The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is committed to the legacy of and memory of Dr. Ronald E. McNair. Designed for students from populations underrepresented in graduate education, our scholars represent diverse backgrounds. The program facilitates educational and academic growth by providing research opportunities, faculty mentoring relationships, and related services at no cost to students. Scholars also participate in summer research internships, GRE and graduate school preparation sessions, career development seminars, and other academic and cultural activities. Scholars actively participate in professional conferences across the United States by presenting their research and networking with professionals in their fields of study. All program activities are designed to prepare McNair scholars to continue their educational endeavors in graduate school through the completion of doctoral programs.
Who are the McNair Scholars? They're outstanding students who undergo a competitive process to be accepted into a program intended to diversify higher education. Our scholars come from diverse backgrounds but often are from underrepresented communities or are first-generation students from low-income backgrounds.
The McNair Scholars Program offers seminars on topics related to graduate school preparation; a mentoring opportunity with a faculty member who provides guidance, advice, role modeling, and introduces a scholar to the academic profession; letters of recommendation, GRE test preparation; graduate school visits; and fee waivers for graduate school applications by universities that conduct TRIO programs.
The McNair Scholars Program also offers a summer research internship in the spring and for eight weeks throughout the summer. We pay a stipend, offer room and board on campus, three hours of tuition-free credit, and opportunities to present their research at the St. Edward's University McNair Research Symposium and at other universities across the United States.
Every year, we invite a St. Edward's University McNair alumnus to speak at our Recognition Reception. They talk about overcoming challenges in graduate school, their research, and their experiences navigating post-graduation opportunities.
This year, our guest speaker was Leon Alberto Venegas, PhD; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to hold our event as planned. Dr. Leon Venegas is the epitome of a McNair scholar, and we hope that he will be able to accept our invitation next year to speak at our 18th annual recognition reception.
Had he been able to attend, Dr. Venegas would likely have mentioned that he is currently a part of the COVID-19 drug discovery team at AstraZeneca, a multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company in the Washington DC area. He has been working 60-70-hour weeks over the past month trying to find drugs to fight the coronavirus. His role in the team is to screen all of the drug candidates for initial function that determines if they should move forward for the second wave of screening where they check for virus neutralization. He had to develop the screening assays from scratch in a very, very short period of time. The pressure and stress were very high, but he was able to get everything up and running. He has been screening thousands of candidates and has been able to generate very exciting data.
We are so proud of Leon for taking on the world!
The McNair Scholars Program was more than I expected or wished for. The program gave me the opportunity not only to grow academically but to believe in myself and my capabilities as a student and researcher. This program went beyond standard GRE and graduate school application prep; it gave me and other students a support system and family to lean on. Being a part of this amazing program is something I will treasure forever and has been one of my best accomplishments in my undergraduate career.
Lupita Aguilar, Spring 2020
Lupita Aguilar
Major: Forensic Science
Research: "The Development of a Novel Dual Chemical for the Development of Blood Utilizing Titanium Dioxide and a Fluorescent-based Chemical"
Conferences:
- 16th Annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium, St. Edward's University, July 2019
- Brother Lucian Symposium, St. Edward's University, October 2019
- 2019 McNair Research Conferences at the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque, October 2019
- Symposium of Undergradate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE), St. Edward's University, April 2020*
Achievements:
- Johnson-Turpin Scholar
- Outstanding Student in Forensic Chemistry
- The Brother Romard Barthel, CSC, '47 Endowed Scholarship 2019-2020
NOTE: The * denotes a conference which accepted our McNair scholars to present their research. Unfortunately, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities cancelled their conferences out of concern for the health and safety of attendees. Our McNair scholars were still accepted to present but did not have the opportunity to do so.
I am extremely grateful to all that I have learned through the McNair Scholars program. I was able to work with amazing mentors who challenged and supported me and provided me with the tools to succeed in graduate school. McNair gave me a community of incredible staff and brilliant scholars to be a part of even after graduation.
Isa Barnes, Spring 2020
Isabella Barnes
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
Research: "How Do Our Parents' Relationship Status Affect Us? Associations between Parental Relationship Status and Adult Attachment"
Conferences:
- 16th Annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium, St. Edward's University, July 2019
- FIU McNair Scholars Research Conference, Florida International University, October 2019
- Southwestern Psychological Association Annual Convention, Fort Worth, TX, April 2020*
Achievements:
- The Emma Lou Linn Endowed Student/Faculty Research Grant
I’m very fortunate to have been a McNair Scholar. The program gave me the opportunity to pursue experiences that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to do on my own. In addition, I gained skills that will serve me well when I seek a master’s degree down the road. Above all, the best part was being surrounded by people who pushed me, encouraged me, and supported me to succeed in all of my endeavors. I am forever grateful and look forward to pay it forward in the future.
Andrea Calderon, Fall 2019
Andrea Calderon
Major: Environmental Science & Policy
Research: "The Transatlantic Political Partnership," Princeton University
Presentations:
- The McNair Scholars Program Induction Ceremony, St. Edward's University, December 2019
Achievements:
- Outstanding Student in Environmental Science and Policy
- Dean's List, Spring 2019
- Dean's List, Fall 2019
The McNair Scholars program gave me an experience I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. This program instilled the essential qualities I needed to become a Ph.D. candidate that I will be able to carry on throughout my graduate career. More than that, this experience gave me a community that I will be able to come back to for years to come.
Cole Calderon, Spring 2020
Cole Calderon
Major: Biology
Research: "The effects of microbial competition on microbiome colonization in C. elegans"
Conferences:
- 16th Annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium, St. Edward's University, July 2019
- UMBC 27th Annual McNair Scholars Research Conference, University of Maryland at Baltimore, July 2019
- Brother Lucian Symposium, St. Edward's University, October 2019
- Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, Anaheim, CA, November 2019
Achievements:
- Outstanding Biology Graduate - Graduate School Program
I never thought I would have the opportunity to be a part of something as great as the McNair Scholars Program. It went beyond graduate school prepping and became a family unit that I could rely on. Through McNair, I was granted the opportunity to explore research and to critically think like a scientist. Being a McNair Scholar was and will always be one of the greatest achievements of my undergraduate career.
Kaylee Delgado, Spring 2020
Kaylee Delgado
Major: Biology
Research: "The Toxicity of Chlamydomonas Chloroplast-expressed CRY11A Protein on Caenorhabditis"
Conferences:
- 16th Annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium, St. Edward's University, July 2019
- Brother Lucian Symposium, St. Edward's University, October 2019
- 2019 McNair Scholars Research Conference at the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque, October 2019
- Symposium of Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression, St. Edward's University, April 2020*
Achievements:
- The Brother Romard Barthel, CSC, '47 Endowed Scholarship 2019-2020
Being in the McNair Scholars Program was truly a life changing experience. I learned so much about my academic abilities and promise beyond undergrad. I was able to conduct research about a topic I was passionate about, prepare for academic success in graduate school through GRE preparation, present my research at conferences and meet other scholars. My time as a McNair Scholar is an experience I will never forget. The support I experienced as a McNair Scholar from fellow scholars, faculty and staff was unprecedented. As a person of color entering graduate school that support is what motivates me. I am and will always be McNair!
Shawntia Dunna, Fall 2019
Shawntia Dunna
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
Research: "The Influence of Race and Gender on Pain Empathy"
Conferences:
- 16th Annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium, St. Edward's University, July 2019
- UMBC 27th Annual McNair Scholars Research Conference, University of Maryland at Baltimore, July 2019
The McNair Scholars Program experience goes beyond preparing its scholars for graduate school; it instills a strong sense of family, support and solidarity among cohorts thanks to its wonderful staff and faculty. I'm incredibly grateful for the program's endless encouragement and for helping me build the research skills and confidence to strive toward a doctoral degree. It's been amazing to see my colleagues and I grow both professionally and personally, and I'm excited to see where our next steps will take us!
Carolina Hernandez, Fall 2019
Carolina Hernandez
Major: Global Studies
Research: "Concentration Camps in America: A Comparative Analysis of the Detainment of Japanese Americans and Central Americans"
Conferences:
- 16th Annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium, St. Edward's University, July 2019
- UMBC 27th Annual McNair Scholars Research Conference, University of Maryland at Baltimore, July 2019
Achievements:
- Johnson-Turpin Scholar
The McNair Scholars Program instilled in me new found confidence and a sense of community during a time when I felt quite isolated. It was special to me to learn how to navigate research design, GRE preparation, and graduate school applications with a group of dedicated, hard-working young adults like myself. McNair helped to show me that my future academic and research goals are not only attainable but realistic as well.
Ryder Nicholas, Fall 2019
Ryder Nicholas
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
Research: focused on "The Influence of Biopsychosocial Education on Substance Use Disorder Stigma"
Conferences:
- 16th Annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium, St. Edward's University, July 2019
- FIU McNair Scholars Research Conference, Florida International University, October 2019
The McNair Scholars Program exceeded all of my expectations. Before I joined, obtaining my PhD seemed like just a dream, but the program gave me the tools and support necessary to make my dream attainable. The opportunities I have had through the program have made me a competitive candidate for graduate schools and has overall made me excited for my future. Joining the McNair Program is like joining a family; there is a sense of community, belonging and support. I am so thankful for everything this program has helped me achieve and all the amazing people I have met.
Mimi Osheyack, Spring 2020
Mimi Osheyack
Major: Psychology
Research: "Do Trigger Warnings Mediate a Physiological Response to the Anxiety Provoking Stimulus?"
Conferences:
- 16th Annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium, St. Edward's University, July 2019
- UMBC 27th Annual McNair Scholars Research Conference, University of Maryland at Baltimore, July 2019
- Southwestern Psychological Association Annual Convention, Fort Worth, TX, April 2020*
- Dean's List, Fall 2019
The McNair Scholars Program has given me the appropriate tools to understand what it takes to achieve a doctoral degree. Most importantly, it brought me some great mentors who have pushed me to persevere and go after amazing opportunities. I will always be thankful for the people involved in this program!
Leslie Rios, Spring 2020
Leslie Rios
Major: Political Science
Research: "Rhetoric Under President Trump: Citizenship as a Zero-Sum Game and Tragedy of the Commons." She presented her research at the following conferences:
Conferences:
- 16th Annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium, St. Edward's University, July 2019
- UMBC 27th Annual McNair Scholars Research Conference, University of Maryland at Baltimore, July 2019
- Symposium of Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression, St. Edward's University, April 2020*
Honors: Presidential Award
Achievements:
- Student Body President (SGA) 2019-2020
- Dean's List, Fall 2019
The McNair Scholars Program helped me realize my capabilities in alignment with my life goals. With the right encouragement, resources, and preparation, I’ve opened a door I never knew I had available for me in the first place. I will carry this confidence with me for the rest of my career and will continue paying it forward with gratitude.
Alessandra Urbina, Spring 2020
Alessandra Urbina
Major: Global Studies and Computer Information Science
Research: "Internal Conditions Contributing to East Asian Reunification Models: Lessons Learned for North and South Korea"
Conferences:
- FIU McNair Scholars Research Conference, Florida International University, October 2019
- Symposium of Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression, St. Edward's University, April 2020*
Achievements:
- University Honors Program
- Dean's List, Fall 2019
The McNair scholars program was an essential part of my undergraduate experience by helping me to prepare for the next step. By helping me prepare for grad programs, I was able to build and meet mentors and other students to form a community that supports each other. The connections I made as a McNair scholar go beyond just academia, and I’ll be forever grateful to the program for that.
David Weier, Fall 2019
David Weier
Major: Biology major
Research: "Immunopathological perspective investigation on Colony Collapse Disorder in Apis mellifera as age in colony increases"
Conferences:
- 16th Annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium, St. Edward's University, July 2019
- UMBC 27th Annual McNair Scholars Research Conference, University of Maryland at Baltimore, July 2019
- Brother Lucian Symposium, St. Edward's University, October 2019
- Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, Anaheim, CA, November 2019
Achievements:
- The Brother Romard Barthel, CSC, '47 Endowed Scholarship 2019-2020
- Father Sorin Outstanding Leader of the Year
Our scholars are an accomplished group. They've been accepted to numerous graduate programs at prestigious universities across the globe. Universities that offered acceptances into their graduate programs include:
- University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley
- City, University of London
- University of Greenwich, London
- Goldsmiths, University of London
- Kingston University, London
- University of Oregon
- Arizona State University
- Rush University
- Drexler University
- Iowa State University
Rachelle Cardoza, Kinesiology
Research: A Comparison of Recreational Therapy and Pharmacological Therapy in Reducing Behavioral Problems in Alzheimer’s Patients
Achievements:
- Johnson-Turpin Scholar
Isabel Garcia, Psychology
Research: Substance Abuse: A Comparative Analysis of Psychosocial Factors Unique to LatinX Immigrants
Achievements:
- Dean's List, Spring 2019
Bianca Garcia-Gonzalez, Behavioral Neuroscience
Research: UNC-33, a protein that may link genetic and environmental factors underlying schizophrenia
Victoria Jaimes, Psychology
Research: The Effects E-cigarette Marketing Has on Perceptions About Smoking Among College Students
Rebecca Sanchez, Sociology
Research: Dating Apps and Women’s Sexual Empowerment
Achievements:
- Outstanding Student in Sociology
- Dean's List, Spring 2019
- Dean's List, Fall 2019
Our program would not be as successful as it is without the contributions of time, hard work, and support that our program and scholars receive from St. Edward's University faculty. Some volunteer to serve on the Advisory Board, which assists with the selection of our scholars. Some serve by reading articles for our annual scholarly journals. Others mentor our scholars and oversee their research throughout the summer (and sometimes throughout the entire year).
We'd like to acknowledge their generosity and hard work and thank all of them for everything they do!
Our program benefits enormously from the efforts and generosity of faculty who serve on our advisory board, are STEM advisors, who mentor and oversee our scholars' research, and who are members of the editorial board for our annual scholarly journal. We thank them for everything they do.
Advisory Board
- Sarah Henseler, PhD
- Arcelia Hernandez, PhD
- Andrea Holgado, PhD
- Stephanie Martinez, PhD
- Kathleen Wilburn, PhD
- Jeannetta Williams, PhD
STEM Advisors
- Jason Callahan, PhD
- Lisa Goering, PhD
McNair Research Journal Faculty Editorial Board 2019-2020
- Warren Anderson, PhD
- Peter Austin, PhD
- Natalie Beck, PhD
- Emily Brown, PhD
- Mark Cherry, PhD
- Amy Clements, PhD
- Daniel Gold, PhD
- Lisa Holleran, PhD
- Angela Ju, PhD
- Chad Long, PhD
- Michelle Richter, PhD
- Tammie Rubin, MFA
Faculty Mentors
School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Emily Barton, PhD
- Peter Beck, PhD
- Jessica Boyette-Davis, PhD
- Michael Disch, PhD
- Katherine Goldey, PhD
- Selin Guner, PhD
- Laurie Heffron, PhD
- Jooyoun Lee, PhD
- Moira Martin, PhD
- Adam McCormick, PhD
- David Thomason, PhD
School of Natural Sciences
- Trish Baynham, PhD
- Teresa Bilinski, PhD
- Charles Hauser, PhD
- Andrea Holgado, PhD
- Casie Parish-Fisher, PhD
- Matthew Steffenson, PhD
- Santiago Toledo, PhD
School of Human Development and Education
- Kristy Ballard, PhD
School of Arts and Humanities
- Luis Aviles Gonzalez, MA
- Jonathan Heaps, PhD
- Justine Hernandez, PhD
- Lori Peterson, PhD
Our most recent cohort of McNair scholars was inducted on December 6, 2019. We're looking forward to their research internship this summer and celebrating their accomplishments next year!
Viviana Jaimes, Sociology
Carlos Chavira, Biology
Vianney Campos, Sociology
Achievements:
- Dean's List, Spring 2019
- Dean's List, Fall 2019
Destiny Nicoll, Psychology
Achievements:
- Dean's List, Spring 2019
- Dean's List, Fall 2019
Mia Garcia, Biology
Karina Moreno, Biology and Spanish
Marianne Garcia, Behavioral Neuroscience
Achievements:
- Johnson-Turpin Scholar
Melvin Vizcaino, Communication
Achievements:
- Dean's List, Spring 2019
- Dean's List, Fall 2019
Valerie Martin, Psychology
Achievements:
- Dean's List, Spring 2019
- Dean's List, Fall 2019
Jimmy Martinez, Chemistry
Achievements:
- Dean's List, Spring 2019
Cristobal Garcia-Quiroz, Biology and Political Science
Achievements:
- PPIA Junior Summer Institute program at Carnegie Mellon
- Dean's List, Fall 2019
Alberto Limones, Psychology
2019-2020 McNair scholars
Molly Minus, PhD - Director and Principal Investigator
Sonia Briseño, MSW - Assistant Director
Auzimuth Jackson, PhD - Program Graduate Assistant
Maria Gómez, Senior Secretary
McNair Scholars Program | Moody Hall, Room 126 | 512.426.1268 | mcnairscholars@stedwards.edu | stedwards.edu/mcnair-scholars-program
Credits:
All photo copyrights belong to the scholars who generously provided us with photos of themselves to be featured on this page.