Heather Matenaer

Heather Matenaer is a chemistry major from Joliet, IL

Hometown: Joliet, IL

High School: Joliet Central High School

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2028

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I have a Presidential Scholarship, and I received this scholarship based on merit. I have been a Girl Scout my whole life, and during my senior year of high school, I started a mini food pantry at my elementary school. Because of this, I was able to get my Girl Scout Gold Award. The financial support this scholarship has given me has changed my life. It has been so freeing being able to focus on being a student rather than worrying about money all the time.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
While I was growing up, I always loved science. I changed what I wanted to be many times growing up, but it was always something in the science field. I am pursuing a science degree as a chemistry major.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is chemistry, and I am planning on going to dental school to become a dentist. I decided on this because I have always loved science, but I also love working with my hands. I like to sculpt and make art. I also love working with people and clients.

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 in a biology lab where we are working with fluorescent sensors in cellular applications. These sensors become fluorescent when they bind to the protein target in a cell or stay completely dark when the cell does not contain this target. This interests me because it has given me hands-on experience working with cells and many instruments in the lab. These sensors can go on to help people in the real world, and I am very glad to be a part of it.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
Conducting research has taught me so much about science that goes deeper than what is taught in class. Actually thinking things through and doing hands-on work has given me more independence to think more deeply about biological concepts. It has given me confidence that I can figure things out.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
Research has given me a lot of hands-on experience in a lab that will help me in the future when applying to internships or jobs. Having this experience has given me a "leg up" in competitive applications.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
The Research Rookies team is very important to my success in doing research. They paired me up with a professor and checked in on all the students periodically to make sure everything was running smoothly. It can be very difficult and intimidating to find a professor willing to bring an undergrad into their research. But the Research Rookies team has made it go very smoothly.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
The easiest way to get into research as an undergrad or new student is to go through the Research Rookies program.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Something I have found pleasantly surprising is the kindness of many of my professors. So far, they have taught me a lot and genuinely have the students’ best interests at heart.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I put myself out there the very first week of classes. It was a little intimidating at first, but talking to people in my classes and on my floor has given me many friendships.

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?
I am a part of the University Honors Program, and it has connected me with many of my peers. My friends and I enjoy going to the events the program hosts.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
Having an honors mentor has helped me feel supported. Being able to talk to an older student for advice has helped me feel more comfortable here.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The Barsema Leadership Boot Camp has helped me learn how to be a strong leader. I know this knowledge will help me in my future career.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy that the Honors Program has connected me with so much support. Whether it’s other students, faulty or student mentors, I feel very supported in the Honors Program.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors is Heather Bergan-Roller. I took her for Biology 208, and it was a very large class. Although there were close to 100 students in the class, she made the effort to learn all of our names. It was a challenging class, but I learned a lot.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly not only helps me learn and remember the content, but it also shows the professors that I’m making an effort in class. Attending class regularly makes the professors more familiar with you, and that can make it easier to ask for help.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Holmes Student Center. I am drawn to it because when I am studying there, I can get some snacks and a drink. They also have many nice seating options for studying with friends.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Some advice I would give someone researching colleges is to think about the academics of the school, but also the quality of life there. I think where you live and how you connect with friends is also an important aspect of a college.

Why is a college education important to you?
Because I am the first in my family to go to college, I know the path that not having a college education can take you on. I enjoy my studies, and a college education can unlock a prosperous life that everyone deserves.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I like to keep a planner of all my assignments and responsibilities. It can be hard to keep everything in line, but it all pays off.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I check my email and social media pages regularly.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to hang out with my friends and have girls’ nights.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I enjoy doing nails and making artwork.