Graduate Division hosts McNair Scholars

On April 15, UCSB's Graduate Division hosted undergraduate McNair Scholars from Cal Poly Pomona, California State University-Fullerton, and the University of California, San Diego. The eventful day was organized to allow McNair Scholars to learn more about departmental research, faculty accomplishments, and the admissions process, and to encourage scholars to pursue a graduate degree here at UC Santa Barbara. After a welcome by Graduate Division Associate Dean Karen Myers, Scholars were taken on a campus tour that acquainted them with key locations frequented by graduate students, such as the Graduate Student Resource Center, Graduate Student Association lounge, and the Library. Following the tour, Scholars had the opportunity to have lunch with faculty members and graduate students from their programs of interest, including Political Science; Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology; Sociology; Global Studies; Education; Mathematics; Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology; Mechanical Engineering; Chemical Engineering; and Electrical and Computer Engineering.

The day culminated with the visiting McNair Scholars attending the Grad Slam Finals at Corwin Pavilion. Here, the Scholars learned about the the various types research being conducted by current graduate students. Graduate Division Associate Dean Karen Myers commented that she "spoke with the McNair students and they raved about the fantastic research that is being done on our campus. It was the perfect way to end their day."

After the trip ended, McNair staff and Scholars shared their perspectives and overall experiences visiting UCSB. Dr. Patricia Literte, Director of the McNair Scholar program at CSU-Fullerton, shared that "the personalized nature of the visit allowed our Scholars to engage with faculty and grad students in conversations about preparation for graduate school, research, and the Ph.D. experience."

Liban Jibril, a UCSD McNair Scholar, commented on what she found most valuable about the trip. "The greatest aspect of our trip as McNair Scholars was the chance to put faces and scenery to the name 'UCSB.' And the experience couldn't have been more rewarding. The chance to network and learn about what UCSB is really all about, and its research and academic priorities was amazing. Thank you, UCSB!"

The day would not have been a success without the assistance of Graduate Division Associate Dean Karen Myers; Director of Admissions and Outreach Walter Boggan; Assistant Director of Outreach Ethny Stewart; and the Diversity ​& Outreach Peer Ana Romero.