Alia Moran

Alia Moran is an anthropology and art history double major from Loves Park, IL

Hometown: Loves Park, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2026

Minors: French and history

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 learn when I grew up. That was my only dream. I did not know how I would sustain myself on that dream, but I knew I had to do it. Through anthropology, I am constantly learning about cultures and perspectives other than my own, allowing me to learn something new every day.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am an anthropology (archaeology) and art history double major with double minors in French and history. I hope to continue my education through graduate school into a career as an academic focused on death rituals and rites among numerous cultures and time periods. I want to study this topic through archaeology and an ethnographical lens, which explains the anthropology major, as well as representations of this topic in art, which explains the art history major.

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 part of Dr. Kanjana Thepboriruk's research project on Thais in Illinois oral history. My role is to discuss the implications and ethics of conducting research through the combined lenses of archaeology, ethnography and history, with the reliance of community members. This project really interested me because it deals with a history I am not well educated on, so I will have less of a pre-determined bias. It also brings my discipline into a world language and culture project. Lastly, I can talk about the ethics of my discipline, which I love doing.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
Conducting research has given me numerous opportunities, such as the McKearn Fellowship and presenting at conferences across the country (Chicago, Long Beach, etc.), as well as personal growth with time management, the ability to bounce back after rough patches and more. I have the opportunity to study what truly interests me outside of class, while bringing what I learn in my courses into that research. I can see my education getting put to use before I graduate, giving me a good glimpse into my future.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
I want to conduct research in a future career in academia, so conducting research as an undergrad allows me to make mistakes and grow, without the pressure of a career hanging over me. Additionally, it gives me experiences that look amazing on graduate school and job applications.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Dr. Kanjana Thepboriruk has been essential to my success in research. I have been off and on with her research project since my freshman year with Research Rookies. She has consistently reignited my love for research when I was having doubts, without even knowing it. She has been a great research mentor and individual to look up to. It has been difficult finding a spot in research that feels right for me, but I feel like I fit in perfectly with her help. I would not be a researcher at all without Research Rookies or the McKearn Fellowship. These programs allow an introduction to research at any level and have consistent check-ins that keep students on track. I would have no idea what to do without the opportunities provided to me by these programs.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
My advice is that not all research has an answer; sometimes it is unfinished. It is very stressful to not be able to present a complete end product at conferences, but even the process of research itself is valuable.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
There are so many organizations and offices for different wants and needs. NIU truly wants you to succeed and will help you through every step if you ask for help.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Go Greek! Joining Greek life has been an amazing way to create friendships and meet new people. Through Tri Sigma, I have met the most amazing girls and immediately felt loved and accepted by them. You will create so many memories and have a constant support system around you.

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?
As a member of Tri Sigma, I have been introduced to the most lovely ladies who support me academically, emotionally, professionally and so much more. I am also part of Anthropology Club and History Club, which allows me to connect with people who share my academic interests.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
Study Abroad and the Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning have supported me by answering any questions I had regarding their programs, which allowed me to make educated decisions about research and studying abroad.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The Honors Program gave me access to the McKearn Fellowship and multiple grants, such as the E.Y.E. grant, which brought me closer to my future career and academic goals. The McKearn Fellowship allows me to conduct research, go to academic/research conferences, study abroad and more, without the stress of trying to find personal funds.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy the honors courses I am allowed to take through the program. I love learning and applying what I learn to my own interests. Honors courses usually require additional research for specific assignments or an additional presentation/project that allows students to go one step further.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite professor was Professor Micah Morton in the cultural anthropology department. I have taken his ANTH 333: The Art of Living and Dying and ANTH 328: Anthropology of Religion. I love his nontraditional way of teaching and the conversations he facilitates. I have learned just as much from my classmates as from him. I view life very different after taking a course with him.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I have benefited a lot by attending class regularly. If you miss class, you miss questions your peers ask that you might find helpful. You miss dialogue between students that, while separate from the standard material, is still valuable. You miss important dates and comments the professor may not post and so much more. And you gain relationships with your peers and professors that may help you later in life with a letter of recommendation, connections and more.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I love having coffee at Cast Iron Coffee with my friends to do homework or just chat. The menu is amazing, and the intimate but big space allows for the just right amount of noise without distraction.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would begin by making a list of your non-negotiable wants and needs. If the college does not fit the list, just let it go. It is a difficult and massive decision to make, so do not rush it. If anything, you can apply to many colleges and decide later.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it opens up so many doors for my future, and I genuinely love learning. It is a privilege not many people are afforded, so I try to never take it for granted.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Lists. I make so many lists to make sure I am on top of everything. The more difficult part is having the ability to say no. If you have homework, you might have to say no to hanging out with people (you and I both know you will not complete your homework with your friends). It is a far better feeling to say no, finish your homework and hang out later, instead of having a guilty feeling hanging over you the entire time you are with your friends. There is a balance, though. Don't make any one aspect your entire life.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
Stay active on social media and your email. Follow all your favorite campus organizations on social media, read the student organization weekly newsletter and read the Northern Star. These three things will provide you with different information to help you stay informed.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to read fictional books to relax. As a liberal arts student I have to read all day, but I still try to take time to read nonacademic books. It is very important to take time for yourself in any way you can, so you do not burn out.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work at the Huskie Academic Success Center as a tutor for subjects in the humanities. I enjoy reading books, watching films, painting, writing poetry and going to concerts in my free time.