Meet Our McNair Scholars

Major: Microbiology

Dayna Buitron is a first-generation student studying Microbiology at the University of Idaho. She has a demonstrated passion for research and student involvement and has received over $18,500 in funding and scholarships to advance her own research inquiries in Microbiology. Additionally, she has been awarded the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship to perform independent research under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Rowley.

Through her involvement in the Rowley Lab, she has learned of various research methods and their application to her own work. Dayna is currently undertaking two research projects. Her first project seeks to understand the method of lethality between a protein and its receptor within yeast. Her second project is to describe new yeast-derived killer toxins. She has participated in numerous research programs and has had the opportunity to disseminate research results through a variety of presentations.

In addition to her commitment to research, Dayna enjoys engaging in scientific outreach. For this, she has spent over two years as a College of Science Ambassador, introducing 5th – 12th students to the College of Science and its many resources. She also revels in connecting with other first-generation students and her time as an SSS-Trio Mentor proved impactful as her previous mentees have taken her advice and furthered their careers within psychology and biomedical sciences. Dayna’s position as a McNair Scholar brings research to the headlines of other first-generation students as she talks about her experiences as an independent student researcher.

Dayna has found her research niche in protein structure and function and intends to include some aspects of this in future research. She will finish her Microbiology degree by Spring of 2025 and intends to begin graduate school the following semester. She wishes to obtain her Ph.D. in biochemistry, preferably discerning the function of prion and prion-like proteins.

Major: Psychology

Kelly Campos is a senior psychology at the University of Idaho, with minors in Spanish and Business. Her academic interests lie in clinical psychology, with a special focus on trauma and understanding the underlying factors that influence mental health and therapeutic outcomes. As a McNair Scholar, Kelly is conducting research on the impact of consistent breakfast consumption on mood, academic performance, and daily functioning in college students, under the mentorship of Dr. Adrianne Griebel-Thompson. Kelly’s research in nutritional psychology offers a unique perspective on how foundational lifestyle habits impact mental health and academic success.

In addition to her research, Kelly has served as a peer mentor for the Raven Scholars Program, supporting students on the autism spectrum, and is currently a Wellbeing Ambassador, promoting mental health initiatives on campus. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and Phi Eta Sigma, an honors society. Kelly’s goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, followed by a master’s in Clinical Psychopharmacology. Her final goal is to have her own private practice and help those who need it the most.

Natalie S. Carreon is a senior at the University of Idaho, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and biochemistry. Through her independent research project in Dr. Coleman’s lab, Natalie is examining the effects of host plant abundance, soil depth, pH, and organic matter content on ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal communities in Southern Idaho’s truffle orchards. This research aims to identify factors that influence truffle production, with the goal of informing best practices to maximize yields, while reducing ECM competitor abundance. Natalie is also a scholar in the TRiO-INSPIRE McNair and Trio programs.

In addition to her research experience, Natalie is a teaching assistant for the microbiology lab course taught at the University of Idaho. Natalie has also tutored other students in biology, biochemistry, and microbiology through the Trio program. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree, Natalie plans to pursue a master’s and doctoral degree in either food microbiology or medical microbiology.

Adrian Chavez is a senior at the University of Idaho majoring in biochemistry with a minor in pre-health studies. Adrian is an accomplished leader on campus and has held multiple leadership positions such as Prospective Member Educator and Vice President for Omega Delta Phi Fraternity Inc. Adrian has also developed his research interests through undergraduate research experiences in Water Resources and Biology. For example, he worked on research projects and presented his work on the Dissolved Organic Matter in Water Sources with Dr. Rebecca Hale.

Being interested in protein biology, he pursued a research experience focusing on the Metallothionein Protein under the mentorship of  Dr. Caryn Evelina at Idaho State University. Currently, Adrian is a McNair scholar working on his independent undergraduate research project in the Rowley lab. He has used his base as a researcher to develop his project on the expression of aerolysin-like killer toxin in human pathogenic and non-pathogenic yeast. Adrian plans on finishing his project and degree by the Spring of 2025 and hopes to obtain a master's in medical microbiology and a certification in medical laboratory science to help doctors with proper diagnosis and treatment.

Majors: Apparel, Textiles, and Design

Anthony J. Gonzalez is a fourth-year student at the University of Idaho, majoring in Apparel Textiles and Design with a minor in Marketing. He is the president of the Organización de Estudiantes Latinos Americanos (OELA), where he leads events with his team to promote cultural awareness and empower the Latinx community on campus. In addition to his leadership as president of OELA, Anthony is an independent student researcher conducting a project on the “Colonization Awareness of the Cuetlaxochitl (poinsettia) through Quinceañera Fashion”. His research highlights the cultural significance, roots, and historical name of the poinsettia, raising important conversations about identity and tradition within the Latinx community.

Anthony works as Career Services Employer Relations Intern, where he connects students with potential employers and career opportunities. His work in this position shows his dedication to helping his peers succeed in their professional and educational endeavors. His academic and professional experiences demonstrate his commitment to cultural representation, community leadership, and career development.

Anthony is expected to walk the graduation stage in May 2025 with his Bachelor of Science in Apparel, Textiles, and Design along with a minor in marketing. He will walk away with a series of awards including Intern of the Year, Unity Medallion, and the Mr. Emerald Pageant winner.

Majors: Business Economics and Medical Sciences

Majors: Architecture

Majors: Psychology

Britney Muñoz is a Senior at the University of Idaho triple majoring in Psychology, Criminology, Sociology. Britney is a first-generation student striving for success. She is incredibly involved in extracurricular activities on campus. She is a McNair scholar trying to find guidance to take steps for her future. As a McNair scholar she served as a research assistant under the supervision of Dr. Traci Craig, and with her support, Britney developed an independent research project on understanding social relationships, which she presented at the Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research.

In addition to her research involvement, Britney is a professional on campus. As the Social & Service chair for the TRIO-INSPIRE program, she ensured to make the community aware of what was happening on campus. Britney also served as a peer educator at Vandal Health Education, providing students with accurate information on various health topics and guiding students to the right connections and offices. Britney is currently working at The Financial Aid office on campus as a Peer Advisor where she helps students apply for and receive student loans, grants, scholarships, and other types of financial aid.

Britney plan to graduate in Spring 2025 and is currently applying to Ph.D. and PsyD programs in Clinical Psychology. Britney strives for success and finds any opportunity she can take upon to broaden her connections and have a solid foundation for her future.

Major: Psychology

Jade Narvaiz is an undergraduate student at the University of Idaho, majoring in psychology and sociology, with minors in Spanish and Addictions. She is currently interning at Latah Recovery Center and volunteering at Weeks and Vietri Counseling, where she has gained practical experience in client intake, group therapy, and various aspects of counseling and rehabilitation. Her academic coursework includes crisis management, addictions counseling, case management, and the pharmacology of psychoactive drugs. Jade is passionate about removing the stigma associated with psychological disorders and substance use addiction. She is dedicated to addressing economic and social injustices and is particularly committed to providing mental health care access to Spanish-speaking communities.

As a McNair Scholar, Jade is part of a program designed to prepare underrepresented students for doctoral studies through research opportunities and academic support. Her commitment to making a positive impact on individuals and society drives her to pursue research in drug addiction, neuroscience, generational trauma, and mental health disorders. Jade's adaptability and positive mindset propel her toward her goal of obtaining a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She is actively involved in research with Dr. Traci Craig, focusing on the impact of social media use on mindfulness and information recall, which she has presented at the Idaho Conference of Undergraduate Research. Jade is committed to fostering safe, nonjudgmental environments in her clinical practice and aspires to support individuals in overcoming mental health challenges and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Major: Biology

Majors: Wildlife Resources

Major: Psychology

Major: Psychology

Major: Sociology

Major: Animal & Vet Sciences - Dairy Science

Major: Psychology

Major: Psychology

Majors: Physics & Agricultural Education

Majors: Political Science & International Studies