The mission of the McNair Scholars Program is to motivate, enable, and equip talented Vermont State University undergraduate students for entrance into Ph.D. programs and for the next phase in their academic careers.
The program enrolls low-income and first-generation students, as well as students from groups that are under-represented in doctoral study, and helps them prepare for graduate school. McNair Scholars learn graduate-level research methods and receive advising support for applying to graduate school and related aspects of higher education. Scholars also complete a summer research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor and have the opportunity to visit schools and attend and/or present at scholarly research conferences.
The McNair Program at Vermont State serves a diverse and supportive group of sophomores, juniors, and seniors at the Castleton Campus. We provide enriching scholastic experiences that prepare eligible students to be successful applicants to competitive graduate programs.
The McNair Program, officially named the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, was established by Congress in 1986 in memory of astronaut and renowned laser physicist Ronald E. McNair. It is a federally funded TRIO program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Vermont State’s McNair Scholars program was first established at the Castleton Campus in 2017.
Scholar Spotlights
"Being a McNair scholar has been one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had in my life. Ever since I can remember I have always loved helping people and animals, and McNair has helped me in so many ways in my pursuit of personal excellence. One of these ways is through summer research experiences. In my sophomore summer, I was extremely lucky to do my first summer research experience at VTSU Castleton where I studied various domestic species of animals that people have fostered relationships with, and the psychological benefits that stem from those relationships."
Gavin Bradley (He/Him)
"The McNair Scholars Program has become a pivotal part of my life and a major cornerstone of my academic journey, providing quality mentorship, resources, and a community of peers that has inspired and empowered me to pursue graduate education with the confidence that I can succeed far beyond what I once believed I was capable of. I had never conducted independent research before McNair gave me this opportunity, so I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about what was interesting to me and help spread awareness to other athletes as well."
DeVaughn Miller
"Being welcomed into McNair has granted me the privilege of crafting and conducting my own independent research study combining my two passions: microbiology and dentistry. While brainstorming research ideas with my mentor Dr. Preston Garcia, I realized what a shining opportunity this would be to analyze the oral microbiome and observe correlations with cleaning habits, using my background as a dental assistant alongside my mentor’s microbiological expertise to help inform my future work as a dentist."
Daniellee “Dani” Wright (She/Her)
2026 Research Symposium Highlights
McNair Scholars presented their undergraduate research for the 2026-27 academic year in September to faculty, staff, peers, and community members. This research was performed in collaboration with faculty mentors from across Vermont State University that supported students through every stage of their work.
McNair in Action
From presenting research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium to visiting graduate schools around the Northeast region, our students participate in a number of professional and academic experiences throughout the year.
These opportunities help develop critical skills and build confidence in scholars that they can achieve their goals.
Where are They Now?
"The McNair scholars program was more than just an opportunity for research during undergrad. It provided a safe space and the confidence I needed to pursue my goals and get into graduate school. Since participating in McNair, I worked for the program, was admitted to my top choice school with a fully funded four-year scholarship, and am now in candidacy for my doctorate in public policy. The foundational skills taught to me in my time with McNair prepared me for graduate studies and research at the graduate level. Because of these skills, I am now published in one of the top journals in my field, with two more papers submitted and being reviewed. That being said, building my CV was only one part of McNair; the program also offered me friendship, encouragement, stability, and comfort knowing that first-generation students like me can go on to break the generational cycle and achieve anything."
Sky Hulser
"McNair fundamentally changed the trajectory of my life. As a first-generation, low-income college student, I entered undergraduate education with little understanding of what was possible beyond earning a bachelor’s degree. Through McNair, I was introduced to graduate education and provided with the mentorship, resources, and research opportunities necessary to clarify my academic goals. These experiences enabled me to secure a fully funded master’s program and ultimately gain admission to my dream PhD program, where I can study issues, I am deeply passionate about. I am currently a first-year PhD student at Northeastern University, conducting research on hotspot policing in collaboration with leading faculty. McNair took my potential and secured me a future that has changed my life and my family’s life. I would be no where today if not for McNair."
Kayon Morgan
"McNair was the first place where I really learned to see myself as a scholar. The program pushed me in the best ways, helped me find my voice, and gave me the confidence to keep going in academia. Since then, I completed my master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania, where I focused on mental health, trauma, and reentry work. That experience shaped the direction I want to take my career and confirmed that this is the population I’m meant to work with. I’m now applying to Clinical Psychology PhD programs at PCOM, SUNY Albany, and William James, with a focus on trauma-informed rehabilitation for justice-involved individuals. I’m grateful for McNair’s support from the very beginning and excited for what comes next."
Paige O’Brien
Meet our Team
Director of McNair Scholars Program
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Department
- Student Success
Primary Office Location
Castleton Campus
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Email Address
Associate Director of McNair Scholars Program
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Department
- Student Success
Primary Office Location
Castleton Campus
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Email Address