Welcome to the McNair Research Scholars Program
2022-24 Cohort
2021-23 Cohort in Atlanta, GA: SAEOPP McNair Conference
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.
To receive guidance and support as you are working on your McNair Application, please schedule an appointment with a McNair team member or Graduate Mentor by:
1) Filling out the Graduate appointment request form
2) Visiting our office in-person at 1202 Campbell Hall
You can also email us at mcnair@college.ucla.edu. Get support with applying for the program, don’t do it alone!
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 national McNair Conferences.
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.
Events
Social Media
For the latest updates and news, follow us on the official UCLA McNair Instagram. @ucla_mcnairscholar
McNair Lunch Time Talks
Senior Cohort – Class of 2023
Jasmine Archila
Academic Advancement Program
Yolanda Anguiano
Miguel Beltran
Academic Advancement Program
Thyra Cobbs
Academic Advancement Program
Ashley Hackett
Academic Advancement ProgramNayeli Lopez-Ortiz
Academic Advancement ProgramAnthony Zomalt
Academic Advancement Program
Filipe Andreas Melo
Academic Advancement Program
Aaron Ayala
Academic Advancement Program
Hector De Leon
Brenda Martinez Montano
Kiara Phillips
Academic Advancement Program
Jonathan Salgado
Academic Advancement ProgramJunior Cohort – Class of 2024
Bionca Benard
Luis Bolanos Jimenez
Osmin Caceres
Jazmine Chism
Jamila Cummings
Gicela Galvez
Lauryn Famble
Corina Gonzalez
Jacqueline Jones
Jasmin Lopez
Daniel Meza
Giselle Pantoja
Elon Morris
Amy Rios
Graduate Mentors
Courtney Minor
Academic Advancement Program
Abraham Calderon
Academic Advancement ProgramDaniela Conde
Academic Advancement Program
Sophia Sambrano
Academic Advancement Program
Breona Leonard
Academic Advancement ProgramStaff
Alice Ho, Ph.D.
Faye Tesoro, M.A.
Iris Lucero, Ph.D.
Main Office
Box 951541 – 1202 Campbell Hall
Phone Number: (310) 794-4186
Email: mcnair@college.ucla.edu
APPLY TODAY!
2022 McNair Research Scholars Application
Applications Open Fall Quarter
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
- Have Junior standing and at least two years remaining at UCLA
- Are available during the McNair Summer Research Institute (typically Summer Session A)
- Are interested in research and pursuing graduate school
Application Materials
Complete and submit the UCLA McNair Research Scholars Application AND the following supplemental materials as PDFs (unless otherwise noted) by the application due date – Applications Open Fall Quarter:
- 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 from 2021 (with Social Security Numbers removed or blocked from view)
- Two Letters of Recommendation (from those who can speak to your potential for graduate school)
- Signed McNair Faculty Mentor Form 2022 (or Faculty Mentor of Interest Contact Form if you are a STEM Transfer student)
- Unofficial Transcript(s)
- If you are a transfer student, please also submit a copy of the transcript(s) from the previous school(s) you attended alongside your UCLA transcript.
- Screenshot of the MyUCLA Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (URFP) Application Confirmation Page (JPG & PNG are acceptable file formats for this document)
Help with Application
Whether you just want to learn more about the program or are working on your application materials, please schedule an appointment with a McNair team member or Graduate Mentor by:
1) Filling out the Graduate appointment request form
2) Visiting our office in-person at 1202 Campbell Hall
You can also email us at mcnair@college.ucla.edu. Get support with applying for the program, don’t do it alone!