Elizabeth Nowak

Elizabeth Nowak is an anthropology and theatre studies double major from St. Charles, IL

Hometown: St. Charles, IL

High School: St. Charles East High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2027

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I am a recipient of the School of Theatre and Dance tuition program in 2023 and 2024. I received the theatre scholarship for my work as a theatre studies major. I was selected to receive the Banks-Erickson Scholarship Fund in 2024 for my work as an LGBTQ advocate. Financial support allows me to focus on my studies.

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 knew I wanted to pursue both the arts and sciences. I would go back and forth between dream jobs, talking about how I'd be a marine biologist, author, vet, actor or zoologist. I knew I wanted to conduct research and learn about the world, but I also wanted to create. I remember being panicked in elementary school, thinking I'd have to decide between art and science. Now, I am pursuing a double major in anthropology and theatre studies. I get to combine science, humanities and art, and I love it.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in anthropology and theatre studies. I decided to study theater because of my love for storytelling. Theater has always been part of my life, and it felt natural to study it. I chose to study anthropology because humans and primates interest me. I have now found that I am passionate about primate ecology and evolution.

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 have conducted research through Research Rookies and the McKearn Fellowship. I am interested in storytelling, museums and theaters. I have created a research project that asks the question, "How can a temporary exhibit impact the audience's understanding of a play?" I curate museum exhibits to coincide with theater productions at NIU to examine the effect the exhibit has on the audience's experience. 

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
I have made many important contacts and have learned from a variety of amazing people who have offered to help me with my research journey. Conducting research has made me comfortable communicating with my professors, searching databases, thinking critically about complex questions, writing in a variety of different styles, communicating findings and presenting.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
My research helps me stand out as a student and within my fields. I plan on continuing my research after graduating. I hope my experiences will help me get into graduate programs and other future opportunities.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
My mentors have been important in my success. They offer to read and provide suggestions on my work and help me grow as a researcher and student. My mentors also encourage me to pursue new and difficult things, showing me that challenges are worth it and that hard work is rewarding. My mentors have encouraged me to apply for jobs and conferences to further my experience. They also provide an immense amount of support. My mentors have been integral to my success as a researcher. The research librarians have also helped me find resources and encouraged me to take different approaches.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
Try new things. Communicate your interests to your professors. You never know what new project you could take on.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I am currently interning at the NIU Pick Museum of Anthropology. I contacted the director of the museum and asked about any potential opportunities to gain museum experience. We discussed possible project ideas, and then I applied for credit for the internship.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
My internship provides me with an experience that is essential for my future work in museums. I am learning how to handle objects, work with the collections, install exhibits, explain my research to the general public and create educational material. This internship is the first step to pursuing a museum career.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I was pleasantly surprised by the East Lagoon. It is a gorgeous place to connect with nature, perfect for picnics and strolls between classes.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have met my friends through the incoming freshman Facebook group, classes related to my interests, campus events, clubs and even from just walking around campus. Week of Welcome events helped me meet new people.

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 the vice president of the Anthropology Club. This club has provided me with impactful experiences relating to my future career and has connected me with people who have similar interests. I am also in the Circus Club, which provides me so much joy and helps relieve stress. How can I be stressed if I am making balloon animals? College is a time to try fun new things, and Circus Club does exactly that.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The University Honors Program has helped me feel supported by helping me find funding and future opportunities to help further my education. The NIU Gender and Sexuality Resource Center has helped me feel supported by holding events and providing a safe space. The Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality has also made me feel supported by providing a safe space and hosting impactful educational lectures.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The McKearn Fellowship Program has helped me grow as a researcher and encouraged me to explore how I can continue and advance my education. I would like to pursue a master’s degree, and the McKearn Program has helped me build up my resume, experiences and knowledge of how to pursue future opportunities. Honors and research scholarships through the Honors Program have helped me to pursue studying theater abroad in Türkiye and conduct my own original research.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy the support I get. Thanks to the Honors Program, I have received funding to pursue impactful opportunities. The program has also encouraged me to look for additional academic enrichment opportunities.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite instructors is Dr. Leila Porter. I thoroughly enjoyed her classes (Uses and Abuses of Evolutionary Theory and Extinction: Where the Wild Things Were). Both courses combined anthropology, environmental science and evolution. Dr. Porter is very passionate and knowledgeable and makes the already interesting material fascinating and easy to engage with.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly helps me to understand the content and avoid gaps in my understanding. Participation points are a part of my grade in many courses, which is an added incentive.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the East Lagoon. I like to sit and watch the herons, have a picnic, sketch and watch the sun set. It is a beautiful and peaceful spot to reconnect with nature.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Think about your interests and find a school with a department that directly aligns with your interests. If possible, tour the facilities and meet program leaders to see if a college is the right fit with you. One of the reasons I chose NIU is because the instructors and programs aligned with my interests, and I knew there were many opportunities for me to pursue.

Why is a college education important to you?
I love to learn. Learning makes me happy. I love the idea of learning about and pursuing the things that interest me.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I make lists of tasks, and I keep an online calendar with my classes as well as events and my family's schedule. I set aside time to see my friends and make time to do things I enjoy. Scheduling while also being flexible is important.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I check my email, look at posters, check HuskieHub, ask friends about opportunities and follow clubs on social media.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax, I remove myself from my stressors and take time for myself. Taking walks around the lagoon or woods, attending club events and crafting all help me relax.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently work for NIU STEAM, where I am an educator and am working on safety data sheets. I was a STEAM camp counselor over the summer. In the past, I have worked for the NIU School of Theatre and Dance Prop Shop. I love to journal, embroider, doodle, hang out with my gecko, listen to music, attend concerts, write scripts, identify plants, learn and create.