McNair Scholars Program

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.

Our mission is to increase the number of doctoral degrees attained by Kean students who are first generation and income eligible, or members of groups that are underrepresented in graduate programs.  We support this mission by providing numerous services and benefits, including:

• Hands-on involvement in research and opportunities for peer and professional presentation
• Research stipends of up to $2,800
• Application fee waivers at selected institutions
• GRE preparation and fee reductions
• Attendance to professional meetings, scholarly conferences and symposiums
• Faculty mentoring
• Tutoring and supplemental instruction
• Personal coaching and advisement
• Career guidance and resume writing
• Assistance identifying graduate school funding and completing the application process
• Travel funds for research activities and graduate school visits and interviews

Kamila Diaz-Calderon conducted research under the mentorship of Prof. Camille Sherrod “Shattering the Glass Box: Unraveling the Role of the Undergraduate Architecture Curriculum in the Exclusion of Women Architects of Color”.  Kamila will be working part-time at an architecture firm upon graduating.  She has been accepted to the M. Arch program for Fall 2024 at Kean University.  Kamila has presented her research at conferences like the University of Maryland McNair Scholars Research Conference and University at Buffalo UG Research Conference.

Gianna Rodriguez conducted research under the mentorship of Dr. Alan Gertner “Teachers Awareness of Types, Degrees, and Classroom Impact of Hearing Loss”.  Gianna has been accepted to several doctorate programs for Audiology for Fall 2024 enrollment.  Some of the universities she has been accepted to are; Syracuse University, Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg, University of Maryland, etc.  She has also presented her research at several conferences, including; University of Maryland McNair Scholars Research Conference and University at Buffalo UG Research Conference.  Gianna has also submitted her research paper to be considered for possible publication on the McNair Association of Professionals Research Journal.

Carmen Santiago conducted research under the mentorship of Prof. Linda O’Shea “Design for ADHD: Enhancing College Students' Focus and Productivity through Environmental Solutions”.  Carmen is currently studying abroad in Rome.  Carmen has recently been accepted to the University of Georgia's Urban Planning & Design graduate program; and Rutgers University for their Urban Planning and Policy Development graduate program; both for fall 2024 enrollment.  She has also submitted her research paper to be considered for possible publication on the McNair Association of Professionals Research Journal.  Carmen has presented her research at the University of Maryland McNair Scholars Research Conference and University at Buffalo UG Research Conference.

Janiah Fladger conducted research under the mentorship of Dr. Kalasia Ojeh “Reproductive Justice And Equity: A Historical Analysis Of Racism towards Black Women In The U.S.”.  Janiah has been accepted to various graduate programs for Fall 2024 enrollment.  Some of the universities she has been accepted to are; Columbia University, Rutgers University, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Montclair State University, among others.  Janiah has also submitted her research paper to be considered for possible publication on the McNair Association of Professionals Research Journal.  Additionally, she has presented her research at the University at Buffalo UG Research Conference.

Jazaan Walsh conducted research under the mentorship of Prof. Tiffany Eben “The Impacts of Systematic Racism on the Health Outcomes of African Americans.” Jazaan has applied to several physician assistant programs including; Temple University, Kean University and Seton Hall.  He has also presented his research project at the University at Buffalo UG Research Conference.

Jeremiah Garcia conducted research under the mentorship of Dr. Marvin Andujar “Video Games: Assisting College Students with ADHD in Improving Attention”.  Jeremiah has recently been accepted to the Game Design graduate program at American University for Fall 2024.  He is awaiting to hear back from several other schools.  Jeremiah has also submitted his research paper to be considered for possible publication on the McNair Association of Professionals Research Journal.  He has also presented his research at the University at Buffalo UG Research Conference.

Daniela Leon conducted research under the mentorship of Prof. Camille Sherrod “Using Biophilic Design Principles to Improve Mental Health on College Campuses: A Campus-Based Wellness Center Design-Research Project”.  Daniela has applied to several M. Arch programs and is currently waiting for some decision letters.  She has presented her research at both the University of Maryland McNair Scholars Research Conference and University at Buffalo UG Research Conference.

Abiodun Obafemi conducted research under the mentorship of Dr. Daehan Kwak “Analyzing the Sentiments of ChatGPT on Reddit”.  Abiodun has applied to several graduate programs; NJIT, Seton Hall and Kean University for Fall 2024 consideration.  He has also presented his research at the University at Buffalo UG Research Conference.

Iris Repollet conducted research under the mentorship of Dr. Shalander Samuels “Student-Parents Pursuing Higher Education At Kean University And The Factors That Impede Their Success”.  Iris has recently interviewed for the Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program at Kean University.  If accepted, she has already been offered a graduate assistantship position.  She has presented her research at both the University of Maryland McNair Scholars Research Conference and University at Buffalo UG Research Conference.  Additionally, Iris submitted a reflection piece to be considered for possible publication on the McNair Association of Professionals Research Journal.

For more information and eligibility requirements, please visit the McNair Scholars program homepage at: https://www.kean.edu/mcnair

In January 1978, NASA selected McNair to enter the astronaut cadre as one of the first three African Americans. McNair became the second African American in space between February 3 and 11, 1984, by flying on the Challenger shuttle. Two years later, McNair and his six crew members died in an explosion aboard the space shuttle Challenger. In his memory, members of Congress provided funding for the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program to encourage first generation, income eligible college students to enroll in graduate studies.