Two OLLU Ronald E. McNair Scholars have reached an important milestone in their academic journeys: Princess Pompa and Gabriela Guadarrama, members of the 2025 Summer Research Institute cohort, have had their undergraduate research accepted for publication in the 2026 McNair National Research Journal.
The peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary journal highlights faculty-supervised scholarship by current McNair Scholars and recent program alumni from across the country.
Research With Impact
As McNair Scholars, Pompa and Guadarrama conducted faculty-mentored research connected to their academic and professional interests. After presenting their projects during the 2025 Summer Research Institute, both scholars continued refining their manuscripts, responding to feedback and completing revisions throughout the publication process.
Their work was accepted for publication on Sept. 7, 2026, demonstrating the persistence and scholarly engagement that extend well beyond the summer research experience.
Princess Pompa, a Spring 2026 graduate, completed her research under the mentorship of Leda Barnett, Ph.D., of OLLU’s Department of Political Science. Her study examined democratic erosion in the United States between 2010 and 2024 through a national-level democratic stress test.
Pompa evaluated six indicators of democratic stability: Rule of Law, Electoral Process, Media Freedom, Internet Freedom, Fragmented Elites and Forbearance. Her findings identified gradual declines across several measures while also pointing to areas that suggest the potential for democratic resilience and recovery.
Exploring Belonging in Teaching
Gabriela Guadarrama, who anticipates graduating in Spring 2028, is pursuing an Interdisciplinary Studies degree with EC–6 Bilingual and ESL certification. Under the mentorship of Cindy Peña, Ph.D., of the Department of English at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México–San Antonio, Guadarrama conducted the study, “The Role of BESO in Fostering Identity and Persistence Among Bilingual Pre-Service Teachers.”
Her research explored the experiences of Latina pre-service bilingual educators and examined how the Bilingual Education Student Organization, or BESO, can promote identity, belonging and persistence within teacher-preparation programs.
Celebrating Scholarship
This accomplishment reflects the power of undergraduate research, sustained mentorship and student determination at OLLU. The McNair Scholars Program prepares eligible students for graduate study and doctoral education, while supporting research experiences that help scholars contribute to larger academic conversations.
The McNair Scholars Program congratulates Pompa and Guadarrama on becoming published researchers and recognizes Dr. Barnett and Dr. Peña for their guidance and support throughout the scholars’ research journeys.