Mentoring the Next Generation
Faculty Mentors are the cornerstone of the Michigan Tech McNair Program. Their dedication to the success of each Scholar is what makes McNair special. The commitment is significant, but so are the rewards.
Faculty mentors find satisfaction in working with and receiving research assistance from exceptional undergraduates, and in preparing a new generation of scholars and researchers in their chosen disciplines. McNair Faculty Mentors at Michigan Tech are invested in Scholars' confidence, competence, and credibility, as well as:
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in their McNair Scholars future and belief in the students' abilities and potential to succeed in graduate school
- Empower and support their McNair Scholars in their research and academic endeavors
- Expose their McNair Scholars to opportunities that may help strengthen their graduate school application portfolio
Faculty mentors are chosen by Scholars based on their research interests. This typically occurs during the spring of their first year in the program. We encourage our Scholars to research faculty, communicate, and confirm willingness to mentor on their own, similar to the major professor establishment process in graduate school.
Future Mentors
Faculty mentors are critical to the success of Michigan Tech's McNair Program. Mentors support McNair Scholars throughout their preparation for doctoral study. Each Scholar is paired with a faculty mentor who will guide the student along their journey preparing for graduate school.
Research
- Work with Scholars on an original research project.
- Introduce Scholars to the nature and process of research.
- Provide advice on developing a research proposal, execution plan and writing Scholarly articles for publication.
- Oversee preparation of oral presentations on the research for professional symposia.
- Supervise capstone senior research experience for Scholars.
Mentoring
- Maintain regular communication with Scholars.
- Document Scholar progress in developing research skills, study skills, and other critical competencies.
- Attend social, cultural, and scientific events with Scholars.
Summer 2024 Faculty Mentors
Previous Faculty Mentors