Bolanle Olayeni

Bolanle Olayeni is a graduate student in applied human development and family sciences (AHDFS) from Ibadan, Nigeria

Hometown: Ibadan, Nigeria

High School: Methodist Grammar School, Bodija Ibadan

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2025

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 chemical engineer. I have taken another path. I earned my bachelor’s in food science and engineering, as well as a master’s in food and technology with a major in nutrition before moving to the United States.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am pursuing a master’s degree in applied human development and family sciences with a specialization in leadership in aging studies. I have a strong passion for helping older adults. I decided to combine my experience in food science and the importance of nutrition to healthy aging and longevity.

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 had done some literature review on cognitive abilities and aging, which resulted in poster presentations at different conferences, such as the ILCFR conference, the APS annual convention and the GSA convention. I got the outstanding poster presentation at the ILCFR 2025 conference for a presentation titled “Race, Gender and Culture Differences in Caregiving Experiences.” I am also involved with a project called STEHL (Smart Tablet Education for Healthy Living). This project is interesting because it helps older adults gain confidence with technology. I enjoyed training the residents in retirement homes on how to operate smart tablets and use them to get health-related information. The project has led to three peer-reviewed publications and continues to generate additional contributions to the field. I also participated in a research project exploring the relationship between cognitive function and hearing ability in older adults. It is interesting to know that hearing loss could lead to cognitive decline over time.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
I am grateful for the knowledge and experience I have gained at Northern Illinois University. My time at NIU provided valuable opportunities to work with several faculty members in my college as a graduate research assistant, allowing me to engage in diverse research projects that strengthened my academic and professional development. I received the following awards: Outstanding Graduate Assistant (2024) and Graduate Outstanding Research (2023)

How will your research experience help you in the future?
The research experiences I have accumulated have greatly enriched my professional portfolio and enhanced my ability to contribute meaningfully to the field.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Dr. Yujun Liu has been a great help in my journey at NIU. She exposed me to every opportunity that came her way. We worked together on different projects and poster presentations. She has been a great mentor and academic advisor. She connected me with Dr. Anitha Saravanan, and we have both been working together on different research projects, such as the Smart Technology Education and Healthy Living (STEHL) program.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
Be open and show enthusiasm for research. Reach out to faculty members whose research interests align with yours. Express genuine interest and you would be glad you did.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I completed an internship with Elder Care Services of DeKalb County for two semesters (fall 2024/spring 2025). As part of a course requirement, I was tasked with writing a report on three organizations that serve older adults. During my research, I came across Elder Care Services online and decided to reach out for more information. In the course of my conversation with a staff member, Christi Coulter, I learned about an available internship opportunity. I interviewed the same day and was fortunate to be offered the position.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
It exposed me to real-life experience in the field and gave me opportunities to meet professionals in the field. During this period, I was nominated by the agency to participate in a program organized by the Illinois Department of Aging (IDOA), where I underwent Adult Protective Services (APS) caseworker training. I was awarded $5,000 for a semester. The goal of the program is to attract young graduates to the profession and address the shortage of Adult Protective Services workers in the state of Illinois.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The availability of buses to transport students between the school, hostels and surrounding community areas.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I engage with my peers both in class and, when necessary, through email to provide support. I have also been approached by fellow students seeking assistance with their courses. Network of Nations has also been helpful in meeting 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 involved with NIU Music and Memory. We go into retirement homes and long-term care centers in the community to improve the quality of life for individuals with (or at risk for) dementia. The program has enlightened me on how art and music can help people living with dementia and cognitive impairment.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). They understand the unique challenges that international students encounter, and the staff members are proactive and always willing to offer solutions. I feel they are a great support system for international students.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Dr. Yujun Liu and Dr. Susan Bowers. Both professors are knowledgeable and incorporate practical aspects of the course into their teaching technique.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending a class will give you 70-80% understanding of the course.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
The fountain beside the school gate at West Lincoln Highway is my go-to place for relief when I feel overwhelmed. It offers a peaceful and refreshing natural environment.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
NIU is a great place. It has diverse courses and culture, knowledgeable faculty and a lot of community engagement programs that can boost your resume. DeKalb is also a great place to live, cool and calm.

Why is a college education important to you?
I have always loved to know something about everything. A college education is a good way to start. I also believe it opens doors for opportunities in the future.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I like to organize my week by allocating specific days and times to different tasks and responsibilities.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
Through email from CHHS, the international office and the CCAMPIS program, as well as through NIU announcements and my friends.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I love to spend quality time with family and friends.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I love to sing, compose songs and bake.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I had the opportunity to connect my department with Vision Centre: Leadership Development for Aging Services, a nonprofit organization. I found this organization while searching for an internship opportunity. Their mission is to bridge relationships between universities and providers and build sustainable academic leadership programs that promote and support the field of aging services. Right now, the organization has been helping with restructuring the program, creating awareness for students in the college through webinars and funding support.