McNair Scholars Alumni

Eric graduates with a B.A. in creative writing. For their McNair research, Eric set out to write and heavily revise a set of short stories titled “Wings” and “Tortillas de Harina.” These stories respectively explore the lasting effects of physical and psychological trauma, “Tortillas de Harina” detailing the struggle and fear that comes with coming out as queer in a conservative family and “Wings” exploring the issue of domestic violence and its effect on familial bonds. Eric has read excerpts of their pieces at multiple conferences and plans on getting them published in the near future. They will be spending their time away from school writing a collection of short stories and poetry, as well as working towards their goal of running their own literary journal for queer writers and writers of color.

Tanyka graduates with a B.A. in elementary education with an endorsement in mathematics. Her McNair research, entitled “The Relationship Between Cultural Involvement and Education for Native American Students”, examines the academic success of American Indian and Native American students in correlation with their involvement in cultural practices, traditions, and ceremonies. Tanyka has presented her work at multiple undergraduate and professional research conferences.

Omar graduates with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Applied Mathematics. His McNair Research, entitled “Optimization of Alnico’s Processing Route to Enhance Magnetic Properties” examines obtaining desirable magnetic strength from alnico with the insight of simulations which could help make green technologies such as windmills, hydroelectric dams, and hybrid electric vehicles operate at higher temperatures, and be cheaper and easily accessible for the public which will lower CO2 emissions. Omar has presented his work at multiple undergraduate and professional research conferences. Omar will enter the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at the University of California, Berkeley beginning August 2020. This consists of $33,500 stipend for living expenses plus payment of tuition and registration fees from the Chancellor’s Fellowship for Graduate study.

Jasmine graduates with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Applied Mathematics. Her McNair Research, entitled “Printed Carbon Nanotube Sensors for Ammonia Gas Detection”, examines utilizing printed electronics for applications in space and other extreme environments which could further the advancement of In-space additive manufacturing technology. This work further promotes the viability of printing as a means to produce lowcost, rapidly produced microelectronics. Jasmine has presented her work at multiple undergraduate and professional research conferences. Jasmine will enter the Electrical Engineering PhD program at Stanford University beginning September 2020. This consists of a $38,364 stipend for living expenses, plus payment of tuition and registration fees from the Electrical Engineering Department Fellowship. She also received the Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education Fellowship with a stipend of $12,800 for travel and living expenses.

Trent graduates with a B.S. in Physics with an emphasis in Applied Physics. His McNair Research, entitled “Nanostructure Mapping of GaAs and Ge Quantum Dots Using Island Scaling and Radial Distribution Scaling Analysis” examines the differences in structural properties between material systems to potentially identify parameters and materials that would be well suited for specific applications including solar cells. Trent has presented his work at multiple undergraduate research conferences. Trent will enter the Electrical Engineering PhD program at The University of Texas at Austin beginning August 2020. This consists of a full tuition waiver and a first year university fellowship. Trent is the recipient of a 2020 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program. The fellowship award totals $138,000 over 3-years.

Tanya graduates with a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Her McNair Research, entitled “Investigation of the Conduction Mechanisms in the Ag- and Cu-Based SelfDirected Channel (SDC) Memristors” examines semiconductor memory devices and investigates its conduction mechanisms. She has presented her work at multiple undergraduate research conferences. Tanya will enter the Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD program at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor beginning September 2020. This consists of a full tuition waiver and GradCare health insurance. Tanya is the recipient of a 2020 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program. The fellowship award totals $138,000 over 3-years. She has also received the Rackham Merit Fellowship Award, this consists of $33,300 stipend for living expenses per year for three years period. She is also a 2020 Boise State Top Ten Scholar.