2009 Scholars
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(click on a research title to link to scholar research
abstracts)
Cyrus Azizi
Mentors: Dr. Angela Haddad and Dr. Mary Senter
Research topic:
Comparing Intra-racial and Inter-racial Dialogue: A Qualitative
Approach
The McNair
SRI was a wonderful and stressful time when I learned a lot
about what needs to be done for the application process to
graduate school as well as what to expect and do before and
after it. More importantly, I have had the chance to interact
with other scholars who were the brightest and most driven
groups of people my age I have been around.
John Brooks
Mentor: Dr. Bill Wandless
Research topic:
Monstrosity in Horror Literature
The McNair Program’s Summer Research Institute can be demanding. After all, scholars are given weekly assignments and classes on top of their super-colossal research project. However, it’s this rigorous deadline driven preparation that justly provides scholars with accurate insight toward what graduate school is actually about. The work I’ve completed here will be instrumental in my future because it elucidates every nook and cranny of the doctoral process from application to graduation. It is self-evident that I will be in debt to this program for years to come. Through it, I’ve met great new people, developed myself professionally, and established my dominance as a man who is ready to take on the world Ph.D. style.
Briana Corpt
Mentor: Dr. Justin Oh-Lee
Research topic:
The Combined Effects of Exercise and Levodopa in a 6-OHDA Rat
Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Before becoming a McNair scholar, graduate school seemed like an intimidating marathon filled with countless hurdles. While the idea of graduate school is still pretty daunting, I feel like most of the hurdles have been removed thanks to the McNair program and the hard work I've done during the Summer Research Institute. Not only did I conduct original research, prepare to take the Graduate Record Examination, and complete many graduate admission requirements, but I developed lasting relationships with my fellow scholars going through the same challenges. Without my participation in such a worthwhile program, I would have found myself lost in the confusing maze that is the graduate school process.
Caitlin Demsky
Mentor: Dr. Steve Colarelli
Research topic:
Mental Health and Illness in the
Workplace: An Evolutionary Perspective of Several Workplace
Triggers of Mental Illness
With the incredible help and support of the McNair program, I have been given the tools necessary for my future success in both school and life in general. As I worked with my McNair mentor, I developed research skills that will be necessary both in graduate school and my desired career as an I/O psychologist. Throughout numerous work sessions and workshops, I came to choose the schools to which I will soon be applying as well as compiled various portions of my graduate school applications. I gained valuable practice in studying for the GRE that I know will allow me to do well on the eventual exam. I have also had the opportunity to bond with my fellow scholars throughout the summer, and I am endlessly thankful for their support and empathy. I am truly grateful for the McNair program and all of the resources and help it has provided me with. Though there were struggles and a great deal of hard work, I can look back on the experience knowing that it will bring me an incredible amount of success in my future.
Mark Dravland
Mentor: Dr. Axel Mellinger
Research topic:
Thermal diffusivity of thin film semiconductor electrodes for
electret polarization mapping
The McNair SRI has been an eye opening experience. Composed of a large volume of tasks designed to equip prospective scholars with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive graduate school environment. By participating in this program, the probability that I will achieve my goal of a Ph.D. in physics has increased exponentially.
Kyle Eveleth
Mentor: Dr. Kris McDermott
Research topic:
Not Yet Donne: An Analysis of the Psychology of John Donne’s
Songs and Sonets
The summer was once a time of relaxation, of modest work for modest pay, and of a carefree sense of floating through those precious three months of leisure, situated between the other nine months of obligations. With the Summer Research Institute, sponsored by the McNair Scholars Program at CMU, those dog-days of poolside lethargy have been replaced with grueling GRE preparation classes, two-hour work sessions, and six-hour shifts in the library, experienced consecutively, four days a week. It is a tremendous undertaking, demanding exceptional focus and fellowship, but the ultimate reward is immeasurably worth the tribulations. The SRI prepares its participants not only for quality performance on the GRE, but also prepares them for the rigorous and bemusing process of graduate school applications. In addition, the SRI gives students a more profound understanding of research-based scholarship, connects them with a strong network of faculty mentors, and promotes them as the high-profile candidates they have proven themselves to be. It will be difficult; you will worry, you will scramble, and you will feel lost at times. In the end, however, the McNair Program provides, and you, now in possession of all the honed tools with which to enter and complete a Ph.D. program, will emerge from the SRI a top candidate for any graduate program worldwide.
Rebecka Green
Mentor: Dr. Rachel Caspari
Research topic:
A Search for Non-invasive Methods: Determining Age At Death
My experience as a McNair Scholar has been incredible. Not only do I feel like the program is preparing me for a successful future in graduate school, but I have made some new friends in the process. The Summer Research Institute has opened my eyes to some of the rewards and challenges involved in research and has allowed me to experience a positive mentor-mentee relationship with one of the faculty members in my department. I would strongly recommend the program to anyone with a strong sense of direction and a desire to do research.
Kerry Lepley
Mentor: Dr. Cynthia Damer
Research topic:
The role of Copine A in phototaxis and thermotaxis in developing
slugs of Dictyostelium discoideum
The McNair Program has helped me develop
as a prospective graduate student. While participating in this
program I have not only constructed the materials needed to
apply to graduate programs, but I have also prepared for the
GRE. Though I scoffed at the idea initially, my McNair cohort
has been a great support system in all aspects. I can hardly
believe the monumental progress in graduate school preparation
that I have achieved because of the McNair Program.
Rebecca McRae
Mentor: Dr. Steve Gorsich
Research topic:
Furfural prevents growth and induces ROS-like damage that is
suppressed by the overexpression of OYE2
The Summer Research Institute (SRI) was a time of growth. We learned how to perform research and at the same time juggle many other responsibilities. I learned how to apply for graduate school and what is expected of me for a successful application. I gained guidance from many very knowledgeable people and was able to experience things that I would not have had the chance to if not for the McNair Program. This summer has prepared me for graduate school in ways that I did not think possible. I know now that I can handle what is expected of me in any program that I apply to.
Samantha Nielsen
Mentor: Dr. Chris Latty
Research topic:
Factors That Contribute to Fathers Being Perceived as Good or
Poor Sexuality Educators for Their Daughters
While the McNair program and the SRI are
most likely the most time consuming, and trying things that I
have done thus far in my undergraduate career, I would do it
again in a heartbeat. I have learned so many critical things
that I would have never known regarding the graduate application
process, and research. I laugh when I think of trying to apply
to graduate school without the McNair program. They have given
me so much guidance throughout this process that it almost seems
ridiculous to try and apply on my own. Traveling, research,
presenting, and applying to all desired schools are just some of
the things that I have done that would have been impossible
without this program. Like everyone applying to graduate school,
I am trying to be the best applicant that I can be, and the
McNair program has really given me that extra boost to achieve
this. The skills and connections that I have obtained through
this process are invaluable.
Amanda Powell
Mentor: Dr. Todd Tremlin
Research topic:
By-Product Gods: A Study of Underlying Cognitive Processes
Responsible for the Creation and Transmission of God Concepts
My experience as a McNair scholar has been nothing but positive. The SRI was especially helpful. Before I became a McNair scholar, I was concerned with the workload that was detailed in our tentative summer schedule. I was sure that I would hate myself for taking on such a responsibility, but I actually feel the exact opposite. It’s like how I felt going into the ropes course for team building; it would have been so much easier to walk away and avoid all of the anxiety, but after completing the course, and now, nearly done with the SRI, I have a feeling of accomplishment and am more motivated to attain a Ph.D. Any anxiety I experienced is not at all comparable to how prepared I now feel about graduate school. The workload that initially made me nervous entering the McNair Scholars Program was not nearly as difficult as I had first assumed it would be, and that twinge of fear of losing my enthusiasm towards my major and research in general never materialized. If anything, I am more interested and specialized in my area and have more enthusiasm towards research than I would have without this program.
Genna Randazzo
Mentor: Dr. Ann Ratcliff
Research topic:
Comparing the Transparency of Verbs Across Two Graphic Symbol
Sets
Being a McNair Scholar has truly been an amazing experience. It was very challenging at times, but I have learned so many valuable skills, and I have grown so much. The program pushed me as a student and gave me the opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Through that mentorship, I gained valuable research skills and I learned a lot about the mentor-mentee relationship. Now, I feel confident in my research skills and in my ability to succeed as a future scholar. The program also opened my eyes to the world of graduate school, and encouraged me to expand my horizons. With all of the guidance and support I received about the graduate school application process, I no longer feel overwhelmed or terrified. I feel very hopeful.
Kayana Sanders
Mentor: Dr. David Acevedo
Research topic:
Undergraduate Psychology Students Perceptions of the
Multicultural Environment within Their Department
The Summer Research Institute has been
instrumental in defining my educational and career goals. I came
into SRI not really sure of what I wanted to do with my various
interests and by the conclusion of SRI I definitely knew that I
wanted to teach and be a program director. I am extremely
thankful to the McNair Program for giving me the opportunity to
grow as an individual, student, and researcher. Although SRI is
a time intense program it is well worth all the time, sweat, and
energy I put into it.
Elizabeth Taylor
Mentor: Dr. David Acevedo
Research topic:
Evaluating a Model for Community Engagement and Intergroup-relations
in Culturally-diverse Youth
The SRI has been a good experience thus far. I enjoyed being able to attend different conferences and listen to a variety of people speak about the grad school process. I am also happy that I have a GRE course and advisors to consult with when I am in need. This SRI has kept me really busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It has also allowed for new experiences such a doing a ropes course, canoeing, and making new friends. I truly think this is a great experience that I wouldn't change one bit.