Eighteen PhD-seeking undergraduate students recently completed a summer research program as part of UCR’s new McNair Scholars Program.
UCR’s first McNair Scholars are preparing for a research symposium on July 24, 2024. (UCR/Stan Lim)
Federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program honors pioneering Black astronaut Ronald E. McNair. We provide two years of comprehensive academic support, including faculty-guided research, graduate school application advice, mentoring, and access to resources for income-eligible first-generation and/or underrepresented students. We aim to increase the number of doctoral degrees awarded to students.
This is the first year the program will be offered at UCR thanks to a competitive grant awarded to the Center for Education and Community Outreach Programs (CECOP), part of the Division of Student Affairs’ TRIO program.
“We are excited to launch the McNair Scholars Program at UCR. This is a true community effort,” said Daisy Rodriguez, TRIO College Program Director. “Our first cohort of scholars has demonstrated an incredible dedication to research and a strong commitment to the Ph.D. Our staff have brought creativity and passion to the success of our program.”
UCR’s first McNair Scholars are preparing for a research symposium on July 24, 2024. (UCR/Stan Lim)
The first summer program has concluded and the program coordinators are focusing on supporting PhD students. Ana Guerrero, assistant director of McNair Scholars, said she sees potential applications in STEM, humanities and social sciences.
“As we continue to grow, we look forward to expanding our collaboration with our staff and faculty,” Guerrero said.
The next McNair Scholar application cycle will begin in Spring 2025. Until then, students can complete this interest form to receive updates. For more information, please contact Ana Guerrero or Daisy Rodriguez.
Three of the 18 undergraduate students who participated in the first McNair Summer 2024 Research Program share their experiences and offer some advice to future McNair Scholars.
Dona Arteaga Alvarez | CHASS, Psychology, Class of 2025
Q: What was difficult about the summer research program?
A: It was a fast-paced program, but in some ways this was a good thing because it gave me the opportunity to work under pressure and rely on my time management skills.
Q: How has this program prepared you for your future goals?
A: I learned about the various resources available to assist with the graduate school application process, including college writing programs. The program offers workshops and one-on-one coaching to help students write statements for graduate school applications.
Q: What was your summer research topic and why did you choose it?
A: My research focused on the impact of working in later life on life satisfaction and mental health (e.g., depression) among older Mexicans. I chose this topic because I thought it was very interesting, especially now that more and more people are working into their senior years. We therefore wanted to find out whether there are differences between employed and unemployed older adults in Mexico. Interestingly, we found significant differences between these two groups when it came to life satisfaction and depression.
Q: Please give a message to students who are considering applying.
A: This is a great program with a lot of really great benefits, so I encourage you to apply. The McNair Scholars Program is a comprehensive program that considers student success and overall well-being.
Jonah Frazier CNAS, Biochemistry, Class of 2025
Q: What was your favorite part of the program?
A: How interdisciplinary this program is. It really tested all of our study communication skills in every way. This is critical to our future role as knowledge creators.
Q: What was difficult about the summer research program?
A: I’m breaking down in my head how I’m going to start presenting data at the symposium. But some of the most difficult things are also the most rewarding.
Q: What was your summer research topic and why did you choose it?
A: I investigated the relationship between epigenetics and cellular identity. This was a continuation of previous work in the laboratory. My main research interest is Pharmacy, which I find very interesting and I believe that many of the skills I will gain, directly or indirectly, will strengthen my future as a Pharmacist.
Q: Do you have any advice for those interested in applying?
A: Try it. (We will also conduct follow-up after the interview.)
Stephen Torres CHASS, History, Class of 2025
Q: Why did you apply?
A: I applied because I felt it would be beneficial to my professional and academic development. I have always wanted to launch a research project that would allow me to further develop my skills such as research, writing, and analytical skills. Additionally, I was very keen to expand my knowledge of my interests, such as immigration and the history of cities. Another thing that led me to apply was the opportunity to discuss the graduate school application process. It was very important to me to have a program that supported me, especially since I am the first in my family to apply to graduate school.
Q: What was your summer research topic and why did you choose it?
A: My research concerns Mexican immigrant communities spanning Los Angeles from the 1960s to the 1980s. I analyzed how these communities collaborated and took action in response to key federal immigration policies. These laws include the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 (Hart-Celler Act) and the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). I pursued this topic because I have always been interested in Mexican history due to my ethnic background. Much of my family immigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities, and I believe it allowed me to explore my own family history and the establishment of historic Mexican communities.
Q: How did this experience prepare you for your future goals?
A: I am much more knowledgeable and knowledgeable about graduate school and the research process. Being exposed to the “hidden curriculum” of graduate school, which is not often discussed, was very beneficial for me and allowed me to approach my application with more confidence. Without this program, I would not have been as active in the current application cycle. I also believe that this program has allowed me to further explore my research interests, which I hope to continue learning by entering graduate school and collaborating with faculty with similar research backgrounds.
Q: Do you have any advice for those interested in applying?
A: Please take the time to talk with your potential faculty mentors about why you think this program will be beneficial to you. I highly recommend this for students majoring in the humanities. This is because it allows you to examine your academic interests and how they can be applied to other academic or professional settings. You won’t know until you actually apply, so please give it a try. As someone who is very nervous about taking on new opportunities, I am so glad I applied to this program without hesitation. That led to an unforgettable experience.
