Calvin Soldan

Calvin Soldan is a chemistry major from Troy, MI

Hometown: Troy, MI

High School: Edwardsville High School

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received a merit scholarship and two Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry awards: an undergraduate scholarship and the NIU Chemistry Club Edwin Hyland Memorial Fund. The financial support has made it possible for me to attend university with more time to study and be a student. It has also allowed me to complete research projects by not having to work.

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 an engineer. I decided to take another path.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is chemistry with a biochemistry emphasis, and my minor is biology. I decided on these fields because they match my interest in the human body and processes that occur inside organisms.

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.
The research I have done has focused on the creation of fungal drugs that inhibit a fungal virus. The research is in the fields of medicinal and organic chemistry. It interests me because I want to help save people by creating new medicines that either amplify the effects of other medicines or cure people in completely different ways.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
I have learned more about the way chemistry is done in a research lab, as opposed to chemistry done at the industrial level. I have also strengthened my skills and received an internship because of it.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
Through my knowledge of certain topics, I am more prepared to attend graduate school and work at a pharmaceutical company, due to my critical-thinking skills and hands-on experiences.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Dr. Timothy Hagen, Dr. Tao Xu, Drashtibahen Daraji, Lee Sunderlin and many TAs have been helpful. They have guided me with advice about graduate school and industrial jobs, as well as with problem-solving and technical questions about laboratory issues.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
Talk to professors about their research if you enjoy their lectures/class, or when you find a topic you like, such as organic chemistry. Seek out a faculty member who is doing research in that area.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
There are many services offered on campus, such as mental health support and help with resumes and writing.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I usually create study groups by asking the person next to me questions about the topic, then gather more people to create a larger group.

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 in Chemistry Club and University Honors, and I was involved in rugby. Each club I've joined has allowed me to meet new people in completely different situations, helping me see the complexity of society.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
Counseling and Consultation Services has allowed me to openly talk about my problems with someone who cares. Career Services has helped me with outlines and preparation for applying for jobs and interviews.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
I was able to job shadow at a hospital and learn more about laboratory sciences as a result.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
The activities that are offered as well as the multitude of experiences they have.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Timothy Hagen, who taught organic chemistry. He inspired me to pursue a path in medicinal chemistry by the way he taught his class and simplified the subject through individual steps.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I have been able to retain the subject material better by having the professor explain it and asking questions on things I did not understand.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I like Founders Memorial Library because of the quiet study areas and Einstein Bros. Bagels.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Go to as many orientations as you can. Look at the school’s social media and look at the department you're interested in.

Why is a college education important to you?
Because it shows intermediate knowledge in a field.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I take the number of credit hours for each class and double it, then spread that time out through the week for studying and plan around that. I also try to wake up earlier, so there is time to relax.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I follow NIU social media (Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook).

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to take walks around the lagoon, stargaze at the observatory, eat at restaurants downtown, watch theatrical performances on campus and play my saxophone.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am currently an intern at the Fox River Water Reclamation District (FRWRD) learning about analytical chemistry.