First-generation and underrepresented students from UNC Greensboro and across the state took one step closer to graduate school on Wednesday, April 10. For the second consecutive year, the University hosted the North Carolina Statewide McNair Colloquium to promote research, scholarship, mentoring, and faculty diversity at the nation’s universities.
The day-long conference, “Pathways to the PhD,” included workshops, a presentation from the UNCG Graduate School, and detailed discussions on the opportunities and challenges of graduate study. Organizers introduced a 3 Min Thesis Competition at this year’s gathering, where scholars had 3 minutes to explain the breadth and significance of their research project to a non-specialist audience.
“We assume they’re going to graduate school because that’s the nature of the program,” said D. Clinton Williams, associate director of the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement TRIO Program. “But what can we do to help them be successful?”
Dr. Sherine Obare, dean of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, shared insights on the graduate school experience in her keynote address, discussing both the IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and the EQ (Emotional Quotient) needed to succeed during doctoral studies. Dr. Obare also offered tips on finding work-life balance while in graduate school.
Originally published April 12, 2019.