Welcome to the McNair Research Scholars Program
2021-23 Cohort (in alphabetical order): Jasmine Archila, Filipe Andreas Melo, Yolanda Anguiano, Aaron Ayala, Miguel Beltran, Kelvin Chau, Thyra Cobbs, Hector De Leon, Ashley Hackett, Ramond McCusker, Brenda Martinez Montano, Kiara Phillips, and Anthony Zomalt
2020-22 Cohort: Samantha Mazariegos, Cindy Berganza, Sebastian Figueroa, Edwin Zamora, Luis Godinez, Andrea Macias, Abel Aragon, Reno Garcia, Stephanie Martinez, Brittany Jasper, Cristian Hernandez, Alicia López, Ruby Gordillo, and Jessika Viveros.
About The Program
The UCLA McNair Research Scholars Program was established in 2003 as a two-year research-based program that prepares undergraduate students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. to not only apply to but also excel in the best graduate school programs in the country.
Each year, the program maintains a cohort of 28 juniors and seniors from a variety of majors in the Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, STEM, and applied or interdisciplinary Sciences. The UCLA McNair program particularly attracts young scholars who are committed to social change and use scholarship and research as a means to achieve social justice. Hence, the program’s motto to “Transform the Academy.” Additionally, UCLA McNair Alumni work in a variety of professional positions that advance a social justice agenda.
Program Curriculum
UCLA McNair Research Scholars complete a comprehensive and rigorous two-year academic program under the supervision of the Program Director, the Assistant Director, and multiple Graduate Student Mentors.
During their first year in the program, McNair Scholars participate in the UCLA Student Research Program (SRP) under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and attend weekly seminars designed specifically for the program. These seminars guide students through navigating the academy and developing research proposals.
In the summer between their first and second year in the program, McNair Scholars participate in the six-week UCLA McNair Summer Research Institute. This six-week program includes: workshops and seminars on academic career opportunities; standardized test preparation; writing and research skills; writing a statement of purpose; obtaining letters of recommendation; and completing the graduate school application process. In addition, McNair Scholars begin their independent research projects and present their current findings at the UCLA Summer Symposium.
During their second year in the program, McNair Scholars apply to graduate school and complete, present, and publish their research project and senior thesis. Every Scholar has the opportunity to donate her or his research materials and senior thesis to the Southern California Library.
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Junior Cohort

Jasmine Archila
Academic Advancement Program
Yolanda Anguiano

Miguel Beltran
Academic Advancement Program
Thyra Cobbs
Academic Advancement Program
Ashley Hackett
Academic Advancement Program
Ramond McCusker
Academic Advancement Program
Anthony Zomalt
Academic Advancement Program
Filipe Andreas Melo
Academic Advancement Program
Aaron Ayala
Academic Advancement Program
Kelvin Chau

Hector De Leon
Academic Advancement Program
Brenda Martinez Montano

Kiara Phillips
Academic Advancement ProgramSenior Cohort

Abel Aragon

Cindy Berganza

Sebastian Figueroa

Reno Garcia

Luis Godinez

Ruby Gordillo

Cristian Hernandez

Brittany Jasper

Alicia López

Andrea Macias

Stephanie Martinez

Samantha Mazariegos

Jessika Viveros

Edwin Zamora
Eligibility
In order to apply students must first ensure they meet the following criteria:
- Are a low-income AND first generation college student OR Are a member of an underrepresented group within graduate education
- Are an United States citizen or permanent resident
- Are a currently enrolled Junior or transfer student who has completed between 90 – 175 units by Fall of the Application Year
- Are available during the McNair Summer Research Institute (typically Summer Session A)
- Are interested in pursuing Graduate School
Application Materials
Aside from a completed UCLA McNair Research Scholars Application, the following materials must be uploaded as PDFS (unless otherwise noted) by the application due date (which is currently TBA).
- 500 Word Personal Statement
- 1,000 Word Research Proposal/Statement
- Resume OR Curriculum Vita
- 2022 – 2023 UCLA Electronic Financial Aid Notification (eFAN)
- Parent(s) or Guardian(s) *SIGNED* Federal Income Tax Return (with Social Security Numbers redacted)
- Two Letter of Recommendation from Faculty
- Signed Faculty Mentor Form (or Faculty Mentor of Interest Contact Form if you are a STEM Transfer student)
- Screenshot of the Application Confirmation Page (JPG & PNG are acceptable file formats for this document)
- Unofficial Transcript(s)
- If you are a transfer student we require you submit a copy of the transcript(s) from the previous school(s) you attended alongside your UCLA transcript
Need Help?
If you’re having difficulties with applying whether it be the application process itself or finding out if the program is right for you, feel free to schedule an appointment with a McNair mentor using the Graduate Mentoring Application Request Form or by visiting Graduate Mentoring either in-person at 1202 Campbell Hall or using the Virtual Front Desk during operating hours.
Graduate Mentors

Wanda Quintanilla Duran
Academic Advancement Program
Mary Senyonga
Academic Advancement Program
Kevin Gatter
Academic Advancement Program
Desiree Tanimura
Academic Advancement ProgramStaff

Alice Ho, Ph.D.

Sandra Brukardt

Iris Lucero, Ph.D.

Sienna Martinez
Main Office
Phone Number: (310) 794-4186
Email: mcnair@college.ucla.edu