Molly Schmidt

Molly Schmidt is a public health major from South St. Paul, MN

Hometown: South St. Paul, MN

High School: South St. Paul Secondary

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2025

Minor: Political science

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received merit scholarships from both NIU and my high school, which have greatly supported my academic journey. The financial assistance has allowed me to focus on my studies, leadership roles and extracurricular involvement without the added stress of significant financial burden. It has given me the flexibility to take on internships and research opportunities that align with my career goals.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was younger, I had many different ideas about what I wanted to be. I was heavily involved in theater and the arts and loved that world. However, as I got older, I realized my passion for helping people in a different way — through public health and law. Now, I’m pursuing a career in health law, which allows me to combine my interests in advocacy, policy and health care.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I chose to major in public health with a minor in political science because I have always wanted to help people. This path allows me to use my strengths to make meaningful change, particularly in health care policy and law, where I believe I can have the greatest impact.

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 participated in Research Rookies as a freshman and am currently working on my honors capstone project. My research, Navigating Politics and Public Health: Analyzing Health Perspectives, Political Identity and Vaccine Views Among College Students, examines the relationship between political identity, health perspectives and vaccination attitudes. I am particularly interested in how demographic factors and trust in information sources shape public health attitudes.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
Conducting research has strengthened my education by teaching me how to analyze data critically and apply public health principles to real-world challenges. It has also given me hands-on experience in developing evidence-based advocacy strategies.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
This experience will be incredibly valuable in my future career in health law, where research and policy analysis are essential skills.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Dr. Tomoyuki Shibata, my faculty advisor, has been incredibly important to my success in research. His guidance has helped me refine my research focus, develop strong analytical skills and navigate the challenges of conducting independent research. He has provided valuable feedback and support throughout my honors capstone, encouraging me to think critically about public health policy and its broader implications. His mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional growth.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
For students interested in research, I would recommend seeking out faculty mentors early, staying curious and not being afraid to ask questions. NIU offers great opportunities like Research Rookies and faculty-guided projects, so take advantage of them!

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I am currently completing a health promotions internship with the Kane County Health Department, which I found through LinkedIn.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
This experience has helped prepare me for my future career by giving me hands-on experience in public health communications, policy work, marketing and advocacy.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
One of the most pleasantly surprising aspects of my NIU experience has been the sense of community and support. Whether through student organizations, research opportunities or faculty mentorship, I have felt encouraged to pursue my academic and professional goals.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I've connected with other students in a variety of ways, from study groups to student organizations. Being involved in student organizations like Mortar Board, Pre-Law Honor Society and Sigma Sigma Sigma has helped me form strong friendships and a supportive network. Through my leadership roles, I've met so many driven and like-minded peers who have made my time at NIU even more rewarding.

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 heavily involved in campus organizations, including:

• Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority (president)
• Healthy Huskies Student Advisory and Ambassador Committee (chair)
• Mortar Board Honor Society (vice president of membership)
• Pre-Law Honor Society (member)
• Public Health Curriculum Committee (undergraduate student representative)
• University Honors Committee (student representative)
• Faculty Senate (College of Health and Human Sciences student representative)

These experiences have allowed me to develop leadership skills, advocate for students and build connections with peers and faculty.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
Jeff Salmon in the Center for Student Assistance has been a great resource, particularly as my Tri Sigma advisor. The public health department has also been incredibly supportive, guiding me through research and career planning.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The Honors Program has given me incredible opportunities, from research to leadership roles. The faculty support, networking events and rigorous coursework have helped me prepare for my future in health law.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
What I enjoy most about the Honors Program is the sense of community and the opportunities for growth, both academically and personally. The small, discussion-based classes have challenged me to think critically and engage more deeply with my coursework. I’ve also appreciated the research opportunities, especially being able to complete my honors capstone on a topic I’m passionate about. The support from faculty, advisors and peers has been so valuable, and I love that the program pushes students to go beyond the standard curriculum while providing the resources to succeed.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors is Eric Hoffman, who taught ENG 103 and 203. His courses helped me refine my writing skills and challenged me to think critically.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has helped me stay engaged, develop relationships with professors and keep up with coursework. Being present and active in class discussions has deepened my understanding of the material and made my college experience more enriching.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
The Law Library is my favorite spot on campus. It’s quiet, well organized and the perfect place to focus when I need to get work done.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
When researching colleges, I would encourage students to look beyond rankings and focus on what a school can offer in terms of opportunities, support and community. NIU has provided me with so many resources and experiences that have shaped my future.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it provides the knowledge, skills and connections necessary to pursue my passion and make a meaningful impact. Beyond academics, college has helped me grow as a leader and advocate.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I stay organized by prioritizing my tasks, setting deadlines and using planners and digital tools. Motivation and passion keep me going, but I also live by the "rocks and sugar" method — balancing the big responsibilities while making sure to enjoy the little things in life.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay updated on campus events and services through email, social media and student organizations. Being involved in leadership roles also keeps me in the loop about important opportunities.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax and recharge, I love to read and hang out with my friends, sometimes both! It’s my favorite way to unwind after a busy day.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently work as a tutor with Student-Athlete Academic Support Services (SAASS) while also completing my internship. Outside of school and work, reading is my favorite hobby, and I love to watch movies.