McNair Scholars Program Staff

• TRIO McNair Scholars Program
• First Generation College Students
• Student recruitment, engagement, and retention
• Undergraduate research opportunities
• Program Initiatives and objective
• Program eligibility and application processes

James holds a doctorate in Political Science from Idaho State University. His
Research mainly consists of looking at how groups of people come to develop their
beliefs and what drives them to turn those beliefs into action. For his Dissertation,
James focused on the politics of disability and how Deaf identity development can
lead to political activation within the discourse surrounding disability.

Beyond his research interest, James' primary passions are teaching and mentorship.
This passion has led him to work with First Generation Students as the Program
Director of the TRIO McNair Scholars Program and prepare current students for
the rigors of graduate level education. His educational goal is to create a place
where everyone regardless of background can see themselves in higher education.

James Curriculum Vitae

Erika graduated from ISU in May of 2018 with her B.A. in sociology and went on to study for a Master of Arts degree also in sociology with the criminology emphasis. Her master's thesis focused on studying the mental and emotional stressors that probation and parole officers in Idaho experience while supervising sex offenders. After graduating with her Master's in May of 2020, Erika continued her education with pursuing a Doctor of Arts degree in Political science also at Idaho State University which will be completed in Spring of 2025.  Erika is committed to showing students that graduate school is possible for anyone with that goal! In her free time, Erika enjoys reading, watching her daughter grow and learn, watching Bones, and working out. 

• TRIO SSS
• TRIO McNair 
• College Assistance Migrant Program
• Scheduling appointments
• Application questions and concerns
• Employment opportunities

Kirsti has worked at Idaho State University since 2004, and in that time has worked in Administrative Support roles with the Institute of Rural Health, New Student Orientation, and the Veteran Student Services Center. She is now enjoying working in Access and Opportunity Programs with the College Assistance Migrant Program, TRIO Student Support Services, and TRIO McNair Scholars Program. She enjoys a quiet life in the country, a great rotation of music, and spending time outdoors and traveling with her family.