Ever Upward The McNair Scholars Newsletter - Westminster College

I N S I D E
T H I S
I S S U E :
New Scholar
Cohort
UC Berkeley
Conference
McNair
Graduates
Alumni Start
Grad School
New Grad
Degrees
Our first PhD
alumna!
Spotlight on
Program
Coordinator
Senior
Retreat
2
2
3
4
4
4
5
5
EXCELSIOR: Ever Upward
The McNair Scholars Newsletter
V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 1
Congrats Summer Research Scholars!
2010 Scholars at our Summer Research Institute Banquet
During the 2010 Summer
Research Institute, our McNair
Scholars continued to amaze us
by conducting exciting research
and producing quality presentations
for the Summer Research
Symposium. Their topics
spanned a range of interests:
Brett Archuleta, A Procrustes
Analysis of Variation in Elrathia
kingii and Peronopsis interstricta:
Implications for the Cambrian Radiation;
Lara Galas, Raising the
Dead in Ciudad Juarez: Impunity
and Surveillance in Border Feminicidio;
Dailey Haren/Dacia
Holliday/Takwa Sharif, English
Proficiency in Mathematical
Acquisition: A Case Study of English
Language Learners at a Math Intensive
Workshop; Lauren
McCrady, At Home with Themselves:
Intimacy in Urban and Suburban
Places in Linden Hills and
The Women of Brewster Place;
Victoria Morales, Monkeying
Around: Enlightenment and Colonization
Pedagogy in the Anthropomorphism
of Curious George and
The Monkey King; Eduardo
Reyes-Chávez, Immigration
Federalism: The Case of Immigration
Enforcement by Non-federal
Agencies; Jeremy Reynoso, The
Brief Wonderous Identity of
Oscar Wao; Erika Rodriguez,
Probando the Latino Identity in the
Translation of Como Agua Para
(L-R) Dacia Holliday, Takwa Sharif, and Dailey Haren
having fun during their poster presentation.
S P R I N G 2 0 1 1
Chocolate; Dina Sage, Sound
and Healing in Musical Theatre;
Kamille Sheikh, Relationships
among Shyness, Fear, and Effortful
control in Middle Childhood; Zain
Siddiqui, The Sustainability of
India’s Services-Led Growth via
Balance of Payments; Benson
Stevens, Developing an Assay for
Polymorphisms in the 5-HTTLPR,
DAT1 and BDNF Genes to Determine
Their Effects on Attention and
Emotional Regulation; Carla
Suarez, Utah Prenatal Substance
Abuse Prevalence Study; and
Jared Walking Eagle, A Postmodern
Analysis of Blade Runner’s
Deckard.
The McNair staff, faculty
mentors, and campus community
are proud of our McNair Scholars’
hard work and dedication
towards their academic research
projects. We congratulate you
on developing thoughtful research
questions, conducting
research, and presenting your
findings.
Excellent job McNair Scholars!
(L-R) Rich Garcia asking Zain
Siddiqui about his research.

“Before you
can make a
dream
come true,
you must
first have
one.”
P A G E 2
Ronald E. McNair
Meet Our New McNair Scholar Cohort
Front row (L-R) Samora Magadla, and Leslie Brown
Middle row (L-R) Robin Smith, Christina Della Iacono,
and Melissa Suy
Back row (L-R) Esther Kim, and Dexter Thomas.
Missing: Sheena Nyann and Yvonne Clark
Scholars Shine at UC Berkeley McNair Conference
The scholars who attended the 18th Annual Ronald
E. McNair California Scholars Symposium at the UC
Berkeley had a great time. They honed their research
presentation skills, maintained our reputation of quality
researchers and presenters. Scholars, your confer-
Our 8th cohort of McNair Scholars are off to an
awesome start. They have completed their program
orientation and intake assessments; now they are
starting the process of selecting their faculty mentors.
It’s been great working with them already. Scholars
from Westminster College are: Leslie Brown
(English major), Yvonne Clark (psychology major),
Christina Della Iacono (neuroscience major),
Sheena Nyann (English major), Robin Smith
(education major) and Dexter Thomas (psychology
major). And our scholars from the University of Utah
are: Esther Kim (sociology and gender studies major),
Samora Magadla (sociology major), and
Melissa Suy (English major).
All nine new McNair Scholars have strong academic
trajectories that will lead them to graduate
school. We believe they will be just as successful as
their predecessors who are working hard towards
their graduate degrees, with an ultimate goal of receiving
their PhDs. Welcome to the McNair family! You
now are in the process of “Changing the Face of
Higher Education.”
ence presentation was a great way to build your Curriculum
Vitae (CV).
After the conference our scholars enjoyed the view
of UC Berkeley and Oakland from the Bell Tower in
the center of campus (see photo below).
Front row (L-R) Eduardo Reyes-Chávez,
Lara Galas, Tory Morales, and Kamille
Sheikh.
Back row (L-R) Jeremy Reynoso, Brett
Archuleta, Jared Walking Eagle, Colin
Ben, and Dacia Holliday. Missing is Dailey
Haren.
What was the most useful information you gained at the conference?
Lara Galas said, “The most helpful aspects of this conference were the opportunities to network and the opportunity
I had to arrange several meetings with a prospective mentor at Berkeley.”
Kamille Sheikh commented, “This conference showed me there are other people like me who are interested in
the kind of research I do and do not find it boring.”
Victoria Morales reflects, “Listening to other presentations helped me understand new concepts and gave me
new research ideas.”
Dailey Haren commented, “This conference made me motivated to find something that really interests me, that
I feel would be beneficial to share, and then to dedicate myself to it, not because it is what I should do, but because
it is was I want to do.”
Jared Walking Eagle said, “I really enjoyed observing other scholars and the various ways in which their disciplines
dictated their teaching methods. It was fun and interesting meeting peers who were pursuing a PhD.”
Eduardo Reyes-Chávez is thankful for, “The personal advice from top college admissions counselors.”

V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 1
Congratulations 2010 McNair Graduates!
The McNair staff and faculty mentors would
like to congratulate our 2010 McNair Scholar
graduates. Our scholars demonstrated academic
discipline and determination — we are
proud of you! Graduates from Westminster
College are: Emma Joseph (English), Natasha
Khan (chemistry), Kareen Limansky
(psychology), Lauren McCrady (English),
Jayci Robb (psychology), Hans Romo
(Left) Lara Galas’
plenary presentation,
minutes
before her standing
ovation. Good
job!
(Left) Jo Hinsdale and Hans
Romo pose after breakfast at
Westminster College.
He later gave the graduation
commencement speech.
What have you gained from the McNair Program?
(L-R) Tory, Lara,
and Kamille relaxing
with Lesa
during a conference
break.
P A G E 3
Angela Swensen and
Natasha Khan are
proud graduates
from Westminster
College.
Angela Swensen said, “Everything! The research experience, presentation, and getting into a grad school that is a perfect fit would not have
been possible for me otherwise.”
Vanessa Seals commented, “McNair gave me the skills to get in and the knowledge for me to choose the right program and make the best of
my grad school experience.”
Jayci Robb reflects, "McNair made it possible for me to take the GRE and to apply to graduate schools. They taught me what to look for in
graduate programs, helped with the application process, and enabled me to travel to interviews. Long story short, I would not be going to graduate
school if it had not been for McNair. I’m forever grateful!"
Hans Romo said, “The McNair program made the process of applying for graduate school and financial aid less difficult for me as it provided me
the knowledge and tools necessary to prepare adequately for the process.”
Lauren McCrady said, “McNair definitely influenced my decision to attend graduate school. I know I’ll follow through because I have all the
tools I need to succeed and get in.”
Nichole Garcia commented, "I have gained a sense of community within this program. My experience in McNair was amazing! I know that I am
ready for graduate school thanks to this program."
UC Berkeley McNair Conference Photos...
(philosophy), Jennifer Soto-Allred
(communications), and Angela Swensen
(psychology).
Scholar graduates from the University of
Utah are: Sadaf Baghbani (political science),
Nichole Garcia (social justice education),
Brenda Robles (communications), Vanessa
Seals (English), Christina Smith (chemical
engineering), and Kely Truong (behavioral
science and health).
As Big Keith would say, “It’s a bittersweet
time” when our McNair Scholars graduate and
continue with their educational journey at the
master’s and doctoral levels. We know you all
are well prepared to be successful graduate
students. We look forward to hearing from
you about your future accomplishments.
Congrats!
We also would like to congratulate Dr. Judith Flores Carmona, McNair program associate, who completed her doctoral degree in the Department
of Education, Culture and Society from the University of Utah. Thank you for the countless hours of academic advice, editing, and the
support you gave to our 2007 - 2010 summer cohorts. We will always be grateful to you! ♥
(Left) Jeremy
Reynoso
answering
questions
after his
presentation.
Faculty Mentors, we thank you for your time and the academic guidance you provided our 2010 Summer Research scholars. Your research
support helped prepare them to give excellent presentations at our summer symposium and the UC Berkeley McNair Conference.

V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 1
McNair Graduates Start Graduate Programs
P A G E 4
We are delighted to share that our new graduates have entered graduate school this fall. They include: Sadaf Baghbani seeks a master’s in public
policy at the University of Utah; Nichole Garcia has begun her PhD in Chicana/o studies at the University of California - Santa Barbara;
Natasha Khan entered a doctoral program in chemistry at Clemson University; Jayci Robb seeks a master’s in rehabilitation counseling from
the University of Arizona; Hans Romo has started law school at New York University; Vanessa Seals begins her PhD in English (African
American literature) at Stanford University; and Angela Swensen is an MSW student at Washington University in St. Louis.
Other new graduate students in the fall 2010 include: Jeremy Sheikh (Westminster, 2009) has started his master’s in public administration at
the University of Utah; Yvette Gonzalez (University of Utah, 2009) is an MSW student at the University of Utah; Thomas Pham
(Westminster, Dec. 2005) has started dental school at UNLV; Valery Pozo is in the master’s program in the Educational Leadership and Policy
Department at the University of Utah; and as a complement to her degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University, Sara Hogan
(University of Utah, 2005) began medical school at Loyola University in Chicago.
Scholar alumni receive graduate degrees in 2009-10, Congrats!
Anya Gurholt (Westminster, Dec. 2004) earned her M.Ed. From the Principal Leadership Institute at UC Berkeley in July 2010. She continues
teaching in the Oakland Public Schools.
Mario Castillo (Westminster, 2006) received a master’s degree in sociology from the UC Berkeley where he continues in the doctoral program.
Our first PhD alumna! Dr. Sarah J. Jackson
Sarah Janel Jackson graduated from the University of Utah in 2005 with a bachelor’s in mass communication
and African American studies; received her master’s degree in communication studies from the
University of Michigan; and on December 1, 2010 she defended her dissertation, African American celebrity
dissent and a tale of two public spheres: A critical and comparative analysis of the mainstream and black press
1949-2005, at the University of Minnesota to earn her doctorate in mass communication. We are extremely
proud of your academic accomplishments and look forward to hearing about your career!
We had a chance to ask Dr. Jackson a few questions about her educational journey and we hope her
responses will provide some insights and advice to our current scholars and alumni.
How did the McNair Program help prepare you for graduate school?
I would say the most important things the McNair program did to prepare me for graduate school were
to provide me with real world academic research experience and the opportunity to present this research
in academic settings. It provided me with preparation for the GRE, as well as a better understanding of
how to select graduate programs and successfully apply to those programs.
Who inspired you most during your graduate career?
The person who most inspired me during my graduate career was my adviser Dr. Catherine Squires. She
not only provided me with invaluable insight into my field and various academic and intellectual topics, but
also helped me navigate the political, emotional and psychological challenges of graduate education.
What was the most exciting part of your dissertation research?
I honestly found everything about my dissertation research exciting. On a scholarly level it was exciting to
find new information about the evolution (and lack thereof) of news discourses around race and politics,
and it was exciting to see how disparate theories from a variety of fields could be brought to better understand these findings. On a personal
level, I was constantly excited by what I learned personally about the subjects and historical moments central to my project.
If you had any academic challenges, how did you overcome them?
I had several unique academic challenges because I transferred universities mid-way through my PhD. As a result I lost one semester worth of
graduate credits and I had to take preliminary exams at two different places! However, I simply understood these challenges to be part of the
decision I made to transfer which was based on my desire to continue researching with my adviser Dr. Squires. I knew that even if these challenges
meant I would have to take more time to earn my degree or repeat some work, that in the broad scheme of things I would be better off
as a scholar and have a better graduate school experience because of my decision.
What advice do you have for our current McNair undergraduates and graduate students?
My advice for undergraduate and graduate McNair students is not original and is simply this: Everything is possible. If you decide to accomplish
something you can. The road, while difficult, will be made easier by taking advantage of the resources that programs like McNair make available,
listening carefully to the wisdom of those who have come before you, striving for balance in your life, and always remembering that your worth is
not based in what you do but who you are.
What is next in your professional career?
I am currently on the academic job market and hope to begin work as either a post-doctoral researcher or assistant professor in the New York
metro area in Fall 2011.

V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 1
McNair Spotlight: Colin Ben, Program Coordinator
Colin grew up with a strong interest
in learning more about his Navajo history
and culture. He was raised in Shiprock,
NM located within the beautiful Navajo
Nation. His BA is in Southwest studies
with a concentration in Native American
studies from Fort Lewis College in Durango,
CO. Colin earned his MA degree
in American Indian studies with a concentration
in higher education from the
University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. He
plans to apply to the University of Utah’s
Educational Leadership and Policy PhD
program.
On a personal level, Colin likes to
travel, play sports, photography, and
work with students. He enjoys traveling
with his wife, Dr. Otakuye Conroy-Ben
Senior Retreat a success!
In the fall semester we provided an new opportunity for our graduating
seniors to travel to Snowbird Resort for our Senior Retreat. Our
scholars enjoyed an evening together, were well rested and focused for a
day full of writing and editing their graduate school statements of purpose,
applications, CVs, and fellowship essays. The goal was to take them
to the resort, eat together, work diligently in a supportive environment,
and share their experiences completing an application. They all showed
their commitment and dedication towards their graduate school applications.
We look forward to continue working with you all as you complete
your graduate applications. Because this year’s Senior Retreat was so
successful, we plan to offer this to next year’s graduating seniors. Below
are a few quotes from the seniors explaining how the retreat was beneficial
to them.
(Oglala Lakota) throughout Indian country,
exercising on a daily basis with his
triathlon class and basketball/volleyball
intramural teams, taking photos around
SLC, and working with our driven
McNair Scholars. He has worked in the
area of student support services for
over seven years at various college and
university campuses and with summer
internship/college prep programs.
He enjoys working with Jo, Lesa,
Brian, and Judith in supporting our
McNair Scholars. Colin started in the
spring of 2010 and was impressed by
the May graduates’ numerous graduate
school acceptance letters. He’s excited
to continue working with our current
and future cohorts of McNair scholars.
Front row (L-R) Kamille, Tory, Lara, and Jo
Back row (L-R) Colin, Jared, Peter, and Benson
Tory Morales mentioned, “The senior retreat was invaluable in helping me perfect my statements for the Ford Fellowship
and subsequently for providing a beginning framework for my statements for my graduate applications.”
Lara Galas said, “The Senior Retreat was helpful because we were working together, in a supportive community; being in
one room together made us sympathize with one another about our stressful tasks but it also pushed us to work hard.”
Kamille Sheikh commented, “The senior retreat greatly helped me in my graduate school process because it allowed me
to continue all of the different pieces of the graduate school application, such as statement of purpose and CV, in a supportive
and helpful environment.
Benson Stevens pointed out that, “The Senior Retreat at Snowbird was very valuable. Not only did it help make me start
getting my graduate application requirements together, but allowed an entire day to work on the application with on the
spot mentoring of any questions I had as I was working through the application. There were so many small questions I had
as I progressed through the application, that is was a total joy to have instant answers. I thank both of you so much!”
(Left) Colin
working with
Tory on her
Ford Fellowship
essay.
Jared and Peter
focusing on their
statements of
purpose.
P A G E 5

McNair Scholars Program
Westminster College
1840 South 1300 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84105
Phone: 801-832-3250
mcnair@westminstercollege.edu
westminstercollege.edu/mcnair
The Ronald E. McNair
Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program
The Westminster College
McNair Scholars Program
prepares low income, first
generation and underrepresented
college students for
doctoral study. This nationwide
program was created
in memory of Ronald E.
McNair, Ph.D., an African
American physicist who
died in the space shuttle
Challenger mission in 1986.
McNair Fall Calendar
October 8th
New Scholars Orientation
October 22-23rd
Graduating Senior Retreat
November 5th
Career Success Workshop (New Scholars)
November 12th
Career Success Workshop (2nd Year Scholars)
November 19th
Time Management Workshop
December 28th
2011 McNair program applications available
The Westminster College McNair Scholars Program is funded at approximately $341,000 yearly. Of this amount, $231,000 (68%) is an annual grant from the
U. S. Department of Education. Westminster College provides the remaining 32% by contributing over $110,000 of support each year.