 "Photo: Raven Martin -- For The South End")
Senior Airika Crawford is in the process of applying to graduate school. She graduated in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and is determined to do something great with her life.
“With my bachelor’s degree, especially with psychology, I can’t go as far as I want to,” Crawford said. “I need a Ph.D. I also know I can’t do this on my own.”
In Aug. 2007, Crawford received an e-mail inviting her to an information session about the McNair Scholars Program. For her, it was a sign that help was sure to come.
Named after the late Ronald E. McNair, who died on the space shuttle Challenger in 1986, the McNair Scholars Program prepares undergraduate students for entrance into graduate school.
These students are from historically underrepresented groups in higher education, based on ethnic background. The McNair Scholars Program students presented their research at Wayne State’s Undergraduate Research Conference on Nov. 14.
“It is a great door opener for those students who are really ambitious,” said Dr. Joseph Bayneson, who is the program director.
Bayneson has been working with the McNair Scholars students for almost three years. He was the director of the Summer Institute for Incoming Doctoral Students at the University of Michigan until late 2004.
He then came to Wayne State as the McNair program director. “It is one of few programs that prepare undergraduate students to obtain their Ph.D’s,” he said.
“Its organized structure is what’s key to the program. We bring in juniors and seniors who are prospective doctoral high achievers.” Ahmad Hijazi, one of the scholars in the program, is doing research on Parkinson’s disease.
“I am conducting experiments trying to better understand the biochemical aspect of the disease in determining some answers that could be a potential cure for Parkinson’s disease,” Hijazi said.
“The McNair program has given me substantial opportunities that I participate in, like summer research and the opportunity to do presentations nationally.”
In the last competition among national McNair Scholars Program chapter, Wayne State placed in the top 10 percent.
“I enjoy leading these students,” Bayneson said. “The reward is immense. What other job would give you the satisfaction of doing what I am doing?”
With a 3.0 grade-point average requirement, each student is expected to take the rigorous program seriously upon acceptance because it extends over four semesters. In the fall, students are taught how to apply and choose a graduate school.
They are taught how to handle financial aid and, also, how to write their personal statement, an extensive letter explaining why they should be chosen for the program. The fall semester of the program stresses how important a program choice for research is for that individual’s career path.
In the winter, they are introduced to research and methodology by faculty teacher Dr. Queen Loundmon, who teaches the necessary steps to conduct research.
They also invite doctoral students, faculty and staff from across the country in panel discussions during meetings to give diverse views on the challenges, struggles and strategies that are experienced while studying for a Ph.D.
“No one complains because now they realize that their short-term pain results in long- term, life-long success,” Bayneson said. “Because here they learn all the technologies, tricks and strategies so they can be successful doctoral students.”
During the summer, the McNair scholars are taught how to prepare and take the Graduate Record Examination, a test that is important for entrance into many graduate schools.
The students also work on their personal statements, make sure their academic history is in order and begin research. And finally, in the following fall semester, they conduct their academic research under the supervision of a corresponding faculty member.
These university faculty members are paid from the program to help each individual student in their specific major and area of research. With the anniversary of McNair’s death soon approaching, he will be remembered by a threeday conference in Greensboro, N.C. where McNair Scholars will meet, network and show their research in honor of his legacy.
“It teaches them about the significance of their participation in the program,” Bayneson said “The fruit of the pain and grievance the students experience there will prepare, energize and humble them.”
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