Pallavi Singh

What year did you start working at NIU?
2018

Where is your hometown? and where do you live now?
Himachal Pradesh, India, and DeKalb, Illinois.

Where did you attend college and what degree(s) have you earned?

• Sc. from Sardar Patel University, India
• Sc. from the University of Madras, India
• D. from the University of Arkansas
• Postdoc at Michigan State University

In which department(s) do you teach?
The Department of Biological Sciences and the Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy.

Were you a first-generation college student? If so, what advice would you offer to current first generation students?
I was the first member of my family to pursue STEM and move abroad for higher studies for a Ph.D. education. My advice is to develop a support network wherever you land, either through friends or mentors.

What do you like about working at NIU?
Opportunities for transdisciplinary collaborations and the willingness of researchers to offer their valuable insights. I have worked and submitted grants/publications with faculty from across campus, including psychology; Earth, Atmosphere and Environment; Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy; College of Engineering and Engineering Technology; College of Health and Human Sciences; and anthropology. It is amazing what we can do when we join multiple facets of education and research to push the frontiers of science.

What advice would you give to students currently attending NIU?
Establish and grow your network by participating in various student organizations, volunteering at events and study groups. Networking with peers and professors can provide learning opportunities. Keep asking questions, remain inquisitive and be open to opportunities that come your way. This will also make you feel part of the strong NIU community. I also have to acknowledge our working and commuter students who may not have as much time to be involved, so as little as just talking to a professor during office hours or at an appointment can help establish this connection as well.

Tell us about a research or engaged learning project you have led.
My lab is involved in one-health research that takes advantage of microbial and molecular techniques to answer questions about health and diseases. We study the importance of the gut microbiome in spreading/controlling various disease-related bugs. Some of the bacteria we study can form strong communities called biofilms and develop resistance to antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is one of the leading concerns currently, and we use various tools to identify the factors that lead to resistance, ultimately providing solutions for controlling these untreatable bacterial infections.

What do you enjoy most about mentoring students?
I love hearing student success stories when they reach out with what they have been up to or I see a post on LinkedIn about their new positions. It is gratifying to know I was a small part of their huge journey and growth and see them do great things in the world!

What do you hope students take away from their college experience?
Great memories and experiences that make them strong yet kind citizens of the world.

What is your favorite memory of NIU?

I serve as the chair of the Women in STEM lecture series. We have showcased women scientists from within and outside NIU. In a recent session, President Freeman shared her journey as a scientist, and it was great to learn her story.

What’s one thing about NIU that’s surprised you?
When everyone came together during Huskies United and donated to various causes. I was ecstatic to see various challenges being completed and raising over $2.6 million for our students and the Huskie community!

What fulfills you personally and professionally?
Providing a platform to students from various backgrounds and experiences to excel.

Which of NIU’s core values align with your own?
I am involved with the training and development of the next generation of scientists through the mentorship of both undergraduate and graduate students, specifically from underrepresented groups. This supports NIU’s mission of inclusivity and reflection of diversity, which aligns with my values.

Have you contributed to any NIU Foundation fundraising campaigns such as the Day of Giving or Huskies United? If yes, why did you decided to support NIU?
Yes! I supported the Women in STEM lecture series and the Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy.

Do you keep in touch with any NIU alums? If so, are there any doing something interesting and exciting that we should know about? Please share some information with us and we’ll consider them for a future feature. 
Yes! Chloe Harvey, a Belong in STEM scholar, worked in my research lab as a research technician after graduation and is now applying to physician assistant school. Paula Luengo Carretero has been working as a microbiologist in the biotech industry in Paris and is now looking forward to graduate school. Akosua Okai is working as an anesthesia technician and looking forward to applying to graduate school to become a mental health counselor.

Who has influenced your professional path?
I have found several mentors by reaching out and asking for advice at various stages of my professional journey. Even as a faculty, I have sought mentorship within and outside of my department. I have had tremendous support at NIU from Dr. Angela Grippo, Dr. Holly Jones, Dr. Melissa Lenczweski and Dr. Tom Skuzinski to name a few, but the list is long!

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you currently doing it? If not, what changed your path?
Growing up, I wanted to serve in the military, like my father, but when I studied biotechnology and the various ways I could use science for the benefit of the world as an undergrad, it changed the direction of my path.

Are you participating in or have you participated in any NIU shared governance or professional development groups? If so, how has your participation enhanced your experience as an employee?
I am currently in the Emerging Faculty Leadership Program. It is an amazing learning experience about how the various entities at NIU come together to make everything work at the university. I also completed the ACUE training to enhance my teaching with various interactive tools.

Are you a member of or hold a position within a professional or community organization? If so, what organization? What is the purpose of that organization and how does being part of this organization benefit you in your role at NIU?
I am an associate editor for the journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, as well as an active member of the American Society of Microbiology.

What community organizations are you involved in?
I am a member of the Heartfulness meditation group through the Heartfulness Institute.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to practice meditation, take walks and grow my veggies.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I was recently awarded funding for my research work through the Illinois Innovation Network.