Alumni Spotlight
Wendy S. Parker
Why did you choose to major in philosophy?
I chose to major in philosophy because the courses were among the most interesting I encountered. They were also challenging, requiring us to consider very fundamental questions (whose answers we might otherwise take for granted) and to formulate ideas and arguments in a clear manner. I enjoyed the challenge!
How did NIU Philosophy help prepare you for what you’re doing now?
NIU Philosophy prepared me well for graduate study in philosophy. It introduced me to the major figures and texts in the field and also helped me to develop both writing and critical thinking skills that would have been valuable whatever career path I chose.
Why would you recommend NIU Philosophy to other students?
I would recommend NIU Philosophy to other students because the program has excellent faculty and a wide range of courses from which to choose. I feel the education I received was top notch.
Occupation
Professor of Philosophy, Virginia Tech University 2020-
Prof. Parker specializes in philosophy of science, especially questions related to climate change, scientific modeling and evidence.
Previous Appointments
Reader in Philosophy and Associate Director, Centre for Humanities Engaging Science and Society (CHESS), Durham University, UK, 2013-2020
Associate Professor of Philosophy, Ohio University, 2011-2013
Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Ohio University, 2006-2011
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Science Studies Program, University of California, San Diego, 2005-06
Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Philosophy and History of Science, Boston University, 2004-05
AMS/UCAR Congressional Science Fellow, United States Senate, 2003-04
Honors and Awards
NIU Liberal Arts & Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award, 2011
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, 1997-2000
NIU Lincoln Laureate, 1997
NIU Presidential Honors Science Scholarship, 1995-97
National Science Foundation National Science Scholar, 1993-96
Education
Ph.D., history and philosophy of science, University of Pittsburgh, 2003
M.A., philosophy, University of Pittsburgh, 2002
B.A., philosophy, Northern Illinois University, 1997
B.S., meteorology, Northern Illinois University, 1997
