Undergraduate Research Ambassador

Majors: psychology and Spanish

Research interests: underserved communities/minorities, education, trauma

Career goal: clinical psychologist  

Interesting fact about me: I love to do all forms of physical activity. I do weightlifting, running, tennis, yoga and boxing.  

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: research is a process and for some it may seem that it is not for them or too difficult. My advice for those is there are many ways to do research and what to research on. You do not have to constrain yourself to just one form of research if you realize you do not like it! 

Favorite thing about NIU: the extremely inspiring and helpful staff

Major: computer science with minors in mathematical sciences and Spanish

Research interests: machine learning, high-performance computing, optimization and applied math. I have experience researching in these areas with celestial mechanics and nuclear science applications. 

Career goal: beyond graduate school, I want to pursue a research career, or a career in industry, focusing on innovation.

Interesting fact about me: I play the alto saxophone and love jazz.

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: embrace every experience, even if it is not relevant to your anticipated career goals; there is a lot to learn from faculty and from working in a research setting.

Favorite thing about NIU: the supportive faculty and staff.

Major: mechanical engineering

Research interests: assistive technology, enhancement products for animals, robotic guide dogs. 

Career goal: veterinarian or engineer for products for animals' daily life.  

Interesting fact about me: I have four cats and one dog.  

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: just do it. If you have an idea, just start working on it! Even if you feel like you are completely lost, it’s important to trust the process and keep moving. 

Favorite thing about NIU: the faculty here are extremely supportive towards our goals. I really appreciate the amazing mentors and support I have received to keep pushing forward with my research interests.

Majors: biological sciences and nursing with a minor in chemistry 

Research interests: the research I've been doing focuses on the ways in which microbes affect ecosystem health.

Career goal: after graduation I plan to work as a nurse for a couple of years before going to medical school. My end goal is to go into cardiothoracic surgery.

Interesting fact about me: I have two pet chickens named Tinga and Chicken Nugget.

Advice for fellow undergraduate researchers: starting research can be scary and it's completely normal to feel scared or intimidated. You're entering a new environment with tons of new things and the fear of making a mistake can be scary. It's important to remember that this feeling is part of the learning process. The best researchers make mistakes, but they end up learning from them. Every error is an opportunity to grow and deepen your understanding. Take advantage of your opportunities and don't hesitate to seek guidance from your mentors when needed. Remember that your peers are likely feeling the same way and your mentors felt this way before. By facing your fears and working through the challenges you might encounter, you will become a better researcher.  

Favorite thing about NIU: the large variety of clubs and organizations on campus.

Major: biological sciences with a focus on ecology and evolution 

Research interests: the dynamics between community ecology, invasion biology and parasitism.

Career goal: after graduate school, I strive to have a career that incorporates my passions for field research, education and nature.  

Interesting fact about me: I’ve had careers in both white- and blue-collar industries before coming to NIU and starting research, giving me a unique perspective.  

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: always ask questions. As early career students, we are privileged to be surrounded by experienced researchers who are eager to share their knowledge. Take advantage of this and ask questions of everyone you meet. Most professors and grad students love talking about their research!

Favorite thing about NIU: the diversity of students and faculty from all different backgrounds is an amazing opportunity to learn and grow. 

Major: health science - pre physical therapy with a minor in family and child studies. 

Research interests: motor skills, autism spectrum disorder, coordination and gait analysis.  

Career goal: to become a physical therapist and researcher

Interesting fact about me: I love trying new restaurants and playing with my two yorkies.  

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: do not be afraid to ask questions throughout the process. Your mentors are here for you and want to see you succeed. Embrace and learn from your mistakes and they will help shape you into a better researcher. 

Favorite thing about NIU: the faculty is so supportive and always willing to help you succeed.