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USD TRIO MCNAIR POSTBACCALAUREATE  ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM

 Dr. Ronald E. McNair, physicist and astronaut, dared to dream. An African American growing up in a poor community in the South, he encountered discrimination early in his youth. Still he pursued his goal of becoming a scientist, earning a Ph.D. in laser physics from MIT. Selected by  NASA for the space shuttle program, he was a mission specialist  aboard Challenger. After his death in its explosion,  Congress funded the McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. It prepares low-income, first generation college students, and/or students who are currently  underrepresented in the sciences (African-American,  Hispanic/Latino, Native American) to follow Dr. McNair's  vision and become university professors.

 Exceptional individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, who will make excellent university professors, may not be easily identified. USD McNair Scholars is comprised of 25 high-achieving and self-motivated undergraduates majoring in the sciences, computer science, and psychology whose main objective is to obtain a Ph.D.

 Research is at the heart of USD McNair Scholars.  Participants are partnered with faculty mentors in their discipline and formulate a research plan. In summer, Scholars receive stipends to support their research projects. USD McNair further supports the publication and presentation of participants' results in journals and professional conferences.

 USD McNair Scholars provides opportunities for participants to visit graduate schools and prepare for the graduate school application process. Scholars receive individual tutoring and academic counseling to ensure academic success. Assistance in preparing for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs is also provided.  Finally, to aid Scholars in all these pursuits, each Scholar receives the loan of a laptop computer and instructional technology training.

Contact information: Dr. Christine Mullen cmullen@sandiego.edu