivers of ecomorphology among land snail species forming assemblages found on the Galápagos Islands and in the Peruvian Andes By studying both island and mainland ecosystems, we can observe how snails evolve and adapt in diverse environments, furthering our knowledge of biodiversity and informing conservation efforts ” - D Scott
NATALIE CARREON
Mentor: Dr Mark Coleman | Program: UI McNair SRI
Research Topic: Determining the Distribution of Ectomycorrhizal Competitors in Current and Potential Truffle Orchards in Southern Idaho
“Identifying competing ECM fungi and understanding the conditions they exist in are crucial to developing treatments that can increase truffle production in current and future southern Idaho orchards. The findings will inform best practices for establishing successful truffle cultivation in the region ” - N Carreon
SUMMER RESEARCH
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH EXPERIENCES
May - August 2024
DAYNA BUITRON
Mentor: Dr Paul Rowley | Program: INBRE and UI McNair SRI Research Topic: The Investigation of the Killer Toxin Binding Interface to the Plasma Membrane Receptor
“My research addresses the need for more effective antifungals amidst rising multi-drug resistance with killer toxins found in yeast This line of work has brought many questions into light such as what other undiscovered killer toxin niches can be applied to the human health scene and how can we streamline drug design for these possible solutions?” - D Buitron
BRITNEY MUÑOZ
Mentor: Dr Traci Craig Program: UI McNair SRI Research Topic: Understanding Social Relationships
“Beyond psychology, the findings may have an impact on society, education, and organizational behavior Understanding social exclusion could help shape these fields' norms and regulations while also advancing our knowledge of how people interact in social settings ” - B Muñoz
am: UI McNair SRI R Exclusively Using Natural Lighting
ANTHONY GONZALEZ
Mentor: Chelsey Lewallen | Program: UI McNair SRI Research Topic: Colonization Awareness of the Cuetlaxochitl Poinsettia Through Quinceañera Fashion
“I liked being able to dig deeper into topics that interest me. The ability to learn stories and legends related to my topic and heritage was super valuable ” - A Gonzalez
AN CHAVEZ
r Paul Rowley | Program: r SRI
Topic: The Expression of -like Toxins by Human ic Candida and Nonic Saccharomyces Yeast
“The amount of information and different forms of methods that I had to learn changed my perspective of how I will approach different problems in the future ” - A Chavez
HAROLD GARCIA
Mentor: Nathan Graff Program: UI Doris Duke
Conservation Scholars Program Research Topic: Observations of Federal Conservation and Scales of Impacts
“The research potential is tremendous and this experience can provide me with knowledge of the tundra and how conservation applies to the "last frontier" Furthermore so, there is potential to see how global changes around the world via warming/cooling impacts niche environments ” - H Garcia
PROGRAM EVALUATION HIGHLIGHTS
2023-2024 Assessment Year McNair Program Outcomes as reported in the Annual Performance Report to the US Department of Education.
Research or Other Scholarly Activity (outside of classroom) - 96%
Immediate Post-Baccalaureate Enrollment - 54%
Continued Enrollment in Graduate School - 100%
10-Year Doctoral Degree Attainment - NA
*TheUIMcNairimmediatepost-baccalaureateenrollmentandcontinuedenrollmentingraduateschoolstatisticsareaprojectedestimate FinalnumberswillbedeterminedafterSept 30,2024
SENIOR PROGRAM ASSESSMENT
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA
On August 3rd, Dr. Paula Aubrey of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation received her doctoral degree in Indigenous Health from the University of North Dakota. Dr. Aubrey is part of the first UI McNair cohort, having joined the program in 2018. Together we celebrate her accomplishments as the first UI EHHS McNair Ph.D. recipient!
Advice: “When we move in new ways within our external environments, it's important to recognize how much control we have over our own growth. At new points of exploration, everything is a risk, and taking a risk can be a conscious effort with big pay-off. It doesn't serve us to be challenged without feeling safe. There is so much to be gained when we recognize and help co-create the spaces where we are granted safety to know that it's okay to try something new. There is a lot to gain in times where we feel uncomfortable and have the privilege of safety to take risks that elevate our mind/spirit.”
Future plans: “The McNair Program has helped me in multiple ways, especially career-wise. The hands-on research experience I got thanks to McNair is one of the reasons I got into graduate school, and why I was considered for competitive internships. It also aided with the development of crucial critical thinking skills I need for my career in history, as well as just life in general. I hope to become a curator at a museum! Once I get enough experience I would love to be able to create exhibitions that will excite others about history.”
Aspirations: “For many years now, I've had an ever-growing passion for mathematics education, so I plan to become a professor after I earn my Ph.D. Since first learning about mathematics research during the McNair Summer Research Institute, I've become increasingly interested in that side of academia as well, so I also hope to someday gain tenure and have a position as a researcher while I teach. Currently, I have many research paths to choose from, including applying numerical methods to problems in optimization, partial differential equations, and quantum mechanics. At the moment, I am most interested in pursuing partial differential equations.”
MESSAGE FROM THE PI
My thanks to Director Leanna Dann for this Annual Report showcasing the work of the UI McNair Scholars. I am extremely proud of their accomplishments and the program itself which is unique in its approach to preparing scholars for post-graduate work and doctoral programs. Like most McNair Programs, the University of Idaho McNair Scholars Program is designed to increase the number of individuals from groups historically underrepresented in academia. Unlike most other McNair Programs, UI McNair seeks to deliver the curricular and co-curricular activities needed to provide scholars access to different ways of knowing, diverse methodological traditions, and a deeper understanding of cultural/ethical considerations in research.
As future researchers and academics, UI McNair scholars will address geographic, cultural, and technological issues occasioned by an increasingly integrated world and complicated by the challenges of modern influences, such as globalization, resource allocation, and climate change. Their investigations will require ever more sophisticated interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research distinguished by flexible and innovative methodological approaches. In order to keep pace with emerging problems and attend to equity and justice in a rapidly changing world, our scholars must be able to lead these interdisciplinary investigations by working across a variety of academic disciplines, drawing on diverse research approaches, and contributing alternative perspectives to their research programs.
UI McNair is committed to introducing our scholars to culturally responsive research approaches that include how alternative methodologies can engage with traditionally western and paradigmatically ridged academic disciplines. This approach allows them to conceptualize how alternative methodologies can be applied to research and encourage them to design their own research projects using methodologies that are respectful of their own worldviews.
Scott Clyde, Ph D McNair Principal Investigator Executive Director of TRIO INSPIRE
TRIO-INSPIRE UNIT
OurprogramishousedintheTRIO-INSPIREunitinthe UniversityofIdaho'sCollegeofEducation,Healthand HumanSciences TheMcNairmainofficeandloungespace islocatedonthe3rdfloorinroom323.
MCNAIR FUNDING
TheRonaldE McNairPost-BaccalaureateAchievement Programis100%federallyfundedbytheUS Departmentof Educationat$261,194annually In2022,theprogramwas fundedforanother5years,totalingjustover$1.3million. Sincethepandemic,ourscholarsarefundedover$9000each duringtheirparticipationinourprogram Thisincludes researchstipends,researchsupplies,andtravelcoststo presenttheirresearchatanacademicconference,agraduate schoolvisitoftheirchoosing,andmultiplefieldexcursions.
Thisyear,theMcNairProgramreceivedsupplementalfunding fromtheUIProvostOffice,theCollegeofAgricultureandLife Sciences,theCollegeofLetters,Arts,andSocialSciences,the CollegeofArtandArchitecture,andtheCollegeofScience. Thisadditionalfundingprovidesscholarswillcompetitive researchstipendamounts,supportstheMcNairGraduateUndergraduateMentoringProgram,andfundsotheradditional directparticipantsupportcosts
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MCNAIR SCHOLAR?
APPLICATION STEPS
The McNair Scholars Program Application deadline for next year ' s cohort is April 15, 2025 To complete the McNair Application, you will need to complete all of the following:
Eligibility
A first generation AND low-income student OR an underrepresented student
Be a low-income student who is also a first-generation college student OR be a member of a group that is historically underrepresented in graduate education (African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Hispanic/Latino, or Native Hawaiian/ Native Pacific Islander)
US Citizen or Permanent Resident
Theonlineapplicationcanbefoundon ourwebsite
2 APPLICATION FORM
1
Be a U S citizen, permanent resident, or in the process of obtaining permanent residency
Current UI student with at least four semesters left until you graduate
And have completed at least 24 credits prior to the fall 2024 semester
Formsforthiscanbefoundonourwebsite
2 LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (LOR)
1LORfromafacultymember 1LORfromanacademicorTRIOadvisor INCOME VERIFICATION
3 INTERVIEW
Interviewsarescheduledafterallmaterials aresubmitted 4
Minimum 2.75 GPA (sophomore) / 3.0 (junior)
Incoming sophomores must have at least a 2 75 GPA and incoming juniors must have at least a 3 0 GPA Students with a lower GPA may reach out to program staff to discuss eligibility
Have a STRONG desire to obtain a Master's and Ph.D. degree
Students whose career goals include a medical (MD) or other professional degree (JD, MBA, DVM, PharmD, etc ) are not eligible for the program
Benefits
A general list of what you will gain:
Research activities and scholarly work
Introduction to culturally responsive research
Workshops and colloquia based on Indigenous pedagogies
Preparation seminars for graduate and doctoral study
Graduate school access skills
Financial literacy
Summer research internships
Academic success planning
Professional research conference experience
Faculty and research mentors
Tutoring