McNair Program

RONALD E. MCNAIR 1950-1986 Ronald E. McNair was America's second African American astronaut in space and one of the seven crew members killed in the space shuttle Challenger explosion on January 28, 1986. Despite racial discrimination during the 1950s and 1960s, McNair excelled academically and professionally. He graduated magna cum laude in physics from North Carolina A&T State University in 1971, and received his Ph.D. in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1976. Ronald McNair was the first in his family to graduate from college and earn the Ph.D. degree. Through funding from the U.S. Department of Education, the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program was established to increase the number of students in doctoral degree programs who are low-income and first generation undergraduates or from groups traditionally underrepresented in graduate education, particularly African Americans, Latino Americans, and Native Americans/Alaska Natives. (This program includes minority and non-minority students).

THE PROGRAM

The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program provides support to students who aspire to earn doctoral degrees and enter research, teaching, or other careers that require the Ph.D. degree. An important component of the program involves student participation in a mentored research experience with an Oberlin College faculty member, giving them the unique opportunity to develop the highest level of academic and research skills needed for successful admission to and completion of a Ph.D. program.

ELIGIBILITY (Eligibility must be determined prior to completing an application!)

American citizen/permanent U.S. resident
second-semester Oberlin College sophomore
in good academic standing
first generation college student (neither parent holding a Bachelor's Degree) having an income level as established by the U.S. Department of Education, and/or a member of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education studies. (African-American, Native American, or Latino American).

ELIGIBILITY APPLICATION (Available in Peters 127)

An Eligibility Application must be completed and includes the following components:

Personal Statement - A two-page essay discussing academic interests and experiences, career plans and participation in activities that demonstrate his/her ability to take responsibility and work independently.
Advisor Recommendation - A form is attached to the eligibility application to be completed by the student's faculty advisor.
Financial Information - A photocopy of the parents'/legal guardians' latest IRS Form 1040, 1040-A or 1040-EZ (that specifies the student as a dependent) is required. (If an income tax form was not filed, a notarized statement must be completed. Forms are available in the Office of Undergraduate Research, Peters 127.)
A release form must be signed allowing the Office of Undergraduate Research to request a copy of the student's internal transcript.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL FORM

RESEARCH PROPOSAL FORMS (for the Summer 2005 Program) WILL BE AVAILABLE IN PETERS 127 AFTER October 4, 2004

Oberlin College Students will complete the research application with a member of the Oberlin College Faculty. The application narrative will contain a detailed summary of the research to be undertaken over the summer on Oberlin's campus. The deadline for the joint proposal is Monday, December 6, 2004. (Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.)

SELECTION PROCESS

The Oberlin College Faculty Supervisory Committee of Undergraduate Research reviews the faculty/student joint proposals. From these joint proposals ten rising juniors will be chosen to join the ten continuing seniors for the summer program. Award Announcements will be made no later than Spring Semester, 2005.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Individualized research with Oberlin College Faculty.
Total stipend of $2,800 (before taxes).
On Campus Housing/Board provided during the program.
Travel opportunities to academic conferences and graduate school visits.
Funds are available to purchase research related books/supplies and for approved travel.
Grad School, Financial Aid, and Writing Workshops; Career Advising; Computer Software Training; and GRE Preparation.

For additional information about the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program feel free to contact the Office of Undergraduate Research or a member of the Supervisory Committee listed below.

Monique J. Burgdorf, Assistant Director

Monique.Burgdorf@oberlin.edu

Faculty Supervisory Committee of Undergraduate Research

Clovis L. White, Director Committee Chair Sociology/Social Sciences Taylor Allen - Biology/Natural Sciences Joanne Erwin - Music Education/Conservatory Gillian Johns - English/Arts & Humanities Anuradha Needham - English/Arts & Humanities Pamela Snyder - Director of Sponsored Programs Kathryn Stuart - Dean of Studies Keith Tarvin - Biology/Natural Sciences