Dr. Efren Velazquez
First to Earn a Ph.D. in the Family
 The McNair Scholars Program at Boise State University gave me the opportunity to be the first in my entire family to obtain a PhD. As a first-generation Latino college student, I had no idea on how to obtain a graduate degree. The McNair Scholars Program prepared me for the graduate application process and the graduate school environment.
The McNair Scholars Program at Boise State University gave me the opportunity to be the first in my entire family to obtain a PhD. As a first-generation Latino college student, I had no idea on how to obtain a graduate degree. The McNair Scholars Program prepared me for the graduate application process and the graduate school environment.
The program also required me to complete a summer research project with a faculty mentor in my discipline. When the summer research project was completed, I was fortunate enough to present my research findings in various professional conferences around the nation. I am truly grateful that I was a part of such an important program as a student, and can now serve as a mentor to current and future McNair Scholars at Âé¶¹´«Ã½.