UMN McNair Success Stories
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.
Read our Success Stories
Alumni Highlights
Innovators in STEM Research
Keegan Bunker
Aerospace Engineering Doctoral Student
Keegan is conducting research on a bio-inspired solar sail design at the University of Minnesota.
Kamilah Amen
Chemistry
Doctorate
Dr. Amen is a research scientist focusing on "forever chemicals" such as PFAS.
Mark Dresel
Organic Chemistry Doctoral Student
Mark J. Dresel’s research focuses on designing smart molecules and synthetic cell systems that can sense chemical changes, improve how drugs work, and help make medications more efficiently.
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Dorothea Tse
Neuroscience Doctoral Student
Dorothea is conducting research on medication advancement at Pennsylvania State University.
Transforming the Social Sciences
Lisette Horne
Social Psychology Doctoral Student
Lisette is conducting research on human interactions at the University of Minnesota.
Maria Zavala Garcia
Political Science Doctoral Student
Maria is conducting research on Comparative Politics at the Northwestern University.
Emma Estrella
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student
Emma is conducting research on pain management and chronic conditions at Purdue University.
Nahrissa Rush
Sociology Doctoral Student
Nahrissa is conducting research on identity, place, and politics at The Ohio State.
Reshaping Health Care
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Enengy Schutt
Speech Language Pathology Student
Enengy is studying Speech Language Pathology at Northwestern University.
Samantha Krocak
Audiology Student
Samantha is studying Audiology at Grand Valley State University.
Austin Leikvoll
Medical School & Doctoral Student
Austin Leikvoll is studying medicine and Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, and Genetics at the University of Minnesota.
Dola Greene
Integrative Health Coaching
Dola is studying Integrative Health Coaching at the University of Minnesota.
Influencing the Country
The success of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities TRIO McNair Scholars is no accident, it’s the result of strategic investment, expert mentorship, and a program that believes in the potential of first-generation and low-income college students. When you support McNair, you're not just funding a program, you're empowering future scientists, educators, health professionals, and innovators who are building a safer, more secure, and prosperous nation. Below is an image of the locations our scholars have attended graduate school since 1991.
Invest in Impact
The success of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities TRIO McNair Scholars is no accident — it’s the result of strategic investment, expert mentorship, and a program that believes in the potential of first-generation and low-income college students. When you support McNair, you're not just funding a program — you're empowering future scientists, educators, health professionals, and innovators who are building a safer, more secure, and prosperous nation.
Join us in expanding what’s possible.
Interested in funding undergraduate research, grad school preparation, or a specific academic field?