Scholars Chit Snow, Lilliana Angulo, Abby Iron Wing, Christian Wells, Flamenco performance at the conference closing ceremony. Simon Bickford, and Braden Freeman University of New Mexico McNair Scholars Research Conference McNair Director, Dr. Chiara Wang, and Research Coordinator, Cassandra Maillet attended the UNM McNair Scholar Research Conference with six NSU McNair Scholars in September. Freshman Christian Wells, presented his research titled “The Discovery of Promising Macrolide Antibiotic Molecules through Nucleophilic Addition Reactions with H NMR Verification” in front of an audience of PhD candidates, professors, and other McNair Scholars. When asked about his experience, Wells said it was “great to meet other McNair Scholars and hear about their stories about overcoming adversities” and how the McNair program has supported them with their academic and professional goals. During this conference, the scholars toured the campus’ hospital, science and music departments, and spoke with professors about graduate programs. They also had the opportunity to visit with representatives from over 50 graduate institutions to learn more about their programs and summer research opportunities. The exposure to New Mexican culture and history was exceptional! We indulged in local New Mexican flavors such as hatch green chile enchiladas and posole. The Scholars also watched traditional Flamenco dancing performed by two UNM alum and former UNM Flamenco instructor, Eva Encinias. The scholars visited the Sandia Mountains via tramway, which was 10,678 feet high! This was a beautiful sight that concluded the trip on a high McNair Forum In September, McNair hosted three guest speakers who all had a tie with our Northern Community - Dr. Larissa Kempf Wattier, NSU class of 2016; Dr. Kimberly Johnson Maier, NSU Dr. Johnson Maier is currently at her dream job as a geography professor at SDSU. Johnson Maier shared about her resiliency in being a first-generation college student as note (literally). Scholars Karina Ramirez, Chit Snow, Cole Holmes, and Justin Hernandez with our Forum guest speakers Dr. Larissa Kempf Wattier meeting with students class of 2011; and Dr. Anthony Wachs, former NSU professor 2011-2016. This forum showcased the challenges these professionals faced on their journeys to their doctorate degrees and shared advice on things they wish they knew before going to graduate school. Dr. Wattier, a local acupuncturist, spoke about her interest for Chinese medicine and how that led her to enroll in a doctorate program at Northwestern Health Sciences University. She now has her own practice, Medicine Rock, specializing in holistic healing practices. she endured significant life changing events throughout her college career. Dr. Wachs, a professor at Duquesne University, shared his experience as a struggling undergraduate student who was close to dropping out. If it wasn’t for one of his professors who pointed out a strength of his, he would not have found his passion for speech and rhetoric. We are grateful these professionals came out to speak to NSU students and McNair Scholars. Their stories were inspiring and motivating!
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