Undergraduate Research Ambassador

Major: Health Science (Pre-nursing) with a minor in Computer Science

Research Interests: In the past, I worked on a research project on child development with Dr Melissa Walter. In the future, I hope to continue conducting research in health care and would like to work with cells and medications.

Career goal: I want to become a nurse practitioner

Interesting fact about me: I was born on the Fourth of July

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: Do not be afraid to try it. Starting research can seem very difficult and intimidating but there are so many resources and professors who would be willing to guide and mentor you to success.

Favorite thing about NIU: My favorite thing about NIU is its diversity. NIU is filled with people from all different kinds of backgrounds and cultures. This is a great thing because you are able to learn about different cultures and gain new perspectives.

Major: Biology and Chemistry

Research Interests: Psychology, mechanical engineering, medical laboratory science

Career goal: genetic research

Interesting fact about me: I am a junior, I have a three-year-old Russian Blue cat named Ripley, and I enjoy reading books

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: Do research. Even if it is not in your field or your interest, research is a great way to expand your knowledge and experience.

Favorite thing about NIU: The lagoon and the library

Major: Psychology with minors in Biology and Chemistry

Research interests: I am currently working with Dr. Angela Grippo in her neuropsychology lab where we look at the effects of social stress on a prairie vole model. I eventually want to get into research on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and ADHD.

Career goal: I want to become a neuropsychologist

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Major: Psychology with a minor in Counseling

Research interests: I have participated in research related to: PTSD, self-compassion, climate change attitudes, identification with humanity, cognitive priming, and victim/aggressor recount of events. I am in interested in research on eating disorders, influence of social media on body image and identity, personality disorders, and sexual abuse prevention.

Career goal: My career goal is to be a clinical psychologist. I want to specialize in working with adults in either forensic settings or eating disorder-centric settings.

Interesting fact about me: I enjoy sewing and creating jewelry in my free time.

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: Seek out professors who are doing work that interests you – they might be willing to take you on as a research assistant or provide you with an extra project to help you practice your research skills.

Favorite thing about NIU: I like bumping into Mission on Mission Mondays. Mission’s little puppy face is a bright start to the week.

Major: Health and Human Services and Nursing

Research interests: Previously I facilitated with The Investigation of The Sled-Push Exercise in Older Adults, a study investigating to find a safe, effective exercise for older adults to complete. Some other research interests I have are in Sport’s Medicine, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Career goal: to achieve my doctor in nurse practitioner and open my own private practice

Interesting fact about me: I got to study abroad in Ireland this past summer. I am also a cheerleader here at NIU

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: Pay close attention and ask for as much help as needed. Your mentor is there to help and guide you so utilize them as much as possible. For the CURE presentation try to go to the workshops and practice. Remember to have fun and you’re just talking about what you know!

Favorite thing about NIU: the many extracurricular activities available to be involved in!

Major: Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and French

Research interests: My favorite thing about NIU is its diversity. NIU is filled with people from all different kinds of backgrounds and cultures. This is a great thing because you are able to learn about different cultures and gain new perspectives.

Career goal: Medical school after completing undergrad and becoming a doctor after.

Interesting fact about me: I am part of the Capoeira club (Brazilian dance mixed with martial arts)

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: "Do not be afraid to explore, and challenge yourself"

Favorite thing about NIU: All the different involvement opportunities for students.

Major: Biology with a chemistry minor

Research interests: I am mainly interested in genetics, psychology, sociology, and neurology. I've done past research in marine biology and psychology. I am currently researching entomology.

Career goal: Interested in continuing research

Interesting fact about me: I recently started boxing and step aerobics

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: Don’t be afraid to try something new. It’s the only way to figure out your likes and dislikes.

Favorite thing about NIU: the people!

Major: Electrical Engineering

Research interests: Psychiatric research concerning anxiety disorders. Electrical engineering research focused on embedded systems, biomedical instrumentation, and nanotechnology.

Career goal: Professional Engineer; Doctor of Medicine

Interesting fact about me: I am a teaching assistant for PHYS 273

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: Research can seem confusing and intimidating, but it is straightforward, and you have many resources with your mentor, research ambassadors, and other faculty in Research Rookies that can help you succeed.

Favorite thing about NIU: I really enjoy the community at NIU and making friends with different types of people.