Psychology

EWU McNair Scholar Darlynne Khayesi Completes Summer Research Internship

11/23/2021 by Liina Koivula Leave a Comment

EWU McNair Scholar Darlynne Khayesi worked with Dr. Jillene Seiver in her Summer Research Internship on Mental Health Challenges in College Students which focused on the experiences of immigrant students.

Darlynne’s study aimed to test the hypothesis that there is a higher prevalence of mental health issues among immigrant college-attending students compared to their native counterparts. In a multicultural context, all immigrants, regardless of their paperwork status, face psychological stress—or acculturative stress—when confronted with both risks and opportunities with regards to their cultural and individual identities upon arrival in a new nation.

She recruited survey participants through a random selection of college students who volunteered to participate in the online survey. The human volunteers’ identities could not be traced back to them.

The survey used questions based on The Perceived Stress Scale, Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale, and the Trauma History Questionnaire, in randomized order. These were followed by demographic questions, such as age, sex, marital status, family or household income level, parents’ highest level of education, participant highest level of education, employment status, and immigrant status. For immigrants, further questions involve family situation (e.g. whether moved to US with family) and living situation (e.g. with family, roommates, etc.). Following data collection, groups will be investigated and compared based if they are immigrants or native born, with data reflecting the sample population.

Darlynne is a senior at EWU majoring in Applied Developmental Psychology and minoring in Communications Studies as well as Gender and Women’s Studies. She is currently finalizing the analysis and related research paper for this research project while applying to graduate programs at several schools. We look forward to seeing what Darlynne does next!

EWU McNair Scholar Ian Campuzano Completes Summer Research Internship

11/22/2021 by Liina Koivula Leave a Comment

EWU McNair Scholar Ian Campuzano worked with Dr. Jillene Seiver in his Summer Research Internship on Returning Back to Campus After COVID-19: Neuroticism and it’s Correlated Attitudes.

Ian first reviewed literature with an annotated bibliography of academic articles related to his research study. He created a survey and gathered data via SurveyMonkey. The online survey had a total of 62 questions with 3 parts. The first part included pictures with masked, unmasked, social distanced and crowded scenarios. The second part was a questionnaire about views on the COVID vaccine. The third part inventoried the Big Five personality traits to discover whether patterns of neuroticism were generated by the answers to the first two sections.

Ian’s goal was to find correlations between these data points with regard to personality traits and attitudes towards mask and vaccine mandates on university campuses as in-person classes resumed.

Data collection for Ian’s project continued into the fall, and he is currently finalizing the analysis and related research paper while applying to graduate programs at several schools. We look forward to seeing what Ian does next!

Dr. Jillene Seiver: A Positive Mentor Dedicated to Preparing the Next Generation of Psychology Researchers

11/03/2021 by Jaeger, Corinne Leave a Comment

EWU McNair Faculty Mentor Spotlight: Dr. Jillene Seiver

by Cori Jaeger, EWU McNair Program Academic Advisor

Senior Lecturer Dr. Jillene Seiver first became involved with McNair in 2020. After teaching Psychology 100 to College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) students, one of those students EWU McNair alumna Samantha Sanchez-Garcia – approached Dr. Seiver to be her faculty mentor. Dr. Seiver accepted the role with enthusiasm. The EWU McNair faculty mentor's goal is to support scholars in conducting their EWU McNair Summer Research Internship and moving towards their goal of becoming graduate students. Dr. Seiver guided Samantha through the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process, which approves, monitors, and reviews research involving human subjects, so that Samantha could conduct a survey and use the findings to better understand trauma and its impact on the mental health of college students.

Samantha presented her research at the Baylor McNair Research Conference and at the Western Psychological Association conference. She also applied to over ten graduate programs. After being accepted by three programs, Samantha decided to attend the Industrial and Organizational Psychology PhD Program at Depaul University where she was selected as one of just three students out of 80 applicants! Not only do McNair faculty mentors provide invaluable support and graduate school preparation through research, they are such meaningful connections for scholar that they often forge life-long collegiate relationships. When I interviewed Dr. Seiver in early October, Samantha had already been in touch with her to check-in regarding the experience so far at DePaul.

Dr. Seiver had heard about the McNair program previously from Dr. Kayleen Islam-Zwart, the Chair of the School of Psychology, who mentored EWU McNair alumna Rachel Silverthorn in 2019-2020 and Acea Sands in 2017. In fact, EWU McNair has had over ten mentors from the Psychology department in the last twenty years! Dr. Seiver noted that in the absence of graduate students, in addition to the joy of mentoring, it’s been really helpful to have engaged students to support her research:

McNair students are similar to grad students in their desire and ability to get the work done.”

She sees mentoring as a part of her work as faculty and as a way to give back to the community – to prepare the next generation of psychology researchers. When I asked why she would recommend mentoring to other faculty she said:

McNair may well introduce you to students who you haven’t really connected with prior. Whether they were busy working or were a bit more shy in approaching faculty, you didn’t see them and yet they have all of this potential. I got as much out of the experience as I think my scholars did. I learned a lot.”

She sees McNair as an opportunity to help talented young people by providing the support and lift they need to be successful in graduate school.

Darlynne Khayesi McNair Scholar Announcements 2021

Ian Campuzano McNair Scholar Announcements 2021

EWU McNair faculty mentors do so much for their scholars even beyond the research experience—such as having meaningful conversations, sharing insight into academia, offering feedback on applications and research writing, and writing letters of recommendation—and yet Dr. Seiver found the workload was not overwhelming. In fact, for the 2021 Summer Research Internship, Dr. Seiver took on two mentees: Darlynne Khayesi and Ian Campuzano. She met with students weekly, directing them towards articles, discussing research, and outlining the steps they needed to take. She pointed out, “It’s not your project; your job is to facilitate the student generating and carrying through their own project.” This aligns with what EWU McNair alumnus Dr. Frank King said in his interview for our Social Justice in Research panel at the EWU CSTEM and McNair Symposium June 2021:

Dr. Frank King Social Justice Panel 2021 WSU

Remember that it is the student's project. We have to find a way to help the student find their voice. We can challenge them. But we have to let them find their way." - EWU McNair Alumnus Dr. Frank C. King Jr.

I met with all of our McNair Scholars regularly during the summer and both Ian and Darlynne noted Dr. Seiver provided a clear process they could follow to research their specific interests and that she was always there for them when they had a question or a difficulty. All in all, Dr. Seiver spent an hour or two a week to support each student throughout summer quarter, with an exception of a bit more time when helping students analyze data through methods they have not been introduced to yet as undergrads. Both students' projects have continued into the fall as they finished collecting surveys and finalizing their research papers. Dr. Seiver continues to be available to her students so they have whatever support is needed to finish their projects. While mentors do often review and support mentees in developing their research papers, Dr. Seiver said the McNair program also helps students know what to do and how to do it, so it is not all on the mentor. We also connect students with the Writer’s Center for additional support. Once their research papers are finished, students can submit them as an example of academic writing with their graduate school applications, most often alongside a strong letter of recommendation from their mentor. Both of these elements are a large part of what makes McNair Scholars competitive, in particular if they go directly from undergraduate school to a PhD program.

It is clear through her generous support of McNair Scholars that Dr. Seiver is committed to serving Eastern students. McNair is deeply appreciative of Dr. Seiver and all of our EWU McNair faculty mentors. Without them, this work would not be possible. Mentor support and encouragement is crucial to McNair Scholars’ belief that they belong in academia as well as their acceptance into graduate school and ultimate success in achieving their PhD’s. To date, over 41 EWU McNair Scholars have earned their PhD’s since its inception in 1995. We are grateful to Dr. Seiver for continuing the tradition of great faculty support of McNair Scholars and hope to continue to work with her and many other faculty in the years to come.

EWU McNair Alumna Lizeth Bañuelos Presents to Scholars

10/26/2021 by Liina Koivula Leave a Comment

EWU 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!

Ian Campuzano Selected as an EWU McNair Scholar and Awarded Summer Research Internship

05/13/2021 by Tennyson, Bryn Leave a Comment

Congratulations Eastern Washington University student Ian Campuzano! Ian has been selected as an EWU McNair Scholar and awarded a summer research internship. McNair Scholars must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, are first generation college students and low-income and/or underrepresented students, and are selected for their promise as scholars and commitment to attaining a PhD. Ian is majoring in Psychology as well as a minor in Criminal Justice. He is interested in studying criminal behavior and the multiple mental aspects that come into play when deciphering the reasoning behind criminal acts. For his 2021 McNair summer research internship, he will be working under the mentorship of Dr. Jill Seiver on social media platform interpretations and how a first impression of an individual’s social media page can widely affect other’s perspectives and emotions pointed at that individual.

We're so excited to have Ian join us as a McNair Scholar!

7 EWU McNair Scholars Participate in Gabriel E. Gallardo Research, Student Leadership, and Advocacy Symposium

04/29/2021 by Jaeger, Corinne Leave a Comment

EWU McNair Scholars Rachael Pentico, Lizeth Bañuelos, and Malachi Chukwu presented last week at the virtual Gabriel E. Gallardo Research, Student Leadership & Advocacy Symposium hosted by the University of Washington. Four other EWU McNair Scholars attended: Alexandria Coronado, Wendolyn Martinez, Christina Hudson, and Aulane Mpouli. This was the first annual Gabriel E. Gallardo Research, Student Leadership & Advocacy Symposium (GEG Symposium) hosted by the University of Washington’s Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (UW OMA&D). This builds on UW McNair’s 28-year legacy of hosting a Pacific Northwest Undergraduate Research Conference and is intended to honor the legacy of Dr. Gabriel E. Gallardo who passed away last year after a lifetime of service to educational equity, particularly on behalf on TRIO McNair, TRIO-SSS, and CAMP students. This symposium provides an amazing opportunity for undergraduate researchers to meet other scholars and to share their research in a unique, exciting and supportive environment. A huge thank you to EWU McNair Faculty Mentors for encouraging and supporting scholars with their research and presentations! Below are some quotes from our scholars about the value of the experience.

On Attending the Conference:

Attending the conference was such an enriching experience for me. I had the opportunity to meet professors doing work in my area of interest at UW and to make important connections. I would recommend attending conferences to other students because it is an invaluable opportunity to ask questions and do some important networking."

- Christina Hudson, 2021 EWU McNair Scholar

Attending the conference was an insightful and meaningful. I attended: Finding Your Community, Imposter Syndrome, the Student Leadership Panel, Meditation and Stretching, Mental Health in Graduate School, Building Positive Mentoring Relationships, Self-Advocacy and Speaking Up for Yourself, and the Networking Fireside chat with Graduate Students from social sciences. These provided such honesty and great advice to successfully building relationships, your community, and taking care of your mental health."

- Lizeth Bañuelos, 2020 EWU McNair Scholar

On Presenting:

This was the first time that I pre-recorded a poster experience and it was such a great experience. It calmed the nerves I would have had if I presented live. I enjoyed familiarizing myself with this process. Take advantage of these opportunities, they are worth it. The nerves are worth it."

- Lizeth Bañuelos, 2020 EWU McNair Scholar

Check out Our Scholar's Presentations!

EWU McNair Scholar Presentations at the UW Conference:

To watch Lizeth's presentation" First-Generation Latinx Students' Academic Experience: The Role of Institutional Supports During the Pandemic, click here!

Click here to see Malachi's poster: Projects of Economic and Social Development in the Global South: The 20th and 21st Century Trends and their Effects.

Click here to see Rachael's poster: A Review of Plant Soil Feedbacks and their Importance for Palouse Prairie Restoration and Management.

EWU McNair Encourages Scholar Presentations at Conferences

EWU McNair encourages all of its scholars to present at conferences such as NCUR to network with those in their field and to build confidence, gain experience, and to strengthen Curriculum Vitae's (CV) for applying to graduate school. In addition to the UW conference, this school year scholars have presented at the Baylor McNair Research Conference, the Murdock College Science Research Conference, and the National Council on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) Conference. Typically most EWU McNair Scholars also present at the EWU Symposium. Last year we may have set a record with 18 scholars presenting last spring!

This year, to ensure our scholars have this opportunity, EWU McNair is partnering with CSTEM at EWU to host a symposium on June 2nd. The symposium will begin with a Social Justice in Research Panel with EWU McNair Alumni at 9 am. Click here to register for the event for free!

Green back drop (lime to jade), with title of article, names of scholars and an image of each

Darlene Gilroy, EWU McNair Scholar and Environmental Geology major, attends prestigious Murdock College Science Research Conference in Vancouver, WA

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The EWU McNair staff are proud of all of our scholars for the hard work they've put into their research and sharing that research with the broader community.