By Isabela Corzo
Few would challenge that Claire Scott-Bacon ’16 is an inspiration. Balancing immigration, marriage, divorce and raising two boys, Scott-Bacon enrolled in college at 48. She defeated all odds and is on her way to becoming Dr. Scott-Bacon.
Scott-Bacon took a chance and applied to the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program at FIU in 2015. Her leap of faith paid off when she was one of 27 students selected to be part of the prestigious program.
As part of her McNair Summer Research internship, Scott-Bacon attended the University of Notre Dame. She served as a research assistant in the clinical psychology lab, where she gained an in-depth look at how personality and individual differences are measured, ultimately concluding in her research paper “Snakes in Skirts,” a study on the rise of female incarceration.
“My acceptance into the FIU McNair Scholars program was the turning point in my academic and future professional career,” Scott-Bacon says. “The McNair Scholars program created a positive learning environment which gave me the opportunity to spread my wings.”
As an FIU McNair Fellow, Scott-Bacon presented her research findings at research conferences nationwide, including at the FIU McNair Scholars Research Conference last October.
At 53, Scott-Bacon graduated from FIU’s Honors College with a double bachelor’s in psychology and criminal justice in December of 2016.
Scott-Bacon’s hard work and perseverance paid off when she was awarded the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP). This national fellowship supports selected graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) disciplines at accredited U.S. institutions.
This year, 13,000 students applied nationwide and only 2,000 were awarded the NSF GRFP. Scott-Bacon was one of three FIU students –including Gabriela Goldberg, studying neurosciences, and Marcela Jaramillo, focused on environmental chemical systems – selected to receive the renowned fellowship; she was the only undergraduate student to be awarded.
Scott-Bacon will continue her education at the University of Notre Dame to pursue her Ph.D. in psychology and expand on her research on personality scales and traits.
“Through determination and discipline I was able to apply to graduate school to become the doctor, researcher and influential woman I was never encouraged to be,” Scott-Bacon says.
[…] FIU McNair Scholar graduates at 53, awarded NSF Graduate Research Fellowship […]
The decision to attend college for the first time at age 48 was not an easy one. in fact, because my high school certificates were from another country (England), I was almost turned away at registration. I told the enrollment clerk, “it was already a hard decision to pursue a degree, so if I turn and walk out of this office, I will not come back.” Another staff member heard my comment and spoke up, saying “no, we will figure this out.” Now, 5 years later, with an AA from MDC, a BS in criminal justice, and a BA in psychology from FIU, a writing certificate, a pre-law certificate, and a certificate in crime scene investigation, and a worlds ahead graduate at commencement in December 2017, I am awarded one of the most prestigious awards an NSF GRFP along with a full scholarship for 6 years at Notre Dame.
Hard work and the support of some wonderful members of the FIU faculty (Dr. Ryan Winter, Dr. Theodore Shields, Dr. Norma Caraballo, Professor Dustin Dariano, Professor Natalie Oce, Dr. Anthony Dick, Dr. Andre Maharaj, and Dr. Lindsey Malloy) put me in this position to forge a path for myself, and other FIU students to follow.
Thank you FIU, thank you SIPA for helping me evolve into the student I am today. #FIUpride #Worldsahead.
Claire D. Scott-Bacon
Congratulations Claire! Wow! What an incredible journey. Kudos to you for seeing it through to the end. Such an inspiration.
Thank you Lanette!
Congrats Claire! I’m a 53 year old second year PhD student at FIU. You are not alone. There are many of us pursing higher education in our fifties. Well done!
Thank you Judith! WOW! I stumbled on this post on the SIPA web page while discussing the SIPA programs with one of my high school students. I am so very honored. I am also glad I am not alone. Much luck and blessings to you Judith. We are examples for those who may be worried about giving college a try while in their more mature years.
Wow, what an incredible story! I applaud you for all your hard work. That lets me know that anything is possible. God speed in your endeavors as you continue to move forward. FIU Graduate Student
Thank you Gloria! YES anything is possible if you believe. Go on and become that graduate student. I hope I paved the way, now you blaze the trail. Good luck to you!
TRIO Works!
Hello Jeannette,
Yes it does!
Claire
Congrats!!!! A very inspiring story, in particular for us thinking time’s up to pursue our dreams. I wish Scott-Bacon more and much success. She is an example to us all. #fiupride
Hello Laura,
Thank you, never allow any doors to fully close on you. Push them open, step through and follow your hearts desires. There were times when I wanted to give up, but I didn’t. I always remained focused on the light at the end of the tunnel. I had my mind set on accomplishing my goals and my dreams. NOTHING was going to get in the way this time. NOTHING!
Good luck to you and your future dreams!
Claire