Johnson Kwame Wor

Johnson Kwame Wor is an art and design education doctoral student from Aveyime, Ghana

Hometown: Aveyime, Ghana

Year: Expected graduation: 2026

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I am a graduate teaching assistant, and it comes with a tuition waiver as well.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
During my childhood, my aspiration was to become a medical doctor specializing in neurosurgery. However, fate led me down a different path, and I ultimately pursued studies in art, focusing on graphic design. I am genuinely content with this unexpected trajectory, as it has afforded me the chance to mentor and educate younger individuals as a lecturer in the field of art and design and be part of the reason people see the world in a visually appealing manner.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in art and design education. Before embarking on this academic journey, I served as a graphic design lecturer at Takoradi Technical University, one of Ghana's prominent institutions. My deep love and passion for teaching in higher education, coupled with a strong desire to continue educating at an advanced level, drove me to pursue a doctoral degree in the field of art and design education, shaping my current academic trajectory.

Tell us about the research you are doing and why it interests you.
I am currently engaged in a research project that delves deeply into teacher assessment bias in the graphic design classroom, with a specific focus on how cultural factors influence the assessment process. The study offers a cross-cultural perspective, specifically examining cases in Ghana and the United States. I firmly believe that issues surrounding assessment in the classroom carry significant implications, not only for students but also for the reputation of educational institutions and the future of global education. Consequently, anything that may hinder its success, including bias, should be a matter of concern for those who prioritize education. As a student hailing from a distinct cultural background and enrolled in the diverse academic environment of NIU, I am particularly interested in understanding how the varied cultural backgrounds of both teachers and students within the university impact assessment practices. This study seeks to unravel the influence of diverse backgrounds on teachers' assessment approaches and students' perceptions of the assessment process. The overarching goal of this research is to contribute to the enhancement of the concept of diverse and inclusive education, particularly in the ever-expanding and diverse landscape of contemporary education worldwide.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
Engaging in research has significantly enriched my educational journey at NIU, offering multifaceted benefits. Primarily, it has deepened my comprehension of various research methods, enabling me to discern their appropriateness in addressing specific problems. Moreover, the research experience has immersed me in contemporary discussions within my field, providing a foundational understanding of pertinent issues and equipping me to contribute effectively to these discussions when the need arises.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
My research experience will undoubtedly amplify my presence, positioning me as a notable contributor not only in the realms of art and design but also as a distinguished representative of NIU. Post-graduation, I aspire to serve as a valuable faculty member at any university I find myself in, aiming to be a prominent advocate not just in graphic design but also in the broader domain of art education.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Three significant figures have played pivotal roles in shaping my research journey:

• Under Dr. Kerry Freedman’s guidance, I learned the art of formulating research ideas that are impactful, compelling and resonate within the field of art and design.
• Serving as a mentor, Dr. Douglas Boughton provided me with the space to learn by making mistakes. He imparted essential insights into educational research and assessment in education, influencing my current focus on the assessment aspect.
• Laura Johnson deepened my understanding of qualitative research methods, which serve as the foundation for many art-based and educational research endeavors.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
For incoming students interested in research at NIU, my advice is to anticipate the opportunity to acquire knowledge in contemporary research methodologies under the mentorship of world-class scholars in their respective fields. Approach this experience with an open mind, devoid of preconceived notions, and be wholeheartedly prepared to grasp the fundamentals of conducting impactful research at NIU.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I'm truly impressed by the remarkable attention and care extended to international students at NIU. It's particularly surprising and heartening that the international office has appointed a select group of students, myself included, as ambassadors. This initiative aims to address the diverse needs of international students within the university. Overall, I strongly believe that NIU serves as an ideal home for any international student seeking a high-quality educational experience in an environment that not only embraces diversity but also genuinely cares for each individual.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Fortunately, my program offers the flexibility to enroll in a few classes from various programs, particularly those relevant to my research path. This has granted me the chance to interact with students from nearly every continent, fostering friendships and connections that will endure indefinitely. Many of these individuals have become lasting friends, and even beyond our classes, we maintain our bond through various social media platforms and other avenues. I am confident that these friendships are enduring and will last a lifetime.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
Presently, I hold the unique position of being the sole student representative on the NIU museum board. Additionally, I am honored to serve as one of 10 student ambassadors for International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). These experiences have opened doors to numerous opportunities and connected me with students from varied backgrounds. I believe this exposure is invaluable, providing me with the skills to effectively relate to students with diverse backgrounds and needs — a proficiency I aim to carry forward into my future role as a professor.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
I believe that all the offices and departments at NIU have diligently, efficiently and collaboratively fulfilled their roles in ensuring the safety and success of students. Nevertheless, I find that the police department and health services have played especially crucial roles in contributing to my sense of security, support and overall success.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
While all the professors I've encountered thus far have been incredibly impressive, three individuals have particularly stood out: Dr. Douglas Boughton, Dr. Kerry Freedman and Dr. Cynthia Campbell. Dr. Boughton guided me in acquiring the skills to read and comprehend research, covering everything related to assessment in education. Dr. Freedman imparted knowledge on program development and evaluation in art and design, introducing me to fresh ideas within the field. Additionally, Dr. Campbell provided valuable instruction in qualitative educational research methods, proving to be immensely beneficial.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Regular attendance in classes has proven advantageous for me, enhancing my understanding of the courses I've undertaken. Additionally, it has contributed to an improvement in my overall academic performance.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Founders Library is my preferred spot on campus because it offers an atmosphere conducive to studying. Given the demands of my program, which involve extensive reading and writing, this location provides an ideal environment for my academic activities.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
My advice to a student who is searching for a college to apply to is, "Look no further than NIU if they have the program you are looking for."

Why is a college education important to you?
College education is important to me particularly for two reasons:

• It prepares me to teach effectively at all levels of education.
• It prepares me to competently add my voice to discourses within the global research arena.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Balancing family, work, friends and school poses a significant challenge for me. However, I tend to address non-academic matters, particularly family and friends, more intensively during weekends. Conversely, I concentrate on school activities and work throughout the weekdays.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I prioritize my email because a substantial amount of information from the university community is communicated through this medium. Additionally, I gather information from the university's websites, professors and fellow students to stay informed.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
As a huge fan of movies, I indulge in watching numerous films, with a particular focus on African movies. I appreciate their profound exploration of African culture, spanning the diverse landscapes of the continent's 54 countries. This exposure not only entertains me but also provides insights into what to anticipate when traveling across the continent, whether as a tourist or researcher.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am a practicing graphic designer and educator. My hobbies are fishing and driving around the countryside while admiring the wonders of nature.