The Erlenbach Gathering Area in Swenson Hall was the site of the 12th annual McNair Scholar Poster session, with presentations by students from UW–Superior, the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and Northland College.

Twelve students, from sophomores to seniors, were selected last fall to work on a graduate school-style research project. The topics, representing nine months of work, drew from a variety of departments - from Math and Computer Sciences to World Languages, Literatures and Cultures.

Alison Godnik researched the correlation between knowledge of healthy behaviors and health indicators such as body mass index and blood pressure, recruiting people from the area by posting flyers around the area. She spent 45 minutes to an hour interviewing each subject. She found that while people might know what behaviors lead to improved health, there is a disconnect between knowledge and behavior. When asked what she got out of the program, Ms. Gondik replied that she is “better at motivating myself and managing my time.”

Robin Krawza, a UWS lecturer in Math and Computer Science, was a McNair Scholar in 2006, studying the challenges of non-traditional students in regards to computer training. “First, it validated my idea of education, and promoted my sense of self-esteem,” Krawza said.

Angela Castellini's presentation was “The Role of Perfectionism and Romanticized Beliefs in Romantic Relationship Satisfaction and Adjustment.” Working with 35 undergraduates and studying the correlation between perfectionism and romanticized beliefs, Castellini found a difference between the responses of men and women, and hopes to pursue the research. When asked to summarize her findings, she said; “Don't be a perfectionist – don't expect a perfect mate.”

The deadline for applications to the program this year is October 28. The scholarship is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Applications and more information can be found on the UWS website under McNair Scholars.

Knowledge and Perception of Health and Its Correlation to Actual Health

McNair Scholar: Alison Gondik
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michelle Arnhold Davies, Department of Natural Sciences

Biological Control of Purple Loosestrife

McNair Scholar: Seth Bliss
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mary Balcer, Department of Natural Sciences

Transcending Classification: Transitional Poetry of Sylvia Plath As Seen Through New Critical Theory

McNair Scholar: Jaime Jost
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Raychel Reiff, Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures.Health

Influences of Temperature and Precipitation on Wood Frog Breeding Phenology with Predictions of Climate Change Impacts

McNair Scholar: Caitlin Leach
Faculty Mentor: Jennifer Olker, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota-Duluth

Effectiveness of Breast Self Exams and Their Relationship to Breast Cancer

McNair Scholar: Chnice Watson
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Georgia Keeney, Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation,  University of Minnesota-Duluth

Integrality and Irreducible Polynomials in a Certain Ring Extension

McNair Scholar: Michael Ross
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Steve Rosenbert, Department of Math and Computer Science

Efficiency of Solar Water Heating in Duluth, Minnesota

McNair Scholar: Abdiqadar Mohamud
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Alison Hoxie, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota-Duluth

The Role of Perfectionism and Romanticized Beliefs in Romantic Relationship Satisfaction and Adjustment

McNair Scholar: Angela Castellini
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shevaun Stocker, Department of Human Behavior, Justice and Diversity

The Relationship Between Prison-Based Education and Recidivism

McNair Scholar: Angela Schermer
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Monica Roth Day, Department of Human Behavior, Justice and Diversity

Changing Workforce and Political Environment

McNair Scholar: Stevie Blanchard
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Stacie R. Furia, Department of Sociology, Northland College

Farm-To-School's Effect on Community Involvement: A Comparative Case-Study of Farm-to-School programs in the Chequamegon Bay Area in Northern Weisconsin and Madison, Wisconsin

McNair Scholar: Emily Stephenson
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Brandon Hofstedt, Department of Sociology, Northland College

Identity, Inclusion, Conflict and Love in American Film Portrayals of Stepfamilies

McNair Scholar: Angel Petite
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Keith Berry, Department of Communicating Arts