Empowering Future Graduate Students: The Role of McNair Faculty Mentors
The WSU TRIO McNair Scholars Program connects undergraduates with faculty mentors who guide them through rigorous research experiences and professional development. Mentors provide guidance on research design, academic writing, and graduate-level expectations. Through these collaborations, Scholars strengthen their academic skills, present their research at conferences, and prepare manuscripts for publication—building a strong foundation for doctoral study. Faculty mentorship is central to ensuring McNair Scholars are equipped with the tools and experience needed for success in graduate education and beyond.
Interested in serving as a McNair Faculty Mentor?, Please contact us to learn more about opportunities to guide students toward graduate study.
Characteristics of McNair Faculty Mentors
| Qualifications | Experience | Knowledge |
| Ph.D. in field related to Scholar’s major and research interests | Directing undergraduate research and independent study | Experience mentoring undergraduates, particularly those from first-generation and income-eligible backgrounds |
| Commitment to the McNair mission of supporting first-generation and income-eligible students in preparing for doctoral study | Supervising graduate students | Knowledge of graduate program application processes and expectations |
| Active research agenda that provides opportunities for undergraduate involvement | Active participation in university affairs and academic associations | Familiarity with funding opportunities and mechanisms for graduate students |
