About McNair Research Scholars

As indicated by the Code of Federal Regulations in § 647.3:

(a)

(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States; or

(2) Is a permanent resident of the United States; or

(3) Is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of his or her intent to become a permanent resident; or

(4) Is a permanent resident of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; or

(5) Is a resident of one of the Freely Associated States.

(b) Is currently enrolled in a degree program at an institution of higher education that participates in the student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the HEA.

(c) Is—

(1) A low-income individual who is a first-generation college student;

(2) A member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education; or

(3) A member of a group that is not listed in § 647.7 if the group is underrepresented in certain academic disciplines as documented by standard statistical references or other national survey data submitted to and accepted by the Secretary on a case-by-case basis.

(d) Has not enrolled in doctoral level study at an institution of higher education.

LSU University College's Ronald E. McNair Research Scholars program promotes a cohort of scholars that reflects life experiences, cultures and perspectives represented in academia by preparing students in graduate education for doctoral studies. We connect undergraduate students with faculty-directed research experiences, provide individualized advisement, and foster knowledge of the graduate school application process. Funded by a federal grant from the US Department of Education TRIO programs, McNair Research Scholars conduct research under the mentorship of some of the most distinguished faculty in the country and communicate the results of their work through publications and workshops.

FEATURED SCHOLAR

Exquisite Williams
Exquisite Williams,  a Junior Communications Studies Major, was presented with LSU's Unsung Hero Award on January 21, 2021. The Unsung Hero award is given to a member of a student organization who doesn’t hold an executive role but goes above and beyond the call of duty.
 

MCNAIR SCHOLARS: A NATION-WIDE COMMUNITY OF SCHOLARS

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement program is designed to encourage undergraduates to consider careers in college teaching as well as prepare for doctoral study. Students who participate in this program are provided with research opportunities and faculty mentors. This program was named in honor of the astronaut who died in the 1986 space-shuttle explosion. Currently, there are 187 projects, serving more than 5,200 students. According to recent performance data, in 2013-14, 69% of McNair participants who graduated in 2010-11 were enrolled in graduate school; meanwhile, 83% of students who first enrolled in graduate school in 2012-2013 persisted in their studies.


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