The Summer Research Symposium showcases the work of students participating in the McNair Scholars program, including the outstanding research and scholarly achievements of the participating undergraduate students. (Photo provided)
July 17, 2026
McNair Scholars to highlight their research at SIU symposium
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The McNair Scholars program is an important part of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s mission to provide undergraduate research opportunities — as demonstrated by the current cohort of nine McNair Scholars will show their work at the 23rd annual Summer Research Symposium.
The symposium is set for 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, July 24, at Morris Library’s first-floor rotunda to showcase the outstanding research and scholarly achievements of the participating undergraduate students.
The SIU McNair Scholars Program helps first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students prepare for graduate school by pairing them with faculty mentors. The research institute “is an intensive experience that challenges students to think and work like researchers,” said Rhetta Seymour, project director.
Media advisory
Reporters, photographers and news crews are invited to cover the 23rd annual Summer Research Symposium. For more information or to arrange interviews on July 24, contact Rhetta Seymour, project director, at 618-453-4585 or rseymour@siu.edu.
“Throughout the summer, they conduct faculty-mentored research while also exploring what it takes to pursue graduate education,” Seymour said. “For many of our scholars, it's their first opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor or to seriously consider graduate school as a realistic next step.”
In addition to providing students with mentorship and support, the experiences also strengthen students’ applications for graduate school or competitive careers.
“Ultimately, the McNair Scholars Program is about expanding opportunities,” Seymour said. “We help students develop the research skills, confidence, and academic preparation needed to pursue graduate education and become leaders in their chosen fields.”
Students in the 2026 summer research cohort, with major and year in school, are:
- Dashawn Brown, business management, senior.
- Amilia Estrada, journalism, senior.
- Taylor Meyers, sociology, senior.
- Tiara Murray, political science, senior.
- Jordan Ptak, psychology, senior.
- Jameisha Rufus, criminology/criminal justice, senior.
- Kamron Singleton, sports administration, senior.
- Damian Wagoner, biomedical science, junior.
- Alayjah Williams, psychology, senior.
Named for the late Ronald E. McNair, a physicist and astronaut who died in the 1986 space shuttle Challenger explosion, the McNair Scholars program helps students realize their full potential by providing enriching educational experiences for low-income, first-generation college students and members of underserved groups in higher education. Beginning with a strong mentoring network, students receive full support and engagement in educational and professional development activities, laying the foundation for strong research and academic skills.