McNair Alumni
Kiamsha Bynes '18
Kiamsha Bynes is currently a doctoral student in History at Rutgers University.
How did the McNair Scholars Program prepare you for graduate school?
The McNair Scholars Program helped prepare me for graduate school by providing resources that allowed me to travel to conferences to network or present my research, attend workshops with scholars and other McNair alumni, and assistance with GRE preparation.
What have been the highlights of your doctoral program?
My amazing colleagues and cohort have made my transition from undergrad straight to the doctoral program the most welcoming. The professors in the department are genuinely supportive as well, which has been an important highlight of my first year as a graduate student thus far.
What advice would you give to undergraduate students who are thinking about pursuing a graduate degree?
My advice to undergraduate students who are thinking about pursuing a graduate degree is to reach out to professors and current graduate students at the schools you are interested in.
Dr. Gayatri Nehrusingh-Pajerowski '11
Dr. Gayatri Nehrusingh-Pajerowski earned a Master's degree in Higher Education at Drexel University and successfully defended her dissertation as doctoral student in the specialization area of Mind, Brain and Teaching at the School of Education at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Nehrusingh-Pajerowski is currently an Assistant Director of EOF at Passaic County Community College.
How did the McNair Scholars Program prepare you for graduate school?
The McNair Scholars Program propelled me to think critically about my research interests and provided the necessary guidance and opportunities to present at conferences. While attending conferences, I was able to network with others at various levels, which gave me great insight into the world of graduate school. The experience that I gained from presenting at conferences played a huge role in preparing me for graduate school because it not only boosted my self-confidence to apply but also instilled a strong determination to strive for the best.
What have been the highlights of your master's and doctoral programs?
There are many highlights that I can share, to name a few: I was promoted at my job within the first year of starting my Master's degree because I was able to immediately apply the leadership theories I was learning in my courses to improve my professional context. My second promotion came just into the first year of my doctoral degree program, again this was because I was able to apply the knowledge gained through doctoral courses to expand the services offered in the EOF Academic Resource Center to improve student outcomes.
What advice would you give to undergraduate students who are thinking about pursuing a graduate degree?
I would say do not hesitate in applying to graduate school, it is totally worth the investment, and take time to reflect and select your graduate program wisely because you should be able to apply your knowledge to make a difference in your life and the world once you complete your degree.
Rishana Ubah '17
Rishana Ubah earned her master's degree in Chemistry at Binghamton University.
How did the McNair Scholars Program prepare you for graduate school?
Being a part of the McNair Scholars program has prepared me for graduate school by allowing me to conduct research through the summer research program at UC Santa Barbara. From this summer research program, I was able to work with a graduate student, take a GRE prep course and present my research. In addition, McNair has also given me the chance to attend and present at conferences. As a result, I was able to network with other McNair Scholars and meet masters/doctoral students.
What have been the highlights of your doctoral program?
Some highlights from my doctoral program would be:
- Conducting research and working in the lab.
- Making it through my required coursework and passing my cumulative examination.
- Having my first experience attending a conference as a graduate student.
- Being a teaching assistant for undergraduate Organic Chemistry lab sections.
What advice would you give to undergraduate students who are thinking about pursuing a graduate degree?
Make sure you prepare yourself mentally because graduate school will take you on an emotional and mental rollercoaster; it will cause you to second guess yourself each step of the way. Never forget that even though it seems challenging now, you are in this position for a reason and the obstacles you face will all be worth it. Don't give up!