Faculty Mentors
The Faculty Mentor/McNair Scholar relationship is one of the most important aspects of SSU's McNair Scholars Program. Faculty Mentors offer our Scholars the discipline-specific exposure and insight that they need to comprehend and acquire the abilities necessary to succeed in the academic world.
Our Faculty Mentors are committed to the McNair Scholar Program mission of supporting and training future scholars from first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented backgrounds and have the motivation and desire to thoughtfully support their McNair Scholar throughout the program. For the McNair Scholar, the benefit of participating in the program depends, to a large extent, on this supportive relationship.
McNair Faculty Mentors provide the following support to their McNair Scholar throughout the academic year:
- Meets regularly with the McNair Scholar to offer guidance on the Scholar’s research activities and graduate school plans
- Assists the Scholar in designing and developing a research project related to the Scholar’s academic and career interests, culminating in a presentation at SSU’s annual research symposium and a research article submission to SSU’s McNair Scholars Research Journal
- Reviews and provides feedback on graduate application documents, such as the CV and Statement of Purpose
- Assists the Scholar in identifying appropriate discipline-specific professional venues to present their work.
- Provides disciplinary expertise and guidance as the Scholar works to identify and prepare applications to at least 6 graduate programs
McNair Faculty Mentors receive a small honorarium each year in appreciation of their service to our program.
If you are interested in mentoring a McNair Scholar, please contact Dr. Daniel Melero Malpica: daniel.malpica@sonoma.edu
Spotlight on SSU's McNair Faculty Mentors
"The McNair Scholars Program is a unique program where undergraduates receive professional support and guidance for graduate school applications. All SSU students should take advantage of this program as it cultivates a strong community of motivated individuals and provides funded research support."
“The McNair Scholars are among the most motivated and talented students I have had the privilege to work with. Mentoring these future scientists and witnessing their subsequent achievements in graduate school has been one of the most gratifying aspects of my career. I am eager to continue supporting the McNair Scholar program and these exceptional students.”
"McNair Scholars receive top-notch academic training through faculty mentorship and thoughtfully planned workshops. I love working with McNair Scholars on original research because they gain in-depth experience, develop empirical arguments, and grow their confidence as knowledge producers in their own right."
"Working with McNair Scholars has allowed me to work with talented students on high level research projects, and the structure provided by the McNair Program amplifies my ability to serve as a mentor for these students."
"I love working with McNair students because they are ready for the challenge of conducting research. They understand that they are preparing for the rigors of graduate school, so they bring that energy to learn and to work hard that is required of a young scholar."
“The McNair Scholars Program gives students the opportunity to conduct research outside of classes, and we can work on projects without worrying about the limitations of time. Work gets done and projects advance. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain experience in the field they are pursuing, and McNair makes all of this possible.”
“McNair Scholars bring creativity, skills and experiences that have deepened every research project that I have done – from surveys of undergraduate students’ campus experiences to experiments designed to improve the effectiveness of bystander intervention training. Nothing matches the thrill of watching McNair Scholars blossom as they discover their “research voice.”
"I consider my work as a McNair Scholars mentor to be at the core of my role as a faculty member. It receives my highest attention. Guiding students through the research process, teaching them how to think like scientists, and showing them all of the options available to them for their careers - this is some of the most important work that I do."