The McNair Scholars Program housed within the Office of Access and Leadership Development provides enriching experiences that prepare eligible students for doctoral study. The program provides opportunities to undergraduate students at the junior and senior levels to participate in research experiences. During the annual conference on April 16, 2022, in Memorial Union’s Stotler Lounge, McNair Scholars presented research conducted with their faculty research mentors. In opening remarks, President Mun Choi discussed the legacy of the McNair Program noting, “The students who are part of the McNair Program represent the very best that we have.”

McNair Mentors meet with scholars regularly and help them develop their research/scholarship skills. This year our McNair Mentors provided expertise in fields of study ranging from social science, addiction and neurocognition to physics and astronomy. 

After 16 oral presentations, a luncheon and award presentations to scholars and mentors, the conference closed with remarks from Dr. Natalie Downer, director of the McNair Scholars Program. “What a privilege to sit in the room with such promise,” she said of the scholars. “We are so happy to have played a small role in that. We encourage you to go out and change the world.”