McNair Scholar Spotlight: Paige Bishop I’m a junior studying biochemistry at Northern State University and originally from Hillsboro, North Dakota. I’m also completing an associate’s degree in biotechnology, a minor in Psychology, and a certificate in Allied Health. I’m involved in TRIO SSS, McNair Scholars, the Honors Program, Pre-Health Club, The Good Circle, and I compete on the track and field team in shot put, hammer throw, and weight throw. As for research, I have not formally started, but I will be beginning my first project soon and am looking forward to gaining hands-on experience in the lab. Outside of school, I love reading fiction and thriller novels or spending time at the lake. I enjoy being out on the water, swimming, paddleboarding, jet skiing, or just relaxing outside when I can. I also have two animals, a cat and a dog, who keep life busy and entertaining. My dog brings a lot of energy (and noise, thanks to the husky), while my older cat spends most of her time lounging in the sun and claiming my pillow at night. I wouldn’t have it any other way. McNair Scholar Faculty Mentor Spotlight: Christopher Near Dr. Christopher Near (Chris) joined Northern State University in 2020 and became an associate professor in 2025. He taught previously at Northern Arizona University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His current research focuses on organizational wrongdoing, whistleblowing in organizations, and recidivism among corporations that violate government regulations. His doctoral research in sociology at the University of Michigan investigated the effects of parent supportiveness on their children’s behavior problems and cognitive achievement. His postdoctoral fellowship research at Cornell University examined the life satisfaction of grandparents who provided childcare to their grandchildren. Dr. Near teaches classes in sociology and criminal justice, including policing, criminal procedure, law and society, criminology, and research methods and statistics. He has served on the thesis committees of four honors students and has supervised several student internships in criminal justice. He has worked with one McNair scholar and looks forward to working with others in the future.
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