Knox College

Celisha Oscar '20 pursues her McNair research project on the thermal stability of unconventionally synthesized liquid crystals.

McNair Scholar Suzette Vargas '19 has been studying mutation development in oocytes and the n1 gene of frogs. She is one of 10 students conducting research this year through the McNair Program, which provides undergraduate students with funds and resources for academic pursuits in their chosen fields of study.

Yuuki Wittmer '18 conducted research on the liquid crystalline properties of copper with her Mellon Fellowship.

Malik Hamilton '19 conducted his McNair research on the use of polarized light to create liquid crystals at room temperature. His research is part of the McNair Scholars program, which provides funds and resources for students to pursue academic projects in their chosen fields of study.

Natalie Haddad '19 uses her McNair Scholarship to study the uses of bloodroot, a medicinal plant, in the treatment of cancer in dogs. She is one of 10 students conducting research this year through the McNair Program, which provides undergraduate students with funds and resources for academic pursuits in their chosen fields of study.

Meghan Gaynor '19 is researching abuse, mental illness, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Her research will contribute to the current body of work on PTSD that educates survivors and informs treatment practices. She is one of 10 students who conducted research this summer through the McNair Program, a program that provides undergraduate students with funding and opportunities for academic work in their chosen fields.

Justin Bell '19 is one of 10 students who have been awarded a McNair Scholarship to pursue research in their chosen field of study. He is a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and received an award for Rising Greek Leader of 2016. Bell volunteers for Blessings in a Backpack and the Huntsman Foundation. He works for the Association for Black Cultural Centers (ABCC).

Inspired by her brother with autism, Serena Dow '19 is researching chemicals that impact the sense of touch. Her project on the effect of oxytocin on tactile sensitivity in rats is part of her participation in the Knox College McNair Program, which provides undergraduate students with funds and opportunities to conduct research in their chosen fields of study.

Keara Crook '19 interned at an elephant tour site in Thailand, where she worked in elephant conservation. In addition to taking classes, she cared for an elephant named MeKeow and learned about the culture surrounding elephant care and elephant taxis.

The relationship between mental illness, psychological abuse, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Bloodroot as an alternative treatment to oral cancer in canines. The relationship between social isolation and drug craving. These are just a few of the topics students are researching through Knox College's McNair Scholars Program.