2025 McNair Summer Research Symposium
August 6, 2025
Findings that can lead to a BIG impact.
On August 1, mentors, parents, and students watched as McNair Scholars presented their findings during the 2025 McNair Summer Research Symposium. Hosted by the McNair Scholars Program, the event culminates months of intensive research by first-generation undergraduate students.
Held in the Reitz Union, the Symposium featured presentations from thirteen Scholars. A wide range of fascinating topics was covered, each intended to benefit society in life-changing ways. Attendees were educated on the psychological implications of a specific anime archetype, a method of targeting resistant cancers, ecosystem impacts on pollinator communities, and more.
| McNair Scholar | Presentation Title |
|---|---|
| Legasse Remon | Human-like Capacity Constraints in Vision Language Models |
| Ryan Nguyen | Ferrotopic Targets for Resistant Cancers in the LDLR Gene Family |
| Yasmine White | Beyond the Western Model: Investigating U.S.-Based Liberian Women Peacemakers' Strategies Toward Psychopolitical Well-being |
| Helen Tarrau | Ecosystem Impacts on Pollinator Communities and Pollination Services in North Florida |
| Malachi Dixon | Is Moral Reasoning a Predictor of Parenting Styles With the Moderating Role of Parental Bonding? |
| Gabrielle Ontiveros | Psychology of the Chūnibyō: Identity and Vocation in an Anime Archetype |
| A'mya Chin | Implication of Nitric Oxide on Staphylococcus Aureus |
| Crystal Shao | Genetic Correction of the Microtubule-Associated Congenital Fibrosis |
| Yu Wei | Investigating AAV-Mediated Cytokine Expression in Fibroblasts to Drive Tertiary Lymphoid Structure Formation |
| Carlos Chirino | Trans and Gender Diverse Narratives in Discussions and Activism about Abortion and Reproductive Rights |
| Nikolas Latorre | A Contextual Understanding of Psychological Resilience in Climate Change |
| Thaisha Calixte | Optimizing Method for Protein Detection from Vaginal Swab Samples |
| Chineme Churuba | Single Cell Genomics in HIV Patients with High Viral Load |
The Symposium is more than a collection of presentations. It was an opportunity to celebrate and showcase these students' dedication, growth, and future potential. McNair Scholars put in a monumental effort to see their vision of the future realized. This event validates that effort, cementing an important milestone in their academic journeys to becoming graduate students and leaders in their fields.
Interested in becoming a McNair Scholar? Learn how to apply to this little program with a BIG impact.
Written by Braden Blue.
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