Faculty, Staff & Partners
The impact of the TRIO McNair Scholars Program extends far beyond graduation. McNair alumni are shaping the future of research, policy, education, and innovation, demonstrating the lasting impact of the program far beyond their undergraduate years. As scholars, they pursue advanced degrees and contribute to cutting-edge research that addresses pressing societal challenges, from public health disparities to climate change solutions. In education, they serve as professors, mentors, and administrators, working to diversify academia and support the next generation of underrepresented scholars.
Many alumni also influence policy and advocacy, using their expertise to drive systemic change in areas such as social justice, healthcare, and education reform. Others apply their skills in industry, leading innovative projects in technology, business, and nonprofit sectors. No matter their path, McNair alumni continue to break barriers, uplift their communities, and serve as leaders in their fields, proving that the investment in first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students creates ripple effects that extend across society.
Each story below highlights the journey of a McNair Scholar—how they started, where they are now, and the ways they continue to inspire the next generation of scholars.
Our Faculty Members
McNair faculty mentors come from all disciplines, at the rank of assistant professor or higher, and are interested in guiding summer research experiences of high-potential, first-generation, and underrepresented undergraduates. McNair faculty are recognized by their peers and students as valued mentors and exceptional teachers. Several members of the faculty have leadership positions in their departments, such as associate dean, director, and department chair. They are leaders in their field and serve as members of professional associations and editors of professional journals.
"We all benefit by the diversity historically marginalized students bring to our research tables, to our perceptions and to our ability to connect to the greater community. I know that my academic work as a researcher, professor and Dean is enhanced by working with the McNair Scholars Program."
Heidi Barajas, Ph.D.
2025 McNair Scholar Faculty Mentors
Plant & Microbial Biology
Dr. Jannell Bazurto
College of Biological Sciences
Sociology
Dr. Ed Cornelius
College of Liberal Arts
Family Social Science
Dr. Michael Curtis
College of Education & Human Development
Neuroscience
Dr. Marija Cvetanovic
Medical School
Psychology
Dr. Melissa Ertl
College of Liberal Arts
Psychology
Dr. Kurt Fraser
College of Liberal Arts
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
Dr. Jesse D. Hoffmeister
Medical Scool
Political Science
Dr. Howard Lavine
College of Liberal Arts
Sociology
Dr. Enid Logan
College of Liberal Arts
Sociology
Dr. Joshua Page
College of Liberal Arts
Mathematics
Dr. Victor Reiner
College of Science & Engineering
Forest Resources
Dr. Ingrid Schneider
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Julia Wilett
Medical School
Family Medicine and Community Health
Dr. April Wilhelm
Medical Scool
Biomedical Engineering
Dr. David Wood
College of Science & Engineering
Family Social Science
Dr. Zha Blong Xiong
College of Education & Human Development
Our Community Partners
The success of the McNair Scholars Program is made possible by the strength of our community partnerships. From academic support offices and cultural centers to graduate schools and local organizations, our partners help ensure that McNair Scholars are surrounded by opportunity, guidance, and resources at every stage of their journey. These collaborators provide mentorship, lead workshops, host research placements, connect students to graduate programs, and offer critical wraparound support. Together, we create a campus ecosystem that empowers students to thrive in research and graduate education.
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