McNair Scholars
The goal of the McNair Program is to increase the enrollment of students, from historically under represented groups, in science and graduate programs across the country. Ronald McNair was a physicist and astronaut. He died in the Space Shuttle Challenger accident in 1986.
We are proud of our McNair Scholars!
2021
Christain White
Advisor: Dr. DeAnne Brooks
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Rocky Mount, NC
Research Interests: Physical health in relation to improving feelings of depression and anxiety in college students.
Quote: The McNair Scholars Program has greatly assisted me in making connections and developing research skills that I can apply to help create change in our world.
2020
Jamila Taylor
Major: Social Work
Minor: African American Studies
Interests: How both external and internalized oppression affects a person's self-concept. Moreover, investigating the impact of social expectations such as family, school, work and peers on an individual's self-concept, esteem, image, efficacy, awareness and potential.
Quote: With dedication I believe I can excel in anything.
Tynashia Whitaker
Advisor: Dr. Robert Mayo
Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Research Interests: Understanding how the linguistic characteristics of African American English are stereotyped and how this stigmatization may result in misdiagnosis of African American children as having speech sound disorders.
Quote: I have my very own blog where I inspire and educate others while on the journey to becoming a Black Speech-Language Pathologist.
2019
Marcus Batts
Advisor: Dr. Jaclyn Maher
Major: Kinesiology
Minor: Music Performance
Research Interests: The effects that physical health has on individuals through intentional research methods.
Korrey Monroe
Advisor: Dr. Hewan Girma
Major: Public Health Education
Minor: African-American and African Diaspora Studies
Research Interests: Atherosclerosis in African Americans that live in southern states compared to the rest of the nation.
Sarah Ragab
Advisor: Dr. Michael Hemphill
Major: Kinesiology
Research Interests: Student leadership development through a cross-aged mentoring approach.
Queaonia Reid
Advisor: Dr. Omar Ali
Major: Human Development and Family Studies
Research Interests: How death impacts education trajectories specifically in African American households.
2018
Aaliyah Belk
Advisor: Dr. Tracy Nichols
Major: Public Health Education
Research Interests: To bridge the gap between access and care in communities facing disparities.
Jacqueline Sandoval
Advisor: Dr. Sandra Echeverria
Major: Public Health Education
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Interests: Spending time with family and friends, watching “The Office”, working with first-year students!
Research Interests: Jacqueline aims to become the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Danaisha "Belle" Wortham
Advisor: Dr. DeAnne Brooks
Major: Kinesiology
Minor: African-American and African Diaspora Studies
Hometown: Warrenton, NC
Research Interests: Belle wants to make a change that can positively effect not only her, but her family. Belle is excited for the McNair Scholars program and hopes to conduct research about Black Women and ways to improve the health of the Black community.
2017
Asia Brannon
Advisor: Dr. Olav Rueppell
Major: Nutrition
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Quote: Being a McNair Scholar will allow me to conduct community-based research in topics of my interest such as areas with food disparities, how to reach that audience, and educating them on the importance of nutrition.
Ricquita Dillard
Advisor: Dr. Yarneccia Dyson
Major: Social Work
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Scholar Standout: Ricquita is the Sole Proprietor of Birthing Life. This organization advocates for and educates women on childbirth and postpartum care.
Kenya Downing
Advisor: Dr. Tyreasa Washington
Major: Social Work & Psychology
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Quote: I quickly learned that it is not so much what you know, but how you will apply what you know to build yourself and be of assistance to others.
Nijahlyn Edwards
Advisor: Dr. Erica Peyton
Major: Human Development and Family Studies
Hometown: Rocky Mount, NC
Scholar Standout: Nijahlyn has an extensive list of volunteer experience which is representative of her commitment to serving others as a future career.
Keia Harris
Advisor: Dr. Carrie Rosario
Major: Public Health Education
Hometown: Mint Hill, NC
Quote: I am not intimidated by a problem, but rather eager to find the cause and effectively find a solution.
Shaunessy Lofton
Advisor: Dr. Carrie Rosario
Major: Public Health Education
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Research Interests: Cultural competency and inclusion in healthcare professions.
Melissa Lore
Advisor: Dr. Ashleigh Gallagher
Major: Psychology
Minor: Human Development and Family Studies & Studio Arts
Hometown: Salisbury, NC
Research Interests: Accessibility of higher education to low-income students.
Ashley Mustain
Advisor: Dr. Aaron Terranova
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Pelham, NC
Scholar Standout: Ashley volunteers in multiple physical therapy settings throughout the year and showcases a strong aptitude for becoming an expert in the field.
Draven Ward
Advisor: Dr. Daniel Rhodes
Major: Human Development and Family Studies
Minor: Social Work
Hometown: Durham, NC
Quote: I would like to do research on adoption, specifically on how open vs. closed file adoption affects the mental health of both the adoptee and the biological parents/family.
Kevin Wilson
Advisor: Dr. Jared McGuirt
Major: Nutrition
Hometown: Eden, NC
Quote: My focus in nutrition is childhood obesity with regards to low income households. By conducting research and isolating some of the key factors affecting some of the most vulnerable people, we can begin to implements effectives support programs and services.