McNair faculty mentors

McNair faculty members come from all disciplines, at the rank of assistant professor or higher, and are interested in guiding summer research experiences of high-potential, first-generation, and underrepresented undergraduates. McNair faculty are recognized by their peers and students as valued mentors and exceptional teachers. Several members of the faculty have leadership positions in their departments, such as associate dean, director, and department chair. They are leaders in their field and serve as members of professional associations and editors of professional journals.

Heidi Barajas

Heidi Barajas, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD)
College of Education and Human Development
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

"We all benefit by the diversity historically marginalized students bring to our research tables, to our perceptions and to our ability to connect to the greater community. I know that my academic work as a researcher, professor and Dean is enhanced by working with the McNair Scholars program."

Samuel Myers

Samuel Myers, Ph.D.

Director and Professor
Roy Wilkins Center of Human Relations and Social Justice
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

"As an academic I value the McNair Program for its commitment to academic excellence and as an important and effective vehicle for recruiting low-income, first-generation and underrepresented students. The McNair Program does an excellent job preparing students to pursue and successfully obtain advanced degrees. I have been very impressed by the high academic standards to which these students aspire and have developed a deep respect and appreciation for McNair staff."

Chris Uggen

Chris Uggen, Ph.D.

Professor and McKnight Presidential Fellow
Department of Sociology
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

“McNair scholars work with faculty on areas of mutual interest alongside a faculty member and her or his research team. They are not cast adrift to work on their own, so they get a much more intensive experience. Frankly, I think some of the best teaching and mentoring in my University occurs over the summer as part of the McNair program.”

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