UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO MCNAIR Annual Report 2021-2022 SCHOLAR EXCELLENCE: Scholars aim high with confidence, culture, and identity.
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ABOUT
McNair Scholars Program
The UI McNair Scholars Program partners with many offices across campus and has had generous faculty mentors working with our scholars since 2018. Our scholars' success is largely attributed to their faculty mentors, UI campus partners, and our McNair staff. We express extreme gratitude for the many people on campus who are contributing their time and making a difference for our students.
Our sophomore McNair Scholars have begun researching faculty in their discipline to prepare themselves for conducting research with a faculty mentor this upcoming year. The Juniors have engaged in rigorous classroom activities designed to introduce them into the world of research and academia post graduation. Our Seniors have presented their research at multiple venues, including at the Florida International University McNair Research Conference in Miami, and are well prepared to start their next successful journey in the coming months.
Leanna Dann Associate Project Director
Welcome to our first Annual Report for the UI McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program. The McNair Program, within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences TRIO-INSPIRE Unit, is wrapping up our fifth grant year. Although I have only served in this role for just over a year, with the previous year as interim director, I am proud of our scholars and the direction our program is heading. With the pandemic curving into an epidemic, our scholars have lived through a once-in-a-lifetime college experience and have remained resilient through troubling times and unexpected adjustments.
In this report, we highlight a few of our academic year and summer events, our graduating seniors, our alumni, and statistics of program outcomes. We hope you enjoy this first edition and see our scholars' successes at U of I as only a few of many more to come - in their education, communities, and personal lives.
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
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 degree. Scholars participating in the program increase and refine their academic skills and learn the tools necessary to be successful in graduate school. UI MCNAIR SCHOLARS PROGRAM STAFF
The McNair Program aims to ensure all scholars have the tools and resources to successfully apply to, enroll in, and graduate from a graduate degree program. As such, a variety of workshops, colloquiums, and other programming are held throughout the academic year. Featured on the top left is Eric Anderson, Director of UofI Career Services, who led a presentation on boosting resumes and curriculum vitas. After presenting, career services staff worked 1:1 with students to polish their resumes. Featured on the bottom left is Dr. Lindsey Schneider, an Indigenous (Turtle Mountain Chippewa) feminist scholar. Dr. Schneider spoke with McNair Scholars on her experience as an academic researcher. She led a discussion around the challenges and opportunities for Indigenous and scholars of color in western academia, giving our scholars time to reflect on their own journey ahead and validating their place in higher education.
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HIGHLIGHTS
University of Idaho McNair Seniors, Evelyn Bohnee, José Maciel, Yisel Mendieta Chavez, Briana Navarro, and Margaret Stone, attended and presented their research at the Florida International University McNair Research Conference on November 16th. Evelyn researched the efficacy of disinfectants on Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus on substrates found in storage containers and equipment. José presented his research on the experiences of Machismo, Latinx culture, and the transmission of gendered ideas. Yisel researched the technology gap among Latinx families during the Covid-19 pandemic. Briana focused her research on the intersectionality of queer and Latinx Youth in rural Idaho and Margaret completed her research on the history of the Hawaiian Hansen’s Disease Kalaupapa settlement during the 20th century. Scholars also heard from keynote speakers Dr. Clayton Yates, and Dr. Erika Camacho, and engaged in various workshops, including communication strategies and introduction to grant writing.
SUPPORTING SCHOLARS IN THEIR ACADEMIC JOURNEY
FLORIDAY INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY MCNAIR SCHOLARS RESEARCH CONFERENCE
Mentor: Dr. Brenda Schroeder
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GRADUATING SENIORS HIGHLIGHTS
LIZETTE GARCIA Lizette is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. She had been involved in many clubs and organizations while on campus including Movimiento Activista Social, Occupational/Physical Therapy Club, Gamma Alpha Omega Inc. Sorority, and participated in multiple Alternative Service Breaks. Lizette's interests revolve around addressing the health concerns in farm working communities. She plans to take a gap year to apply to occupational therapy graduate programs and to recharge before pursuing her goals to become an occupational therapist. B.S. Exercise Science
EVELYN BOHNEE Evelyn is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Her McNair research project stemmed from her work as a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) recipient at Washington State University where she worked in the Plant Pathology lab. Her research examined the efficacy of disinfectants on Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus on substrates found in storage containers and equipment. Evelyn plans to continue at the University of Idaho where she received a research assistantship with the Wéetespeme Stewardship Program: Culturally Relevant STEM Immersion for Tribally-Led Adaptive Management. B.S. Environmental Science
Mentor: Dr. Traci Craig
McNair Scholars Program
JOSÉ (PEPE) MACIEL Pepé is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in communication, with an Academic Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion. His McNair research project explored childhood internalizations into adulthood, specifically looking at traditional masculine gender norms by culture and familial influences. Pepé was accepted to present his research at the Midwestern Psychological Association Conference this past April. He will be attending the Arizona State University for his graduate program in psychology.
B.S. Pyschology | Minor: Communication | AC: Diversity and Inclusion
B.S. Mentor:PsychologyDr.Erin Chapman BRIANA NAVARRO Briana is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a minor in Spanish. For her McNair research project, Briana addressed the gap in research regarding the lived experiences of queer Latinx youth from farm working backgrounds. Her research was accepted to be presented at the Pacific Sociological Association 2022 Conference. She plans to continue her studies at the University of Idaho Law School.
B.S. Sociology | B.A. International Studies | Minor: Spanish | AC: Diversity and Inclusion Mentor: Dr. Ryanne Pilgeram
MARGARET STONE Margaret graduated in the Fall 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. She studied the history of the Hawaiian Hansen's Disease at the Kalaupapa settlement during the twentieth century using a decolonial perspective while researching this topic. Margaret will be attending the University of Arkansas at Little Rock this coming fall, pursing a Master of Arts in Public History. She has received a graduate assistantship working for the Center for Arkansas History and Culture. B.A. Mentor:HistoryDr. Sean Quinlan
ACADEMIC YEAR
YISEL MENDIETA CHAVEZ Yisel graduated in the Fall of 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Her McNair research project explored the affects of the Covid-19 pandemic on Latinx families, focusing specifically on the impact of the technology gap for families in rural areas. Yisel has been accepted into the University of Oregon Master's of Science Couples and Family Therapy program and is considering taking a gap year to continue working as a case manager at a counseling office.
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GRADUATING SENIORS HIGHLIGHTS
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SUMMER DECOLONIZING FIELD EXPERIENCES HIGHLIGHTS
May 2022 Education and wisdom is not only found inside textbook pages, they also are found in culture and tradition.
-MCNAIR SCHOLAR
During the academic year, McNair Juniors explored Native Hawaiian history, culture, and the challenges faced in maintaining sovereignty through research, dialogue, and reflection. Scholars applied their learning as they participated in a multitude of decolonizing learning projects and presentations on Oahu Island. This trip allowed scholars to engage in experiential and transformative learning from connecting with the ’āina (land) by restoration of a traditional fishpond at Mālama Loko Ea Foundation to experiencing the power and modern cultural relevance of an outrigger canoe on the northeast shores. We give thanks to the many community and education leaders who gave us their time and knowledge, our friends at Pacific Island Institute for organizing our extraordinary trip, and our cultural liaisons, Pi'ikea and Māpu, to whom words can not express how grateful we are for them both. The pair worked together to give us the perspective many who visit Hawaii do not receive and challenged us to think about the ways in which history has been told, the voices lost, and new ways to ensure community voices are heard.
McNair Scholars Program
Heiau structure at Mālama Loko Ea Foundation Outrigger canoe experience with Lahui o Ko’olauloa Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health Workshop
Major: Math - General option Mentor: Dr. Alexander Woo Research Topic: Dr. Characterizing the shallow 4321: Avoiding Permutations
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May - July 2022
MCNAIR SUMMER RESEARCH INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS
Development Minor: Spanish Mentor: Dr. Shiyi Chen Research Topic: Dr. Shiyi Chen Self-Image of Adult Children of Alcoholics
Major: Environmental SciencesSocial Sciences Option Minor: Climate Change Mentor: Dr. Kenneth Wallen Research Topic: Breaking the Plastic Habit: The Attitudes of Moscow, Idaho Business Owners Towards Transitioning Away from Single-Use Plastics
Majors: International Studies and Business Minor: Advertisement Mentor: Dr. Sanjay Sisodiya Research Topic: Brand Perceptions of Organization Pursuing Corporate Social Responsibility Majors: Criminology and Psychology Minors: History and Justice Studies Mentor: Dr. Joseph DeAngelis Research Topic: Latina sorority members, police relations and crime: perceptions of college-aged Latinas towards police officers and likelihood of crime reporting Major: Science Option Mentor: Dr. Damon Woods Research Topic: Predicting Thermal and Visual Comfort in Office Settings
Major: History Minor: Political Sciences Mentor: Dr. Matthew Amato Research Topic: Visual Feminization of America
ResearchMentor:Major: Topic: Connections Through Classification: Re-design a Historic Campus Arboretum
8 | Annual Report 2021-2022 PROGRAM EVALUATION 2021-2022 MCNAIR PROGRAM OUTCOMES HIGHLIGHTS ALUMNI GRADUATE SCHOOLS 2021-2022 MCNAIR SCHOLARS 2021-2022 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) - 92% • Immediate Post-Baccalaureate Enrollment - 66% • Continued Enrollment in Graduate School - 100% • 10-Year Doctoral Degree Attainment - NA 100604020080 UI UIBaselineMcNair-Statistic DD AttainmentPB RetentionPB EnrollmentResearch BaselineStatisticNational University of Idaho University of NorthNorthDakotaDakota State University University of MinnesotaTwin Cities Ohio GeorgiaUniversityUnivesityStateof University of Arkansas at Little Rock Texas UniversityTech Idaho State University Boise StatePacificUniversityUniversityCentralWashington University Arizona UniversityState Colorado State University University of California at Santa Barbara *The UI McNair immediate post-baccalaureate enrollment and continued enrollment in graduate school statistics are a projected estimate. Final numbers will be determined after Sept. 30, 2022. McNair Scholars Program
9 | Annual Report 2021-2022 ALUMNI PAULA AUBREY: 2019-2020 GRADUATE SPOTLIGHTSBRITNEY STREY: 2018-2019 GRADUATE ALONDRA CASTEÑEDA: 2020-2021 GRADUATE
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education at $231,649 annually. In 2017, the program was funded for 5 years, totaling just over $1.1 Sincemillion.thepandemic, our scholars receive over $9,000 each to support their participation in our program. This includes research stipends, research supplies, and travel costs covering one academic conference to present their research, a graduate school exploration trip of their choosing, and multiple field excursions.
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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
Our program is housed in the TRIO-INSPIRE unit in the University of Idaho's College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. The McNair main office and lounge space is located on the 3rd floor in room 320.
McNair Scholars Program
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 innovate 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.
MESSAGE FROM THE PI
MCNAIR FUNDING TRIO-INSPIRE UNIT
11 | Annual Report 2021-2022 BENEFITS INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MCNAIR SCHOLAR? APPLICATION INFORMATION ELIGIBILITY
