Founded in 1996 in honor of Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D., the laser physicist and Space Shuttle Challenger astronaut, the ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ TRIO McNair Scholars Program was funded by the U.S. Department of Education in October of 2017. The program annually serves 25 eligible undergraduate ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ students who are interested in engaging in undergraduate research and other scholarly activities, pursuing a graduate education, and earning a doctorate degree.
McNair participants are either first-generation college students with financial need, or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education and have demonstrated strong academic potential. The goal of the McNair Scholars Program is to increase graduate degree awards for students from underrepresented segments of society.
Ronald Erwin McNair was born October 21, 1950 in Lake City, South Carolina. While in junior high school, Dr. McNair was inspired to work hard and persevere in his studies by his family and by a teacher who recognized his scientific potential and believed in him. Dr. McNair graduated as valedictorian from Carver High School in 1967. In 1971, he graduated magna cum laude and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro). Dr. McNair then enrolled in the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1976, at the age of 26, he earned his Ph.D. in laser physics. His dissertation was titled, “Energy Absorption and Vibrational Heating in Molecules Following Intense Laser Excitation.” Dr. McNair was presented an honorary Doctorate of Laws from North Carolina A&T State University in 1978, an honorary Doctorate of Science from Morris College in 1980, and an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of South Carolina in 1984.
Students must meet one of the following criteria:
Student must also:
The McNair Scholars Program is extremely beneficial when applying to graduate school. It is designed to prepare undergraduate students by providing services designed to enhance successful entry into post-baccalaureate education. It demonstrates that the student is capable of going beyond course requirements and is truly interested in learning about how an academic discipline approaches problem solving. Additionally, undergraduate research training provides the skills and knowledge essential for success in the workplace. Other benefits include:
*Travel funds are contingent upon program participation and are granted at the discretion of the director.
The McNair Summer Research Institute promotes research between scholars and faculty mentors who are instrumental in preparing undergraduate students for successful entry into graduate programs. For 8 weeks, rising juniors and/or seniors participate in research with faculty; complete standardized test preparation; explore graduate school programs; and prepare materials for their graduate school applications. In addition, McNair Scholars present their current research findings at the end of the summer program at the ÌÇÐÄVLOGÍøÒ³°æ Gallery of Engagement Symposium.