“McNair Scholar reflects on the power of research mentorship and leadership through supporting others”
“McNair Scholar Joana Hernandez is a research enthusiast who found her interest in scientific exploration and mentorship while at UMBC. Hernadez shares that she’s proud to be a McNair Scholar. ‘As a first-generation college student, it can be difficult to navigate academic spaces and obtain resources on applying to graduate programs,’ Hernandez says. ‘McNair welcomed me with open arms and helped grow my confidence by providing me with opportunities to conduct research and present at national conferences.'” [read more]
“Support network helps an international student with a passion for computing find her career path”
“When Shaniah Reece came to UMBC as a first-generation college student from Guyana, she already had a passion for technology, but she was worried about finding the right path and uncertain how to navigate the college experience…as Reece discovered a passion and aptitude for research, the McNair Scholars program and numerous mentors helped her navigate a successful path to graduate school.” [read more]
“Someone who understood my story”: First-gen grad on the value of mentorship”
“McNair Scholar Victoria Joya Euceda feels honored to be in the first in family to earn a college degree, as well as a sense of responsibility to her family and Latinx community. Her parents, who are immigrants from Central America, never had the opportunity to prioritize academics. As she crosses the stage, she will be thinking particularly of her dad, who was deported to Central America during COVID-19…” [read more]
“Finding a research path and helping others along the way”
“Sarah Turner, a McNair Scholar and Jacqueline C. Hrabowski Scholar, has immersed herself in research, leadership, and mentorship opportunities at UMBC, working to make the most of each new experience…even as she juggles so many responsibilities, she finds time to support students who are earlier in their journey. This includes volunteering as a middle school tutor and creating new events for UMBC’s McNair Scholars Program, which prepares underrepresented students for graduate education.” [read more]
“Be a Gate Opener, Not a Gatekeeper”
“We teach students the rules for applying to grad school—but what if we committed, equally, to rewriting the rules that have historically excluded many students, Michael A. Hunt asks.” [read more]