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Class of 2015

McNair Scholar Mentor Title of Research
Jessica Adame Dr. Lisa Garza Barriers Hispanic Students Encounter in College
Olaoluwa Aina Dr. Freddie Davis Analysis of Lift and Drag Forces Measured Through Deflection
Veronica Carillo Dr. Anne M Terry

Case study: Volkswagen

Mercedez Hernandez

Dr. Michelle Bartlett How effective is an 80/20 diet compared to MyPlate, as prescribed, with regard to physiological benefits and self-efficacy?
Cory Johnson Dr. Sean Humpherys Mobile Application Development for Voice Production for Aphonic Dysphonic Individuals 
Kenya Lewis Dr. Vanessa Fiaud Somatotyping Affecting Soccer Players Abilities
Alex Martinez Dr. Jeff Doty Shakespeare and representations of kingship
Chris Martinez Dr. Betty Coneway Implementing an Inclusive Education: Experiences and Perspectives of Educators
Alejandra Munoz Dr. Kevin Williams  
Monica Prado Professor Scott Frish Pattern and Pastoral Aesthetic: An Exploration of Design and Agrarian Culture
Marissa Rivera Dr. Butler Cain Fanship Levels and Sports Marketing
Jose Robledo Dr. Vanessa Fiaud Investigation of Language Communication Barriers Physical Therapist Encounter with the Emerging Hispanic Population

  Jessica Adame

Jessica Adame

Major(s): Criminal Justice Corrections 

Classification: Senior

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2016

Mentor: Dr. Lisa Garza

Title of Research: "Barriers Hispanic Students Encounter in College"

Career Aspirations: I hope to graduate with my bachelor’s in Criminal Justice in May 2016. I hope to make a career out of helping minorities.

How has being a McNair Scholar enhanced your academic experience? Being a McNair Scholar has helped me in so many different aspects of my school and professional life. It has definitely given me a head start on my career after my undergrad studies. Whether it be Law School, Graduate School, or a Ph.D. program, McNair has challenged my ability to reach my greatest potential. Not only did my undergrad grades soar because I had a better understanding of what a great paper looks like, but It has also given me an idea of what to expect when I further my studies.

In a professional stand-point,  I have had the privilege to work with who I believe is one of WTAMU’s finest professor’s, Dr. Garza.  I have acquired a relationship where she has taught me what to expect in the professional field, how to communicate and understand the ideas of others; and how to take the knowledge of others and apply it to your work with the best intentions. From her and the McNair staff, I have adopted the skills and expectations that are going to be required in my career post-graduation.  After my experience as a McNair Scholar I cannot imagine graduating with my Bachelor’s degree without being a McNair Scholar.   

  Olaoluwa Aina

Olaoluwa Aina

Major(s): Mechanical Engineering, B.S. 

Classification: Senior

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2016 

Mentor: Dr. Freddie Davis 

Career Aspirations: To work towards a Master’s degree in a few years and eventually a Ph.D. so I can teach what I have learned to engineer students preparing to step into the workforce.

Extra-Curricular: Reading, Hiking, and Dancing.

How has being a McNair Scholar enhanced your academic experience? It provided some insight into research and engineering design that prepared me for the Fall 2015 semester. It showed me research comes with ups and downs and you have to be mentally prepared to see it through, never be afraid to take a few steps back, and start over if need be.

  Veronica

Veronica Carillo

Major(s): Accounting and Fiance

Classification: Senior

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2016

Mentor: Dr. Anne Terry ( Macy)

Title of Research: Case study: Volkswagen

Career Aspirations: pursue an MBA and a Ph.D. in business and become a professor

Extra-Curricular Interest: ENACTUS, Association of Finance and Accounting

How has being a McNair Scholar enhanced your academic experience? McNair has provided me with the tools to achieve my academic goals while helping me extend my horizons. 

Mercedez Hernandez

Mercedez Hernandez

Major(s) : Pre-Med/Health Science s

Classification: Senior

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2015

Mentor: Dr. Michelle Bartlett

Title of Research:. How effective is an 80/20 diet compared to MyPlate, as prescribed, with regard to physiological benefits and self-efficacy?

Career Aspirations: Physician - Quite possibly Family Medicine! 

Extra-Curricular Interests: "Educational" extra-curricular activities include: Attebury Honors Program, LEAD WT, Joint Admissions Medical Program (JAMP). I also enjoy lifting weights, running, playing video games, healthy cooking, reading, traveling, and having conversations over coffee!

How has being a McNair Scholar enhanced your academic experience? As a McNair Scholar, I gained invaluable experience that better equips for me medical school. McNair Scholars have direct access to some of the best resources on campus, graduate/professional school preparation, and knowledgeable mentorship, to name a few. With this program, I now feel more prepared to take my research to the next level in professional school. 

Cory Johnson

Cory Johnson

Major(s): Computer Science

Classification:
Junior

Anticipated Graduation Date:
May 2017

Mentor:
Dr. Sean Humpherys

Title of Research:
Mobile Application Development for Voice Production for Aphonic Dysphonic Individuals

  Kenya Lewis

Kenya Lewis

Major(s): Sports Exercise Science

Classification: Junior

Anticipated Graduation Date: Spring 2016

Mentor: Dr. Vanessa Fiaud

Title of Research: Somatotyping Affecting Soccer Players Abilities

 

Alex Martinez

Major(s):

Classification: Junior

Anticipated Graduation Date: Spring 2017

Mentor: Dr. Doty

Title of Research: Shakespeare and representations of kingship 

Chris Martinez

Christopher Martinez

Major(s): Interdisciplinary Studies: Special Education Cert.

Classification: Senior

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2016

Mentor: Betty Coneway, Ph.D.

Conferences Attended and/or Publications: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: 12 th Annual TAMU System Pathways Symposium

Title of Research: Implementing an Inclusive Education: Experiences and Perspectives of Educators

Career Aspirations: Upon the completion of my undergraduate studies, I wish to obtain a position as a special education teacher within the Texas Panhandle while continuing my education. I aspire to received A Master’s of Education emphasizing in educational diagnostician to further my role as a special education practitioner and leader. Further in the future, I can see myself with a Ph.D. in Special Education instructing future teacher candidates at West Texas A&M for the field of education.

Extra-Curricular Interests: Outside of studies I enjoy being with family and friends, running, working out, listening to music, and buying stuff. Additionally, I love to learn even outside of the classroom, new learning experiences are so exciting to me, often I find myself reading more about something I’ve encountered.

How has being a McNair Scholar enhanced your academic experience? Being a part of the McNair Scholar program has been one of the best academic experiences I have experienced, and I am honored to be a McNair Scholar. Through the experience I have gained a wonderful insight into the practices of being a researcher. As a result of being exposed to university-level research I have discovered a stronger desire to obtain a graduate degree with more confidence and preparation. 

Alejandra Munoz

Alejandra Munoz

Major(s): Animal Science

Classification:
Senior

Anticipated Graduation Date:
May 2016

Mentor:
Dr. Kevin Williams

Title of Research:

Monica Prado

Monica Prado

Major(s): Studio Art with an emphasis in Printmaking and Painting

Classification: Senior

Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2015

Mentor: Professor Scott Frish

Title of Research: Pattern and Pastoral Aesthetic: An Exploration of Design and Agrarian Culture

Career Aspirations: In the future I would like to pursue a professional career as an artist with my own studio. I would like to conduct my own research, demonstrations, and have workshops for the public and aspiring artists within the facility.

Extra-Curricular Interest: Drawing, painting, and photography. I am also fascinated with YouTube and frequent pages that are inspirational and have positive influences on viewers.

How has being a McNair Scholar enhanced your academic experience? Being a McNair Scholar has greatly enhanced my academic experience at West Texas A&M by introducing me to like-minded scholars who are dedicated to great research. It has been a great learning experience and I have enjoyed challenging myself this year with my project and thesis.

Marissa Rivera

Name: Marissa Rivera                                                                                       

Major(s): Mass Communication: Advertising and Public Relations                                                                                                                                                                    

Classification in Fall 2015: Senior                                                        

Anticipated Graduation date: May 2016                                         

Mentor: Dr. Butler Cain

Title of Research: Fanship Levels and Sports Marketing

Conferences Attended and or Publications:

Career Aspirations:   I would like to eventually work with the San Antonio Spurs assisting game-day operations at the AT&T Center.

Extra-Curricular Interests: I am a member of the Catholic Student Center, new student orientation Peer Leader, as well as a member of the Bateman Competition Team for PRSSA.

How has being a McNair Scholar enhanced your academic experience? This program really tested my abilities in the best way possible. I was challenged academically, and that made me a better scholar. Conducting my McNair research was probably one of the hardest things I’ve done while in college, but finishing it and seeing the work I produced gave me the greatest sense of pride and accomplishment. Graduate school is now a possibility when I had never really considered it before.

 

  Jose Robeldo

Jose Robledo                                                                                                       

Major(s): Biology (B.S.)

Classification in Fall 2015: Senior     
                                      
Anticipated Graduation date:  May 2016    
                          
Mentor: Dr. Vanessa Fiaud

Title of Research: "Investigation of Language Communication Barriers Physical Therapist Encounter with the Emerging Hispanic Population"

Conferences Attended and or Publications: Pathways Conference in Corpus Christi

Career Aspirations:  After I graduate from West Texas A&M University, I hope to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I hope to eventually earn a Ph. D. in Physiology and contribute through research in improving human health. I want to become a professional in my field and inspire others with my same background into earning an advanced degree.                                 

Extra-Curricular Interests: Active member for the Hispanic Student Association for 4 years serving as Public Relations, Secretary Officer and current President of organization, Current Secretary for Mortar Board Senior Honor Society, Active member of the Catholic Student Center, National Society of Leadership and Success, Pre-Healthcare Club member, Tri-Beta National Biological Honor Society member.

How has being a McNair Scholar enhanced your academic experience?

Being a McNair Scholar has opened my eyes to a different side of education. The opportunity to make a difference through research during this summer was such an incredible experience. This helped me work harder in my classes as I prepare to head into Graduate School. As a McNair Scholar, this experience has blessed me with so many opportunities from different schools around the nation. There are many opportunities for underrepresented groups of society to pursue advanced degrees; I am definitely taking this opportunity. I am eternally grateful for the help and support of the McNair program and directors Mike Cook, and Victoria Salas.