Seven students have been selected to participate in the ND McNair Scholars program. They include juniors Rachel Erstad, Jeremy Fischer, Andrea Lyons, Ebony Anderson and Evelyne Mutezinka and seniors Nolan Higdem and Damien Reinhart.
Erstad is a sociology and English major. Fischer is studying electrical engineering. Lyons is majoring in human performance and fitness and psychology. Anderson and Mutezinka are studying nursing. Higdem is a hospitality and tourism major, and Reinhart is majoring in anthropology.
Students chosen for the program have the opportunity to engage in graduate level research under the guidance of faculty and library mentors. Debra Peterson, instructor of English, is the faculty mentor for Erstad; Roger Green, associate professor of electrical engineering, for Fischer; Donna Terbizan, professor of health, nutrition and exercise sciences, for Lyons; Marjorie McCullagh, associate professor of nursing, for Anderson; Norma Kiser-Larson, assistant professor of nursing, for Mutezinka; and Kara Wolfe, assistant professor of apparel and design, for Reinhart.
Fran Fisher is the library mentor for Erstad, Mark England for Fischer, Marilyn Hedberg for Anderson and Mutezinka and Kathy Enger for Lyons, Higdem and Reinhart.
McNair Scholars are selected from NDSU undergraduates who meet the program criteria and show an interest in research. In addition to a monthly research stipend and an opportunity to attend conferences related to their studies, the program provides educational and support services to prepare scholars for post-graduate work.
Named after Challenger space shuttle crewmember Ronald E. McNair, the NDSU program is one of the original 14 McNair programs in the country. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and is administered by the Office of TRIO Programs in the Division of Student Affairs.