Sam Soria

Sam Soria is an environmental studies major from Plainfield, IL

Hometown: Plainfield, IL

High School: Plainfield High School Central Campus

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 an Honors Excellence Award recipient. I was awarded this scholarship for my involvement in the Honors Program and by upholding high academic standards. Financial support from the Honors Program has eased the anxiety of college expenses and created an easy way to feel at home on campus.

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 wasn't sure what I wanted to be when I was growing up. However, I am pursuing a major that has plentiful career options and networking resources.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is environmental studies. I decided to take this course of study because of the impact it can have on local communities, including my own. Through the environmental studies program, I have explored the state of the world around me with positive frameworks to improve how our environmental, governmental and infrastructural systems work.

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 undergraduate research during the spring 2024 semester under Dr. Colin Kuehl. We examined the use of social media by local governments to communicate environmental and sustainability issues. It was interesting to see the work of faculty outside of courses and grow my understanding of machine learning, a concept I was largely unfamiliar with.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
Participating in research has connected me with faculty and given me confidence to be more involved in my undergraduate experience.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
Research experience has been a major talking point when connecting with future employers. It's something they look for in a potential hire because it gives valuable skills that transfer to the job market.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Dr. Colin Kuehl and Dr. Thomas Skuzinski have been important to my success doing research. Dr. Kuehl gave me the opportunity to begin research without previous experience and challenged my communication and writing skills throughout the process. Dr. Skuzinski is the director of my major program but still gives his energy to student engagement, since it is an important piece of the career-building puzzle.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
If it's intimidating, do it! The challenge of research is one of the most rewarding things to overcome. It changes how you engage with course material and stimulates the curious academic brain we should all strive to have.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Coming in undecided was a good experience. It gave me the chance to explore my career aspirations and develop a strong sense of self, especially with support from Huskie friends and career-advising resources.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have connected with other students by attending campus events. There is always an event going on that is listed in the event calendar or on social media for students to get together, form friendships and support each other.

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 the Justice and Sustainability Association here at NIU and serve on the executive board. This experience has taught me valuable leadership skills, connected me with other students and grown my involvement in the DeKalb community. I am so proud to be part of a group dedicated to environmental community and activism here on campus.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy has amazing staff and faculty who encourage collaboration between students. The interconnectedness of the institute creates strong support systems for students to lean on within their major or minor program.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The Honors Program provides many opportunities to engage with alumni and career experts who can guide you through your academic experience as you prepare for graduation.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy how many friendships have come from the Honors Program. Honors courses provide a wonderful community for students to work together.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors was Dr. Markjoe Olunna Uba for MATH 229. He was very engaging in lectures and cared deeply about student success. Even with complicated topics, he made sure students understood and could succeed on quizzes and exams.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class is important. If you don’t attend, it’s a slippery slope that can lead to other bad academic habits. In my opinion, regular class attendance is directly related to my academic success.

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. Not only is it a peaceful break between the stresses of college, but I've also created lasting memories there. It's amazing to think about how many generations of Huskies have used the same spot to study, relax or hang out.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
When researching colleges, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Reach out to people at colleges you're interested in to learn more about student life and any programs you might be interested in. Having more information makes the decision easier in many ways.

Why is a college education important to you?
My college education is important to me because it will set me up for career success, along with my hard work. With a degree, you may be qualified. But with an education, you are valuable!

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I like to keep a calendar that has my assignments, exams and events all together. Checking this calendar regularly helps me allot my time well and set goals for myself daily.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed about events and services on campus by keeping up with a lot of NIU social media pages. It's easy to find what you need and ask questions about anything through them.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax, I like to shut my laptop or phone off and enjoy some time away from academic responsibilities. Creating a balance is important to being more productive when the time comes.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I coach volleyball as a part-time job, which keeps me active and allows me to keep playing the sport I love.