Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement
Program
Founded in 1996 in honor of Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D., the
laser physicist and Space Shuttle Challenger astronaut, the Gannon
University TRIO McNair Scholars Program was funded by the U.S.
Department of Education in October of 2017. The program annually
serves 25 eligible undergraduate Gannon students who are interested
in engaging in undergraduate research and other scholarly
activities, pursuing a graduate education, and earning a doctorate
degree.
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.
Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D.
Ronald Erwin McNair was born October 21, 1950 in Lake City, South
Carolina. While in junior high school, Dr. McNair was inspired to work hard and
persevere in his studies by his family and by a teacher who recognized his
scientific potential and believed in him. Dr. McNair graduated as valedictorian
from Carver High School in 1967. In 1971, he graduated magna cum laude and
received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from North Carolina A&T State
University (Greensboro). Dr. McNair then enrolled in the prestigious
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1976, at the age of 26, he earned his
Ph.D. in laser physics. His dissertation was titled, “Energy Absorption and
Vibrational Heating in Molecules Following Intense Laser Excitation.” Dr.
McNair was presented an honorary doctorate of Laws from North Carolina A&T
State University in 1978, an honorary doctorate of Science from Morris College
in 1980, and an honorary doctorate of science from the University of South
Carolina in 1984.
Eligibility
Students must meet one of the following criteria:
First generation student
WITH financial needs
OR
A member of an
underrepresented group in graduate education
A member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate
education; Black (non-Hispanic), Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan
Native, (as defined in section 7306 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA), Native Hawaiians (as
defined in section 7207 of the ESEA), and Native American Pacific
Islanders (as defined in section 320 of the HEA).
Student must also:
- Be a citizen or national
of the United States
- Be currently enrolled at
Gannon University undergraduate studies
- Sophomore, junior or
senior
- Demonstrate academic
potential for graduate study
- Participate in the paid
McNair Summer Research Institute
- Attend the 1 credit McNair
research course offered in the spring
Applications
Download the program application. Applications can also be picked up at the McNair office located
in Nash Library lower level room 036. Completed applications and essays can be emailed to Julie Pecoraro at pecoraro001@gannon.edu or Charmaine Wilson at wilson081@gannon.edu.
Program Curriculum
- The McNair project provide the following activities:
opportunities for research or other scholarly activities; summer
internships; seminars and other educational activities designed to
prepare students for doctoral study; tutoring; academic counseling;
and activities designed to assist students participating in the
project in securing admission to and financial assistance for
enrollment in graduate programs.
- Also, provide the following additional
activities: educational counseling services designed to improve
financial and economic literacy of students; mentoring programs
involving faculty members at Gannon University or students, or any
combination of such persons; and exposure to cultural events and
academic programs not usually available to students "most at
promised".
- Participate in 1 credit "intro to
research" course offered in spring semester by the McNair
Leadership Team.
Benefits
The McNair Scholars Program is extremely beneficial when
applying to graduate school. It is designed to prepare
undergraduate students by providing services designed to enhance
successful entry into post-baccalaureate education. It demonstrates
that the student is capable of going beyond course requirements and
is truly interested in learning about how an academic discipline
approaches problem solving. Additionally, undergraduate research
training provides the skills and knowledge essential for success in
the workplace. Other benefits include:
- Dedicated faculty
mentor
- GRE test preparation
- Reduced GRE test fee
vouchers
- Application fee waivers
from over 200 participating graduate schools.
- Paid summer research that
includes free room and board (2,800)
- Opportunities to attend
local, regional, and national conferences to present research
- Opportunities to visit
graduate school programs
- Academic counseling and
advising
- Financial literacy
- Cultural activities and
enrichment trainings
- Receive assistance
applying to graduate schools
- Receive assistance
applying for financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships
- Become a part of a
community, and
- Interaction with students
in your field of interest
*Travel funds are contingent upon program participation and are
granted at the discretion of the director.
Summer Research
The McNair Summer Research Institute promotes research between
scholars and faculty mentors that are instrumental in preparing
undergraduate students for successful entry into graduate programs.
For 8 weeks, rising juniors and/or seniors participate in research
with faculty; standardized test preparation; writing a statement of
purpose; and graduate school exploration. In addition, McNair
Scholars present their current research findings at the end of the
summer program at the Gannon Gallery of Engagement Symposium.
Contact
Charmaine Wilson
McNair Director
814-871-7838
Wilson081@gannon.edu
109 University Square Erie, PA 16541 Nash Library 036
Julie Pecoraro
McNair Coordinator
814-871- 7194
pecoraro001@gannon.edu
109 University Square Erie, PA 16541 Nash Library 038
References
McNair. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from
https://mcnairscholars.com/about/