The 2026 University of New Mexico McNair Scholars Research Conference

This opening session will prepare everyone for the full day of oral presentations. We have 135 oral presentations scheduled in 11 different rooms on the top floor of the SUB. So don't be late to this session so you can be sure to be prepared as a presenter or an audience member.

Conference shuttle buses are available to bring conference attendees from the official conference hotels to campus for registration. For detailed shuttle or campus parking information please click on the "campus transportation" tab in this app.
*Conference hotels are the Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, and SpringHill Suites all located on Central Ave.

Join us in SUB Ballroom C for a fantastic Mediterranean style lunch buffet. Enjoy!
Buffet choices: All items are labeled and there are options for almost all dietary restrictions. Nut allergies/gluten free/vegans/Dairy Free = sugar berries dessert.
(VG | EW | PF) Mejadra Lentils and Rice with Crispy Onions
(VG | PF) Mediterranean Salad Mix
Zaatar Chicken
(VG | EW | PF) Baked Falafel
(VG | EW | PF) Carrot Almond Salad
(VG | EW | PF) Kale Tabbouleh
(VG | PF) Baba Ghanoush
(VG) Lemon Tahini Dressing
(VG) Harissa Sauce
(VG) Dolma
(V) Feta Cheese Crumbles
(VG | PF) Half Grilled Pita
(V) Baklava
Sugar berries dessert  Nut allergies/gluten free/vegans/Dairy Free
Iced Tea
Lemonade

The closing ceremony will feature a formal sit-down dinner with a keynote address from Dr. Finnie Coleman and a cultural performance from the National Institute of Flamenco.

Cultural Performance: We are excited to present a fantastic New Mexican cultural experience for our conference attendees in the form of a flamenco performance from performers affiliated with the National Institute of Flamenco! Established in 1982, the National Institute of Flamenco has developed into an internationally significant arts organization, unparalleled in its breadth and depth of programming. While creating and maintaining international connections for the past thirty-nine years, the Institute has enriched the city of Albuquerque with the art of flamenco. Through performance, presentation, and education, the Institute impacts more lives than any other single flamenco arts organization around the world. Website: https://www.nifnm.org/

Shuttles will be available after the ceremony to take participants back to the official conference hotels.
Conference hotels are the Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, and SpringHill Suites all located on Central Ave.

PLATED MEAL (no nuts in this meal):
•All entrees are gluten free including the chicken.
•Vegans/vegetarians/Halal= Polenta entrée & fruit cup dessert (Place card from your neck wallet on table when you sit down)
•2 People with avocado allergies will get a salad w/o avocado (Place card from your neck wallet on table when you sit down & inform the server you will need another salad)
Menu:
-Mexican Cobb Salad - romaine, black olives, roasted corn, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro with creamy avocado lime dressing and balsamic dressing on the tables.
-Cilantro lime rice
-Calabacitas (squash)
-Dinner rolls and butter
Entrees (based on RSVP):
--Pan seared chicken with hatch green chile cream sauce (gluten free)
--Polenta and vegetable stack with red pepper coulis (vegetarian/vegan/dairy free option/gluten free)
Deserts:
Caramel flan egg custard
fruit cups ((vegetarian/vegan/dairy free option)
Drinks:
Ice water and Iced tea

Updated 9/5/25