Emanuel Naumann

Emanuel Naumann is a chemistry major, philosophy minor from East Peoria, IL

Hometown: East Peoria, IL

High School: East Peoria Community High School

Year: Expected graduation: fall 2025

Minor: Philosophy

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Growing up, I wanted to be a scientist. Both of my parents completed degrees in science, with my father being a research biochemist and my mother being a microbiologist. I wasn't sure what type of scientist I wanted to be at first, but I became intrigued by chemistry during my high school years and decided to pursue a degree in chemistry. I was inspired by my parents, but they never pressured me into the scientific fields. They simply supported my independent interest in it.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is chemistry, and my minor is philosophy. At first, these two disciplines may seem somewhat unrelated. However, they each play into who I am as a student and as somebody with academic aspirations. Growing up, I always preferred classes that emphasized science and mathematics and knew I wanted to pursue a career in a field related to these. Thus, a chemistry major fitted my skills and career interests. I decided to minor in philosophy because I am generally a deep thinker who enjoys exploring new questions and possibilities, and practicing the exploration of thought in various ways is extremely helpful when pursuing research. With my time as an undergraduate almost over, I hope to soon be pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry, with the goal of becoming a research chemist.

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.
Throughout my time at NIU, I have completed, or am in the process of completing, multiple research projects. I was a Research Rookie as a freshman, where I worked with Dr. Ralph Wheeler to explore molecular dynamics simulations for an electrolyte with promise in battery technology. As a sophomore, now being a McKearn Fellow in the Honors Program, I completed a new project with Dr. Tao Li to explore a similar electrolyte in a laboratory setting, taking into account macroscopic property measurements, along with Raman spectroscopy. I created a poster for each of these projects and presented at CURE two years in a row. I have since continued undergraduate research in Dr. Li's research group, contributing to important work related to measuring macroscopic property measurements of various electrolytes. With this work, alongside the work of other group members, we were able to approximate a common fraction percentage for peak conductivity. I also look forward to completing my Honors Capstone project in Dr. Li's group, where I plan to further explore the properties of electrolytes from my past projects, perform additional spectroscopy measurements, and analyze how the solute and solvent from each electrolyte contributes to its overall effectiveness. This potent amount of research experience is important to me as somebody who is particularly interested in a research career and pursuing a Ph.D. In addition, the research on electrolytes for battery technology is a topic that has particularly interested me, since the use of batteries is widespread in our modern society. Any improvements to such technology can lead to a safer and more efficient world, and such research contributes further understanding of something that powers so many of our devices.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
In practice, chemistry is very hands-on in terms of working in a laboratory. Being able to gain experience in research laboratories has helped me to witness, as well as become part of, the day-to-day tasks that occur in research labs. Working in a research group has also allowed me to strengthen my collaboration skills, since communicating as a team is important when performing work as a research group. Another important way I have gained experience has been through organizing and analyzing my research data. I have improved my ability to find, read and decipher literature throughout my undergraduate research experiences. All of these are important experiences for anybody interested in working in a research setting in the future.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
I specifically aspire to become a research scientist. After I receive my bachelor’s, I plan to continue my education as a Ph.D. candidate. Gaining a significant amount of research experience during my undergraduate years will help me as I transition to graduate study and beyond. In addition to the obvious, gaining research experience as an undergraduate student has also helped me to strengthen my skills related to analysis and independent thinking. Even outside of career aspirations, I have noticed that my strengthened skills have helped me in terms of improving my health and developing viewpoints on topics outside of my career aspirations.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Dr. Wheeler and Dr. Li have both been instrumental figures in terms of my research success. Their willingness to have me in their research groups as an undergraduate student has helped me to better understand the processes involved in research, while allowing me valuable experience as someone interested in pursuing a research career. Being able to contribute to these research groups has also been a rewarding experience, and I am grateful to be part of their research on electrolytes. In addition, Emily Reilly and Connie Storey have each been supportive of my research interests, thanks to their roles in Research Rookies and the McKearn Fellows Program, respectively. With me participating in both at different times, they are always supportive of my growth in research.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
Start your involvement in research early. You may be a little overwhelmed at first, but your faculty advisor will guide you along the way, and you will learn valuable skills in your discipline that will enhance your understanding of the topics you are already learning about. You will also be a more skilled research student by the time you are an upperclassman, and your career network will be stronger due to your earlier start as well. If you need guidance for starting research, consider applying for Research Rookies. It was how I was able to begin undergraduate research as a freshman.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I was a recipient of the Zydowsky Research Fund through the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the summer of 2024. I applied for the fund by completing a short application detailing how this summer fund would benefit my undergraduate research experiences. Through this research fund, I was able to work in Dr. Tao Li’s laboratory that summer.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
I was able to gain a significant amount of additional research experience as an undergraduate student thanks to the Zydowsky Research Fund. The summer of 2024, when I was a recipient of the fund, I was able to contribute helpful research toward measuring macroscopic property measurements of various electrolytes; such measurements from multiple group members are what led to eventually determining a common fraction percentage for peak conductivity measurements in each electrolyte. In addition, given my interest in pursuing a career in research, this experience will also help me prepare for my future research pursuits, as I now have more experience thanks to this fund.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I largely grew up in the same hometown area. Coming to NIU was refreshing because I was able to meet a variety of new people as I was learning more about myself as a person. One of the most pleasant aspects about NIU is how everyone is polite to you. I have found that students and faculty alike are kind and respectful to you as a person. It makes me look forward to going to my lectures and other events.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
There are a few ways I have connected with people at NIU. Sometimes, I am able to naturally make connections with people I have a lot of classes with simply by talking to them before or after class. I exchange contact information with some of them so we can help each other better understand the course material. Beyond my classes, I have also met new people through extracurriculars and the Honors Program. For extracurriculars, I have found that it is great to interact with people who share an interest with you, and I have been able to form more connections this way. In the case of the Honors Program, it has been great interacting with other students who maintain particularly dedicated and studious mindsets. Overall, through a combination of my classes, extracurriculars and the Honors Program, I have been able to talk with many great people who have helped me as a student.

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 primary extracurricular organization I have been involved in during my time as NIU has been Circle K International (CKI). CKI is the world’s largest collegiate volunteer organization, being the collegiate branch of Kiwanis. Some people may have heard of the high school branch, Key Club, which I was also previously involved in. CKI is a great way to meet people of varying majors who have an interest and passion in serving the local community they find themselves in. It’s also a great way to meet other volunteer enthusiasts in the state, as our CKI district, Illinois-Eastern Iowa, hosts events for active members throughout each year. At NIU, CKI holds meetings during semesters once every two weeks, where we discuss upcoming volunteer opportunities and do activities to get to know one another. It’s also a great way to gain leadership experience, as active members can serve on our executive board. I was the secretary for the 2023-24 service year and the president for the 2024-25 service year. Overall, being part of CKI has helped me to strengthen my leadership skills and become more confident in myself. I recommend that students look into the organization. I have met several kind people through CKI, and completing volunteer service projects is always a great way to contribute to local communities.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The University Honors Program has been a great resource for additional research opportunities and scholarships during my time at NIU. It is great to have access to a community of focused, studious people who wish to excel in their careers. I have also found that many of the students and faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have been great people to talk with, and many are incredibly supportive of others’ career interests. Additionally, I had a great experience one summer working in the Office of Research Compliance, Integrity and Safety (ORCIS), where my work supervisors and colleagues were always kind and supportive.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
In the Honors Program, I have served as a McKearn Fellow since my sophomore year, which has allowed me to pursue additional research opportunities and gain additional research experience. It has also allowed me to connect with other individuals in the Honors Program who are also excited and passionate about research. I have also become more familiar with the people who keep the Honors Program running, further expanding my career network. Connie Storey in particular, who is heavily involved with the McKearn Fellows program, has promoted a variety of opportunities to the McKearn Fellows. In addition to my time as a McKearn Fellow, I have also become connected with the Rising Scholars Fellowship, which has promoted additional opportunities to me.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
The people in the Honors Program are wonderful. Those running the program have always been available to assist me when needed, and my fellow students in the Honors Program are always so kind and courteous. It makes me proud to be a part of such a program.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
In addition to his noteworthy input as my faculty mentor for my freshman year research project, I have found that Dr. Ralph Wheeler has been an incredible professor when it comes to instructing a class. His lectures are straightforward, and he always helps the class with example problems and other resources to help you prepare for projects and exams. His instructions are always clear and concise as well. I previously took Physical Chemistry I with him, and I am now taking Chemical Thermodynamics with him. In every circumstance, I have found Dr. Wheeler to be invested in his students’ success, and he is always willing to help any students who may find themselves struggling.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
It has always been a no-brainer to attend classes in university for me. Growing up, I was already quite studious and never skipped school. In university, I have found that my class attendance has allowed me to connect with my professors while gathering the insights of other students. Being present in class has also allowed me to build more friendships. Overall, students should remember that by university, you are, in one way or another, paying for your education. Part of getting what you paid for is being present in your classes. You are essentially scamming yourself if you do not attend, so be sure to get your money’s worth!

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
It’s difficult to choose any one spot to favor on campus because there are many nice spots, both indoors and outdoors. However, I have recently found myself particularly enjoying the Honors Lounge in the Peters Campus Life Building when I am between classes. It’s a great way to see and interact with others I know in the Honors Program, and it makes for a quiet and relaxing place to study when needed.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
There are several factors that go into searching for a college to apply to, including affordability, size, location and offered programs. Think about which factors mean the most to you when applying and look for notable universities accordingly. Use these factors to compare your top choices as well. Finally, if several universities are promoting themselves to you to the point that it feels overwhelming, take a deep breath, search for universities in your areas of interest and figure out which ones are most attractive to you from there. Focus on your shortlist first and foremost.

Why is a college education important to you?
The career I would like to go into is dependent on a college education. I aspire to be a chemist, which already requires a bachelor’s degree at minimum. Since I aspire to be a research chemist, this means I would also need to undergo graduate school. Apart from a college education being required for my desired career, I have also found a college education to help me practice my independent thinking skills, while also helping me to figure out more about who I am and who I would like to become. My time at NIU has positively transformed me both on the outside and on the inside, and this transformation has been heavily influenced by my college education here.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Staying organized is key for when you become busy in life. I tend to meticulously organize all of my classwork so I can complete assignments and study more effectively. As for friends and family, my closest loved ones know that I am busy with completing my degree during the times when I do get overwhelmed, and I make sure to check in on them during times that I am less busy. In addition, I find that it’s important to put some amount of time for proper mental rest. I have had semesters where I was a bit overwhelmed, and I always needed to give a little bit of time for mental rest to continue on. Between studying for different classes, I would recommend that people find effective ways to rest mentally without losing focus or procrastinating. A little bit of quiet time goes a long way.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
There are several ways to stay informed about events and services. I recommend that people find the optimal departments, programs and resource centers for their needs. The University Honors Program alone, for example, has helped me to stay informed about several opportunities and events. If someone is still having difficulty finding more information about events, I would recommend checking out HuskieHub or the physical bulletins in each building to find more groups and events to be a part of.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
There are a few ways I relax when I do somehow have free time. I enjoy going on walks around campus, reading books and playing video games. I am particularly fond of older Nintendo games. I find that each of these tasks allows me to mentally rest in different ways, preparing my mind for further studying as needed.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
During my time at NIU, I have gained a variety of research experiences. I also had a summer job inventorying chemicals on campus, which helped fine-tune my laboratory safety skills. As for my hobbies, I generally like to do something that is helpful either to my mind or my body. I do some weight-resistance training exercises, as well as walking, for physical activity. For my mind, I tend to read a book or play video games. I have also been into organizing my life routines so that I can live a better overall life. A major way I did this was by adjusting my diet. This began with me losing 80 pounds my freshman year at NIU, and I have since further adjusted my diet for the best nutrition and hydration I can achieve. I am thankful to say that this has helped me live a more fulfilling life overall.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
My time at NIU has transformed me as a person. I am so grateful that I am surrounded by people who are supportive, kind and encouraging as I complete my degree. I will look back on my time at NIU as a time of incredible opportunity and growth for myself.