Eastern Washington University’s McNair Scholars Program is celebrating a new cohort of students who have completed transformative summer research internships across the country. These intensive, hands-on experiences are a cornerstone of the McNair program, helping students from underrepresented backgrounds gain the skills, confidence, and network needed to succeed in doctoral programs. The program’s recent summer researchers—Alice Chamberlin, Chris Abruscato, Noemi, and Kayla Dickson—have all made impressive strides in their respective fields.
Alice Chamberlin: Exploring Graduate Studies at Penn State: Alice Chamberlin was accepted into Penn State’s Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP), a 10-week program designed to increase the pursuit of graduate studies and research careers by underrepresented students. The program emphasizes the development of important skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and intellectual independence. These experiences prepare scholars like Alice for the rigorous demands of graduate school and beyond.
Chris Abruscato: A Quest for Quantum Materials: Chris Abruscato spent his summer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), conducting research in the Emerging Quantum Materials and Technology program. His project, “Quest to break the memory wall,” focused on studying the ferroelectric properties of doped-hafnium oxide (HfO2) thin films. Chris’s research involved deriving a model equation to predict thin film thickness using experimental data from UNL’s Ferro Thin Films Lab. His work exemplifies how summer research allows students to apply classroom knowledge to specific questions and contribute to real-world solutions.
Kayla Dickson: Innovations in Wheat Breeding: Kayla Dickson’s research at UNL took her into the field of agronomy and horticulture. She worked in a wheat breeding program with Dr. Katherine Frels, focusing on a device called “The Stalker”. Her project, titled “The Stalker: An Alternative Approach for Assessing Stem Solidness in Wheat,” aimed to determine if the tool could be used to identify sawfly-resistant wheat lines. The experience provided a glimpse into graduate student life and gave her hands-on experience with data analysis using Python and R. Kayla also presented her McNair research at the 2024 Cannabis Research Conference in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Noemi: Research on the Border: Noemi’s summer research took them to the University of New Mexico, where they participated in a collaborative experience focused on the impacts of U.S. immigration policy. Their research project, “Women Migrants and Borderland Artists from Juarez, Chihuahua on Immigration and More,” used interviews to gather the experiences and perspectives of migrant women and artists. This type of research provides students with a unique opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge while engaging with real-world issues.
These summer research internships are invaluable. They are proven to boost student confidence and professionalism, create meaningful student-faculty interactions, and enhance a scholar’s resume for future graduate work or career advancement. As these four scholars demonstrate, the experiences empower students to take the next step toward their Ph.D. and become future leaders in their fields.
