Lane Staffeldt

Lane Staffeldt is a transfer art and design education major from Lombard, IL

Hometown: Lombard, IL

High School: Glenbard East

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2026

Transfer from: College of DuPage

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
NIU has one of the best art education programs.

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the BJ Benway Scholarship in Art Education, an Honors Program waiver, an NIU transfer merit scholarship and an AIM High Transfer Achievement Award. I received these for my high GPA and my participation in the Honors Program. The financial support has removed some of my anxiety over needing to pay back thousands and thousands of dollars after I graduate.

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 forensic pathologist when I grew up, but due to too many concussions/brain damage, I decided to take the art education path.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is art and design education, and I chose this course of study because art and working with kids has always been a part of my life. Teaching is something I never thought I could do, but with my transition, a lot of my anxiety has lifted.

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 am a research assistant for Kelly Gross, researching AI in education in the K-12 classroom. It interests me because it is very relevant to my degree.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
Well, I’ve just started it, but it is good enrichment of other content that is related to my field.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
It will be helpful because it will give me some insight into incorporating and dealing with AI in my classroom.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
My faculty member, Kelly Gross, has been important because she walks us through how to do what we need to do.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
If you have the chance, do it, but be aware it adds about 10 hours of work to your week (depending).

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I really like the 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. events. I didn't think there would be events so late. I think there are some things that could be set up better for them, though.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
We have Discord servers for certain class groups.

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 recently became the treasurer of NIU’s National Art Education Association (NAEA) chapter, making me more involved in the club, which includes setting up events related to my degree.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
I only really interact with the art department and the Disability Resource Center. The disability center always helps me with my accommodations. The art department walks us through the art education track.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
I’ve benefitted from any scholarships I’ve gotten because of it, as well as some of the honors-engaged experiences.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy all of the activities they set up, whether they are informative or for fun.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?Kelly Gross is one of my favorite professors. She is always willing to help me and really wants what's best for the art education majors.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
When I attend class regularly, I get all the info I need. If I don't show up, I'll get in trouble and knocked down a grade level.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot is the Holmes Student Center, because it is a vast area where I can get my homework done.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Take into account the surroundings (grocery stores, food places, etc.) and make sure it works for you. Check out the bus situation if you don't have a car.

Why is a college education important to you?
It’s important because it’s a stepping stone to my career.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I usually just work on my homework every night to stay on track, but the amount of homework my teachers are giving me is taking over my life.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I follow multiple Instagram accounts, use the Suitable app and see things around campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I sleep, hang out with friends, draw, watch YouTube and work out.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I don't have a job currently because I need to focus all my energy on homework.