University of Southern Mississippi McNair Scholars Program

University of Southern Mississippi McNair Scholars Program The University of Southern Mississippi is one of over 150 institutions across the United States that hosts a McNair Scholars Program.

We effort to empower bright undergraduate students by assisting them with graduate-level research experiences.

Meet Bethany Butler! Bethany is a junior majoring in Psychology. She is interested in researching how personality disord...
04/23/2026

Meet Bethany Butler!

Bethany is a junior majoring in Psychology. She is interested in researching how personality disorders effect competency to stand trial, and she seeks to reduce the rate of wrongful incarcerations. Bethany says she is motivated by her family.

Today for Women’s History Month, we're celebrating Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose research helped unlock the structure of ...
03/26/2026

Today for Women’s History Month, we're celebrating Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose research helped unlock the structure of DNA.

In the early 1950s, Franklin used advanced X-ray crystallography techniques to capture detailed images of molecular structures. Her famous image, known as “Photo 51,” provided critical insight into the double helix structure of DNA, a breakthrough that transformed the field of genetics.

Working at King's College London, Franklin’s precise and methodical approach to research set a new standard for molecular biology. Her contributions played a key role in advancing our understanding of how genetic information is stored and passed on.

Beyond her work on DNA, Franklin also made important discoveries in the study of viruses and the structure of coal and graphite. Her legacy continues to influence scientific research and serves as an inspiration to future generations of scientists.

For more information about Rosalind Franklin, check our Linktree!

We’re continuing our Women’s History Month spotlights by celebrating Margaret Hamilton, a pioneer in computer science wh...
03/24/2026

We’re continuing our Women’s History Month spotlights by celebrating Margaret Hamilton, a pioneer in computer science whose work helped make space exploration possible.

During her time working with NASA in the 1960s, Hamilton served as the lead software engineer for the Apollo program. She and her team developed the onboard flight software that guided the Apollo 11 mission to success.

Hamilton is credited with coining the term “software engineering,” helping establish it as a respected discipline. Her team’s innovative approach to error detection and recovery proved critical during the Moon landing, ensuring the system remained stable even under unexpected conditions.

In addition to her technical achievements, Hamilton’s work helped lay the foundation for modern, reliable software systems. Her contributions continue to influence how we approach complex computing challenges today.

For more information about Margaret Hamilton, check our Linktree!

We’re starting our Women’s History Month spotlights by celebrating Joan Baez, one of the most influential voices in Amer...
03/20/2026

We’re starting our Women’s History Month spotlights by celebrating Joan Baez, one of the most influential voices in American folk music.

Rising to prominence in the 1960s, Baez became known for her powerful vocals and dedication to using music as a tool for change. Her work helped bring renewed attention to the folk genre and inspired a generation of artists.

In addition to her musical achievements, Baez has been recognized for using her platform to support human rights and encourage thoughtful dialogue through the arts. Her impact reaches far beyond the stage, leaving a lasting mark on both music and culture.

For more information about Joan Baez, check our Linktree!

McNair Scholars, don't forget, you are invited to join us to explore mindfulness practices and campus counseling resourc...
03/11/2026

McNair Scholars, don't forget, you are invited to join us to explore mindfulness practices and campus counseling resources that support stress management, mental well-being, and academic success. Lunch will be provided!

Our scholars had an incredible experience in Louisiana exploring graduate school opportunities and the culture of New Or...
03/11/2026

Our scholars had an incredible experience in Louisiana exploring graduate school opportunities and the culture of New Orleans. The trip included visits to LSU, Tulane University, and Xavier University, where scholars connected with faculty and learned more about graduate programs and life in New Orleans.

Between campus visits, the group explored the city’s rich culture through local cuisine, a visit to Studio BE Art Gallery, and a stop at the World War II Museum. These experiences helped scholars begin thinking about how location, culture, and community can shape their graduate school journey.

A special thank you to the Xavier University McNair Scholars Program for welcoming our students and creating a meaningful opportunity for them to connect with fellow McNair scholars.

Today we honor Jesse Owens, one of the most accomplished athletes in track and field history. At the 1936 Summer Olympic...
02/25/2026

Today we honor Jesse Owens, one of the most accomplished athletes in track and field history.

At the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Owens won four gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4×100 meter relay. His performance tied or set multiple world records and made him one of the most successful athletes of the Games.

Before his Olympic success, Owens competed at Ohio State University, where he earned national recognition for his record-breaking performances. His achievements remain an important part of Olympic and collegiate sports history.

For more information about Jesse Owens, check the link in our bio!

Our 2026 Cohort recently visited the African American Military History museum in downtown Hattiesburg for an engaging an...
02/24/2026

Our 2026 Cohort recently visited the African American Military History museum in downtown Hattiesburg for an engaging and educational experience! During our tour, we explored the USO, the historic Eureka School, and the home of Osceola McCarty.

The visit included both local and global Black history, including the legacies of community leaders like Osceola McCarty and Jesse L. Brown!

We concluded the day with lunch at Blue Jazz Cafe, a valued local restaurant known for its outstanding food! It was a meaningful opportunity to support local businesses while reflecting on the lasting impact our community has made throughout history.

Today, we honor Ensign Jesse LeRoy Brown, a Hattiesburg native and the first African American naval aviator. Born in Hat...
02/18/2026

Today, we honor Ensign Jesse LeRoy Brown, a Hattiesburg native and the first African American naval aviator.

Born in Hattiesburg on October 13th, 1936, Brown attended the historic Eureka School, now part of the Hattiesburg African American Military History Museum. On October 21st, 1948, Brown was designated as a Naval Aviator and received his Naval Aviator Badge.

On December 4th, 1950, during the Korean War, Brown's aircraft was struck by enemy fire, causing him to crash. In a rescue attempt, Brown's wingman, Thomas J. Hudner Jr. intentionally crashed his aircraft nearby with the hopes of administering aid, but Brown unfortunately passed.

Afterwards, Brown was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart Medal, and the Air Medal for his valiant contributions to the war effort. Hudner also received the Medal of Honor for his unprecedented rescue attempt.

Brown's life and legacy are detailed in the 2022 film "Devotion", the 2015 book "Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice", and a 1988 biography. Check the link in our bio to learn more about Ensign Jesse L. Brown!

Today, we place a spotlight on Dr. John Francis. Dr. Francis is an environmentalist, conservationist, and is known as th...
02/11/2026

Today, we place a spotlight on Dr. John Francis. Dr. Francis is an environmentalist, conservationist, and is known as the "Planetwalker."

After witnessing the 1971 San Francisco Bay oil spill, Dr. Francis committed to living without motorized vehicles for 22 years, walking everywhere he went. He also took a 17-year vow of silence, during which he earned degrees in Environmental Studies and Land Resources. During this time, he also founded Planetwalk, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental awareness.

Today, Dr. Francis is a professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Ga***rd Nelson Institute, continuing his lifelong work for the planet.

For more about Dr. Francis, check out his TED page! (Link in bio).

Address

118 College Drive, #5024
Hattiesburg, MS
39406

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Website

https://linktr.ee/mcnairscholars

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