Onyenum Ruth Udoh

Onyenum Ruth Udoh is a Master of Accounting Science student and Master of Arts in anthropology from Nigeria

Hometown: Nigeria

High School: Royal College

Year: Expected Graduation: Fall 2025

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 was very inquisitive and always curious to discover things, places and people. For a long time, I thought I would work in a place like the FBI or even something related to forensics. Now, I find myself in the financial world as both an anthropologist and an accountant/auditor. In a way, this fits perfectly. Accounting gives me the skills to investigate numbers and ensure transparency, while anthropology gives me the ability to understand people, organizations and the bigger picture. Together, they let me look deeper, ask questions and connect details the way an investigator would.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am pursuing a Master of Accounting Science and a Master of Arts in cultural anthropology. I chose accounting because it gives me professional skills for a career in auditing and finance, and anthropology because I wanted to understand communities and organizations beyond just the numbers.

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.
My research looks at audit culture and nonprofit accountability in northern Illinois. I am studying how nonprofits balance the conditions and demands of funders with the needs of their communities. It interests me because I am passionate about both numbers and people. Accounting shows me the financial side, while anthropology helps me understand the human impact.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
Research has made my education more practical. It allowed me to connect classroom theories with real-world situations. It also gave me the chance to interact with nonprofit staff, sharpen my interviewing skills and learn how to analyze both data and experiences.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
It will help me in my future career as an auditor and researcher because I have learned how to ask good questions, look deeper into issues and connect financial accountability with community needs. These skills will make me stronger in both professional practice and policy-related work.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
My advisor, Dr. Mark Schuller, has been very important. He guided me with patience and helped shape my ideas, while encouraging me to think critically and stay focused. Other faculty members like Dr. Laura Heideman, Dr. Emily McKee, Dr. Micah Morton and Dr. Abu Bakarr Bah also supported me by giving feedback and sharing resources.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
Don’t be afraid to start early and ask for help. Faculty at NIU are very supportive, and there are many resources to guide you. Choose a topic that excites you. Since research takes time and energy, you will enjoy it more if it is something you care about.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I applied through my school’s career services and professional networks. I interned as an audit intern at Crowe LLP in Chicago and also worked as a grant management intern with the International Rescue Committee in San Diego.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
My audit internship at a public accounting firm not only gave me hands-on experience working with clients and managing deadlines but also helped me better understand my research on audit culture. Being inside an audit firm showed me how audits are prepared, the pressures organizations face and the importance of compliance and accountability. These real-world insights gave me a deeper perspective for my research on how nonprofits experience audits, making the project more grounded and meaningful.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I was pleasantly surprised by how supportive the faculty and staff are. They genuinely want students to succeed and are willing to guide you at every step.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I often study in groups, join student organization meetings and attend campus events. These settings made it easy to connect with people both academically and socially.

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?
Yes. I am involved in the NABA Inc. NIU chapter as vice president, the Student Government Association as a senator in the 56th session, and volunteer programs like Huskie Closet and the Northern Illinois Food Bank. I also served on the organizational committee for the Graduate Student Association, am a member of the Anthropology Graduate Student Association and am presently an international student ambassador in collaboration with the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office. These activities have helped me build leadership skills, expand my network and give back to the community, while strengthening my identity as part of NIU.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Career Services office has been key in preparing me for internships. The Writing Center helped with my thesis. The Student Involvement office made me feel part of the campus community.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors is Dr. Mark Schuller, who taught me about ethnographic methods. He challenged me to think critically while also being supportive and approachable.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has kept me disciplined, allowed me to engage in discussions and helped me build strong relationships with my professors and classmates.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot is Founders Memorial Library because it is quiet, and I can focus there. It also has resources that make studying easier.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Look for a school that not only has your program but also provides support, opportunities and a sense of community. I know this might be difficult to determine, but checking their social media handles and stories of current students and alumni can help.

Why is a college education important to you?
It gives me the knowledge and skills to achieve my career goals, but also the confidence to think critically and contribute to society.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I plan my week with a calendar, set priorities and make sure to balance work with rest. Staying organized helps me avoid stress.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I check my NIU email, Huskie Hub and social media pages for updates.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I enjoy listening to music, taking walks and talking with my family and friends.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work as a graduate assistant in donor relations, which gives me practical experience in nonprofit operations. For hobbies, I enjoy writing, volunteering, playing tennis and exploring new places.