Cale Blanford

Cale Blanford is a biological sciences and world languages and cultures (French) double major from Peoria, IL

Hometown: Peoria, IL

High School: Dunlap High School

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2028

What is your major (and/or minor), and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a biological sciences and world languages and cultures (French) double major on a pre-med track with a minor in chemistry and a certificate in applied ethics. I chose biology as a way to more readily prepare myself for med school and French as a way of pursuing my interest in linguistics. I use both of my majors to further my research into disparities within science classroom education.

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.
I am going to be participating in Research Rookies this coming fall, and I am also doing research with Dr. Stephanie Berg on accessibility of learning within a chemistry classroom setting. I also attended STEPup, which was a program run by Dr. Paul Fix for people with an interest in education to help them develop teaching skills.

How has conducting research strengthened your experience at NIU, and how do you expect it to help you in the future?
The research I have done has allowed me to pursue fields of interest I never even knew I would enjoy. I hope the research I plan to do will continue to develop my knowledge of these very same fields. Overall, research has made me a better NIU student and helped me enjoy learning and experimenting.

What has genuinely surprised you about your experience at NIU?
The overall connectedness of the campus. When first coming to NIU, I heard that most students were commuters, and I was scared I would struggle to make friends. However, I was able to find friends both in and outside of my major.

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?
Yes, I am part of the Pre-professional Association and the Pre-health Professions Program, and I plan on starting my own organization soon. The Pre-professional Association and Pre-health Professions Program have both given me the help I needed to navigate the difficulties of being a pre-med undergrad and have made college more enjoyable because of it.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel supported and successful, and how?
The NIU Honors Program and Pre-health Professions Program have both been immensely helpful. Honors has given me access to a better dorm and opportunities to shadow NIU alumni. Moreover, with the aid of the Pre-health Professions Program, I was able to become a certified phlebotomist.

Who has been a favorite instructor or professor, and what did they teach? What made them memorable?
Dr. Stephanie Berg. I loved her teaching style in CHEM 211, and I look forward to working in her lab.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community, and why are you drawn to it?
The Neptune Central lounge is really nice on the weekends because it’s quiet and relaxing, and the fourth floor of the library is an amazing place to study.

How has NIU helped you find your community or your sense of belonging here?
I have found a community of researchers, scholars and friends who support my plans for the future.

Why is a college education important to you?
I want to become a physician, and an undergraduate education is hugely important for that.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges right now?
Make sure to look at the communities both on and off campus.

How do you manage your responsibilities like school, work, family and everything else while still making the most of your time at NIU?
I make sure to do my work early and study when I have time while not ignoring those around me.

What made you choose NIU over other colleges you were considering?
NIU offers study abroad programs.

What was the most important thing NIU did to help you make a successful transition into college life?
NIU gives many opportunities to develop connections with people on and off campus through events like student organization activities and career fairs.

Do you live on campus or commute? How has living on campus (or commuting) shaped your experience as a Huskie? What support or resources have made that work well for you?
I live on campus. It has allowed me to grow as a person, and my advisors have been immensely helpful in this.

What Honors Program opportunities have helped you move closer to your academic or career goals?
The opportunity to job-shadow alumni has given me valuable experience in better understanding what I want to do in the future.

What scholarships or financial support have you received at NIU?
I received MAP, Pell and AIM HIGH grants, the Harvey A. Feyerherm scholarship, an NIU Advantage Grant and an NIU Merit Scholarship.

Did the availability of scholarships or financial aid factor into your decision to choose NIU? If so, how?
Yes, the merit scholarship in particular allowed me to attend college without needing to take out so much in loans.

How has that financial support shaped your ability to pursue your education and make the most of your time here?
It has allowed me to pursue college without worrying about money.