K-State Selects Eight New McNair Scholars

Monday, February 20th, 2006

MANHATTAN – The McNair Scholars Program at Kansas State University has eight new students.

The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, funded by the federal Higher Education Act, prepares academically talented undergraduates to succeed in graduate study. The primary goal of the program is to help students earn doctoral degrees in their chosen fields.

K-State is host to one of more than 170 McNair programs in the U.S. and U.S. territories.

The eight McNair Scholars chosen at K-State will each conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member during the summer. Scholars will present their research at academic conferences during the next year. During the summer they will meet regularly with their faculty mentors, McNair program staff and fellow McNair scholars to learn about the research process and other issues related to graduate education.

Scholars also will prepare for the Graduate Record Examination, a standardized test used by most graduate programs in the admissions process. Scholars will have the opportunity to visit graduate schools of their choice and receive assistance from the McNair staff with the process of applying to graduate programs.

The following students are new McNair scholars at K-State:

Stacy Johnson, senior in biology and pre-nursing, Concordia, plans to earn her doctorate and dedicate her life to researching cures for diseases like cancer. She is spending the spring 2006 semester abroad at the Maastricht Center for Transatlantic Studies in Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Felicita Garza-Basaldu, senior in elementary education, Fort Riley. After receiving her doctorate, she plans to be a school superintendent of a large district in southern Texas.

Sompathana Phitsanoukanh, senior in women’s studies with a minor in American ethnic studies, Garden City, plans to earn her doctorate and become a professor. Her primary area of interest is the immigrant experience, which she would like to study from an anthropological and sociological perspective.

Morgan Bonds, junior in biology and pre-medicine, Hutchinson. Her goal is to provide innovative medical services to underserved populations.

Erica Hutfless, senior in microbiology, Manhattan, conducted research as part of the 2005 Kansas National Science Foundation Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research program. She plans to get her doctorate and continue working and teaching in the area of virology.

William Zorrilla, senior in elementary education, Manhattan. His interests include curriculum development and the teaching of English as a second language, both of which he would like to teach and study as a university professor after getting his doctorate.

Brandy Gaitan, senior in civil engineering, Valley Falls, would like to specialize in the construction of safer structures, such as large buildings, and plans to earn her doctorate and teach at a university.

Elise Gaines, sophomore in communication sciences and disorders, Wichita, plans to get her doctorate in speech pathology and become a college professor. She joins the McNair scholars with research experience under Linda Hoag, associate professor of family studies and human services, through the Developing Scholars Program at K-State.

This entry was posted on Monday, February 20th, 2006 and is filed under Congratulations.