Ronald E. McNair Research Scholars Program

A McNair Scholar presents their research at a research conference.

About McNair Research Scholars

LSU University College's Ronald E. McNair Research Scholars program promotes a new cohort of scholars that more accurately reflects the emergent diversity in life experiences, cultures and perspectives represented in academia by preparing students who are first-generation, low-income, and ethnically underrepresented in graduate education for doctoral studies. We connect undergraduate students with faculty-directed research experiences, provide individualized advisement, and foster knowledge of the graduate school application process. Funded by a federal grant from the US Department of Education TRIO programs, McNair Research Scholars conduct research under the mentorship of some of the most distinguished faculty in the country and communicate the results of their work through publications and workshops.

FEATURED SCHOLAR

Exquisite Williams, a Junior Communications Studies Major, was presented with LSU's Unsung Hero Award on January 21, 2021. The Unsung Hero award is given to a member of a student organization who doesn’t hold an executive role but goes above and beyond the call of duty.

MCNAIR SCHOLARS: A NATION-WIDE COMMUNITY OF SCHOLARS

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement program is designed to encourage low-income students and minority undergraduates to consider careers in college teaching as well as prepare for doctoral study. Students who participate in this program are provided with research opportunities and faculty mentors. This program was named in honor of the astronaut who died in the 1986 space-shuttle explosion. Currently, there are 187 projects, serving more than 5,200 students. According to recent performance data, in 2013-14, 69% of McNair participants who graduated in 2010-11 were enrolled in graduate school; meanwhile, 83% of students who first enrolled in graduate school in 2012-2013 persisted in their studies.

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