Well we’re almost there! The semester is winding down, and there are only two short weeks left of fall semester 2009.

The “fifteenth week” (better known to most of us as “dead week”) and finals week are fast approaching, and as McNair Scholars, we know you have a lot on your plate. Likely, you will have multiple finals, projects, and maybe even presentations to be working on. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by these tasks and by the pressures we put upon ourselves to succeed in these activities, but it’s also important to maintain a healthy balance so that you remain healthy, happy, and able to celebrate the upcoming holidays and time off before returning back to UNL in January!

In our October monthly meetings, we talked about time management, and now is a great time to set those tips to good use!

Mark Your Deadlines.

• Get out that planner (or use an online calendar), and clearly mark deadlines like paper due dates and test times. Next, check for conflicts if you have two tests that overlap, or if you’re scheduled to work during a test time; you’ll need to resolve that as quickly as possible. Also, gather all the class syllabi and take note of when professors’ office hours are if a last minute question comes up. Keep in mind that Love and CYT libraries have extended hours from December 13-15, staying open until 1 a.m. to better serve students who prefer late-night study sessions.

Set a Study Schedule.

• Outline the remaining two weeks of your semester. On a piece of paper create a REALISTIC study schedule to prepare yourself for finals. Start by writing down the date of your final exams, and it’s always a good rule that in difficult classes you should study a week in advance–yes, a week. It seems crazy, but whether your final is cumulative or over three chapters, it is easier to designate one chapter to study per day. The point of this schedule is to make this time more manageable. Don’t try to spend all day studying one thing or you will burn out.

Use Good Study Habits.

• Take advantage of your textbook. Many textbooks come with online study tools that can better prepare you for tests. Also look for videos that accompany the chapters as well as practice quizzes and activities.
• Rewrite Notes. Having a hard time making your lecture notes stick? Rewriting your notes takes longer than skimming them. The extra time you spend rewriting can help engrain the information in your mind.
• Get Creative. Everyone has a different studying style – some people are visual learners, others are better at listening. Find out what works for you, and do it. This can be anything from putting sticky notes with hard-to-remember facts on your computer monitor, to listening to podcasts of lectures while you eat breakfast.
• Form a Study Group. Study guides don’t prepare themselves! Don’t wait until the Sunday before exam week to figure out what should be on that yet-to-be-created study guide. Try forming a study group to share the load of material. Additionally, study groups can be a great way to relieve stress—you’re all in this together!

Take Care of Yourself.

• If you don’t take care of your body, you could hit a slump right when you need the most energy. Take time to eat healthy meals (that means fruits and veggies, carbs and proteins, not just a Snickers bar and a Gatorade) and schedule time for sleep.
• Your mind needs time to rest and refresh, so taking breaks can help you feel more alert. Make time to go for a walk, hit the gym, call a friend, or even watch some TV – it will help you refresh your mind.

UNL also has some specific ways to help students cope with the stress of Finals week!

• Tuesday, December 8^th the University Health Center is hosting a “Stress Free Zone” in the Union from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Stop by to relax with friends, enjoy free snacks, fun activities and even massages!

• The Rec Center is having special discounts on massages on December 7^th. Those who schedule appointments for that date will receive 20% off of their appointment. Don’t forget, as a student, when you pay your student fees you’re entitled to use the Rec Center as much as you like.

Finally, McNair Scholars, don’t forget to have a little fun as well! Join us at Old Chicago on December 11^th (826 ‘P’ Street in the Haymarket). We’ll be there from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. See you there!

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Finals Study Hints Adapted from:

http://www.survivingcollegelife.com/2007/11/29/33/

http://www.tipstrs.com/tip/2025/How-to-survive-Hell-week-(aka-Finals-week

http://www.ehow.com/how_5551574_survive-finals-week.html

http://media.www.thecsusmpride.com/media/storage/paper1149/news/2008/04/29/Features/Stayin.Alive.Tips.And.Tricks.To.Survive.Finals.Week-3354064.shtml

McNair Scholars joined together over Fall Break (October 19th & 20th) to give back to the Lincoln community through their volunteer services. Scholars spent over 12 hours during the two day period lending their time and energy to two very worthy charities benefitting the Lincoln community at large.

Scholars Jeff Lopez, Brittany Sznajder-Murray, and Graduate Assistant Leslie Martinez at Matt Talbot Kitchen

A number of McNair Scholars worked at the Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach to serve hot evening meals to individuals on Monday and Tuesday evening. Scholars Melissa Garfield, Jeff Lopez, and Brittany Sznajder-Murray worked alongside volunteers from St. David’s Episcopal Church and the group A Place at the Table to serve over 200 individuals, families, and children from the Lincoln community.

Scholar Melissa Garfield, Graduate Assistant Leslie Martinez, and other volunteers at Matt Talbot Kitchen

A second group of McNair Scholars and staff lent their time to the charity Habitat for Humanity. Scholars spent eight hours working on Tuesday at of the newest Habitat for Humanity house at 1221 N. 44th street. Junior and Senior McNair Scholars worked alongside  McNair staff to prime and paint the rooms inside the first floor and basement of the house.

Scholars Zach Garfield, Jeanette Samuels, Sherri Sklenar and Kaitlin Leslie prime walls at the Habitat for Humanity House.

McNair Scholars once again have demonstrated their dedication not only to academics, but their commitment to making the community at large a better place. Kudos to you!

Scholars Tyler Scherr and Michael Harpster work on painting the future kitchen!

Also, many thanks to Sydne Knox at Matt Talbot Kitchen, and Michelle Williamson at Habitat for Humanity for allowing the McNair Program to participate in such worthy causes!

Scholar Khoa Chu and Dr. Lombardo having fun on the work site!

Welcome to the new 2009 McNair Junior Scholars!

The new scholars are: (beginning at bottom left)
Arianne Holland (Psychology), Melissa Garfield (Anthropology & Psychology), Alex Goldstein (Nutritional Science), Michelle Haikalis (Psychology), Kaitlin Leslie (Forensic Science), Karise Carillo (Psychology), Katie Haferbier (Biological Sciences), Justin Escamilla (Psychology), Tyler Scherr (Biological Systems Engineering), Jeff Lopez (Chemical Engineering), Alan Goyzueta (Mechanical Engineering), Zach Garfield (Anthropology & Psychology).

McNair Scholars have returned from the 17th Annual California McNair Scholars Symposium, which was aptly titled, “Building the New Academy.” Over 50 McNair Programs with budding future academics from across the United States were welcomed to the opening ceremony by Dr. Harold H. Campbell, director of the UC Berkeley McNair Scholars Program, which hosted the conference.

Gibor Basri, UC Berkeley Professor of Astronomy, Vice Chancellor for Equity & Inclusion, and world-renowned astronomer whose work on NASA’s Kepler Mission is currently making headlines, also welcomed McNair Scholars and emphasized one of the key reasons we had all made the trip to the UC Berkeley campus, “… honoring [students] accomplishments which are living testimonies to the aspirations of Challenger Astronaut, Dr. Ronald E. McNair.”

Throughout the conference, each scholar presented their original research, typically in a presentation that included two or three other McNair Scholars from around the country whose research was related thematically or generally within the discipline. One UNL McNair scholar, Andrea Rieger, had the opportunity to share her research during one of the six plenary sessions featured throughout the conference. Andrea performed fabulously (much like her fellow McNair Scholars), and presented her work in front of 200 audience members!

Andrea along with fellow plenary presenter, Isai Orozco from Cal State Polytechnic University.

Another highlight of the conference was a workshop which featured internationally known author, Donald Asher. Mr. Asher specializes in higher education, career planning, and specifically for the Berkeley McNair conference, compiling a successful graduate application. Asher’s dynamic presentation on the elements of a successful graduate school application left audience members energized and inspired. As scholar Brian Shreck noted, Asher’s talk, “… helped me to begin thinking about how I want to frame my personal statement for graduate school applications. His advice and examples gave me some great ideas for how to include my unique life experiences, such as my military experience, into my personal statement in such a way that it helps explain why I want to go to graduate school.”

It wasn’t all work and no play, however. Arguably, the highlight of the trip was the evening boat cruise up the San Francisco Bay. Scholars had dinner, enjoyed the sunset and Golden Gate Bridge on the top deck, sang karaoke, and some even learned the finer points of the art of DJ’ing (right Jeanette?)

As Michael Harpster reflected, “I began to realize that the Berkeley conference represented the final step of the scientific research process. This sharing of ideas and perspectives [at the conference] created an incredible academic environment. Ultimately, the McNair conference at Berkeley allowed me to move from seeing the MSRE research process in isolation to seeing it as a part of a larger network of academic processes.”

McNair Scholars have had a very busy year. While Senior Scholars were completing their graduate school applications and finalizing their poster presentations for the April Undergraduate Research Conference, Junior Scholars were turning in their summer research proposals and Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences (UCARE) applications.

Sponsored by the Pepsi Endowment, the UCARE program provides research funding opportunities for undergraduates to work directly with UNL faculty mentors. Between 300-400 students, in over 70 departments on the UNL campus, receive UCARE funding each year. All undergraduates are eligible to apply for up to two years of funding through UCARE.

Through the UCARE program, McNair Scholars receive additional support, allowing students to remain engaged in a research project with their faculty mentors and continue their McNair summer research project. In the past three years, over 30 McNair Scholars have received research funding from UCARE.

According to Maegan Stevens-Liska, a former McNair Scholar, “I gained basic research skills during the McNair summer research experience, which were crucial while carrying out more independent and in-depth research necessary for my senior thesis.” With the addition of UCARE funding, faculty mentors continue teaching scholars to learn how to attack a problem, to understand how to research it, and to evaluate and summarize the findings. As Maegan recalled, “With previous research experience already under my belt, I found it much easier to think about how to take an already existing project and logically expand it to a thesis-worthy topic.”

Photo Courtesy of University of California, Berkeley

Weeks of summer research and hard work are behind us, and the 2009 California McNair Scholars Symposium is fast approaching! Scholars have been busy finalizing their presentations that they will present alongside their fellow McNair Scholars from around the country.

Those who have attended the UC Berkeley conference in the past are the experts when it comes to what to expect, so we turned to past and current McNair Scholars Rebecca Beals and Tara Cossel to share their experiences and preparation tips.

What helped you out the most when preparing for your individual presentation? Practicing with friends? With McNair staff? By yourself? Memorizing your presentation?

Rebecca: Practice. I practiced my oral presentation in front of the mirror when I would get ready in the morning, I would practice parts of it as I drove to campus, I practiced any chance I got. I get especially nervous presenting to people that I know well and to really small groups, so I would make myself present to just my mom or just my sister in order to get practice presenting while being that nervous. When it came to presenting to a larger group of strangers (which is easier for me) I was hardly nervous at all.

Tara: For me, going through my presentation over the phone with my mentor was the most helpful. It was important to me to feel prepared for whatever questions would come up. Once I had that down, I just had to tell people what I’d learned. I spent all summer on that project, so that part seemed easy.

Did you have experience presenting before MSRE?
Tara: Yes, I presented a poster at the Nebraska Symposium on Motivation my freshman year, but I had a much better grasp on what I was doing during the McNair project.

Rebecca: I had done class presentations, but never a presentation at a conference like Berkeley. Before the McNair Summer Research Experience, I wasn’t sure of the difference between a class presentation and a conference presentation. I was extremely nervous. But the McNair staff did a lot to help prepare us for conference presentations. Being able to present in front of such a wide variety of audience members at Berkeley was a very beneficial experience. Learning how to talk about my research to a different kind of audience, field questions, and present myself professionally are things that I could only learn through this type of experience.

What was Berkeley like? Fun? Scary?
Tara: Berkeley was amazing. I was incredibly nervous to present, but my mentor talked with me about the project, asking me questions that were likely to come up. Knowing how to answer tough questions ahead of time gave me confidence.
Also, I met a lot of people at Berkeley that are interested in similar research. It was fun to talk about the common measures we’d used and learn about new ones. A few of us exchanged papers, and we keep in touch.

Rebecca: It was such a great experience. Not only were we able to get the opportunity to present our research at a national conference, but we also learned how to network with our peers and see how professionals act at a conference. It was also nice to experience what a large research conference is like. Although we were very busy, it was a lot of fun spending free time with the rest of the cohort in the Berkeley area. And, the food was fantastic.

Child, Youth & Family Studies major Brittany Sznajder-Murray, with her faculty mentor, Professor Cody Hollist

This week, two McNair Scholars touch on one of the key skills scholars hone while doing summer research: learning how to approach, read, and analyze journal articles. Many students may have come into contact with journal articles for classes, but likely have not spent a great deal of time searching for, compiling, and analyzing the content of articles for the purpose of original research. This skill, which all McNair Scholars use as they work on their research project, will undoubtedly be vital as they continue their time as undergraduates and eventually move on to graduate study.

Brittany Sznajder-Murray, a Child, Youth & Family Studies major has been paying particular attention to the way  journal articles are organized. As she explained, “I never used to pay much attention to the structure of the paper, but now I notice the structural differences of different research articles.” Paying attention to the “road signs” and structure of research papers is necessary to understand complex articles concerning new topics. Skills such as knowing how to actively and critically read a research article are integral to students ability to successfully conduct and write original research.

Computer Science major Mike Gubbels

Sometimes a difficult aspect of reading journal articles is being overwhelmed by a wealth of  information that seems impossible to understand. As Computer Science major Mike Gubbels put it, “I was somewhat disturbed by the notion of reading a paper without understanding every last detail, since this contradicts the approach I’ve learned to take when reading for classes.” This is something every student and academic has likely experienced and demonstrates how, as a scholar, one must prioritize the information they need to know, along with understanding their limits. Mike acknowleged that the act of familiarizing himself with complex and sometimes foreign topics surrounding his research ultimately  ”allowed me to feel more comfortable when I realized what I do not know.” This too, is important. As budding academics, or even as distinguished professors, there will always be new, unknown information for scholars to strive to understand–the life of an academic!

Sure enough, as the summer heat has arrived here in Lincoln, time has flown by and we are to the halfway point of the McNair Summer Research Experience! Scholars in the past weeks have been dedicated to preparing the framework needed for a successful summer research project, and are now beginning to reap the rewards. The McNair cohort has completed drafts of their Abstracts needed for the Berkeley conference, as well as a draft of their Introduction and Method sections. Many students have even begun to write their results!

McNair Scholar Brian Shreck at work

One scholar, political science major Brian Schreck, has been particularly immersed in learning the specifics of writing an academic research paper. With guidance of his faculty mentor, political science Professor Sara Michaels, Brian has been focused on accelerating his writing from the level of  a typical undergraduate term paper, to that of a formal academic research paper. This is an important distinction that McNair scholars learn during the Summer Research Experience. One significant change from typical undergraduate paper writing is the intended reading audience. Brian mentioned that he has been focused on applying this idea to his writing and, “thinking in terms of the audience for which I am writing and stepping back to make sure it would make sense to someone not completely immersed in the research like myself.” As scholars become “experts” on their topics, this lesson is one that will definitely serve them well in their future roles as graduate students!

As research papers begin to turn into polished PowerPoint and poster presentations , students will undoubtedly begin to feel a bit of  “research fatigue”.  This is typical, and hopefully scholars can use events like the one the McNair Scholars program hosted Monday night to take a break from all their hard work. Students gathered at El Portrero in the Haymarket and had the chance to informally meet their new Graduate Student Mentors. More on the important role these mentors will play in preparation for graduate study in the the future. For now, Scholars, keep up the good work, and keep working hard! We’re officially in the downward stretch!

With week four nearing its end, scholars continue to work hard on their projects.   As scholars continue to collect data, analyze, draft, and re-draft sections of their reports,  the focus of sessions this week has been on preparing for graduate school applications.  Monday marked the last of the scholar’s GRE Practice sessions, with the final post-assessment just around the corner.  During these sessions, the scholars came in and took practice tests of the section or sections of their choice.  These sessions allowed scholars to set aside 2 hours of their week to commit to practicing for the upcoming graduate school entrance requirement.

Scholars commented that taking practice tests throughout this last month has “probably been the most helpful” when studying for the GRE.  Some scholars also mentioned that they noticed a clear improvement between practice session 1 and practice session 2.  They attribute this improvement to using their Kaplan books, McNair GRE Practice Packets, and Word Lists between sessions.  While McNair provides a variety of resources for GRE studying, the scholars mentioned that “success ultimately depends on how well you study”.

Aside from practicing for the GRE, this week the scholars learned all about writing professional statements and constructing a curriculum vitae for graduate school application purposes.  While these materials are often short and concise, they are two very important documents that are considered in graduate applications.  Scholars mentioned that learning the format of these documents, the “dos & don’ts” of putting them together, and what should or should not be included were among the most helpful pieces of information given at Wednesday’s session.

Great job this week scholars!

Scholars Mike Gubbels and Sherri Skelenar work together to peer review one another's work

Week three marks the point where McNair scholars are officially 1/3 of the way through their summer research experience. This week, students have been busy writing drafts of their Introductions, Literature Review, and Theory sections of their research papers. As they’ve begun to write their Introductions and Background portions of their papers, scholars have also had the opportunity to peer review the work of others in their cohort.

Michael working with his texts in Love Library

Some McNair Scholars have been getting hands-on and independent research experience at the same time. Michael Harpster, an English major, has been benefiting from the work and solid research plans that he already had in place before the summer research experience started. Although Michael’s faculty mentor has been out of town, Michael has been doing extensive background reading under the direction of his mentor, and then independently employing theories and methods from the articles he has been reading to his own research. This skill is a perfect example of what scholars learn to do during the summer research experience. The ability to work independently while actively communicating with his research mentor via email has led Michael to already begin to draft his research paper. Great work Michael!

Another scholar who has been hard at work these past few weeks is Geology Major Drew Nelson. Drew has been conducting research in the field in New Mexico and Wyoming. Though consistently putting in 12 hour days while gone, Drew is looking forward to returning to Nebraska to continue his summer research project.  Clearly, McNair scholars are some of the hardest working students around!

As we approach the half way point of the summer research experience, McNair scholars will no doubt start feeling the crunch of looming deadlines,  professor’s expectations, and research projects needing to be finished. Don’t be discouraged, Berekely is just around the corner and all of your hard work will pay off! Keep up the good work!