The HEART Lab is proud to introduce a new lab member Jesse Amaya, a third-year UCLA undergraduate student who was just awarded the UCLA McNair Research Scholar Award!

The UCLA McNair Research Scholars Program was established in 2003 as a two-year research-based program that prepares undergraduate students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. to not only apply to but also excel in the best graduate school programs in the country.

Each year, the program maintains a cohort of 28 juniors and seniors from a variety of majors in the Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, STEM, and applied or interdisciplinary Sciences. The UCLA McNair program particularly attracts young scholars who are committed to social change and use scholarship and research as a means to achieve social justice. Hence, the program’s motto to “Transform the Academy.” Additionally, UCLA McNair Alumni work in a variety of professional positions that advance a social justice agenda.

UCLA McNair Research Scholars complete a comprehensive and rigorous two-year academic program under the supervision of the Program Director, the Assistant Director, and multiple Graduate Student Mentors.

During their first year in the program, McNair Scholars participate in the UCLA Student Research Program (SRP) under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and attend weekly seminars designed specifically for the program. These seminars guide students through navigating the academy and developing research proposals.

In the summer between their first and second year in the program, McNair Scholars participate in the six-week UCLA McNair Summer Research Institute. This six-week program includes: workshops and seminars on academic career opportunities; standardized test preparation; writing and research skills; writing a statement of purpose; obtaining letters of recommendation; and completing the graduate school application process. In addition, McNair Scholars begin their independent research projects and present their current findings at national McNair Conferences.

During their second year in the program, McNair Scholars apply to graduate school and complete, present, and publish their research project and senior thesis. Every Scholar has the opportunity to donate her or his research materials and senior thesis to national McNair journals and various publishing opportunities.

For the McNair Research Scholar Award, Jesse is currently researching the acculturation gap and its relationship to suicidality in Latinx youth under the mentorship of the HEART Lab’s Director, Dr. Jocelyn Meza, PhD. Jesse plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and eventually opening his own clinic in South Los Angeles.

We want to congratulate Jesse again for receiving a prestigious award and are excited to see Jesse make more accomplishments in this field.

Stay tuned for more news on Jesse’s McNair research project and read our latest announcements in our News Section.