Masuma Akter

Masuma Akter is an English doctoral student from Narsingdi, Bangladesh

Hometown: Narsingdi, Bangladesh

High School: Narsingdi Model College

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2030

What is your major (and/or minor), and why did you decide on this course of study?
I’m pursuing my Ph.D. in English with a concentration in rhetoric and writing. I chose this field because I’m inspired by the power of language: how words shape meaning, influence people and connect communities. Rhetoric’s versatility is what excites me most. It applies to everyday communication, academic work, digital spaces and public discourse. I enjoy studying how arguments are built and how writing helps bridge different perspectives.

Ultimately, I chose this major to strengthen my voice as a communicator and thinker. The Department of English gives me the space to explore ideas deeply, strengthen my writing and better understand the role language plays in shaping the world around us.

Tell us about the research you are conducting at NIU: what it involves, why it interests you and who has been important to your success along the way.
At NIU, my research focuses on genre‑based pedagogy in first‑year composition, exploring how teaching writing through real, meaningful genres helps students understand purpose, audience and context. I’m especially interested in how this approach supports multilingual and international students by connecting their prior knowledge to U.S. academic expectations. One of the most important outcomes of genre‑based instruction is how it prepares students for writing in their majors. This genre awareness makes it easier for them to transfer what they learn in first‑year writing to lab reports, case studies, business memos, research papers and other discipline‑specific tasks. My work is shaped by the guidance of faculty in the Department of English, whose mentorship has helped me grow as both a researcher and a teacher.

How has conducting research strengthened your experience at NIU, and how do you expect it to help you in the future?
Conducting research at NIU has greatly enriched my academic journey. My work on genre‑based pedagogy led me to present a paper at an international conference in Colombia, which strengthened my confidence as a scholar. This experience also inspired my current research on multimodality and genre‑based approaches for second‑language writing, an area that connects deeply with my identity as an international student. Research has helped me grow as a writer, teacher and researcher, and it will continue to guide my future work in supporting multilingual students and developing inclusive writing pedagogy.

What has genuinely surprised you about your experience at NIU?
What has genuinely surprised me at NIU is how strongly the university supports and recognizes its students. I’ve been honored to receive several awards from the English department, including the Arnold B. Fox Essay Award and the Jenefer Giannasi Award for Excellence in Teaching First‑Year Composition, as well as Graduate School travel grants and the Graduate Dean’s Fund Award. I’ve also been impressed by how much NIU encourages students to pursue research and professional development. The support and mentorship I’ve received from my professors have been invaluable, helping me grow as a researcher and giving me the confidence to present my work at international conferences.

Are you involved in student organizations, mentoring programs or extracurricular activities? If so, which ones, and how have they shaped your experience as a Huskie?
I’m actively involved in the Bangladeshi Students’ Association (BSA-NIU), Phi Beta Delta international honor society and the Boey Honors Program in the Asian American Resource Center. These communities have helped me build meaningful connections, celebrate my cultural identity and engage with diverse groups across campus. I also recently completed the Graduate School’s mentoring training program, which strengthened my leadership skills and prepared me to support other students. Together, these experiences have shaped my sense of belonging and enriched my journey as a Huskie.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel supported and successful, and how?
The Department of English has been my strongest source of academic and professional support, offering mentorship, research guidance and opportunities to grow as a teacher. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) has helped me navigate life as an international student and made NIU feel welcoming from the start. The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) has also been helpful; I’ve completed more than 20 professional development trainings through CITL, which have strengthened my skills as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA). In addition, the Graduate School has supported my research through travel grants and training programs. Together, these resources have helped me feel supported, confident and successful at NIU.

Who has been a favorite instructor or professor, and what did they teach? What made them memorable?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from many inspiring professors in the Department of English. Dr. Ryan Shepherd helped me see that writing is more than words on a page through his teaching on multimodality and writing transfer. Dr. Gulsat Aygen has been a constant source of inspiration; her linguistics course is engaging, challenging and genuinely fun, and she has encouraged me throughout my academic journey. I am pleased to have been appointed as her GTA. I also loved Dr. Tim Ryan’s research methods course — one of my favorites — because he made the entire research process enjoyable. Dr. Nicole Clifton brought medieval rhetoric to life with clarity and passion, and Dr. David Gorman taught literary theory with unforgettable wit and humor. Dr. Ryan Hibbett’s course on dub cultures and Dr. Jeffrey Einboden’s introduction to world languages broadened my perspectives in meaningful and lasting ways. I am grateful to Dr. Lara Crowley for the professional publication course, which is really helpful for graduate students preparing to conduct and share their research. I am currently taking her class, and her guidance has already been incredibly valuable. I am also taking a course with Dr. Wei Xu, who shows us how to apply our learning in practical, hands‑on ways by designing assignments and activities. Her class makes the learning process both meaningful and genuinely fun. Each of these professors has shaped my growth as a scholar, teacher and writer, and I’m deeply grateful for their guidance.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community, and why are you drawn to it?
My favorite place on campus is the East Lagoon. I love sitting there with my husband and son, enjoying the quiet and watching the water. We also go kayaking on the lagoon and cycling around the area, which makes it a special family space for me. I’m also drawn to Founders Memorial Library for reading and studying, and the Holmes Student Center for bowling and relaxing. These places make campus feel both peaceful and full of life.

How has NIU helped you find your community or your sense of belonging here?
NIU has helped me find a strong sense of belonging, especially through the Department of English, where faculty and students create a true community by organizing events like potlucks and offering constant support. As an international student, ISSS has also played a huge role by hosting events that help us connect, feel welcomed and navigate life in a new country. These communities have made NIU feel like home and helped me build meaningful relationships across campus.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it has opened doors I never imagined. NIU has given me the chance to grow as a scholar, a teacher and a person. Through my coursework, research and professional development, I’ve gained the knowledge and confidence I need to build the future I want for myself and my family. Education has empowered me, expanded my opportunities and shown me what I’m capable of achieving.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges right now?
My advice is to look for a university that will truly support your growth. Visit the campus, talk to current students and explore the resources each school offers. At NIU, I found a community that values students, provides strong academic support and creates opportunities through scholarships, mentoring and professional development. Choose a place where you feel welcomed, encouraged and able to imagine your future.

How do you manage your responsibilities like school, work, family and everything else while still making the most of your time at NIU?
For me, balance comes from building a routine and staying consistent. I plan my week so that my responsibilities as a student, teaching assistant and parent all have their place. I also make time for opportunities that help me grow, like attending conferences outside NIU and participating in professional development. It’s not always easy, but with organization, support from my department and commitment to my goals, it becomes possible to manage everything while still making the most of my time at NIU.

What led you to pursue graduate education, and why did you choose NIU for that next step?
After finishing my M.A., I chose to continue into the Ph.D. program at NIU because the faculty, support and academic environment here have helped me grow in ways that made staying the natural next step.

How has your graduate program connected you to research opportunities, professional networks or career advancement?
My graduate program has connected me to research and professional opportunities in so many meaningful ways. The department regularly shares conference announcements, encourages us to submit our work and helps us prepare strong proposals. They also organize conferences and workshops, which allow me to present my research and build connections with scholars from other institutions. Through the program, I’ve also had access to professional development sessions, mentoring training and guidance on how to grow as a researcher and teacher. These experiences have expanded my academic network, strengthened my confidence and opened doors to future career opportunities.

What has your relationship with faculty and fellow graduate students been like, and how has it shaped your experience?
My relationships with faculty and fellow graduate students have been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience at NIU. The professors in the Department of English are incredibly supportive. They guide my research, encourage my ideas and create a learning environment where I feel valued. Their mentorship has shaped my confidence as both a scholar and a teacher. My fellow graduate students have also become a strong source of community. We share resources, attend events together and support one another through the challenges of graduate school. This sense of collaboration and kindness has made NIU feel like a place where I truly belong and can grow both academically and personally.

What would you tell an undergraduate student who is considering graduate school?
I would tell any undergraduate student considering graduate school to stay curious and open to growth. Graduate study is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you enjoy learning, want to deepen your expertise or hope to open new career paths, it’s worth exploring. Talk to faculty, ask questions and look for programs that offer strong mentorship and professional development. Most importantly, choose a place where you feel supported, because the right environment can help you discover your strengths and achieve more than you expected.