Faustina Asante

Faustina Asante is a mathematical sciences doctoral student from Ghana

Hometown: Ghana

High School: Aggrey Memorial AME Zion Senior High School

Year: Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2027

What is your major (and/or minor), and why did you decide on this course of study?
I’m pursuing a Ph.D. in mathematical sciences with a focus on statistics. I chose this field because I’m fascinated by how statistical methods reveal patterns in complex data and inform decision-making across industries. The Ph.D. program allows me to advance these methods and apply them to real-world challenges.

What has genuinely surprised you about your experience at NIU?
What has genuinely surprised me about my experience at NIU is the breadth of opportunities available beyond the classroom. From engaging in research and taking on leadership roles to participating in campus organizations and advocacy initiatives, I have grown not only academically but also as a leader. Despite the rigorous nature of graduate studies, the support and collaboration among faculty members and fellow students have been remarkable. This environment has fostered both my academic development and research growth, making my experience both challenging and deeply rewarding.

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 am actively involved in several student organizations and mentoring initiatives that have shaped my leadership and service experience. I serve as a graduate senator for the 57th session of the Student Government Association, where I represent graduate students and contribute to university decision-making through committee work. My involvement on various university committees has further strengthened my leadership, collaboration and commitment to service. I am also engaged in organizations such as Women in STEM, Women in Math, and the Statistics and Actuary Club, which have allowed me to connect with peers, promote inclusivity, and support academic and professional development within the community. In addition, I mentor students by helping them navigate academic and professional challenges and participate in creating videos for the NIU Foundation. I also volunteer at Huskies United and the Huskie Food Pantry to support students experiencing food insecurity. These roles have deepened my sense of responsibility and reinforced my passion for advocacy and community engagement. My contributions have been recognized through several honors, including the Carla Montgomery Memorial Award for Graduate Students, the Outstanding Women and Gender Advocacy Student Award and the Presidents Student Service and Leadership Award. Collectively, these experiences have strengthened my leadership, communication and advocacy skills, while enabling me to build meaningful connections and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel supported and successful, and how?
The Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at NIU has been instrumental in providing a supportive and inclusive environment for my academic and professional growth through the Statistics Assistance Center (SAC) at DuSable Hall 356 and Statistical Consulting Services (SCS). Faculty members are approachable and supportive, offering guidance and mentorship to students. Moreover, resources such as the Mathematics Assistance Center (MAC), Huskies Get Hired, the Center for Student Assistance, the Navigate app, Huskie Hub, Career Services, University Libraries and the technology support desk at the library have provided valuable support and assistance, helping me navigate the challenges of graduate studies effectively. Overall, the strong support system at NIU has played a crucial role in my success as a graduate student in mathematical sciences.

Who has been a favorite instructor or professor, and what did they teach? What made them memorable?
Professor Alan Polansky from the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science has been one of my favorite professors. I had the opportunity to learn from him in courses such as Theory of Statistics and Probability Theory. His depth of knowledge in statistical theory, particularly in nonparametric methods, is truly exceptional and inspiring. What made Professor Polansky especially memorable was his ability to make complex theoretical concepts both accessible and engaging. His teaching style emphasized critical thinking and problem-solving, encouraging students to go beyond memorization and develop a deeper understanding of the material. He consistently connected abstract statistical ideas to real-world applications, which enhanced my appreciation for the subject. Beyond the classroom, he demonstrated a genuine commitment to student success by being approachable and supportive, always willing to provide guidance and clarification. His passion for teaching and research, combined with his dedication to mentoring students, has had a lasting impact on my academic journey and growth as a statistician.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community, and why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Holmes Student Center. I am drawn to it because it serves as a vibrant hub of campus life that brings together students from diverse backgrounds, making it an ideal space to connect, study and engage in campus activities.

Whether I am meeting with peers in the study rooms, attending events, grabbing a meal at Qdoba or coffee at Starbucks, or taking a break between classes at the Huskie Den, the environment always feels welcoming and energetic. It offers a balance of productivity and relaxation that supports both academic focus and social engagement.

How has NIU helped you find your community or your sense of belonging here?
NIU has helped me build a strong sense of belonging through a supportive and collaborative academic environment. Through involvement in student organizations such as SGA, Women in STEM, Women in Math, and the Statistics and Actuary Club, I have formed meaningful connections and expanded my professional network. Serving as a graduate senator and participating in university committees has deepened my engagement with the campus community by allowing me to represent student voices and contribute to decision-making. In addition, mentoring students, participating in creating videos for the NIU Foundation, and volunteering with Huskies United and the Huskie Food Pantry have strengthened my connection to the broader NIU community. NIU has provided a space where I can grow through service, leadership and collaboration while feeling truly connected to the Huskie family.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it allows me to deepen my knowledge, engage in advanced research and apply theory to real-world problems. Beyond academics, my experience at NIU has helped me develop leadership, communication and problem-solving skills through research, student organizations and service.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges right now?
I would advise students to focus on finding institutions that align with their academic interests and long-term goals, particularly those with strong faculty expertise and research opportunities in their field. It is also important to consider the availability of academic support, mentorship and hands-on learning experiences, as these play a key role in student success. Beyond academics, students should pay attention to campus culture, student involvement opportunities and support services, since these contribute significantly to personal growth and overall experience. Visiting campuses, connecting with current students and exploring resources can also provide valuable insight.

How do you manage your responsibilities like school, work, family and everything else while still making the most of your time at NIU?
I manage my responsibilities by being intentional with my time and prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and importance. As a student, I balance coursework, research, work and service by organizing all meetings, classes and commitments in my Teams calendar to stay structured, consistent and on track. I also prioritize effective communication and advance planning, especially when balancing academic responsibilities with my roles in student organizations, research and campus employment. This allows me to remain engaged in campus life while meeting all my commitments. Equally important, I set aside time for family, rest and self-care to stay focused and productive. By maintaining this balance, I am able to succeed academically while actively participating in leadership, service and community engagement at NIU.

What led you to pursue graduate education, and why did you choose NIU for that next step?
I chose to pursue graduate education at NIU due to its renowned faculty expertise and strong research environment. The Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at NIU also has a strong reputation for fostering innovative research and providing ample opportunities for graduate students to excel in their fields. Additionally, Professor Duchwan Ryu’s exceptional work in Bayesian statistics aligns closely with my research interests, making NIU an ideal institution to further my academic and professional goals.

How has your graduate program connected you to research opportunities, professional networks or career advancement?
My graduate program has been instrumental in connecting me to meaningful research opportunities, professional networks and career development experiences. Through my Ph.D. training in mathematical sciences with a focus on statistics, I have been engaged in advanced research work, including working with Professor Bárbara González in Bayesian modeling research and Professor Duchwan Ryu in developing a nonparametric circular–linear model for time series data, which has strengthened my skills in statistical modeling and applied research. In addition, my program has provided access to collaborative environments with faculty and peers, allowing me to engage in research discussions, seminars and applied projects that bridge theory and practice. Working with Mr. Michael Adzovic as a graduate assistant at the NIU Foundation has also expanded my exposure to real-world data applications and strengthened my technical and analytical skills, as he introduced me to advanced statistical methods used in analyzing real-time data and provided experience in using various statistical software tools and CRM systems.

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 collaborative and supportive. Faculty members and NIU Foundation staff have been instrumental in guiding my academic and professional development, while my fellow graduate students have contributed to shared learning through study groups, seminars and discussions. In particular, I have gained valuable experience from working with Renata Catlett and Mandy Zeilinger. These interactions have enhanced my academic growth, professional skills and confidence as a statistician, making my graduate experience more engaging and impactful.

What would you tell an undergraduate student who is considering graduate school?
I would tell an undergraduate student considering graduate school to choose a field they are passionate about and be prepared for a more focused and challenging academic journey. Graduate school requires discipline, curiosity and persistence, but it also offers valuable opportunities for deeper learning, research and professional growth. I would also encourage them to seek out mentors, build strong time management skills and take advantage of research or internship experiences early on.

What scholarships or financial support have you received at NIU?
I have received the Carol J. Feltz Memorial Scholarship and a graduate assistantship from the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science and the NIU Foundation. This financial support has eased my educational expenses and allowed me to fully focus on my research, academic development and campus leadership engagements.

Did the availability of scholarships or financial aid factor into your decision to choose NIU? If so, how?
The availability of scholarships and financial aid played an important role in my decision to choose NIU. The graduate assistantship and scholarship opportunities made it possible for me to pursue graduate studies while easing the financial burden of graduate education.

How has that financial support shaped your ability to pursue your education and make the most of your time here?
The financial support I have received through scholarships and my graduate assistantship has allowed me to dedicate more time to research, coursework and campus engagement without being limited by financial constraints.