Ann Arbor Times

The 2024 National McNair Conference hosted by UCLA provided opportunities for McNair Scholars nationwide to network, explore potential programs of interest at a graduate opportunities fair, and engage in culturally immersive experiences in Los Angeles, Calif.

Nine EMU students attended the conference, seven of whom provided oral or poster presentations about research relating to their fields of study and conducted with faculty mentors. Students within the EMU McNair Scholars Program were chosen to participate based on good academic standing and their involvement in research. First-year McNair students were invited to attend as spectators to engage in conference activities and learn more about research.

Dr. Kimberly Brown, director of the McNair Scholars Program, anticipates that attendees will utilize the skills they learned at the conference in future professional environments.

“I hope that students will gain experience and confidence in presenting research on a national platform, expand their network of peers at other McNair Programs, gain exposure to graduate school and summer research opportunities, and build community with peers from the EMU McNair Program,” replied Dr. Brown.

Junior McNair Scholar and neuroscience major Amyra Issa attended the 2024 UCLA National McNair Conference and was grateful for the opportunity to present her research.

“Leading up to the conference, I felt anxious and overwhelmed, fearing I might make a mistake or get too nervous to present. However, I was fortunate to have the unconditional support of my McNair cohort and our wonderful director, Dr. Kimberly Brown. I was also surrounded by many other McNair Scholars who, despite their diverse fields of study, made a genuine effort to understand my research,” stated Issa.

Senior political science major and McNair Scholar Naomi Barbour is thankful for the McNair program's support for first-generation, low-income students and those from underrepresented backgrounds.

"McNair is an incredibly beneficial program,” remarked Barbour. “Being able to present at the UCLA conference was immensely helpful and grounding for my research but it was also inspirational to witness so many educated scholars. The McNair cohort grows stronger with each trip creating lifelong bonds and memorable stories."

The McNair Scholars Program is recruiting new members! Eligible students should have completed at least 30 hours with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and have an interest in attending graduate school. They must be first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds or belong to groups underrepresented in graduate education (e.g., Black Hispanic American Indian Alaska Native Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander).

Interested students can apply here. Faculty can nominate students for the McNair Program by emailing emu_mcnair@emich.edu.

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