Alfonso Moraga

Alfonso Moraga is a psychology major from DeKalb, IL

Hometown: DeKalb, IL

High School: Newman Central Catholic High School

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2026

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 always wanted to be a comic book artist growing up. I'm pursuing a degree in psychology, which is different from what I always wanted.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I chose my major in psychology because I want to work in the mental health field and help people heal through introspection.

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 currently working with one of the neuroscience professors of the psychology department. I chose to volunteer in a neuro lab because I've always been curious about how the brain works and how it affects our behavior and consciousness.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
Conducting research has helped me develop critical-thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of what I learn in class. Conducting research has also sparked my interest in potentially doing research in the future for grad school.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
It will help me in the future because I plan to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology, which is very research-heavy.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
David Valentiner was the very first professor I conducted research with. He has taught me about the research process and how grad school works.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
I would tell any new NIU student to volunteer or get involved in research early on, as early as possible. Even if they don't know if they want to do research later on in their career, it's still a very rich experience and will definitely make you stand out if you want to apply to grad school.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I have found that the students and faculty are surprisingly friendly. I always felt a bit shy to ask professors if I could volunteer in their lab, but in my experience, professors greatly appreciate it when you volunteer to work in their lab.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have formed new friendships mostly through student organizations. I would highly recommend joining organizations that interest you, since it's best way to meet new people with common goals and interests.

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 part of the Student Psychological Association and have volunteered in research labs. These extracurricular activities have helped me to learn more about my field of study and meet new people who share similar goals with me.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The professors of the psychology department have definitely helped me advance in my career and learn more about options after graduation.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The honors job shadow program definitely helped me learn more about career paths I can take with my major. The honors projects I’ve done have also helped me push myself and grow as a student.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy the fun programs that we have to attend for honors credit. A lot of them are great ways to decompress while also learning something new.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite instructor was Dr. Ibette Valle from the psychology department. I took PSYC 305 with her, which is the psychology research methods class, and you could tell she had a passion for what she was teaching. Her teaching style was also much more interactive and different from that of other professors.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot is Einstein Bros. Bagels in the basement of the Founders Memorial Library. It's a great place to get a snack or lunch and do schoolwork.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Definitely look into the area or town where the college is located. The last thing you want is to go to college in an environment you really don't enjoy or that makes you feel isolated. Your environment affects your mood and your motivation to work hard.

Why is a college education important to you?
My father always encouraged me to go to college, and he would tell me that studying and learning is an integral part of our humanity. I also think attending university is a great way to combat anti-intellectualism.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I like to make to-do lists to keep track of schoolwork and make sure I take breaks.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I follow the social media accounts of several campus organizations to keep myself updated.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to read, draw, sleep and/or drink a nice cup of coffee.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I'm currently interning at Safe Passage in the Partner Abuse Intervention Program. It's a program where we work with abusers to help them learn how to better themselves, rehabilitate them and break that cycle of abuse. For hobbies, I really like drawing comics and coming up with my own stories.