In October, 13 participants in Bemidji State University’s McNair Scholars Program traveled to Schaumberg, Ill., for the 26th Annual National Ronald E. McNair Research Conference. Four of BSU’s scholars gave oral presentations at the conference and a fifth gave a poster presentation.
• Matthew Splittstoser, a senior from Harris, Minn., majoring in business administration and mass communication, presented “Are Students Actively Involved in Student Clubs and Organizations? Why or Why Not?” His research mentor is Dr. Val Wallingford, professor of business administration.
• William Varela, a senior aquatic biology major from Bemidji, Minn., presented “Redd Habitat Selection for Brook Trout in the Necktie River.” His research mentor is Dr. Andy Hafs, associate professor of biology.
• Arica Mahliaire, a senior from Bemidji, Minn., majoring in mass communication and creative & professional writing, presented “Everyday Discrimination in Northern Minnesota.” Her research mentor is Debra Sea, assistant professor of integrated media.
• Sterling Knox, a senior humanities major from Minneapolis, presented “Tribal Re-Entry.” His research mentor is Dr. John Gonzalez, professor of psychology.
• Joshua Jones, a senior environmental studies major from Bemidji, Minn., presented a poster entitled “Stratigraphic Analysis for Red Lake Hydrogeology Study.” His research mentor is Dr. Miriam Rios-Sanchez, assistant professor of environmental, earth & space studies.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to participate in the McNair Scholars program and present my research at their conference,” Jones said on Instagram after the conference. “A few years ago if you had told me I would be completing my undergraduate degree and making the transition into graduate school, I would not have believed it. I’m slowly learning it takes many people working in your corner to help you put the pieces together, and I certainly did not get to where I am today on my own. The help and guidance you can receive from the right mentor/mentors is invaluable.”