McNair Research Conference

Two of our scholars, Sandy Francois (left) and Lacey Andrews (right), along with the

McNair Director Dr. Tomicka Green-Wagstaff, attended University of Maryland’s 12th National

McNair Scholars and Undergraduate Research Conference this past March 17th-20th. The con-

ference included key note speakers such as Dr.

Kwame Dawes and Mr. Don Asher. Our scholars

had a phenomenal experience with the College

Graduate Fair, viewing student research presenta-

tions and taking part in numerous diverse work-

shops. However, their adventures did not stop

there. During break hours, the scholars were able

to venture out and explore the culture of the Balti-

more area. “Whether visiting the neighboring Howard

University, spending an ecstatic afternoon shopping at

China town, or stumbling across one of many salubri-

ous restaurants, the diversity of Baltimore is an experi-

ence that is unmistakably breath-taking. This academic

conference is an essential event that I would encourage

all students to participate in.” - Sandy Francois

The scholars also had the opportunity of

touring Howard University during the university’s

semester break and were warmly welcomed by the

faculty, staff and personnel.

“With the permeating atmosphere of the students’ animated chatter, the gentle yet warm kiss

that Baltimore’s sunny weather encased with each passing moment and the breathtaking view of the

hilly, green scenery, touring Howard University felt like a foreign bliss,” said Lacey Andrews who is

now considering applying to Howard. After a very influential conversation with the Head of the

MD/PhD Program, she was sold on the substantial amount of opportunities Howard University

can provide for students, especially after

graduation.

McNair Scholars Sandy Francois

(left) and Lacey Andrews (right).

McNair Activity Highlights I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

McNair

Activity Highlights 1

McNair

Activity Highlights

Cont.

2

Graduating

Scholars 3

Graduate

Prep Seminar 3

Scholar

Achievements 4

Alumni News 4

2011

Spring Events 5

2011

Summer Research 6

Snapshots In Time 6

Scholar Spotlight 7

Scholars’ Birthdays 7

Meet Our Staff 8

About

Dr. Ronald E. McNair 8

McNair Scholars Newsletter S P R I N G 2 0 1 1 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

McNair Scholar Lacey

Andrews (left) at

Howard University.

Study Abroad Opportunity

As of Spring 2011, our scholar, Brianna Stephenson-Vallot, embarked on a trip to

Costa Rica to study Environmental Sustainability through the School for

Field Studies (SFS). Her first research experience with Dr. Rob Stevens,

through our McNair Scholars Program, helped spark her interest in sus-

tainability. “I was testing the efficiency of improved cook stoves for developing

countries, but I first needed to collect background information on the Haitian soci-

ety, a little bit about their economy, and their environment. Those three factors

are the basis of sustainability.”

It’s not an everyday phenomenon to see a student seizing such an

opportunity to travel across the world and study the environment and how

we can sustain it for future generations. Here, at McNair, we always en-

courage our students to engage in research opportunities. The amount of

benefits a student can receive from conducting research can be endless and

also provide many beneficial solutions to society. For common issues, a

student conducting scholarly research is the epitome of being the change

they want to see in the world. When asked to describe her experience in

Costa Rica, Brianna had this to say, ”So far, my experience has been amazing.

Because the school is based on field studies, we barely spent time in an actual

classroom. Instead, the world became our classroom, and we have had lectures in

mountains, rainforests, volcanoes, on sustainable farms and even in Panama.

We've had cultural exchanges while teaching adults English, playing soccer with the girl's county

team, and learning how to make arroz con leche.

Besides the academic knowledge that I've gained in my classes, I've learned that every-

thing serves a purpose in the world. Everything works together and effects each other in a way to

help each other survive. As a person, it is important to know what skills and talents you have, and

how you can use them to better others.

Lastly, I would highly encourage studying abroad. It gives you a chance to learn in a

completely different environment. So, what you are learning isn't purely academic; you're learning

about people, culture, and even about yourself.”

McNair Activity Highlights Cont.

McNair Scholar

Brianna Stephenson-

Vallot in Costa Rica.

P A G E 2 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1 M C N A I R S C H O L A R S N E W S L E T T E R

This coming Fall Quarter, Dr. Tomicka Green-Wagstaff will be offering a

Graduate Prep seminar offering a comprehensive coverage of the fundamental compo-

nents of pursuing graduate study. The aim of this course is to arm students with the

analytical skills and knowledge necessary to make decisions, evaluate and critique infor-

mation as it relates to funding and applying to graduate programs.

The seminar addresses the process of crafting a personal statement, curriculum

vitae and realistic action plans. Also, students will learn how to implement financial liter-

acy skills and leverage relationships with faculty in regards to the application process.

It is our pleasure to congratulate our graduating scholars on their achievement

while they reach another milestone in their lives. These students have been very influen-

tial on campus, from classrooms to their social clubs, leaving behind a legacy for future

scholars to follow by. Outside the classroom, they have shown enthusiasm through their

research, in making the world a better place little by little. Their many accomplishments

have shaped them into the students they are today and will guide them down the road to

success.

Virginia Allen Sean Bourke

Paul Fields Steven Glenn

Juan Jackson Irene Kannyo

Alan Lambie Annie Liao

Eunice Mendoza Bryce Montgomery

Greg Owens Sebastian Ramirez

Steve Rutagarama Kenya Small

Graduating Scholars

Coming Soon...Graduate Prep Seminar

P A G E 3 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1 M C N A I R S C H O L A R S N E W S L E T T E R

Dr. Tomicka Green-

Wagstaff, Ed.D

Scholar Achievements

P A G E 4 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

Cheyanne Davis

Davis Scholarship Award Sandy Francois

Alfred L. Davis and Ruby C. Davis Scholarship Fund

Walls-Olson Memorial Scholarship

Cheryl Bulls, Lanette Moore, & Susan Willoughby Memorial Scholarship

Sebastian Ramirez

Outstanding Undergraduate Scholars

Henry and Mary Kearse Student Honor Awards

Danielle Burnash

Alumni News Danielle Burnash, a recent graduate of R.I.T, is off to a great start to changing the world one step at a

time. She is currently working on a Masters of Science Degree in School and Community Counseling through the

Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester. While still collaborating with Dr. Lindsay Schenkel

on Deaf Maltreatment Research at R.I.T, Danielle is also focusing her attention on

conducting research in the field of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. When

it came time to speak about the McNair Scholars Program, she had this to say, “My

experience at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and the McNair Scholars Program,

has provided me with many great opportunities and experiences that have undoubtedly

contributed to my passion for research and my interest in psychopathology.”

Danielle plans to continue her research on deaf maltreatment at R.I.T and present

her new compiled data to the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy

(ABCT) Conference in Toronto this fall. Her field of research has sparked a great

deal of interest nationwide. It is with high hopes that more people become inter-

ested in this field of research so that more grants will be provided for further study

in addition to provide services and awareness in the deaf community to address

these maltreatment and mental health issues.

For further reading on this topic, feel free to visit the following sites: http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-01-abuse-higher-deaf-hard-of-hearing-children.html http://www.nvrc.org/study-abuse-rates-higher-among-deafhard-of-hearing-children

http://mccannexposure.wordpress.com/2011/02/07/abuse-rates-higher-among-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-children-compared-with-hearing-youths/ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110118154733.htm

M C N A I R S C H O L A R S N E W S L E T T E R

P A G E 5 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1 M C N A I R S C H O L A R S N E W S L E T T E R

2011 Spring Events DATE EVENT TIME LOCATION

MARCH

March 14, 2011 Financial Literacy Workshop

“Spending and Debt”

6:00-7:30pm Campus Center-Bldg.

03 Rms. 2610-2650

March 23, 2011 Mandatory Summer Research

Prep Meeting #1

4:30-5:30pm Orange Hall-Bldg. 13

Rm. 1340

March 24, 2011 Disney’s Lion King Pick up in front of SAU

6:15pm

Auditorium Theatre,

875 East Main St.

March 25, 2011 Mandatory Summer Research

Prep Meeting #1

1:00-2:00pm Orange Hall-Bldg. 13

Rm. 1360

APRIL

April 5, 2011 Financial Literacy Workshop

“Risk Management”

6:00-7:30pm Campus Center-Bldg.

03 Rm. 2650

April 7, 2011 Mandatory Summer Research

Prep Meeting #3

4:30-5:30pm Wallace Center-Bldg.

05 Rm. 1470

April 8, 2011 Mandatory Summer Research

Prep Meeting #3

1:00-2:00pm Orange Hall-Bldg. 13

Rm. 1360

April 13, 2011 Mandatory Summer Research

Prep Meeting #4

4:30-5:30pm Orange Hall-Bldg. 13

Rm. 1340

April 14, 2011 “Don’t Dress for Dinner” Play

Cost: Free No RSVP needed.

7:30-9:30pm NTID-Bldg. 60

1510 Lab Theatre (Ground Floor)

April 15, 2011 Mandatory Summer Research

Prep Meeting #4

1:00-2:00pm Orange Hall-Bldg. 13

Rm. 1360

ONE-on-ONE hour sessions:

Please see sign-up sheet by McNair Office

MAY

May 12, 2011 Senior Dinner

*Graduating Seniors ONLY

6:00-8:00pm Cheesecake Factory

3349 Monroe Ave.

ONE-on-ONE hour sessions:

Please see sign-up sheet by McNair Office

The time has come again for the McNair Scholars to embark on our annual Summer Research Experience

composed of individual research projects, presenting at the University of Buffalo National McNair Conference and

the RIT REU Symposium, attending graduate school seminars, and participating in graduate school visitation pro-

grams, and much more, throughout the 10-week program! These accepted scholars have shown to be highly quali-

fied, motivated and were chosen because of their scholarly work ethics and their commitment to academic excel-

lence.

Adam Allocco Angelic Brown

Sean Bourke Rose Campbell

Joy V. Carrera Pablo Franco

Sandy Francois Paula Garcia

Peatros Haile Meridangela Gutierrez Jhong

Ariele Murph Rodney Osborne

Maribel Rodriguez Robera Tasissa

Snapshots In Time

P A G E 6 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1 M C N A I R S C H O L A R S N E W S L E T T E R

2011 Summer Research

Scholar Spotlight Congratulations to Sebastian Ramirez for making this issue’s Scholar

Spotlight. He is a fourth-year Biochemistry major here at the Rochester Insti-

tute of Technology. He was born in the northern New Jersey area, but now

resides in Horseheads, NY. Throughout his college career, Sebastian has par-

ticipated in undergraduate research experiences through our McNair Scholars

Program since his sophomore year and has been provided with many opportu-

nities each time. When an opportunity presents itself, Sebastian is the kind of

proactive individual to seize it. He has presented his research topics to other

organizations such as the American Chemical Society in 2009, American Soci-

ety for Microbiology this past 2010, and the American Society for Biochemis-

try and Molecular Biology recently this year.

By remaining committed to his research topics, he received many awards for his accom-

plishments. Over time, he has been awarded the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, the John Wiley

Jones Student in Science Award, an Outstanding Research Scholar award, etc. He has also been

recognized as an inductee into the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Chi

Omega Lambda Society.

This fall, he will be enrolling in the Chemical-Biology Interface Program at John Hopkins

University. After obtaining his Ph.D., Sebastian plans to continue his scientific

research and mentor future generations of scientists.

The McNair Scholars Program Staff would like to wish a Happy Birthday to each and every scholar, cele-

brating their special day during the months of March, April and May!

Allocco Adam Lacey Andrews

Sean Bourke Pablo Franco

Samantha Huynh Juan Jackson

Irene Kannyo Bryce Montgomery

Ariele Murph Gregory Owens

McNair Scholar

Sebastian Ramirez

Scholars’ Birthdays

P A G E 7 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1 M C N A I R S C H O L A R S N E W S L E T T E R

Ronald E. McNair was born October 21, 1950, in Lake City, South Caro-

lina. He received a B.S. in Physics from North Carolina A&T State University in

1971 (graduating magna cum laude), and a Ph.D. in the same discipline from the

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1977. McNair also received three

honorary doctorate degrees and many fellowships and commendations for his

achievements.

Dr. Ronald McNair is perhaps best remembered as a crew member of

the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger, which exploded after launch, killing all on

board. After his untimely death, members of Congress provided funding for the

Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. This program is

dedicated to the high standards of achievement inspired by Dr. Ronald E.

McNair's life.

“Whether or not you reach your goals in life depends entirely on how well you prepare

for them and how badly you want them. You’re eagles! Stretch your wings and fly to the

sky.” -- Dr. Ronald McNair

About Dr. Ronald E. McNair

Dr. Ronald E. Mcnair

Meet Our Staff Tomicka Green-Wagstaff, Ed.D. Interim Director RIT McNair Scholars Program

157 Lomb Memorial Drive Orange Hall, Room 1336

Rochester, NY 14623-5608

Phone: 585-475-6259 Fax: 585-475-7550 E-mail: tcgnsc@rit.edu

Kit Mayberry, Ph.D. Vice President for Special Projects P.I., RIT McNair Scholars Program

1 Lomb Memorial Drive Eastman Hall, Room 3035

Rochester, NY 14623-5603

Phone: 585-475-2972 voice/tty Fax: 585-475-7250 E-mail: kjmgpt@rit.edu

Linda White Senior Staff Assistant RIT McNair Scholars Program

157 Lomb Memorial Drive Orange Hall, Room 1334

Rochester, NY 14623-5608

Phone: 585-475-7611 Fax: 585-475-7550 E-mail: ljwpro@rit.edu

P A G E 8 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1 M C N A I R S C H O L A R S N E W S L E T T E R

Find us on the Web!

http://www.rit.edu/mcnair/

Kevin McDonald, J.D. Chief Diversity Officer Office of the President

2 Lomb Memorial Drive Eastman Hall, Room 7048

Rochester, NY 14623-5604

Phone: 585-475-7404 voice/tty Fax: 585-475-5700 E-mail: kgmpro@rit.edu