It is a pleasure to welcome you to Volume XIII of the SDSU McNair Journal. The Journal provides a forum for the reporting of research activities of talented McNair Scholars at San Diego State University.

These Scholars are participating in the McNair Summer Research Program. The range of topics and the depth and quality of the research is impressive. Each article is the culmination of a long process of effort and commitment on the part of the McNair Scholars and their mentors.

Enjoy the journal - and congratulations to all our scholars and their mentors!

Dr. Robert S. Pozos

Principal Investigator

SDSU McNair Scholars Program