When did you join the McNair program?

I was selected to participate in the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Scholars Program for the 2013 Academic Year.

How did you find out about McNair?

I learned about the McNair Scholars Program from a good friend of mine. He had just completed his fellowship at the McNair Summer Research Institute (SRI) and he told me how wonderful of an opportunity it was. 

What have you gained from being a McNair scholar?

The McNair Scholars Program has provided me with experiences a classroom setting will never provide. I am gaining first-hand knowledge about how to navigate the graduate school application process while establishing lasting relationships with my fellow McNairs and the various staff and professors that the program has to provide.

What is your most recent independent research project?

My most recent independent research project focuses on the Challenges and Prospects to Regional Integration in East Africa. The research will examine integration efforts in East Africa and suggest that the lack of political autonomy of regional institutions and the advancement of member state nationalist policies diverted and stalled integration efforts.

How did you find your mentor for this project?

I found my mentor for this project with the help of Dr. April Householder in the McNair Scholars Program. She compiled a list of possible mentors for me after providing her with information on my research topic. I certainly would not have been a participant in the SRI without the program or my dedicated mentor Dr. Cynthia Hody. 

How did you know this was the project you wanted to do?

I wanted to pick a research topic on either African politics or the diaspora. I finally decided to focus on regional integration in East Africa. Moreover, as a Kenyan American, learning more about the African politics, economies and the diasporan people was of particular interest to me and would certainly provide the needed intellectual experience for strengthening my credentials and preparation to teach at the college level.

How much time do you put into it?

I have spent a significant amount of time working on my research project. Although the SRI consists of 8 weeks, I had begun working on my research project earlier in the spring 2014 academic semester. 

As a McNair Fellow at UMBC, I have become even more enthusiastic about conducting my own independent research, and I have high hopes that upon completion of my research this summer, I will have a paper worthy of publication.

What academic background did you have before you started?

As a student at UMBC, I have learned a lot as a Major in both Political Science and Africana Studies. I have learned everything from American politics, government and international relations to the history and politics of Africa and the African diaspora.  

How did you find your mentor for this project?

I found my mentor for this project with the help of Dr. April Householder in the McNair Scholars Program. She compiled a list of possible mentors for me after providing her with information on my research topic. I certainly would not have been a participant in this year’s SRI without the program or my dedicated mentor Dr. Cynthia Hody. I have also had the opportunity to work with Dr. Okomof Boakyewa and Dr. Gloria Chuku from the Africana Studies department whose advice and guidance helped me a lot as an undergraduate researcher at UMBC.

How much did your mentor help you with your research?

My mentor has given me advice since my freshman year at UMBC. In addition to her being my McNair mentor, she has also acted as my academic advisor, helping me and guiding me throughout my time at UMBC. 

What has been the hardest part about your research?

The hardest part about my research is trying to organize and keep track of all the literature I have reviewed and effectively incorporating it into my research.  

How does your research relate to your work in other classes?

My research particularly relates to both my majors, which are Political Science and Africana Studies. In addition, my research has made me well informed of the political events, challenges and future prospects of regional cooperation in East Africa. The region is facing a transition period that in all likelihood will lead to political stability and economic prosperity if all stakeholders are involved in the state reformation process

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?

As I learned in my POLI 301 Research Methodology class, “The annotated bibliography is your friend”.

What are your career goals?

My goal after my final SRI experience is to pursue a doctoral degree with the knowledge that my time in the McNair Scholars Program has made me a more sought after and appealing candidate.