The 2005 McNair Scholars are shown with Dr. Ronald McFadden, keynote speaker for the Scholar Recognition and Journal Presentation held earlier this year.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama McNair Scholars Program will hold its sixth annual research conference Thursday, Oct 13, at 6 p.m. in the Ferguson Center Heritage Room.

The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded program named for Dr. Ronald E. McNair, the astronaut who died in the Challenger space shuttle accident in 1986. The program encourages individuals who are first-generation college students or those typically underrepresented in graduate schools to pursue graduate study. The program provides junior and senior undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in research experiences with financial support and faculty mentoring.

At the UA conference, 13 McNair Scholars will present original research conducted during the past year under the guidance of UA faculty. Research topics range from lab-based biological and engineering studies to surveys of teachers about No Child Left Behind. One of UA’s first Native American McNair Scholars will present research on the impact of gaming on education in United South and Eastern Tribes.

Dr. Charles Nash, vice chancellor of academic affairs for the UA System, will make opening remarks at the conference. The UA McNair Scholars will present their research in concurrent sessions and the conference will conclude with a reception honoring the 2005 scholars and their faculty mentors. The event is open to the University community.

Seven academic divisions of the University – including the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Communication and Information Sciences, Community Health Sciences, Education, Engineering, Commerce and Business Administration, and the School of Social Work – will be represented by the scholars and their faculty mentors.

Undergraduates interested in preparing for doctoral study by completing paid research internships through the McNair Scholars Program during the summer of 2006 should apply now. To be eligible, a student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; be a first-generation college student meeting federal income requirements and/or be a member of a group underrepresented in doctoral study; have at least a 3.0 GPA; have completed at least 60 semester hours by the end of the 2006 spring semester; demonstrate potential for doctoral study; and submit a complete application by the deadline, Friday, Nov. 4.

More information about the conference and scholar applications may be obtained from Dr. Nancy Campbell, McNair Scholars Program manager, 205/348-0580, ncampbell@ctl.ua.edu, or Elizabeth Wallace, McNair Program assistant, 205/348-0572, ewallace@ctl.ua.edu.