McNair 2026 Cohort
Erin Alexander
Major: Psychology
Mentor: Peter Helm
I’m Erin Alexander, and I am a senior studying Psychology at Montana State University. Before coming to MSU, I served in the U.S. Navy as a Damage Controlman and completed multiple overseas deployments. My experiences as a veteran ultimately shaped my interest in understanding how connection, belonging, and social support influence the well-being of veterans.
As a McNair Scholar, I conduct research with my mentor, Dr. Peter Helm, examining existential isolation, shared reality, perceived social support, post-traumatic growth, and psychological well-being among U.S. military veterans. My research is especially focused on understanding the experiences of female veterans and how meaningful connection and veteran-serving programs may contribute to resilience and growth.
After graduation, I plan to pursue graduate education focused on research, program evaluation, and community-based approaches to improving veteran services. My long-term goal is to conduct research that helps veteran-serving organizations better understand and demonstrate the impact their programs have on the lives of the veterans they serve. Outside of school and research, I enjoy working with veteran organizations, playing rugby, spending time outdoors, traveling, and spending time with my dog.
Holly Brannan
Mentor: Zoe Pratte
Cadence Ferreira
Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Mentor: Christa Merzdorf
I was born and raised in Bozeman, Montana. I am a first-generation student studying Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Montana State University. I have a strong curiosity about life sciences, and I balance coursework with hands-on research in an on-campus laboratory. My current research focuses on fundamental cellular pathways, specifically whether synthetic RNA can rescue neural tube defects caused by protein inhibition.
Being rooted in Montana has fostered my passion for the outdoors. When I am not at the lab bench, I am often found biking local roads and trails or hiking across mountain terrain. I have a broad set of interests; I also enjoy diving into books, baking, shopping, and traveling the world to experience new places and perspectives.
Hanna Gawe
Major:
Mentor:
Madison Hewitt
Håfa Adai! My name is Madison Hewitt. I am a 6th-generation Montanan with CHamoru roots and a senior in the Community Health program on the path to becoming a Physician Associate. You may have seen me at the campus medical center, where I work as a Certified Medical Assistant. After graduation, I plan to move to Hawai’i, where I can continue my studies and pursue my passion for improving Pacific Islander health. Outside of my studies and research, you can find me nose-deep in fantasy novels, lounging at the beach, or cooking up a new dish in the kitchen.
Ameah Hunt
Oki! My name is Ameah Hunt. I’m from Post Creek, MT, on the Flathead Indian Reservation. This summer, I conducted research in Dr. Jerod Skyberg’s lab, investigating how two Brucella abortus strains, S19 and RB51, infected bovine cells differently. Using bovine PBMCs, imageStream analysis, and flow cytometry, I compared infection rates in monocytes and B-cells to determine how bacterial surface morphology affects cell entry and immune evasion, findings that could inform future Brucellosis vaccine work. Outside the lab and on campus, I serve as a tutor lead at American Indian Hall for volunteer tutoring, the Pre-Veterinary Club's Historian chair, and a member of Alpha Zeta, Alpha Lambda Delta, and Native Pathways in Ag. Outside school, I work as a veterinary assistant, assist my family with their homestead cattle and horses, dance at powwows, bead, ride horses, hunt, and fish.
Baelyn Lopez
Major: Biochemistry
Mentor: Brian Bothner
I grew up in Billings, MT. Staying close to home, I chose MSU for its beautiful scenery. I am a Biochemistry major with a minor in psychology. I work with Dr. Brian Bothner on PFAS and the impact they have on protein structure and function. In addition to my research, I am also a peer mentor for first-year seminar students. I am working on my bachelors degree and looking toward medical school for further education. McNair’s has been a large source of support and encouragement!
Kylie Mills
Major: Fish & Wildlife Ecology & Management
Mentor: Justine Becker
My name is Kylie Mills. I am a junior studying Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management and Directed Interdisciplinary Studies (D.I.S.). I am pursuing the highest distinction honors degree in the Honors College, where I serve as an Honors Ambassador and the D.I.S. Student Representative on the Honors College Internal Advisory Council. I study human-wildlife conflict management with black bears in Montana's recreational areas under Dr. Justine Becker. I also advocate for healthier relationships between ecologists and news writers to improve scientific communication under Dr. Doug Downs. I aspire to continue my education in a master's program, where I can hone my passion for human-wildlife conflict management
Coryn Perschon
Major: Environmental Science & Writing
Mentor: Shivali Banerjee
Hello! I am a junior pursuing a dual degree in writing and environmental science. I hope to work in conservation or environmental education when I am out of school because I believe everyone deserves a chance to love our natural world. I am conducting research with Dr. Banerjee on agriculture circular bioeconomy in Montana. This research is rather new, so we focus on literature reviews. The aim of this research is to put more information out on the potential benefits of utilizing crops to the fullest, rather than shipping them off to be sold as a whole crop. This practice would help by reducing waste, increasing local farmer independence, and stimulating local economies. In my free time i enjoy art of all types, video and boardgames, hiking, and movies.
Kimberlee Pollock
Mentor:
Jackson Schindler
Jonni SpottedEagle
Mentor:
