Keyona Schill
Ronald E. McNair Program
The Ronald E. McNair Program is part of the Federal TRIO initiative, helping high-achieving undergraduates aiming for a Ph.D. It targets first-gen college students, those eligible for Pell Grants, and underrepresented ethnic groups. The program supports students with financial aid for research and offers one-on-one mentoring with faculty and staff, preparing them for graduate studies. It is a valuable opportunity for students seeking assistance, mentorship, and financial support to pursue advanced degrees.
The 25th annual National Conference for McNair Scholars and Undergraduate Research
Conferences
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CECH Diversity Research Day
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UMD McNair Research Conference
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UC Scholarly Showcase
Relational Ambiguity Among College Students
Faculty Mentor: Sarah Whitton
My project focused on the relationship ambiguity scale which includes 4 subscales; partner ambiguity, own ambivalence, behavioral norm uncertainty, and exclusivity uncertainty. Example categories from the scales include Relational Uncertainty Measure, Commitment Uncertainty Short Scale, Partner-specific Attachment Style, and Sociosexual Orientation Inventory. This study’s population was based on college students who either previously or are currently attending college, equaling a total of 233 participants.
Life After Life Sentences: Reentry Successes and Struggles of Children Sentenced to Life Without Parole
Faculty Mentor: J.Z. Bennett
Following the 2016 U.S. Supreme Court's Montgomery v. Louisiana decision, approximately 2,500 individuals sentenced as juveniles to life without parole (JLWOP) became eligible for release. This study examines the reentry challenges and successes of these "juvenile lifers," who are re-entering society after decades of incarceration, now as older adults. Employing a secondary mixed-method approach, the study utilizes life history interviews and calendars to analyze the post-release experiences of men and women in Pennsylvania who served JLWOP sentences. The research reveals significant reentry challenges for juvenile lifers, particularly the issue of indefinite parole, often referred to as "lifetime parole" or a "life tail." These findings highlight the necessity for further research into the long-term experiences of these individuals. Understanding their unique challenges is crucial for developing more effective reentry support and policies.
