They're off -- UI's New McNair Scholars
Thursday, February 5 2004
Feb. 5, 2004^^MOSCOW -- University of Idaho's first class of Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement scholars has been chosen and the students have begun to select their faculty mentors and research projects.^UI will receive $220,000 per year for four years from the U.S. Department of Education to help prepare low-income and minority undergraduates for graduate school and research. McNair Scholars, low-income and first generation college students or members of a group underrepresented in graduate education, are provided research opportunities and faculty mentors. They must have completed at least one year of college with a minimum 2.80 GPA and consider completing a doctoral degree. ^"The Scholars come from very different backgrounds and majors and the interaction between them has been exciting to watch," said Vicki Trier, McNair coordinator. She helps the scholars receive undergraduate research experiences, internships and coordinates other skill development for advanced study. A research symposium planned Aug. 5-6 will present the research conducted by the scholars with their faculty mentors.^UI's first McNair Scholars are:^Cecilia Alcala, daughter of Ana Maria Barajas of Grandview, Wash., is a sophomore double-majoring in crime and justice studies and Spanish with a minor in sociology. She has multiple leadership roles in various student and Latino groups and plans to graduate in May, 2006 and pursue graduate studies in juvenile justice.^Kelsey Bradshaw, son of Kathy Gann of Boise, is a junior psychology major. He plans to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology after graduating in May, 2006.^David Burbank, son of Janet Peterson of Meridian, is a junior fisheries resource major. He participates in professional organizations, the UI Greek system, the Idaho Army National Guard, and will graduate fall of 2005. He plans to pursue graduate studies in fish health, fish disease and/or fish genetics.^Tina Carlson, of Moscow, is a sophomore majoring in art education and minoring in art history. She is active in college, civic and church work, Scouting, music and art. After graduation, she plans graduate studies in art education/history and special education.^Megan Compton, daughter of Cherie and Dave Aubuchon of Reno, Nev., is a senior in interior design/architecture with a minor in art and/or landscape architecture. She is an honor society member who plans to pursue graduate studies in architecture after graduation in May, 2005.^Noe Galvan, son of José Guadalupe Galvan and Ana Maria Galvan of Marsing, is a sophomore pre-veterinary science/microbiology major and a biochemistry/animal science minor. He has internships with the Centers for Disease Control, belongs to professional clubs, and plans to pursue graduate studies in disease pathology and/or epidemiology after his May, 2006 graduation.^Joel Góngora, son of Maria and Everardo Góngora of Prosser, Wash., is a sophomore double-majoring in mathematics and French with a minor in chemistry. He leads several student organizations and assists with migrant student programs. After graduation in spring 2007, he plans graduate studies in pharmacy. ^Ashleigh Hebert, daughter of Bill and Muriel Hebert of Moscow, is a sophomore double-majoring in geology and Spanish. The Idaho Promise Scholar plans graduate studies in petroleum geology, paleontology, linguistics and/or Spanish literature after a December, 2006 graduation.^Troy Hinck, son of Troy and Terri Hinck of Cascade, is a senior majoring in wildlife resources and minoring in writing. He has received many awards for his leadership and scholarship, volunteer work for Idaho Fish and Game, the U.S. Forest Service and local conservation groups. He also is a teaching assistant. After May 2005 graduation, he plans graduate studies in wildlife resources and management.^Fabian Librado, son of Miguel and Juana Librado of Idaho Falls, is a sophomore double-majoring in physics and mathematics, with a minor in chemistry. He has won several scholarships, participates in student activities and plans graduate studies in nano-science or astrophysics after graduation in May of 2006.^Samuel Lopez, is a sophomore in biological sciences from Filer.^Hillery Metz, daughter of Marva Behrman of Moyie Springs, is a sophomore biology and microbiology major. She is a scholar and Honors Program student, and Greek resident. After graduation in May 2006, she plans graduate studies in neurobiology.^Sonia Ponce, daughter of Fermin Ponce and María Gómez of Bonners Ferry, is a senior psychology/pre-medicine major and Spanish minor. She is a scholar and student leader of Latino groups. After graduation in August, she plans to attend medical school and study human genetics.^Erik Schweller, son of Paul and Sherry Schweller of Orofino, is a sophomore computer science major and mathematics minor. He is involved in student and professional groups, and upon graduation in spring 2006, he plans for graduate studies in artificial intelligence and/or evolutionary computing.^Aaron Stancik, is a junior in chemistry from Moscow.^Teeiah Taylor, daughter of Jim and Gail Taylor of Lapwai, is a sophomore majoring in elementary education and minoring in business. She is a scholar and is active in Native American Student Association, church and volunteer school activities, and plans to graduate in spring 2006.^Katy Tomaszewski, daughter of Tom and Ellen Tomaszewski of Richland, Wash., is a junior majoring in physics and minoring in mathematics. She has high grades, is active is student clubs, is a horsewoman and choir member. After graduating May 2006, she plans to pursue graduate studies in physics, astrophysics and/or cosmology.^Derek Vance is a sophomore in chemical engineering from Homedale.^Jonelle Whitman, Lapwai, daughter of Silas Whitman and Carla Kauffman, is a junior majoring in anthropology and minoring in American Indian studies. She holds several leadership roles in Native American student groups, is a scholar, enjoys community work and will graduate next December and plans graduate studies in public administration, ethnic studies, business and/or environmental justice/human rights issues.^Three other McNair Scholars will be named later, bringing the class to 22.^Vicki Trier, program coordinator, considers herself a kindred fellow also pursuing doctoral studies in higher education administration at UI. She will focus on the retention of American Indian students in higher education. Her previous job as academic coordinator for the Student Support Services at WSU also prepared her for the position.^Trier originates from Rochester, Ind. and graduated from Indiana University in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She also has attended UI and was a teaching assistant in the College of Education and a NASA Space Grant Fellow.^Margrit von Braun, associate dean of the College of Graduate Studies, is director of the McNair program. It is also part of the package of TRIO programs at UI that receive federal funds under Title IV of the Higher Education Act to encourage higher education for those who are underrepresented.^^Contacts: Vicki Trier, McNair Achievement Program coordinator, (208) 885-6748, vtrier@uidaho.edu or Nancy Hilliard, University Communications, (208) 885-6567, hilliard@uidaho.edu^-30-^NH-2/5/04-STS/ADM/EDU^
About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho helps students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.