ALBURQUEQUE, N.M., October 18, 2019 – Three McNair students took the stage at the University of New Mexico’s (UNM) McNair Research Conference in Albuquerque. Dr. Jonathan Smalls, Director of McNair Scholarship Program, selected Aria Springfield, Emoni Lewis, and Kneadee Jackson to represent Johnson C. Smith University.
“These particular students possess a strong sense of self-efficacy, educational commitment, resilience, and research execution, which mirror the core values of University College,” Smalls emphasized.
Students in the McNair Scholars Program are required to present research at national conferences; something Springfield says is preparing her for post-graduation.
“I feel more confident in my abilities to be prepared for the rigor that will be expected of me while in a graduate program,” she said.
Springfield presented research on the silences of public historical sites and heritage sites within Charleston, South Carolina. The senior history major wants to highlight the lack of representation of African-American people.
“Because my research is based in Charleston, I've been able to conduct research and field work in one of America’s most beautiful cities, an experience I am definitely grateful for,” she said.
For Smalls, it is rewarding to see students come into their own and discover their passion through research.
“Those moments not only confirm the effectiveness of our student-centered and data-driven approaches, but that we are moving beyond platitudes and fulfilling the JCSU promise.”
In addition to presentations, students attended the UNM’s Career Services Graduate & Professional School Fair, where they interacted with peers and graduate school professionals. These opportunities are preparing students like Springfield for the real world.
“The conference taught me how to speak clearly and confidently about my research to scholars in my discipline, receive and give constructive criticism, as well as knowing how to effectively network with other scholars and graduate school programs,” she emphasized.
