Whoever said graduate school presents an individual with unimaginable opportunity must have had Melissa Chipman in mind! Since completing her bachelor’s degree in Geology from Concord College (now University) in 2004, Ms. Chipman has embarked on an amazing career as a graduate student in the Geology Department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Campus life at such a large university seemed a little overwhelming initially; however, world-renowned guest lecturers, top-notch entertainment, and students from a variety of belief systems created an ideal setting for personal and professional growth.
The first semester of Ms. Chipman’s coursework signaled the beginning of yet another adventure - Alaska. Her thesis affords her the privilege of spending summers in breathtaking southwest Alaska studying climatic change. She’s particularly interested in how human-induced climate change impacts glacial and interglacial events. According to Ms. Chipman, “Working head to head with other scientists like Dr. Feng Sheng Hu is quite an education! I’ve benefited tremendously from their on-the-job training.” Her research centers on the collection and chemical/physical analysis of lake sediment. Samples are painstakingly analyzed in Dr. Hu’s lab to see how the lake responded to more than 2000 years of climatic change in the Alaskan region. More importantly, Ms. Chipman compares climatic change over the last 150 years with that of 2000 years ago. Such ecological data has the potential to improve climatic models and aid scientists in preparing for future glacial events.
The 06-07 academic year caps off countless hours of field and laboratory work toward her master’s degree. In addition to completing her thesis and preparing an article for publication, Ms. Chipman plans to serve as a graduate teaching assistant. She credits the McNair Scholars Program with much of her success. “The Concord McNair experience taught me how to do research and gave me the courage to pursue my dream at UIUC. I’ve learned that the research process is basically the same regardless of the tools used. Success in graduate school revolves around figuring out how to learn instead of just being concerned with what is learned.”
Updated: 4/26/08
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McNair Mentor Orientation sessions in April 2006
The McNair Staff will be providing several McNair Mentor Orientation sessions in April 2006:
Thursday, April 20th @ 8 AM in A109
Wednesday, April 26th @ 3:30 PM in A109
Friday, April 28th @ 8 AM in A109
If you are a new Mentor, a veteran of the McNair Program, or simply interested in learning more about the McNair Program I invite you to attend. The Orientation sessions will provide valuable information to help you have an enjoyable McNair experience and inform you of the expectations we have of you as a Mentor and what expectations you can have of us.
Please attend the one session which best suits your schedule. If these times are not convenient, please feel free to contact the McNair Office at 384-5153 or dsnuffer@concord.edu to schedule an appointment.
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Nine McNair Scholars represented Concord University at the 14th Annual National McNair Research Conference in Wisconsin in early November. Conference attendees had an opportunity to network with fellow McNair Scholars, attend a graduate school fair, participate in a fireside chat with Carl McNair (brother of Dr. Ronald McNair) and present their research. Dr. Rod Klein (McNair Director) and the Scholars also briefly visited downtown Chicago hotspots such as the Second City Comedy Club and the infamous Billy Goat Grill. Concord Scholars included:
Lonnie Bowe (Coal City, WV): Detecting Plagiarism in Computer Science Programs
Holly Damron (Oak Hill, WV): Translocation of a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways in Skeletal Muscle
Jennifer Hedrick (Beckley, WV): Effects of Therapeutic Massage on an Individual’s Stress Levels
Samantha Lane (St. Albans, WV): Genetic Variation of Wood Cockroaches Crytocercus spp., in Southern West Virginia
Stacy Miller (Summersville, WV): Study of Factors Affecting the Distribution of Wood Roaches (Cryptocercus spp.)
Tabitha Newman (Providence, KY): Same-Sex Marriage: An Exploratory Study of the Relationship Between Religious Beliefs and Views on Marriage in a College Population
Shelia Robinett (Princeton, WV): Effects of Human Pheromones on the Sexual Behavior of Lesbians
Lisa Stansell (Lewisburg, WV): Before the Beginning: Crossing the Bridge Between Politics and Religion in Elizabethan England
Amanda Woods (Charleston, WV): Perceptions of Sexual Abuse Based on Gender and Gender Role in Social Workers
Holly Damron and Tabitha Newman presented their research orally whereas Lonnie Bowe, Jennifer Hedrick, Samantha Lane, Stacy Miller, and Lisa Stansell presented posters. Shelia Robinett and Amanda Woods of the Concord Psychology Department participated in conference activities.
Pictured from L to R: Jennifer Hedrick, Shelia Robinett, Tabitha Newman, Holly Damron, Stacy Miller, Samantha Lane, Amanda Woods, Lisa Stansell and Dr. Rod Klein (not pictured: Lonnie Bowe).
For more information on the McNair Scholars Program, please contact Dr. Rod Klein at (304) 384-5153.
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The McNair Scholars Program hosted its 16th Biannual Symposium on Thursday, December 1st at Concord University. Fourteen Scholars presented their research to more than 30 attendees. This semester’s Symposium included both oral and poster presentation sessions from Scholars at Concord University and Bluefield State College (as noted below):
Lonnie Bowe (Coal City, WV) (Poster) – Detecting Plagiarism in Computer Science Programs; Mentor: Mr. James Johnston, Assistant Professor of Computer Science (Concord)
James Britt (Crab Orchard, WV) (Poster) – Momentum Investing and Sector Rotation with Fidelity Sector Funds; Mentor: Dr. Muhammad Islam, Professor of Finance (Concord)
Holly Damron (Oak Hill, WV) (Poster) – Translocation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways in Skeletal Muscle; Mentor: Dr. Darla Wise, Assistant Professor of Biology (Concord)
Jesse Farmer (Princeton, WV) (Poster) – The Modeling and Simulation of Sensor Data for an Intelligent Ground Robotic Vehicle; Mentors: Mr. Bruce Mutter, Associate Professor of Architectural Engineering Technology and Dr. Bob Riggins, Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology (Bluefield State College)
Jennifer Hedrick (Beckley, WV) (Poster) – Effects of Therapeutic Massage on an Individual’s Stress Levels; Mentors: Drs. Karen Griffee, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Darla Wise, Assistant Professor of Biology (Concord)
Aaron Hellems (Mt. Nebo, WV) (Poster) – The Role of Context in Response Generalization; Mentor: Dr. Rod Klein, Associate Professor of Psychology (Concord)
Samantha Lane (St. Albans, WV) (Poster) – Genetic Variation of Wood Cockroaches Cryptocercus spp. in Southern West Virginia; Mentors: Drs. Roger Sheppard, Professor of Biology and Darla Wise, Assistant Professor of Biology (Concord)
Nikki McCormick (Seth, WV) (Poster) – The Effects of Inclusion in Early Childhood Settings; Mentor: Dr. April Puzzuoli, Professor of Childhood Education (Concord)
Stacy Miller (Summersville, WV) (Poster) – Study of Factors Affecting the Distribution of Wood Roaches (Cryptocercus spp.); Mentor: Dr. Roger Sheppard, Professor of Biology (Concord)
Shelia Robinett (Princeton, WV) (Poster) – The Effects of Human Pheromones on the Sexual Behavior of Lesbians; Mentor: Ms. Chris Rock, Assistant Professor of Psychology (Concord)
Wendi Sopher (Beckley, WV) (Oral) – Playtime is Cancelled: The Effects of Free Play on Classroom Behavior; Mentor: Dr. Cheryl Trull, Associate Professor of Education (Concord)
Lisa Stansell (Lewisburg, WV) (Poster) – Before the Beginning: Crossing the Bridge Between Politics and Religion in the Elizabethan England; Mentor: Dr. Joseph Manzione, Assistant Professor of History (Concord)
Kathy Stress (Yukon, WV) (Oral) – The Psychological Effects of the Vietnam War;Mentor: Dr. Patricia Mulvey, Assistant Professor of History (Bluefield State College)
Amanda Woods (Charleston, WV) (Poster) – Perceptions of Sexual Abuse Based on Gender and Gender Role in Social Workers, Mentor: Ms. Chris Rock, Assistant Professor of Psychology (Concord)
For more information on the McNair Scholars Program, please contact Dr. Rod Klein at (304) 384-5153.
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Dr. Robert Riggins, Professor of Engineering Technology at Bluefield State College and 8 of his engineering technology students (Team Anassa) received fourth place at the 13th Annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition in Traverse City, Michigan this summer. The team’s remote-free robot, Anassa, was one of only four autonomous vehicles from 39 schools nationwide to successfully complete an obstacle course spanning three acres. The Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (otherwise known as IGVC) offers undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to gain hands-on design experience in a multidisciplinary environment. Jesse Farmer, one of the IGVC team members, also participates in the Concord University McNair Scholars Program. His faculty-supervised McNair research will expand on the IGVC experience by focusing on the on-going development of “Scorpion Fox”, a fellow autonomous vehicle, and its preparation for similar competitions. Mr. Farmer will collaborate with Dr. Riggins and Mr. Bruce Mutter, Director of the Bluefield State College Center for Applied Research and Technology, to analyze positioning for Scorpion Fox’s laser scanners and construct computerized simulations of its movements.
For more information on the Concord University McNair Scholars Program please contact Dr. Rod Klein at (304) 384-5153. Please direct questions regarding IGVC to Dr. Robert Riggins at (304) 327-4134 or Mr. Bruce Mutter at (304) 327-4220.
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KY Student Recognized for Achievement at Concord University
June 28, 2005
Athens, W.Va. - The Concord University McNair Scholars Program recently presented Tabitha N. Newman from Providence, Kentucky, with the 2005 Above and Beyond Award. This award is given annually to a Concord McNair Program participant in recognition of academic excellence and exhibition of the spirit of TRIO. Ms. Newman is a wonderful example of what it means to have the "TRIO heart!" She perseveres in the face of challenge and strives for self-improvement. As a McNair Scholar, Ms. Newman conducted and presented a faculty-supervised research project on the college population's views on marriage and religious beliefs. She also continues to participate in several other Concord organizations including the Cardinal Key National Honor Society, Gamma Beta Phi and Student Support Services. Ms. Newman plans to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology following graduation from Concord in December 2005.
For more information on the Concord University McNair Scholars Program, please contact Dr. Rodney L. Klein, mcnair@concord.edu or 1-304-384-5153.
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Nancy Sloan
Nancy Sloan (2001 cohort) will present "Zooplankton Concentration of Impoundment Areas Located Along the Southern Part of the Indian River Lagoon" at the Florida Academy of Science in Tampa in March 2005 and "The Effect of Hurricanes on the Benthic Populations Within Streams Along the Indian River Lagoon" in April 2005 at the Benthic Ecology National Conference in Williamsburg, VA. Ms. Sloan is a graduate research assistant at Florida Institute of Technology pursuing a master's degree in Biological Oceanography.
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Lisa Darlington
Lisa Darlington (1997 cohort) will present “Women in Computer Majors: A Synthesis and Critique of the Literature” at the Eastern Educational Research Association Conference and “Evidence-based Strategies and Interventions: Increasing the Diversity in Computer Science” at the Mid Atlantic Conference on the Scholarship of Diversity in March 2005. Ms. Darlington is a doctoral student in the Educational Research and Evaluation Program at Virginia Tech. Her co-presenters include Dr. Kusum Singh (graduate advisor), Dr. Katherine Allen (Professor of Human Development at VT), and Dr. Rebecca Scheckler (Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at University of Cincinnati).
Michael O'Dell Recently Named WV TRIO Achiever
Michael O’Dell was recently named WV TRIO Achiever at the 2004 WVAEOPP (West Virginia Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel) Fall conference in Virginia Beach, VA. TRIO Programs are federally funded outreach programs available to assist first-generation, low income, and underrepresented students in overcoming barriers to higher education. The TRIO Achiever Award recognizes perseverance, academic achievement, and community service among TRIO Program participants.
Mr. O’Dell is a powerhouse within the TRIO community! He embraced the college experience as an academic standout at Concord University and change agent in his hometown of Fayetteville. WV. His academic success opened doors to additional opportunities including induction into the Alpha Chi Honor Society and acceptance into the McNair Scholars Program. As a 2002 McNair Scholar, he worked diligently with Charles Autrey of the Concord Business Division to examine the Balanced Scorecard Principle and its application at Concord University. Throughout his undergraduate career Mr. O’Dell also devoted considerable time and effort to community involvement. He initiated or collaborated with fellow volunteers to coordinate numerous local activities and events such as the Fayetteville Citizen’s Forum and Meet the Candidates and the Fayette County Flood Relief Campaign. He also held leadership positions in religious organizations and served on various advisory boards. According to Mr. O’Dell, “The McNair Scholars Program allowed me to become the person I have wanted to become but never thought I could achieve. It broadened my horizons as a nontraditional student, helped me focus academically, and allowed me to see a whole new world of opportunity that I never thought available to me. “ Mr. O’Dell is currently a first-year law student at West Virginia University.
For more information on the McNair Scholars Program or other TRIO Programs, please contact Dr. Marjie Flanigan at (304) 384-5326 or visit the US Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov. For more information on WVAEOPP, the state organization of TRIO staff, please contact Mr. Darrell Taylor at (304) 384-6074.
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Scholars Receive Star Treatment During Internship
Concord University McNair Scholars enjoyed the “Star Treatment” during the 2004 McNair Summer Research Internship. Scholars participated in a variety of academic and cultural activities over the course of the 8-week program including:
· Free Makeover s @ Belk of Mercer Mall
· Fine Dining @ The Greenbrier Resort
· Chicago @ the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre
· Specialized workshops with Concord faculty, staff, and area business leaders.
· One day workshop with Donald Asher, renowned author of Graduate Admissions Essays: What Works and What Doesn’t
· Marshall University Graduate School Tour
· Tour of The Greenbrier Resort Bunker
· Virginia Tech Graduate School Tour
· Borrowing Privileges @ Virginia Tech Library
Thank you to all who contributed and helped make this year’s internship one of the most successful to date!
KUDOS KORNER
Patricia Defibaugh – (2003 Scholar)
2004 Above & Beyond Award
Matt McCormick – (2003 Scholar)
2004 WVAEOPP Scholarship
Ashli Taylor – (2000 Scholar)
2004 TA for WVU’ Sociology Department
Dr. Cheryl Trull – (2004 Mentor)
Received Doctorate from Virginia Tech
Gilbert Catron – (1999 Scholar)
Head Athletic Trainer & Assistant Professor @ Concord
Concord University McNair Scholars Journal
The McNair Scholars Program is pleased to announce publication of the second edition of the Concord University McNair Scholars Journal. Volumes I-IV will be distributed over next few weeks to all contributing Scholars and their Mentors. The Program will also present the McNair Advisory Committee, Concord Administrators and Division Chairs, partner institutions, and fellow McNair Programs with a copy of the publication. If your mailing address has recently changed, please contact the McNair Office at 1-304-384-5153 or via email at lkarnes@concord.edu to ensure proper delivery.
The Head of the Class
Nine graduates of the Concord University McNair Scholars Program are currently pursuing a doctoral degree:
Tara Barts – Ohio State University
Ph.D. program in Biology
Gilbert Catron – Capella University
Ph.D. program in Sport Psychology
Lisa Darlington – Virginia Tech
Ph.D. program in Educational Research and Evaluation
Denise Helton – University of Kentucky
Ph.D. program in History
Angela Keaton – University of Tennessee
Ph.D. program in History
Garry Moore – Virginia Union University
Doctorate of Ministry program
Roland Peckham – Xavier University
Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology
Rebecca Ryan – West Virginia University
Ph.D. program in Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Lethea Smith – Marshall University
Ed.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction
McNair Most Wanted
Please Phone Home!!!
McNair has lost touch with a few graduates. If you happen to have current contact information for these folks, please contact the McNair Office at (304) 384-6019 or lkarnes@concord.edu.. Information obtained will be confidential and used strictly for program recordkeeping and reporting purposes.
| Allen R. West |
James & Ashley Lusk |
Charles “Mike” Broce |
| Terresa M. Lyda |
Mark P. Gunther |
Kenneth L. Belcher |
| Jennifer D. Patrom |
Daniel T. Rowe |
Anita C. Wilson |
| Michael & Angela Castello |
Donna S. Flaim |
Antoniette D. Bradford |
| David L. McDowell |
Charmaine S. Parrish |
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USDOE Requires McNair to Track Participants for 10 Years, or Until They Receive a Ph.D.
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