TRIO Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program

Eastern Washington University

2021-22 Presentations

13 McNair Scholars Present at EWU’s 2022 Student Research & Creative Works Symposium

by Leave a Comment

13 McNair Scholars Present at EWU’s 2022 Student Research & Creative Works SymposiumOn May 11, EWU held the 2022 Student Research and Creative Works Symposium. The Symposium has been held virtually for the last two years, and being back in person allowed for a different level of engagement as scholars discussed their research (both proposed and completed) with fellow students, faculty, and the EWU community. Many scholars shared their work in poster format in the PUB, while others had the opportunity to give longer talks to packed classrooms. McNair scholars shared their experiences with us for this article.

 

Graduating McNair scholar Lucia Roussa:

After a long couple of years of virtual meetings it was really nice to see all of the other student projects in one room. It felt so rewarding that so many people were interested in my research. Poster sessions are really great because they allow people to take in the information at their own pace. I had people leave and come back with more questions, which tells me that they were thinking about my poster even after they left! I really enjoyed being a part of an energetic room of student researchers.

New McNair scholar Alexander Dodson:

Presenting at Eastern Washington University's Research and Creative Works Symposium was an amazing opportunity. Everyone was super kind and excited for me to tell them about the research I am doing. I would recommend everyone attend or present at the symposium!

New McNair scholar Arcelia Madrigal:

I loved presenting at the symposium because it was a lot more personal since I had my professors and friends visit my poster. I was able to see the creative work of those in my community.

The mission of the federally-funded TRiO Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program at EWU is to increase diversity in academia by supporting first-generation and low-income and/or students underrepresented at the graduate level who plan to go on to earn a PhD. When scholars from diverse backgrounds become leaders in their fields, they bring forth exciting and relevant research questions. They grow to be role-models, increasing both representation and opportunities for future students. The 13 McNair scholars who presented at the symposium reflect the many different areas of study where our scholars are gaining expertise.

 

We are consistently impressed with the breadth and depth EWU’s McNair scholars bring to their research, and we look forward to experiencing the impact of their work!

 

Haili Poss presents her research proposal poster, Sex Guilt and Attitudes towards Sex Work.
Badradin Mohammed presents his research proposal poster, Water Politics: A Case Study of Hydro Politics Among Nile River Stakeholders.
Arcelia Madrigal presents her research poster, An Analysis of Character: Strong’s PurposeFull People Program Components.
Katie Gower presents her research, Policy & Practice: Investigating Homelessness Discourse in Spokane, Washington.
Alexander Dodson presents his research poster, Potential Effects of the American and Pride Flag on Our Judgments of Others.
Malek Chreiki presents his research proposal poster, Design and Delivery of Gamma-Retroviral CRISPR Plasmids
Serena Camacho presents her research poster, Understanding the Role Gender Might be Playing in Your Child's ASD Evaluation.
Saul Bautista presents his research proposal poster, Honduran Tribes and their Historical Erosion.
Lucia Roussa presents her research poster, Freshwater Sponges in Eastern Washington: Environmental Constraints, Species Composition, and Associated Photobionts.
Christina Hudson presents her research poster, Transforming Yourself Through English.
Ashley Destin presents her research poster, Feline Red Blood Cell Shape and the Impacts of Cytauxzoonosis.
Saul Bautista presents his research proposal poster, Honduran Tribes and their Historical Erosion.
Arcelia Madrigal presents her research poster, An Analysis of Character: Strong’s PurposeFull People Program Components.
Lucia Roussa presents her research poster, Freshwater Sponges in Eastern Washington: Environmental Constraints, Species Composition, and Associated Photobionts.
Alexander Dodson presents his research poster, Potential Effects of the American and Pride Flag on Our Judgments of Others.
Haili Poss presents her research proposal poster, Sex Guilt and Attitudes towards Sex Work.

EWU McNair Scholar Christina Hudson Presents at National Association of African American Studies & Affiliates 2022 Conference

by Leave a Comment

In February, EWU McNair scholar Christina Hudson presented at the National Association of African American Studies & Affiliates 2022 Virtual Conference, held online. She presented her 2021 Summer Research Internship project The Characterization of African Religion. For this project, Christina was mentored by Dr. Okera Nsombi. Christina is double majoring in English studies and Africana studies, and minoring in religious studies. She also serves as the ASEWU Diversity Representative.

When asked about the most valuable aspects of attending and presenting at this conference, Christina said she had the opportunity to make some awesome connections.

It was so great to meet and connect with so many amazing scholars and professors from different universities.

Christina would like to let other McNair scholars know that presenting at conferences is a great opportunity to talk about your research and to make important connections. While the idea of presenting at a conference may seem intimidating, “it can be a really fun experience filled with amazing scholars who are just as excited to hear about your research as you are to talk about it.”

Christina will begin her PhD studies in Africology and African American studies at Temple University next fall.

EWU McNair Scholar Christina Hudson: ASEWU Diversity Representative

by Leave a Comment

EWU McNair Scholar Christina Hudson: ASEWU Diversity Outreach RepresentativeEWU McNair Scholar Christina Hudson is serving as the Associated Students of EWU Diversity Outreach Representative for the 2021-2022 academic year. In this position, Christina helps to create a culture of inclusivity and community at EWU. Based on her work in this role, her outstanding academic record, and her regular contributions to organizations such as BlackPast.org, Christina was asked to participate in building a curriculum for next year’s required staff trainings in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Senate Bill 5227 aims to eliminate structural racism and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by conducting training sessions and evaluations in Washington’s 40 public colleges and universities, beginning in the 2022-2023 school year.

In addition to this important work, Christina was invited to be a featured speaker at the EWU Diversity and Inclusion Week Event Speed Relating. At this event, fueled by free Thomas Hammer coffee, students, faculty, and staff can connect and have open conversations with a variety of individuals representing diverse identities, professions, and/or interests. Christina introduces herself in this statement from the Speed Relating Speakers Directory:

I am an AfroMexicana first-generation student and McNair scholar, double majoring in English studies and Africana studies, and minoring in religious studies. My academic journey has been very nontraditional. I grew up between Barrio Logan in San Diego, CA, and west side Long Beach, CA. I had my first job at fourteen years old and, because I had to live on my own and work support myself from fifteen years old, I dropped out of high school at the beginning of ninth grade. I began college many years later with neither a high school diploma nor a GED. After graduating with two bachelor’s degrees this spring, I will begin my PhD studies in Africology and African American studies at Temple University.

Christina completed her McNair Summer Research Internship project, The Characterization of African Religions, mentored by Dr. Okera Nsombi.

To hear more about Christina’s experiences in higher education, Africana studies, and the McNair Scholars Program, connect with her over free coffee at the Speed Relating event on Wednesday, April 20, 11am to 1pm, in the JFK Library Lobby.

EWU McNair Scholar Seth McCullough Presents at Murdock College Science Research Conference

by Leave a Comment

 

Seth McCullough Presents at Murdock ConferenceIn 2021, EWU McNair Scholar Seth McCullough presented at the Murdock College Science Research Conference. The conference focuses on sharing and advancing new knowledge in the natural sciences created or discovered through collaborative faculty-student research, and attendance is by invitation.

 

We asked Seth a few questions about his experience at the Murdock Conference to help newer McNair Scholars gain an idea of what to expect and how to prepare when they present at conferences.


What were the most valuable aspects of attending and presenting at this conference?

Murdock was my first in person conference, so being able to go in person and see how multi-day conferences operate was nice. The most valuable aspect of the conference was being able to present my research to people I did not know who are part of the scientific community. I enjoyed being able to see what other students in the region are researching, and I found it to be a great learning experience. I thought it was nice when other students and judges came around to ask questions about my research. The more questions I am asked about my research, the more I learn and the better I am at knowing what is important to explain when describing my work.

 

What would you tell other students and/or McNair scholars about attending and presenting conferences? 

Don't be afraid to go to and present at conferences. I was nervous before my poster session, but once I got started, everything flowed smoothly. After I explained my work to the first couple of people, I had a good routine down. I would suggest that students practice presenting to friends and family, preferably someone who doesn't know anything about your research. If you can explain your research to someone who is not an expert in your field, in a way that they can understand it, then you are golden. Also PRINT YOUR POSTER EARLY and be very familiar with your poster and presentation!

 

Seth was recently accepted to the Master of Professional Science program at the University of Miami. Congratulations on your presentation at the Murdock Conference, Seth, and thank you for sharing your experience and advice! Click here to read more about Seth and his research.

12 EWU McNair Scholars Present at EWU Virtual Symposium

by Leave a Comment

12 McNair Scholars Present at EWU’s 2021 CSTEM and McNair Spring Research SymposiumIn June 2021, EWU held the CSTEM and McNair Spring Research Symposium. This online event offered a chance for McNair scholars to present their research, as well as attend the Social Justice in Research Panel of EWU McNair alumni now working in academics and education. 

The mission of the federally-funded TRiO Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program at EWU is to increase diversity in academia by supporting first-generation and low-income and/or racially under-represented students in higher education who want to go on to earn a PhD. 

When scholars from diverse backgrounds become leaders in their fields, they bring forth exciting and relevant research questions. They grow to be role-models, increasing both representation and opportunities for future students. The 12 McNair current and former scholars who presented at the symposium reflect the many different areas of study where our scholars are gaining expertise. Breakout rooms focused on topics including Prairie Restoration, Social Sciences and Humanities, Fisheries and Water Science, Material Science, Regional Ecology, Microbiome, Disease Ecology and COVID, and Computation and Modeling. Presenters included:

Seth McCullough Effect of Biochar Additions in Palouse Prairie Restoration on Several Soil Perimeters 

Rachael Pentico Plant Soil Feedbacks Vary with Aspect in Palouse Prairie Remnants 

Alexis Lisandro Guizar-Diaz Indentured Servitude in the 21st Century? A Case Study on Agricultural Labor Employment 

Theresa Lee Prisoner Reentry: College Perceptions of Reentry Barriers in a Northwest Community 

Alexandria Coronado Impacts of COVID-19 on Food and Housing Student Resources at Universities in State of Washington 

Lizeth Bañuelos Latinx First-Generation Students’ Academic Experience: The Role of Institutional Supports During a Pandemic 

Christina Hudson The Characterization of African Religions 

Mori Williams Nutrient Concentration for Cyanotoxins at Turnbull  & Henry’s Law Constant for Chloroform and Deuterated Chloroform 

Lucy Roussa Freshwater Algae of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge 

Ashley Destin Size Scaling in the Skull of North American Felids as Adaptations for Prey Acquisition 

Nyibol Thareek Mitochondrial excitability and its ability to support waves of calcium 

Aulane Mpouli Molecular Dynamic Simulation Study of ITPA-ITP Protein-Ligand Complex 

We are consistently impressed with EWU’s McNair scholars and we look forward to experiencing the impact of their work!

EWU McNair Alumna Lizeth Bañuelos Presents to Scholars

by Leave a Comment

Alumna Lizeth Bañuelos Visits our Grad AppLication Process CourseEWU McNair Alumna Lizeth Bañuelos presented her research and experience in the McNair program at McNair’s Graduate Application Process Course via Zoom. Lizeth is currently attending Arizona State University’s Master of Counseling (MC) program. Lizeth generously shared her experiences applying to grad school and offered advice to our scholars. 

Lizeth was able to take advantage of opportunities to attend conferences as a part of the McNair program. She said that knowing that her McNair cohort, and the wider McNair community, were in the “room” (during online/virtual presentations) gave her a confidence boost during her presentation. Lizeth has shared her research and her experiences in the EWU CSTEM & McNair Spring Research Symposium , The Gabriel E. Gallardo Research, Student Leadership & Advocacy Symposium , The Council for Opportunity in Education Annual Conference , A Spotlight on Students Who Remain Eagle Strong , and conducted a Virtual Visit for Columbia Basin College’s Upward Bound featuring EWU’s Chicana/o/x Studies department. Lizeth found conferences, even online/virtual ones, to be a valuable way to present the research she was passionate about while networking with other academics who share her interests. 

Lizeth encouraged the current McNair cohort to take good care of themselves during the graduate school application process. Prioritizing health and rest make a big impact on how successfully your mind functions and allows you to present your best self in writing, paperwork, and in interviews. She also offered the gentle reminder to put yourself first during this phase of your academic life. This is a crucial time to prepare for your future!

When choosing schools to apply to, Lizeth recommended beginning by reflecting on your most meaningful life experiences. These can serve as the basis for the personal statement you will write for your applications. She suggested looking for schools with faculty whose studies and research specialties relate to your own goals, rather than selecting schools for their rankings or status. She reminded scholars to watch carefully for each school’s deadlines and prepare applications accordingly, by making a plan for what areas to tackle week by week. 

After your applications are in and you’re anxiously waiting a response, remember to be proud of what you have accomplished! Be patient and stay occupied. Take the time to research funding and apply for scholarships and assistantship positions for each program. Without the added stress of wondering how your funding is going to work out, you can just celebrate your acceptances when they start flowing in!

For programs with acceptance contingent on an interview, Lizeth offered advice. She let the class know that interviews might last a whole day, with both group and individual sessions. She recommended studying the program in depth prior to the interview, in order to have background on the faculty you’ll be meeting, and to be certain that the school’s and program’s values align with your own. During your interview, make yourself memorable! Ask questions about specific faculty research, ask about support systems, funding opportunities, upcoming research projects and conferences. Show faculty how invested you are by making it clear that you want to know as much as you can. Show up well-rested and looking professional. If your interview is via Zoom, use a neutral background. Make sure your mind is in it and you’re showing up like you want to be there! 

Lizeth added an anecdote about her first day of class. A professor asked the students how many of them were first generation graduate students, but only a few raised their hands. Lizeth was struck by this class divide, as opposed to her experience in McNair where almost everyone in her cohort was the first in their family to work towards a degree. This made Lizeth even more proud that she made it this far! She always keeps in mind that she is working towards a future where she can provide the resources she wishes she had growing up, becoming the difference in her community. 

Thank you Lizeth for coming back and offering your perspective to this year’s McNair Scholars cohort! We’re so impressed by your achievements!