Kansas State University

28th cohort of McNair Scholars selected

Submitted by Stephanie Bannister

The TRIO Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program selected the 28th cohort of scholars through a competitive application process that included an application essay, letters of recommendation and an interview. Scholars will soon begin searching for research mentors and planning summer research internships.

Since 1995, Kansas State University's TRIO McNair Scholars Program has promoted the scholarly development of academically talented first-generation, low-income, and/or underrepresented students in graduate education. The program endeavors to increase the number of graduate degrees held by scholars within these groups and to prepare them for careers inside and outside of academia.

The 28th cohort of McNair Scholars includes the following students:

• Eresay Alcantar-Velasquez, junior in geology.
• Sarah Bechtel, junior in psychology.
• Liberty Belote, junior in secondary education and English.
• Naomi Galindo, senior in modern languages and international studies.
• Elizabeth Guevara, junior in modern languages.
• TJ Hafliger, junior in fishing, wildlife, conservation, and environmental biology.
• Koby Harding, sophomore in physics.
• Alyssa Harris, junior in biology.
• Erasto Herrera-Farfan, junior in finance and mathematics.
• Teri Jacques, senior in English and international studies.
• Elvia Lopez-Morales, junior in communication sciences and disorders.
• Rosalie Oliver, junior in psychology.
• Nikela Reed, sophomore in theatre and classical studies.
• Abi Whitney, junior in English.

In preparation for graduate school, scholars will complete a research internship with a faculty mentor's guidance, write a journal-aiming article abstract and public-facing document, present their research, and participate in weekly seminars. During seminars, students will refine their writing skills, prepare graduate applications, and explore professionalism topics. For most scholars, this is a two-year commitment.

The McNair Scholars Program will begin recruiting new participants during summer 2023. Eligible students with an interest in graduate study are encouraged to apply by early September. Faculty and staff who know of good candidates should refer them to the program and/or contact the McNair office. For more information, see the program website. The McNair Scholars Program is a federal TRIO Program administrated by the U.S. Department of Education and authorized by Congress.