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Alumni and Student Highlights

Haley (“Lily”) Farris What do you study at NEIU? I am an Anthropology major. What are your career goals? I am pursuing a career in Archaeology. What do you like most about NEIU? I’ve been to a few different universities and so far NEIU has to be one of the best in terms of the professor’s pedagogical care. They’re passionate about both what they teach and their students’ wellbeing, which creates a positive environment all around. Anything else fun and interesting that we should know about you? A few interesting things about me are that I’m a multidisciplinary artist and love working creatively with any medium I can get my hands on. I love to travel and want to live in a few different countries for a couple of years. I also really enjoy being out in nature and would eventually (when I tire of city life) like to start a homestead in my later years.
Olivia Goree Olivia (Alumni) What did you study at NEIU? My Undergraduate major was Psychology and my Graduate degree is a Master of Social Work (Graduation date 12/23!) What are you doing now? I am currently completing an internship in Medical Social Work at Dignity Health St. Joseph Family Medicine (Phoenix, AZ) What do you remember most about your time at NEIU? So many memories at NEIU! The supportive staff, encouraging peers, confidence gained through knowing I always had support when needed. (I miss it)! What is a word of advice for current students? Continue to push forward and know that ALL things are possible. Build a support system and never be afraid to ask for help Anything else that you think is important that we haven't asked? I just applied to obtain a doctorate in behavioral health (fingers crossed!)	Pictured with her children and husband (Olatunde Bisiryu BS Biology and BA Psychology 2019) on a family vacation in Hawaii.
Kevin Duong What do you study at NEIU? My current major is Global Studies. I like to learn a bit of everything around the world like other cultures. It's just something that's fascinated me and I get to meet a lot of people in different disciplines in school. What are your career goals? My career goal is to be a diplomat or something similar in the international field. I believe that sometimes diplomacy can defeat even the strongest army. What do you like most about NEIU? I'm not ashamed to say this, but the best thing in NEIU is the freebies. Nothing tastes better than free food. You won't hear complaints from me. In addition to that, I do like how the school has lots of people from different backgrounds, age groups, etc. There's also a lot of international students that I meet and they share their cultures with me. It beats reading a textbook. Any sort of fun/interesting thing we should know about you? Hmm... I can make bird chirping noises. If I'm being honest, I'm a really boring person. People think I'm funny when we talk, but in reality, I'm just talking about my life stories and they laugh for some reason.
Lindsay Maldonado, PhD (Alumni) Undergraduate major: Psychology NEIU Graduate school and program: Erikson Institute, M.S. & Loyola University Chicago, Ph.D. both in Child Development. What are you doing now? I'm back where it all started! I'm an Assistant Professor of Early Chilhdood Education at NEIU. I've been back at NEIU for almost 3 years now. Prior to coming to NEIU, I worked at Shedd Aquarium as the Director of Research and Evaluation for 11 years. What do you remember most about your time at NEIU? I remember the faculty most of all from my time as a NEIU student. Specifically, I remember the applied research experience I got in Dr. Suzanne Gaskins child development lab course. It was that course and Suzanne's mentorship that set me on my career trajectory. As part of the course, we conducted research at the Chicago Children's Museum, and it was there where I realized that I wanted to work in museums some day. It turns out that worked out for me, and Suzanne continues to be one of my go-to mentors. She served on my dissertation committee, and she wrote me a recommendation letter for my job here at NEIU. What is a word of advice for current students? I think it's important for students to build relationships with faculty members and be engaged in faculty research. And, don't be afraid to ask for help. Faculty want you to succeed, but they're not mind readers; so, make time to talk with faculty when you need support.
Ana Torres (Justice Studies, 2024) My name is Ana Torres; I am the second oldest of eight siblings. Growing up in a traditional Mexican household challenged my parents and me. I have been in love with school for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I used to cry during summer break. I begged my mother to enroll me in a summer school program, and she always did. My journey with NEIU began in 2014 when I got accepted. I graduated with an Associates degree from Richard J.Daley Community College in 2013. I started to take classes at NEIU in 2017. You see, I am a former DACA recipient, and paying out of pocket for school is quite expensive, especially when you have a family of your own. I have been a part-time student, full-time mom, a wife, and managed three health clinics. My life is always on the go. I am a senior at NEIU, and my major is Justice Studies. I will graduate on May 10, 2024, and I will begin my journey to become an attorney. I want to help our immigrant communities, especially those like me. DACA recipients who have been in this country and are contributing to it all their lives.Families that cannot afford an immigration attorney or are looking for someone who will understand their struggle and sympathize with them. That is my main goal and dream. Four years from now, I will be an attorney. NEIU was the perfect university for me. I loved the flexibility in the hours; as mentioned earlier, I am a full-time employee and cannot attend morning classes. Also, the professors I have met have been of great support. I cannot tell you enough how blessed I have been to meet and interact with them. From Dr. De La Torre, Dr. Nancy Mathews, and everyone else. NEIU has allowed me to complete my education, and I will always be thankful to everyone who has helped me. Something interesting about me? I honestly do not know. I am always busy running from work to school and back home to my family and two Golden doodles. I can tell you that my daughter and I will be graduating from the university this year. It is funny because she graduates on May 5 and claims I will steal her thunder. I want to encourage all DACA recipients and anyone wishing to enroll in the university.It is one of the best investments you can make for yourself and your family. It requires persistence and patience, but if you stick with it, everything will be worth it. One quote that resonates with me is by Andre De Shields: "Slowly is the fastest way to get to where you want to be." That is the story of my life.
Marshal Ali Master’s in Social Work Undergraduate major: Social Work NEIU What are you doing now? I am currently a Career Liaison with the Career Development Office at NEIU Graduate school and program- Social Work at NEIU What do you remember most about your time at NEIU? What I liked about my time at NEIU was the diversity. It was a great experience meeting people from not only my own background, but meeting people from other backgrounds and cultures and learning about their practices and perspectives. It really changes your outlook and view of the world when you hear other people's point of view. What is a word of advice for current students? Don't be afraid or get intimidated by opportunities. You may feel like you are not qualified enough, or don't have enough experience. That's ok! You are here to learn just like everyone else! So take the opportunities that come your way and challenge yourself. You never know where those opportunities and connections will take you one day.
Tammy Martin (Alumni) Undergraduate major: I attended NEIU from 2002 - 2009 for my undergraduate degree. My major was history. Graduate school and program: I was enrolled in the MA in history/secondary education certification program for grad school from 2010 - 2012. I didn't finish my history MA but completed the teaching certification part of the program. What are you doing now? I am currently working as a Career Liaison in the Career Development office at NEIU. Graduate school and program- I was enrolled in the MA in history/secondary education certification program for grad school from 2010 - 2012. I didn't finish my history MA but completed the teaching certification part of the program. What do you remember most about your time at NEIU? I loved the community that I was part of. I had a close group of friends who were also history majors, and we were all involved in the McNair program. I also loved my professors in the history department. I learned so much from them! What is a word of advice for current students? If you have the opportunity, participate in on-campus events and extracurricular activities. I didn't have the chance to participate in a lot of things outside of classes because of my work schedule, and now that I'm back working at NEIU I can see that I missed out on a lot of cool activities and opportunities!
Rolando Serna Undergraduate major: My undergraduate major was psychology. Graduate school and program: I attended Governor’s State University where I received my Master’s degree in Social Work. What are you doing now? Currently, I am working as a Bilingual Adult Therapist at a community mental health center called, Kenneth Young Center in Elk Grove Village, IL. What do you remember most about your time at NEIU? I loved all the cultural and social events on campus as well as all the teachers that were passionate about the subjects they taught. Additionally, my LGBTQ minor. My minor helped empower and validate my identity as well as my struggles. My minor is what led me to discover that I am a Social Worker. What is a word of advice for current students? 1. Prioritize yourself and your dreams. Stay true to your identity, keep finding what inspires you and if the excitement or passion begins to fade in your studies, re-evaluate your major and choose a path that will align with who you are and your values. It’s important because you will need the passion well into your career. 2. Investigate and utilize as many resources that are available to you it will not only help you understand the assignments, but also help improve your mental health. 3. Prioritize getting involved with cultural and social events on campus. These events will help you make friends, increase your social network, inspire and fuel your creativity, knowledge, and dreams. Anything else that you think is important that we haven’t asked? I want to send a special thank you to the staff at the Pedroso Center. Thank you for providing a safe space where I could feel seen, heard, validated, and empowered. Thank you for not taking a “neutral stance” on social justice issues. The Pedroso center and my Women and Gender study classes taught me the many ways that advocacy could look like and how to hold space for others during vulnerable moments. This and other feminist ideologies I have adapted into my practice with the goal to validate and empower the marginalized and oppressed people that I serve. I also want to thank the teachers that spent a few minutes after class ended to let me know of the potential they saw in me. It’s because of passionate, empathetic, and supportive teachers that I was able to continue on to graduate school and now a Therapist for Adults. At the age of 29 I began to work on my bachelor’s degree. I am a first-generation college student, I am a product of immigrants, and a Queer Latinx non-binary professional. Part of my success is due to the amazing education I received from NEIU. Early on as a child the bar was set low for me especially because I graduated from one of the poorest performing districts in the state of Illinois at the time. I was not expected to go to college nor attain a profession. I internalized the belief that I was not smart enough and sought out mental health services to unlearn some of those self-limiting beliefs when I began working on my associate’s degree. My hopes is that my story can serve as a small beacon of hope for any student that doesn’t believe that they are capable of attaining a college degree or a profession due to their background or identity. I hope my story reminds NEIU student’s the importance of having a dream. Finally, I hope to read of your success story too one day. Yes we can! Si Se Puede!
Dominick Sanakiewicz What do you study at NEIU? I am finishing up my bachelor's degree in economics What are your career goals? I would very much like to continue my education up until the Phd. level and eventually teach economics at the university level. What do you like most about NEIU? My favorite part about NEIU, among many others, is how accessible and helpful the faculty are. Our relatively small class sizes make it really easy to build relationships with our faculty. Throughout my time here, I've been fortunate enough to have a number of my fantastic professors go the extra mile and help me develop. Whether it was loaning me a book from their personal library or arranging a meeting with a prospective graduate school abroad, a professor was always willing to help. So it only makes sense that I feel NEIU is a great place to develop the support system one needs to succeed. Any sort of fun/interesting thing we should know about you? I love to travel! This past year I've had the opportunity to explore Peru, watch Champions League soccer live, and see an F1 race. Anything else that you'd like to share? I'd like to encourage everyone reading to try connecting with as many of your fellow students and professors as possible. We have plenty of great people both learning and working here who have so much to offer. Good luck :)
Yesenia Esteban Undergraduate major: Communications, Media, and Theater with a minor in Creative Writing What is a word of advice for current students? Take advantage of the amazing resources provided at NEIU! Alumni Highlight Undergraduate major- Communications, Media, and Theater with a minor in Creative Writing What are you doing now? I am currently fundraising for my short film Primos! Primos is a coming of age short film which follows Ricardo and Maite in the weeks leading up to their senior high school graduation. What do you remember most about your time at NEIU? Although we went online due to the pandemic, I truly appreciate the amazing professors that continued to create engaging classes and lasting friendships. What is a word of advice for current students? Take advantage of the amazing resources provided at NEIU! Alumni Highlight Undergraduate major- Communications, Media, and Theater with a minor in Creative Writing What are you doing now? I am currently fundraising for my short film Primos! Primos is a coming-of-age short film which follows Ricardo and Maite in the weeks leading up to their senior high school graduation. What do you remember most about your time at NEIU? Although we went online due to the pandemic, I truly appreciate the amazing professors that continued to create engaging classes and lasting friendships. Anything else? Follow my short film on Instagram to keep up to date! Filming in Albany Park and Lincoln Square this Summer! IG: primosfilm.chi
Derek Barthel (Alumni) What was your Undergraduate major? Political Science (DePaul University) What was your Graduate program? Master of Arts in Geography & Environmental Studies at NEIU. For my thesis I researched the effects of tourism on deforestation in the National Park system of Colombia. What are you doing now? I am an Account Manager with Esri on the State & Local Government team. I work with cities and counties in Illinois and Michigan to provide GIS-based solutions to common governmental tasks (parcel mapping, snow removal, road management, etc.) What do you remember most about your time at NEIU? The faculty of the G&ES department was (and is) wonderfully supportive and so well-rounded. What is a word of advice for current students? Take Dr. Grammenos’s Political & Urban Geography courses, no matter what your major is! Anything else that you think is important? I’m on the board of the Geographic Society of Chicago for whom I run a quarterly Geography Trivia event at a sports bar/grill in the Irving Park neighborhood. NEIU students and faculty/staff are always welcome!	Derek and his wife Angelica pictured here near the summit of Huayna Potosí (6,088m / 19,974ft) in Bolivia
Jeremy Raucci What is your current major? I am a junior physics major. What are your career goals? My goal after I graduate is to get accepted into a Ph.D. program. I am interested in many subjects of physics and have gotten the chance to see how research is conducted. I have researched atmospheric science with Dr. Gregory Anderson and this summer I will be collaborating with Fermilab to research dark matter with Dr. Orin Harris. I am still not sure what part of physics I want to focus on in graduate school but I enjoyed classes like astrophysics, optics, modern physics, and computing for scientists. What do you like about NEIU so far? What I like most about NEIU is the STEM department. My whole experience with the classes and professors has been very good. The class size is smaller for most classes, which means a more hands-on learning environment. Every professor I've had has been very passionate about teaching and very willing to help and ask questions. There are many opportunities for students to learn about internships and career paths through the SCSE or ARCOS events. I also like how the amount of opportunities has grown since when I first came here. It seems like there are more events and clubs around for students to engage in extracurricular activities. One club I do is the Volleyball Club. We have a game against UIC this Friday on the 29th so come and watch. Anything fun/interesting that we should know about you? I am a pretty good bowler. I've been bowling for a couple of years now and my best game is 278. Another fun fact, I have a fat cat.
Andrea Ramirez My name is Andrea Ramirez, and I'm on the edge of completing my journey as an MA student in Latin American Literature and Culture. This May marks the culmination of my master's degree, and I couldn't be more grateful for my time at NEIU. When I stepped into the World Language Department, I was enveloped in a supportive community dedicated to helping me achieve my academic aspirations. Throughout my tenure as a master's student, I've had the privilege of participating in the graduate assistant program, where I've been able to contribute to the Language Lab and lead initiatives like Tertulias then Hablemos de todo un poco. These projects have fostered informal yet engaging Spanish conversations among Northeastern students and the wider community. By tackling contemporary issues within a welcoming atmosphere, we've encouraged Spanish practice and delved into the rich tapestry of Latin American culture. This endeavor has been deeply personal, as I understand firsthand the challenges of mastering a second language. Thus, our project aims to provide a space where both native speakers and learners alike can come together to enhance their Spanish skills in a supportive environment. It's been a dream come true to see this vision materialize, and I'm proud to have fostered linguistic and cultural exchange within our community. Being a student at NEIU has not only enabled me to pursue my academic aspirations but has also done so at a more affordable cost compared to other universities. As I approach the completion of my master's degree, I find myself driven to seek out new academic endeavors, with the hope of embarking on a Ph.D. journey next year. Being the first among my five siblings to attain a university degree fills me with immense pride. However, this achievement wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of my family. Pedro, Juan, and Rebeca Ramirez, their encouragement and belief in my abilities have been instrumental in reaching this significant milestone. Education holds great significance in my life, and I firmly believe that it knows no bounds of age. What truly matters is one's persistence and attitude towards learning. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the World Language Department for being an integral part of my journey as a master’s student in Latin American Literature and Culture.
Muna Aden What do you study at NEIU? I'm majoring in biology right now. What are your career goals? My career goal is to pursue something in biotech or biopharmaceuticals. What do you like most about NEIU? What I like best about NEIU so far is the manageable class sizes, which allow you to feel like you can get to know your professors and even ask for help. I also appreciate how supportive all of the professors are. You can tell they genuinely care about each and every one of their students. Additionally, I adore how the campus seems in the fall with all of the leaves falling; it's really quite lovely. Any sort of fun/interesting thing that we should know about you? Something interesting about me is that I enjoy painting since it brings me happiness. I also enjoy occasionally writing poems. Something I want to convey is that joining a trio was the best thing I did in college. I feel that the program has helped me so much, and I often recommend it to others, especially first-generation students like myself.
Cassandra Ceballos (ALUMNI) What did you study at NEIU? I received a BS in Biology in 2014 and a MS in Biology in 2022 What are you doing now? After graduating from NEIU in August 2022, I joined the Center for Limnology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a PhD student in the Freshwater and Marine Sciences program. This past summer I conducted fieldwork on a lake outside of Madison, WI to determine the ecological impacts of rising water levels. Most of my efforts are focused on expanding my knowledge of inland waters to develop research questions for my dissertation project. What do you remember most about your time at NEIU? One of the best things about NEIU is the incredible community that it offers. The strong unity among students and faculty fosters a sense of belonging regardless of your background or your motivations for being in school. Even after graduating, I still feel very much a part of the community and value the long-lasting friendships and professional relationships that I built as a student at NEIU. What is a word of advice for current students? The biggest piece of advice I can offer to current students is to enjoy the experience of higher education. Take in the moments, meet new people, and discover more about yourself. I think many students feel tied down to a particular timeline when navigating through college. The pressure of racking up credits in a certain amount of time can make it difficult to enjoy the process of obtaining your degree. Even when you have meticulously planned out the path you want to take, life happens and can steer you off course. While it is our first instinct to get back onto the path we have planned for, there is value in being thrown off course. There are opportunities to find something useful, life changing, or clarifying on that path.