TRIO McNair Scholars Program
MCNAIR POWERS THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCHOLARS AND INDUSTRY LEADERSMcNair Scholars develop higher-level academic and research skills necessary to gain admission to and complete graduate study through a comprehensive summer experience and academic year programming. The federally funded TRIO McNair Scholars program seeks to increase doctoral program application, matriculation, and degree attainment by first generation and TRIO income eligible college students. UMN McNair Exemplifying MPACT 2025.
Apply to be a McNair Scholar!
Gain valuable research experience, mentorship, and support as you prepare for graduate school. Learn more about the program and take your first step by submitting our interest form.
Faculty and Community Partners: To learn more, express interest in mentoring, or get involved, please fill out this interest form.
Learn more about what the McNair program is and why you should apply.
** Please note: the TRIO McNair website is currently undergoing a college-wide update and is under construction. We apologize for any glitches you may encounter during this period.
2025 McNair Scholars.
McNair Research Symposium
October 14, 2025 | 11:00am - 1:00pm
Join us this fall for our 34th Annual McNair Symposium at the Great Hall in Coffman Memorial Union. The 2025 McNair Scholars will present research across a variety of disciplines, engage with peers and faculty, and celebrate their academic achievements. Sign up for reminders.
2024 McNair Scholars.
About the McNair Scholars Program
- 10-week summer research apprenticeships contributing to a University faculty mentor’s research projects that align with the student’s academic interests
- $6,000 summer stipend, with the opportunity to earn additional funds during the academic year
- 3-course credits (EPSY 3002: Demystifying & Engaging the Research Process)
- Weekly seminars on study strategies for graduate school and entrance exams
- Opportunities to present research at professional symposiums
- Community-building with a cohort of McNair Scholars
- Year-round seminars and advising services led by a highly experienced and collaborative team—comprised of TRIO alumni with over 40 years of combined experience—providing guidance and a supportive community focused on:
- Preparing a successful undergraduate research project proposal
- Developing discipline-specific research, research writing skills, and understanding ethical issues in research
- Exploring careers requiring graduate education
- Financing graduate studies
- Selecting and applying successfully to graduate school
Qualifications
Eligibility for the McNair Scholars Program is based on identities and criteria defined by federal regulations and is open to students from all majors, including those with a STEM focus. To see if you qualify, fill out the McNair Interest Form. Additionally, you must be:
- A full-time sophomore or junior
- A student with a GPA of 2.75 or above
- A student who demonstrates strong writing skills and academic performance in major courses
McNair Scholars graduate profile since 1992*
*Scholars may be counted more than once, i.e. some earned masters and went on to earn doctorate.
*Updated information coming soon!
- 47 students are still undergraduates.
- 198 students entered graduate school.
- 120 students earned M.A. degrees.
- 28 students earned professional degrees.
- 22 students earned doctorate degrees.
- 27 are currently enrolled in doctorate programs.
- 88 students are still enrolled in graduate school.
- 14 scholars are participating in post baccalaureate fellowships and/or other fellowship like activities and are expected to matriculate to graduate school.
McNair Scholars is a TRIO program funded by the United States Department of Education with support from the University of Minnesota.
David Ghere Memorial Scholarship
David Ghere was passionate about helping students from all different backgrounds learn and supporting their ambitions into professional life. For two decades, he taught history at the University of Minnesota General College and later the Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning where he was a champion of and mentor to underserved students. He was a natural teacher and loved his work. One of his greatest joys was teaching using simulations that he created to help students understand and challenge historical concepts.
Dave was a strong supporter of the TRIO program. He was drawn to TRIO's mission at the University of Minnesota. Soon after joining the university, he reached out to the TRIO Program to find ways to collaborate and supported the program throughout his career. He was also a mentor to McNair Scholars and worked with students on their research projects. Having been a first-generation college student, he took great joy in partnering with these programs and assisting others through their journey.
When Dave passed away in 2010, his colleague Jeanne Higbee started a fund in his memory. Today, thanks to additional gifts from his family and friends, the David Ghere Memorial Scholarship supports students in the TRIO McNair Scholars program. The scholarship aligns with who Dave was throughout his life and is a continuation of his work to support U of M's promising McNair Scholars to be successful in college and beyond.
McNair Alumni
McNair scholars from the U of M are contributing to research that is finding cures to diseases and generating innovation in a wide range of industries including biotechnology, healthcare, and agriculture. McNair scholars are also in faculty positions, helping develop the next generation of experts and innovators who will allow the United States to continue to lead and quickly adapt to emerging challenges.
Stay connected to McNair by providing us with your current contact information.
2025 Scholars
- Kahleesia Chapman
- Reier Erickson
- Aisha Faqid
- Amina Hasan
- Siham Ibrahim
- Isabella Ikobe
- Katrina Jensen
- Mariame Kourouma
- Malia Miller
- Tammy Nguyen
- Juan Nogueron-Hernandez
- Matthew Plucker
- Celine Sackih
- Selena Savatdy
- Amin Sharif
- Kachsia Vue
- Bob Yang
- Ashley Ynglada
2024 Scholars
- Cayla Bishop
- Savanna Conzemius
- Fredric Esters
- Christine Friendshuh
- Justin Gonzalez
- Mumtaz A. Hassan
- Alex Ho
- Haniya Hopson
- Nyalaam Jok
- Leslie Luces Saavedra
- Trevor Marquez
- Hannah Meyers
- Sophea Om
- Joci Salguero
- Olivia Sanchez
- Enengy Schutt
- Tomas Sepulveda
- Jessica Sosa
- Dorothea Tse
- Laichia Vang
- Ricardo Vazquez Montero
- Ashley Ynglada
2023 scholars
- Baraa Al-Jasim
- Fatuma Arab
- Eileen Bass
- Olivia Cuoco
- Gabriella Diaz
- Edgar Gonzales Reyes
- Sarah Haile
- Regina Jareanpalithapon
- Jimena Jimenez
- Zoe Karwowski
- Samantha Krocak
- Tanya Martinez
- Mya Reeves
- Bernarda Torres
- Jenny Vang
- Jayce Warner
- Michael White
You can login to Flipgrid to leave feedback and comments for scholars on their virtual posters.
2022 scholars
- Jasmine Adam
- Weli Ahmed
- Kelso Anderson
- Caitlyn Barrett
- Grace-Divine Boutouli
- Jesus Cazares-Reyes
- Sarah Etheridge
- Friday Gora
- Kelsey Grant
- Dola Greene
- Vanessa Guachichulca
- Sofia Ledeneva
- Keemarr McKinney-Van Buren
- Malaya Merriwether
- Katie Nguyen
- Lindsay Okindo
- Brittney Olivares
- Ulises Perez
- Christos Robertson
- Tram Tran
- Jayce Warner
2020 scholars
- Serena L. Armstrong
- Nautica Flowers
- Alonso E. Galvan-Ochoa
- Quan Guan
- Chloe Hendrix
- Lillie Lee
- Emma J. Otremba
- Ethan R. Partida
- Arleth Pulido-Nava
- Breanna D. Rivera-Kloeppel
- Khalique Rogers
- Jacob A. Smiley
- Emame Thompson-Eja
- Yeng Vang
- Maddie Westenberg
- Mai Kao Xiong
- Saulkdi Yangh
- Raniya Yimam
- Kathy Zamarripa
- Bruktawit Zewdie
2019 scholars
- Aaisha Y. Abdullahi
- Alexis Bartelt
- Milena Cornejo
- Lizeth A. Diaz Rodriguez
- Judith Dominguez
- Calvin Duong
- Yaren E. Euceda Mejia
- Samantha B. Gardow
- Nayelli Guerrero
- Sierra J. Hamernick
- Anna R. Heinz
- Amina Hussein
- Lemlem B. Jeldo
- Yoojyim A. Moua
- Ianna Oatis
- Muna F. Osman
- Dante J. Rogers
- Jessica Sanchez
- Yosan T. Tsegai
- Salamong Xiong
- Chue Yang
2018 scholars
- Keegan Bunker
- Yadira Damazo
- Mark Dresel
- Muzamil Ibrahim
- Kania Johnson
- Kimberly Knourek
- Brianna Lundgren
- Abigayle Z. McClendon
- Nicolas Mendivil
- Cristaly Mercado
- Julissa M. Molina-Vega
- Samantha Mussehl
- Minh-Uyen Nguyen
- Salma Noor
- Luis Ramirez
- Nahrissa I. Rush
- Zerbine Atosha Rypa
- Sandra Taylor
- Taylor Westfall-McCoy
- Salamong Xiong
2017 scholars
- Firdavs Abzhabarov
- Kamilah Amen
- Zack Crowley
- Laura Dédé d’Almeida
- Brandon C. Hyde
- Austin Leikvoll
- Kayne Lussier
- Nicole A. Lynn
- Mallory Mintz
- Nahom Mossazghi
- Aarinola Esther Okelola
- Mary K. Onchiri
- Susan Phetsamone
- Tyra Reed
- Santino Reynolds
- Catherine Richards
- Brenda Sanchez Murillo
- Gao Thor
- Chen Vue
- Taylor Westfall-McCoy
- Halimo Yusuf
- Fralinda Zazay
Pre-2017
Resources
Resources for Current Scholars:
As a McNair Scholar, you have access to a wide collection of materials designed to support your success in research and graduate school preparation. Your assigned Canvas course page is the central hub where you’ll find resources on developing your research project, preparing for graduate entrance exams, strengthening academic writing, exploring funding opportunities, and navigating the graduate school application process.
In addition to guides and tools, the Canvas site includes program updates, seminar materials, and links to important campus resources. It is also where you can connect with staff, keep track of deadlines, and revisit content from workshops throughout the year.
Log in at canvas.umn.edu to explore all that’s available to you.
Resources for McNair Alumni:
Once McNair, Always McNair. The McNair Scholars Program is proud to support our alumni long after they complete their undergraduate journey. Whether you are applying to graduate school, navigating your program, or exploring next steps in your career, our team is here to help. For individualized support, please reach out to us directly at mcnair@umn.edu.
Additionally, UMN McNair alumni can request access to the dynamic guide, "From Aspiration to Achievement: Navigating Graduate School and Beyond." This comprehensive guide provides essential support and guidance at every stage—whether you are just beginning your graduate school journey, returning after a gap year, or already immersed in a PhD or professional program.
Stay connected, share your successes, and know that you remain part of the McNair community for life.
Resources for Our Supporters:
For more than 34 years, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities TRIO McNair Scholars Program has been preparing first-generation, low-income students for success in graduate school and beyond. Our alumni are leaders in academia, healthcare, research, and industry—making lasting contributions across Minnesota and throughout the nation.
Your support helps power this legacy. Together, we can continue opening doors for the next generation of scholars, ensuring that talent and potential—not background or circumstance—determine opportunity.
For over 34 years, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities TRIO McNair Scholars Program has been preparing the next generation of scholars, researchers, and leaders. By supporting first-generation and low-income students, we are building a stronger and more inclusive future for Minnesota—and for the nation.
Our graduates are contributing to a safe, secure, and prosperous America through groundbreaking research, advanced degrees, and leadership in their communities.
We invite you to explore Our Impact in Action, where you’ll find stories of transformation and success that highlight the power of McNair. Each story reflects the profound difference that mentorship, research opportunities, and academic development can make.
Get in touch
TRIO McNair Scholars staff
40 Education Sciences Building
56 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-625-0772
Fax: 612-625-0704
mcnair@umn.edu
Anthony Albecker Anthony Albecker
- McNair Scholars Director
- albecker@umn.edu
Anthony Albecker is a dedicated advocate for first-generation, underrepresented, and marginalized student populations.
Kayla Cory Kayla Cory
- Advisor
- she, her, hers
- coryx026@umn.edu
Kayla Cory is an advisor for and an alum of the TRIO McNair Scholars Program. She has a master's degree in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development and a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota.
Amani Stumme-Berry Amani Stumme-Berry
- McNair Scholars Advisor
- stum2012@umn.edu
Hello! My name is Amani Stumme-Berry. I am a graduate of the University of Minnesota with an undergraduate degree in psychology (BA) and a master’s degree in social work (MSW) and public policy (MPP).
