Etiemana Ikpidungise

Etiemana Ikpidungise is a mechanical engineering major from Oak Park, IL

Hometown: Oak Park, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I receive student aid, and this has helped the financial load of an everyday college student be more practical.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
I wanted to be a humanitarian. 

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is mechanical engineering. I decided to become an engineer to satisfy my childlike curiosity at the marvel of existence.

Have you conducted your own research through Research Rookies, Honors capstones or theses or any other faculty-guided research opportunity?
Yes.

Tell us about the research you are doing and why it interests you.
I am working on a power/thrust energy dense system that allows for human flight similar to “The Jetsons” and a jet pack!

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
This research began my freshman year of college and earned me an internship at Boeing, a top aerospace company in the states.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
It will help others. I plan to send the liberating message that comes with flight being a state of true freedom. This goes along with my wish for every wonderful human to be free and become the best they can be.  

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Ms. Sandy Lopez. She’s been a school mother to me

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
Don’t listen to the naysayers. Strive to be best.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
NIU is really a social school.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Yes, everyone is as anxious to make friends as you are, so go ahead!

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
The NIU Formula SAE race team.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
Student services and the engineering dean’s office have helped me.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?Professor Alister. He’s a pro at math.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Going to classes every day is a must in order to learn the material from start to finish.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
The Rec Center to work out and the Huskie Den to play pool.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Listen to family (sometimes). Do your research and the answer will knock on your door.

Why is a college education important to you?
It sets a path for success for you and everyone around you as well.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Being honest with myself during times of procrastination and dealing with it. It gets hard but you know best how to progress.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
Email.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
Listen to uplifting music and work out.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I like to eat.