Logan Redman

Logan Redman is a meteorology major from Cowden, IL

Hometown: Cowden, IL

High School: Cowden-Herrick High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2027

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 be a meteorologist when I was growing up, and I am pursuing meteorology as my major.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a meteorology major, and I was originally interested in it in second grade when I would watch my local TV station's weather segment. As I went through school, meteorology fell by the wayside as I started exploring other options, like computer science and chemistry. During my junior year of high school, I decided that chemistry was not what I wanted to pursue. I ended up rediscovering meteorology and realized that second grade me was right all along. But I did not want to be the person on TV anymore; instead, I want to be at the National Weather Service, where I can better help small communities, such as the one I grew up in, with forecasts and warnings whenever extreme weather occurs.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Something I have found pleasantly surprising with my time at NIU is how it feels like home. I remember pulling into the visitor parking lot during a campus visit day and thinking to myself, "This is home," and I hadn't even gotten out of the car yet. It was a feeling I never had before, and I am glad to call NIU my second home.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I became involved in the American Meteorological Society (AMS) chapter on campus where I met a lot of fellow meteorology majors and started talking to the upper-division students and learning so much about the field of meteorology. The AMS chapter is also how I study for classes. Many of us meteorology majors are in the same class, and we can easily connect and get together to study for an exam or work on an assignment.

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 have been a member of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) chapter on campus. Every month they bring in a guest speaker from the field of meteorology to talk about what they do. It provides students with the opportunity to connect, network and ask professionals in our field questions. They also have social events where students can get together and have some fun through game nights or bowling at the Huskie Den. I have learned so much from attending these meetings and have been able to better connect with my peers and make friends. I am also the broadcast officer for the NIU Weather Center. A group of meteorology students creates a forecast for campus, which allows students to learn and practice their forecasting skills. We have one student each week present the forecast in a video format, which is then distributed by NIU's student newspaper, the Northern Star. I am incredibly grateful for the Weather Center because it allows students such as myself, who are working their way to taking meteorology classes, to gain experience in forecasting before they get to the classroom.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The meteorology department has made me feel supported and successful. The professors within the department truly care about how the students perform in class, which is something I haven't felt too much in some of my classes. I also feel that the University Honors Program has helped me by pushing myself to be a better student and by making sure I am doing the best work I possibly can to succeed.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The honors in-course contracts have allowed me to make one of my meteorology classes an honors class. This allowed me to work closely with one of my professors, which is something I wanted to do as a freshman.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy the opportunities they share with honors students, some of which I can apply for. It is really nice to see what opportunities I have as a student. I also really like the early course registration so I can ensure I get into the classes I need to take.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?

Mark Snyder was my History of Rock professor my freshman year, and he was so passionate about the genre of music. Not a whole lot of people I know listen to the same music I do, and it was really fascinating to see someone who was so passionate about the same genre of music I am passionate about.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending classes regularly has helped me stay ahead and to properly learn the material in all of my classes. As I continue on my degree path, my classes get harder, so attending class is really important in ensuring I am learning as effectively as I can.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I love to walk around and sit at the East Lagoon. It's nice to get away from the buildings every once in a while and get out and enjoy the beauty of nature.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Look for a college or university that feels like home. If you go to a college or university that doesn't feel like home, you will not be happy and will feel unmotivated in classes. Finding that place that feels like home is important; it will ensure you do well in classes and help you make friends and get involved in your community.

Why is a college education important to you?
I think a college education is important to me because it pushes me to new limits in my knowledge and allows me to think in new ways.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I use a calendar to help me visualize what my schedule looks like and help me balance school, work, friends and family.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I follow a lot of the NIU social media accounts, like housing and student involvement, as they regularly post about events being hosted on campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
Some of my go-to things to do to relax and recharge are going outside to practice my photography skills, playing the guitar and playing video games.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am a desk assistant for Patterson Residence Hall this year. Some of my hobbies include watching the weather, photography, guitar playing, pickleball and playing video games.