McNair Mentored Research Experience

At the center of the McNair Scholars Program is the Mentored Research Experience. Scholars receive up to a $2,800 stipend to conduct faculty mentored research at Wayne State University. Faculty Mentors receive a $500 stipend as a token of appreciation.

WSU McNair Scholars program educates students to the benefits of access to world-class level faculty this research university provides. Conducting research as an undergraduate distinguishes McNair Scholars as it provides a level of scholarly knowledge many other students do not obtain with a baccalaureate degree.

While there are over 180 McNair Scholars Programs nationwide, Wayne State University distinguishes itself through its high achievement standards and commitment to the program ideals. Part of what makes McNair so wonderful for undergraduates is the many opportunities for conference travel it offers.  The value of attending conferences is at the heart of the WSU McNair Scholars Program as it introduces undergraduates to the life of professional scholars, offers exposure to faculty from all over the country and enriches individual pride in research.

WSU McNair Scholars may conduct mentored research throughout the academic year or in conjunction with our Summer Research Institute. Scholars attended seminars in research design, ethics, and communication during their mentored experience and submit regular progress reports, research paper drafts, and a final research paper that may serve as their writing sample for graduate school application.

Faculty Responsbilities

McNair Faculty Mentors receive a $500 stipend to support their mentorship of a McNair Scholar. The experience is expected to be rigorous enough for students to produce a research paper that may serve as their writing sample for graduate school application. Mentors complete a mid-point and final research experience evaluation for the student. Mentors also approve the final paper and recommend its publication in our digital journal. Students may work on research related to their mentors or propose an original project for mentorship. 

Preferred mentoring schedule: November - April or January - August.