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Category: Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research

K-State faculty mentor McNair Scholars through Summer Research Internship

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research, housed in the Staley School of leadership, recognizes and celebrates the 2024 McNair Mentors for their contributions to the Kansas State University McNair Scholars’ academic and professional growth as they prepare for graduate education. McNair mentors play a large role in the development of the undergraduate researchers and are helpful in providing a trajectory toward graduate education.

McNair Scholars interviewed and invited a faculty member to serve as a mentor for their Summer Internship. This summer, eleven K-State faculty members are serving as mentors through the Scholars’ 8-week summer internship, taking place June 6-July 26.

As a mentor, each faculty member will:

  • Guide the scholar through completion of research project including submission of written materials
  • Help the scholar understand theoretical frameworks and methodologies
  • Encourage understanding of discipline-specific professional trajectory, such as expectations for graduate program applicants

Thank you, to the following mentors for the 2024 McNair Summer Internship: Continue reading “K-State faculty mentor McNair Scholars through Summer Research Internship” →

K-State students present posters to Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol  

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

Five undergraduate students from Kansas State University presented their research at Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol on Friday, March 1.  

K-State’s Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research (SDUR) commends these students for their efforts, learning outcomes and exemplary representation of K-State. Gratitude is also due to the faculty mentors and research programs who helped create these transformative student experiences. 

Student presenters, photographed left to right are:  

  • Helen Winters, sophomore, “Form and Function of Dominant Prairie Grass Across Climate Gradients: Identifying Climate-adapted Populations for Restoration and Conservation,” mentored by Dr. Loretta Johnson 
  • Kalea Nippert, senior, “Is extreme fire the key to reversing grassland loss due to woody encroachment? A test in the tallgrass prairie,” mentored by Zak Ratajczak 
  • Ellienne Warnes, senior, “Exercise Improves Cognitive Performance and Increases Hippocampal Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Expression in Female Autism Spectrum Disorder Modeled Rats,” mentored by Bethany Plakke 
  • Cassidy Hartig, senior, “The Middle of Everywhere: One Kansas Effigy’s Storied Past and Present,” mentored by Dr. Lisa Tatonetti 
  • Grace Schieferecke, junior, “Molecular Analysis of Benzimidazole Resistance in Hookworms in Kansas Dogs,” mentored by Dr. Jeba Jesudoss Chelladurai 

students stand with their posters

Students were selected through a formal application process and reviewed by a committee. Upon selection, students attended a training session, created their research posters and invited their state representatives to attend the event.  

This poster session featured presenters from each of the Kansas Board of Regents institutions (KBOR). Throughout the presentation, the students interacted with a diverse group of attendees: peers, state representatives and their staff, administrators from KBOR institutions, and the public.  

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to further celebrate the efforts of undergraduate researchers from all corners of campus at the upcoming Undergraduate Research Symposium, on Thursday, April 11, from 4-6 p.m. in the Student Union Grand Ballroom. (link) 

Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research is housed within the Staley School of Leadership. The Staley School also includes undergraduate and graduate leadership studies academic programs, leadership and service co-curricular programs, and the University Honors Program. The Staley School equips learners with leadership skills and academic excellence through applied learning experiences, in-class learning, and community partnerships around the world. To learn more, visit www.k-state.edu/leadership. ­­ 

McNair Scholars application deadline extended

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

The McNair Scholars Program is now accepting applications for its 29th cohort.

Students in any major are welcome to apply. The objective of the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is to guide eligible students through the process of applying to graduate school and to prepare them for attaining doctoral degrees. Eligible students must be first-generation college students and income-eligible, or from an underrepresented ethnic group in graduate study.

The McNair Scholars Program has been an important part of the undergraduate experience at Kansas State University since 1995 and is a federally funded TRIO program designed to honor the legacy of astronaut Dr. Ronald E. McNair. In addition to preparing participants for success as graduate students, professors, and professional researchers, the McNair Program opportunities include

  • a paid summer research internship
  • preparation for the GRE exam
  • mentoring by McNair staff and K-State faculty
  • assistance with applications for graduate school

This year, priority consideration will be given to applications received by October 18, 2023. Applications received after that date will be considered as openings remain. Application requirements include

  • a completed application form
  • an essay sharing your story, goals, and interest in graduate study
  • copies of transcripts of all college courses taken (unofficial are fine)
  • two faculty references

Additional information about the program, activities of past participants, and application forms can be found at our website. Submit your application through Canvas. Please request access before starting your application. Faculty references may be submitted by the faculty member via email to mcnair@ksu.edu or delivered to 007 Holton Hall.

If you think you might be interested in graduate school or the program, you are welcome to call, email, or meet with our staff and discuss educational possibilities. Email mcnair@ksu.edu or call 785-532-6137 to connect with staff and arrange a meeting.