McNair Scholars Program

MCNAIR SCHOLARS :

Faculty Mentors

Each McNair Scholar receives individual guidance from a faculty member, the Scholar's Faculty Mentor, in conducting research and preparing for graduate study. Applicants are encouraged to identify a prospective Faculty Mentor and research topic in their applications to the program, but McNair staff will also assist new McNair Scholars with this process as needed. Throughout the Scholar's year-long research experience, from the selection and development of a research topic to writing a publishable research article, the Faculty Mentor acts as advisor, collaborator, and guide. Faculty Mentors commit to meeting regularly with Scholars, communicating regularly with McNair Scholars Program staff, and participating in program events. The Faculty Mentor Handbook provides more information. To date, 129 UA faculty members have served as McNair Scholars Faculty Mentors.

Faculty interested in serving as Mentors should contact the Program Director.

2010 McNair Scholar Tom Potter (on left) discusses his examination of ceramic discoidals with his Faculty Mentor, Dr. Ian Brown, Professor of Anthropology. Tom presented his McNair research, “The Ceramic Discoidal in the Southeastern United States,” at the 2010 Southeastern Archeological Conference as well as undergraduate research conferences.