College of Arts and Sciences

Assistant Professor in Social Psychology

David Nissim-Sabat — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 20:12:46 +0000

Assistant Professor in Social Psychology

David Nissim-Sabat Thu, 02/13/2025 - 14:12

Tenure Track Position for an Assistant Professor in Social Psychology

NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, Department of Psychology invites applications for a tenure track position for an Assistant Professor in Social Psychology (Ph.D. required upon appointment). Our department promotes excellence in both teaching and research and has a curriculum that reflects those priorities. The successful candidate is expected to maintain a research program in Social Psychology that involves undergraduate and MA students. We are looking for candidates with research interests in any area of Social Psychology. Preference will be given to those focusing on topics such as prejudice and discrimination, intergroup relations, interpersonal relationships, culture, forensic psychology, as well as the study of race, and gender. The successful applicant is expected to teach courses such as introductory social psychology, laboratory in social psychology, undergraduate and MA-level capstone and thesis projects, and other elective courses. Applicants may also have opportunities to develop courses in their area of expertise and to teach in affiliated departments such as Latina/o and Latin American Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies, and African and African American Studies. They should expect to mentor both undergraduate and graduate students as well as to contribute to service in departmental, university and community activities. Salary range: $62,000 - $68,000.

View Employee Benefits

Please submit the following to: M. Takahashi, PhD (m-takahashi@neiu.edu), Department of Psychology, NEIU, Chicago, 60625. For more info go to our website

letter of application,
statement of teaching philosophy and research program,
CV,
evidence of teaching effectiveness,
3 letters of recommendation,
2-3 representative and recent publications, and
a copy of your most recent transcript

Review of applications begins 3/25/25.

91Porn is a comprehensive state university of over 7,000 students located on a 67-acre campus in a residential neighborhood on the northwest side of Chicago. Along with quality academic programming consistent with the University’s mission of excellence and access, the University is known for support of the fine arts, global education opportunities for students, a strong track record in external grant funding, and leadership in teacher preparation and education. Northeastern is nationally recognized as one of the two institutions with the most ethnically diverse student body in the Midwest and is a designated
Hispanic Serving Institution.

In addition, the University has outreach centers in the metropolitan area: The Center for Inner City Studies addresses educational needs in the African-American community on the south side of Chicago, El Centro provides educational opportunities in the Hispanic community on the northwest side of Chicago, and the Chicago Teachers’ Center is actively engaged in Chicago
public school reform. NEIU is an AA/EOE.

Administrative

David Nissim-Sabat — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:52:11 +0000

Administrative

David Nissim-Sabat Fri, 01/10/2025 - 14:52

Administrative Resources

The following is a list of essential resources and information for faculty, staff, and the community.

CAS Resources

Additional Faculty Resources

CAS Alumni Stories

David Nissim-Sabat — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 19:57:11 +0000

CAS Alumni Stories

David Nissim-Sabat Fri, 01/10/2025 - 13:57

Alumni of the College of Arts and Sciences at 91Porn (NEIU) are a source of immense pride and inspiration for the university community. Their achievements reflect the transformative education and diverse opportunities the college provides. These graduates excel in various fields from the arts, business, healthcare, law, public service, scientific research and beyond, demonstrating the versatility of a liberal arts and sciences education.

The College celebrates its alumni’s successes through recognition initiatives and fostering a lifelong connection with NEIU. Their ongoing contributions to their communities and professions embody the University's mission to empower individuals to graduate with the skills and knowledge to effectively participate and lead in personal, professional and civic realms.

The College (CAS)

David Nissim-Sabat — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 19:48:25 +0000

The College (CAS)

David Nissim-Sabat Fri, 01/10/2025 - 13:48

The College of Arts and Sciences at 91Porn (NEIU) is the largest academic unit at the University, offering a wide range of programs across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. It provides students with a well-rounded education, fostering critical thinking, creativity and a commitment to lifelong learning.

With diverse degree options and opportunities for hands-on research, internships and community engagement, the College prepares students to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to society. Its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and cultural awareness reflects NEIU’s mission to serve its diverse and dynamic student body.

Career Readiness

David Nissim-Sabat — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 19:43:14 +0000

Career Readiness

David Nissim-Sabat Fri, 01/10/2025 - 13:43

Career readiness is a crucial focus for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), as it bridges the gap between academic learning and professional success. Students in the College gain critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across industries. By emphasizing career preparation, the College of Arts and Sciences empowers students to navigate diverse career paths confidently, adapt to evolving job markets, and make meaningful contributions to their fields and communities.

Student Resources

David Nissim-Sabat — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 19:33:15 +0000

Student Resources

David Nissim-Sabat Fri, 01/10/2025 - 13:33

Student resources at 91Porn (NEIU) play a vital role in fostering academic success, personal growth and community engagement. These resources are designed to support the diverse needs of NEIU’s student population, empowering them to achieve their educational and career goals.

Key services like academic advising, tutoring, career development and mental health counseling ensure students receive personalized support throughout their journey. NEIU also emphasizes inclusivity through cultural centers, disability services, and programs for first-generation and minority students.

Career Pathways

David Nissim-Sabat — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:10:04 +0000

Career Pathways

David Nissim-Sabat Thu, 06/20/2024 - 13:10

Lawyer

Description: Lawyers may write up legal documents, craft legal arguments, interpret laws, gather evidence, research legal or factual issues, meet and hear from clients, advise clients about their legal interests, represent clients in court, work with other lawyers on large projects, settle contract disputes, find and manage witnesses, etc.

Median Salary: $145,760 per year (May 2023)

Core Competencies: Critical thinking and problem-solving, Ethical reasoning and decision-making, Oral and written communication, Teamwork and leadership, Technological fluency and information literacy.

Undergraduate Majors/Minors: Any, but most often: Philosophy, Justice Studies, Political Science, English, History, Communications.

Graduate Program / Degree: Law School / Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Certifications: Prospective lawyers take a licensing exam, called the “Bar Exam.”

Resources :

Licensed Counselor/Therapist

Description: Assess clients to identify their emotional, behavioral, and psychological needs, Ask questions that encourage clients to discuss their emotions and experiences, Help clients process their reactions and adjust to difficult changes, Create a treatment plan that helps clients develop coping strategies and decision-making skills, Refer clients to other specialists, resources, or services in the community, Complete and maintain confidential files and records

Median Salary: $85,330 per year (2022)

Skills/Core Competencies: Experimentation, data collection and analysis, Critical thinking and problem-solving, Ethical reasoning and decision-making, Oral and written communication, Active community participation and engaging a diverse community, Teamwork and leadership, Self-awareness and self-improvement

Undergraduate Majors/Minors: Psychology or related field

Graduate Program: Counseling, Social Work, Psychology

Certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

Resources:

Museum Curator / Conservator / Archivist

Description: Museum Curators and Directors acquire items for the museum and are in charge of which things are stored or displayed in a museum, and how. Archivists are often specialists in appraising and maintaining items and materials. Conservators and Technicians prepare and restore items

Median Salary: $60,000

Core Competencies: Experimentation, data collection and analysis, Critical thinking and problem-solving, Ethical reasoning and decision-making, Oral and written communication, Active community participation and engaging a diverse community, Teamwork and leadership, Technological fluency and information literacy

Undergraduate Programs: Anthropology, Art, History, Philosophy

Graduate Program: Museum Studies, History, Library Science, Art History, Archival Studies, Archaeology, Political Science, or Public Administration.

Certifications: The Academy of Certified Archivists offers the Certified Archivist credential (optional).

Resources:

Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers

Featured CAS Majors

David Nissim-Sabat — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 17:51:14 +0000

Featured CAS Majors

David Nissim-Sabat Fri, 06/14/2024 - 12:51

Why Everyone Should Take a Philosophy Class

Philosophy classes teach you skills that lots of careers use, but your other classes might not focus on. They’re like a workout for your brain--they’ll make you better at lots of things

If you want to be a more...

Critical Thinker
Creative Thinker
Ethical Reasoner
Effective Communicator
Strong Writer
Inclusive Community Builder
Self-Aware & Reflective Individual

What is earth science?

Earth Science is a fascinating field that delves into the science of our planet Earth. If you’re curious about environmental changes over geological time scales, natural hazards, freshwater systems, atmospheric science, climate change and paleoclimate variability, surface processes, mountain building, oceans, rocks, fossils, and the intricate connections between Earth’s physio-bio-geo-chemical conditions and the evolution of life, then majoring in Earth Science might be an excellent choice!

Who can major in Earth Science?

Students who are interested in how the earth works.
Students who want to participate in innovative research that impacts society.
Students who like to apply math, science, and computer skills to complex problems.
Students who want to develop confidence and proficiency in problem-solving, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and the application of technology.
Students who want to experience a wide variety of work settings, from field sampling and data logging to creating forecast models and writing scientific reports to collaborations with industry and policymakers.
Students who desire a challenging and rewarding career. (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 14% growth in geoscience jobs by 2026, surpassing the national average for all occupations.)

What is geography?

Geography is more than maps and map making. Modern Geography is a fundamental field that explores and critically examines spatial relationships through human, environmental, and technological lenses. As one of the earliest disciplines and often called the “mother of all sciences,” Geography is an essential aspect of a holistic and interdisciplinary liberal arts education. It has evolved into a highly relevant field that informs our understanding of complex human-environment interactions. At 91Porn, our Geography program offers targeted, career-centered pathways both at the undergraduate and graduate levels in these focus areas:

Urban Geography
Regional International Studies
Geographic Information Science (GIS)

Career readiness:

Graduates from our Geography and GIS programs are highly skilled, interdisciplinary problem-solvers with an edge over other generally-trained applicants because of their finely-tuned GIS skills and field-based studies within the Chicago metropolitan area. Our graduates leave with the following skills:

Highly technical, advanced, and applied GIS skills (this is where most of our scholars excel as applicants).
Nuanced and complex problem-solving skills sitting at the intersection of natural and social sciences.
The ability to communicate in interdisciplinary settings, discourses, and scholarship.
An understanding of the world through the lens of scale (local to the international)
Established professional networks through service-learning projects integrated into our curriculum.
The ability to critically engage in the various (cultural, economic, political, environmental, spatial) ways of contextualizing human-environment interactions.

Alumni and Student Highlights

David Nissim-Sabat — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 17:33:19 +0000

Alumni and Student Highlights

David Nissim-Sabat Fri, 06/14/2024 - 12:33

Renee Bracey Sherman Psychology Major, Sociology Minor NEIU alum Renee Bracey Sherman is a renowned reproductive justice activist, abortion storyteller, and writer. She is the founder of We Testify, an organization dedicated to supporting people from all walks of life who share their abortion stories and to shifting the public perception surrounding abortion access. She is also an executive producer of Ours to Tell, an award-winning documentary; a co-author of an upcoming book, LIBERATING ABORTION: Claiming Our History, Sharing Our Stories, and Building the Reproductive Future We Deserve; and a co-host of the podcast The A Files: A Secret History of Abortion from The Meteor. With a resume like that, it's no surprise that Renee would be outspoken in today's volatile political climate. In late July, she authored an article for Teen Vogue detailing her take on the Republican National Convention. Specifically, she targeted JD Vance and his opinions about women and people of color, titling her article, "JD Vance Doesn't Want All Women to Be Trad Wives, Just White Women." Renee dove in to Vance's platform, revealing the unsettling truths of the Republican party's vision for America: one where white women are subservient to their husbands, and women of color are exploited to uphold the "traditional" American family. Read Renee's article or learn more about her.
Ed Remus Undergraduate Education In 2008 I received a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My second major was Philosophy. Graduate Education In 2010 I received a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In 2019 I received a Master of Arts in History from 91Porn. Current Position Social Sciences Librarian at the Ronald Williams Library at NEIU How did the history MA program prepare you for your job? As a member of the NEIU Libraries faculty, my job consists of teaching, research, and service. The History MA program prepared me to excel in each of these areas. My job involves teaching history students how to conduct their primary and secondary source research. I serve not only undergraduate and graduate History students at NEIU but Chicago-area junior high and high school Chicago Metro History Day contestants as well. I have even assisted some NEIU History faculty members with their research! The intensive primary and secondary source research I conducted as a student in the History MA program prepared me to provide this expert-level research training and assistance to historians at each of these levels. Another part of my teaching role involves partnering with NEIU faculty to organize panel discussions of controversial topics featuring scholars with differing political points of view. In collaboration with History faculty and students, I’ve organized viewpoint-diverse panels on topics ranging from political realignment and the political status of Puerto Rico to abortion law and the Second Amendment. I was able to curate these discussions thanks in large part to the broad range of ideological viewpoints to which I was exposed in the History MA program; this exposure began with Professor Mateo Farzaneh’s historiography course, the first class I took in the program.A second area of my job involves conducting scholarly research. My research has focused in part on the history of socialism in the United States. I put my secondary source research skills to the test by writing a bibliographic essay (in parts one and two) on the historiography of the Socialist Party of America during the lifetime of Eugene Debs. What began as a four-page paper proposal for Professor Francesca Morgan’s “Readings on Nineteenth Century America” class in 2017 eventually grew into a 15,000-word essay published in Choice! Likewise, I drew on the primary-source research I conducted for Professor Joshua Salzmann’s 2019 seminar in twentieth century American history to deliver two academic conference presentations, one on an abortive, late-1960s attempt to re-found a mass socialist party in the United States and the other on one particular socialist organization, Social Democrats, USA, that emerged from the dissolution of the Socialist Party of America in 1972-73. My research on this latter topic will be published as an article in the forthcoming (third) edition of the Encyclopedia of the American Left. Finally, I honed my ability to analyze texts in the Marxist tradition while completing an independent study with Professor Charles Steinwedel. I deployed these analytical skills during a 2021 conference presentation addressing how three thinkers within the American Trotskyist tradition approached the issue of civil liberties. A third part of my job involves serving on committees of librarians dedicated to defending intellectual freedom at the state and national levels. On these committees, we frequently discuss situations in which an individual or organization finds a library’s materials or programs to be objectionable on moral and/or political grounds and attempts to have said materials or programs removed from the library. Over the past decade, such challenges to library materials and programs have come from both politically conservative and politically progressive directions, with challengers in each case arguing that removing certain library materials or programs would serve the interests of “the community” or “the people.” Thanks to the historical perspective I gained in the History MA program, I have been able to theorize these conflicts as recent iterations of a longer-standing tension between liberty, on the one hand, and democracy, on the other. This historical framing has bolstered my ability—and, I hope, the ability of my fellow librarians—to publicly defend our profession’s core value of intellectual freedom, grounded as it is in liberty. What do you enjoy about your job? Conducting scholarly research is a little bit like solving a puzzle. It provides a similar feeling of satisfaction at the end. Research is also an intensely collaborative process. Oftentimes the most difficult part is discerning what you really want to know. I enjoy working with students and faculty to help them figure out what they need to find and working with them to find it. I also enjoy conducting my own research, so much of which has stemmed in one way or another from the education I received during the History MA program.
Stephen Tallackson & Judith Mendelsohn Tallackson What did your educational paths look like? When we were attending NEIU in its first four years [at the present campus] from 1961 to 1965 when it was Chicago Teacher’s College North (CTCN), every student was only being prepared to be elementary or high school teachers. Consequently, EVERY student had Education as their Minor and then picked a non-Education Major. In the early and mid-1960's, this was considered an educational innovation when other teacher preparation programs at other colleges had students major in Education. Judi’s degrees: B.A. in music history with a minor in education from CTCN (NEIU); M.A. in reading from Roosevelt University; M.A. in English as a second language (ESL) from Indiana University Northwest. Steve’s degrees: B.A. in history with a minor in education from CTCN (NEIU); M.A. (and ABD) in history from the University of Chicago. What are you doing now? Judi: After being an elementary school teacher in the Chicago Public Schools from 1966 to 2003, Judi has been involved in a number of volunteer activities. She does programming for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients at an Adult Day Care Center in Valparaiso, Indiana once a week. She delivers Meals on Wheels to shut-ins once a week. Finally, she volunteers twice a month at a local food pantry. She has done babysitting for our three grandchildren (who are now 17, 12 and 9) when they were very young. Steve: After teaching U.S., Modern World, and African History, and being an Academic Advisor for History, Social Studies Teaching, and Political Science majors for 10 years at Purdue University Northwest (both Hammond and Westville campuses) from 1991 to 2022, I have been an Adjunct Instructor teaching a two-semester sequence in African History at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Both Judi and I have been Board members at Temple Israel in Gary, Indiana for a number of years. I have been the Co-Chair of the Social Action Committee of Temple Israel for the last decade helping organize various multi-racial and interreligious activities. What do you remember about your time at CTCN (NEIU)? Steve: - CTCN only had 2,100 students when we were there in the early and mid-1960's. A good aspect of being a "small" school, you felt you got to know a lot of the students, despite the fact that we were a commuter school and a lot of students left after their last class to go to part-time jobs. - Because we were solely a teachers college, preparing us for a female dominated profession, 80% of CTCN's student body were women. The early and mid-160's was still a decade before Title IX and its requirements for female inter-collegiate sports. Consequently, CTCN had NO inter-collegiate sports against other schools. We had no football, basketball, or any other games to go to, unlike our friends who went to other colleges. - I was fortunate to have Professor June Sochen as the instructor in several of my history courses and she showed me how the study and teaching of history could be stimulating and challenging. Judi: - I remember Professor Harold Berlinger, who taught many of my Music History courses and who was a great professor. - The gym was not finished, so we had a lot of non-athletic choices to meet our physical education requirements. I took Bridge and I still play twice a month. Do you have any advice for current students? Steve: Be prepared for multiple careers. Unlike Judi, who had one employer in her career, after my first college teaching job was eliminated, I worked in city and federal government jobs for around 20 years, before returning to college teaching in my 40's (part-time) and 50's (full-time). Is there anything else we should know about you? We have two sons in their 50's. After our last child graduated from college in 1997, and we had no more tuitions to pay, we have been fortunate to go on overseas trips nearly every year. We have been to the vast majority of European countries, Africa three times, Asia twice and South America once. Also, we graduated together in December, 1965 from CTCN and got married in August, 1966. We have lived in first Miller Beach and now Ogden Dunes in Northwest Indiana since 1973. We celebrated our 58th wedding anniversary this year.
Sonia Hussain What is your educational background? I received my Bachelor of Arts in English with Honors at 91Porn in May of 2020 and my Masters of Science in Higher Administration and Policy from Northwestern University in August of 2021. What are you doing now? I am the Assistant Director of the Chicago Field Studies (CFS) Program, which is within the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University. The CFS Program is an academic internship program where undergraduate students intern with various companies or organizations for up to 25+ hours a week. While students engage in their internships and contribute to project goals, they also attend a CFS course in the evening that aligns with their interests. In the CFS course students reflect on, discuss, and debate workplace issues that count toward their degree requirements. The CFS program helps students advance both academically and professionally! In my role, I provide internship and career advising support to students in the CFS program which includes assisting them with interview preparation, resume development, job searches and much more! I also work on maintaining professional relationships with our employer partners and work on developing new partnerships. I offer valuable insights and strategies to both students and employers, ensuring the program's continued success. What are your best memories from NEIU? One of my favorite memories from NEIU is participating in the University Honors Program (UHP). This experience was invaluable as it helped me discover qualities and strengths I didn’t know I had. The UHP provided a supportive yet challenging academic environment that encouraged my learning and growth. Through the program, I grew intellectually, gained practical experience, worked on a thesis, developed professional relationships with faculty members, presented at conferences, published my research, and much more. I had the opportunity to work on an honors thesis titled “First-Year Students in Summer Bridge: Improving Academic and Mathematical Success” alongside Dr. Francisco X. Gaytan, the Associate Provost for Student Success and Retention. I also presented my research during a 45-minute session at the 39th Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience in Washington, D.C. Completing a thesis and presenting at a major conference not only helped me gain admission to my graduate program at Northwestern University but also impressed potential employers during my job search. The UHP is a fantastic program at NEIU, and I highly recommend that students apply! Do you have any advice for current students? My best advice for current students is to understand that many career paths are not linear. Your experiences and involvement will help you discover your passions and interests, guiding you toward your long-term career. Everyone's journey is unique in its own way, so try to make the most out of your various experiences. Take advantage of the numerous resources available at NEIU; participate in internships, gain work experience, join the University Honors Program, present your work at conferences, and meet with your professors during office hours to build mentoring relationships. The more you get involved, gain experiences, and develop professional relationships, the better you will be at finding and achieving your dream career path. Is there anything else you'd like to share? Never allow challenges and set-backs to discourage you from achieving your dreams. Rejection is only redirection!
Diana Huizar M.S. Political Science What was your undergraduate degree? I earned a B.A. in Politics and Government from North Park University. What are you doing now? I serve as a Public Relations Specialist for the Secretary to the Board of Commissioners and the Forest Preserves of Cook County Government. In this role, I manage public-facing and inter-governmental communications, promote transparency and support fostering positive relationships between the county government and its constituents. Additionally, I collaborate with our archives team to find ways in which we can highlight and share valuable and interesting history with our constituents and beyond. As a volunteer, I currently serve as a medical advocate for Our Resilience, a sexual assault crisis center, offering medical, legal, and mental health resources to survivors. Additionally, I am an Illinois Master Naturalist Intern, I work on various projects throughout the Forest Preserves to restore protected natural areas such as prairies and woodlands. What did you like about your time at NEIU? When I started at NEIU, it was during the tail end of COVID. We still had to wear masks in class and sit apart from each other, which made normal interactions with students challenging to cultivate. I was initially worried about making others feel uncomfortable, as I wasn’t sure how people had been impacted by COVID or how safe they felt on campus. To overcome this, I decided to get more involved on campus and as result, I started working on campus as a tutor at the Learning Success Center and as an intern at IRAD in the library’s lower level. My time there allowed me to connect with many students, faculty, and community members. Through these experiences I have walked away with many beautiful friendships which I continue to nurture and consider a privilege to carry with me into the future. Tapping into the community at school completely transformed my experience there for the better and having that additional support system, and guaranteed laughs here and there was amazing during what was a very stressful time for me. Do you have any advice for current students? Inevitably, being a student comes with many stressors many times they are compounded, such as financial, mental, emotional, etc. It is very hard to balance school work with family, work, and other commitments you may have. You are not alone, many people around you are in that same boat. I encourage students to find faculty and other students to lean on, there are some absolutely incredible people on campus that genuinely care about students' well-being (I can attest to this!!). Identify those people who greet you with a smile, that are happy to see you and are investing in you, get to know them and cultivate those relationships. NEIU is so diverse in many ways, there are people there with great life stories and experience, tap into that! If you find yourself struggling, ask someone for help, help is always there! Finally, a mandatory shoutout: the Learning Success Center is pretty great! They offer free tutoring to all students and are flexible with remote participation, all the tutors are also students (and they are pretty cool folks).
Dr. Dustin De Felice What degrees did you earn at NEIU? In 2003, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in what used to be Speech Communication (major) with minors in Spanish and Linguistics/Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). I also earned my Master of Arts in Linguistics with a concentration in TESL in 2005. What are you doing now? I’m the Director of the English Language Center at Michigan State University. I’m also an Associate Professor and affiliate faculty member for numerous departments and programs. I spend most of my days supporting faculty and staff in helping students succeed in their language journeys. The rest of my time is spent engaging with university and external partners in meeting their goals and aspirations. What did you like about your time at NEIU? When I started at NEIU, the campus was still a commuter college. I lived in the Galewood neighborhood in Chicago, so I took two buses there and back. (No worries if you’ve never heard of it. Most Chicagoans haven’t!) That meant long days on campus where I quickly learned how easy it was to engage in clubs, program activities, and on-campus functions each day. By the time I left I had participated in hundreds of events, multiple clubs like the Sociology Club, and the Stage Center. I even auditioned for several shows and was successfully cast. I have so many good memories of my time on stage, but my real joy came from the amazing faculty members I had in so many classes. It started with Dr. Bevington’s history of the English language and continued with Dr. Pedroso’s Spanish 101. At one point I took an intro to Linguistics with Dr. Hallett. At the end of that course, he mentioned that he thought I should consider pursuing a Linguistics minor. He was the first of many professors who inspired and supported me throughout my educational journey at NEIU. In fact, Dr. Hallett would not only serve as my thesis chair, but he would also join my doctoral committee and help me reach that career milestone. While I initially thought I was going to pursue an English degree, I quickly found out how much I loved languages and communication and never looked back. Do you have any advice for current students? When I look back on my time at NEIU, I often think about one class I had with Dr. Rizik in Philosophy. It was arguably the most difficult class I had, and I didn’t do well by the time it finished. Since it was my second semester, it really weighed on me. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had just let it go and saved myself the anxiety and worry. That one class obviously had very little impact on my career path, so my advice to current students is to focus on the courses you love, engage with the professors who share your passions, and enjoy all that comes with being a student. Is there anything else that you think is important that we haven't asked? NEIU has played an important role in my family’s history because my mother and father not only graduated from Northeastern (Lois, a BA in Music, Secondary Ed. and Wayne, a BA in History, Secondary Ed., classes of 1971 and 1972, respectively), but they met there as well in the summer of 1968. Being a second generation NEIU grad is something I am very proud of. I even had class with two professors that taught my parents. In that same semester with Dr. Rizik, I had world history with Dr. Barber who was a professor for both my parents. In my second year, I was lucky enough to take a music appreciation course with Dr. Anderson who taught my mom in multiple courses. I was so impressed with his teaching philosophy that I incorporated it into my own many years later. I’d also like to mention the role NEIU played in supporting me as a veteran. In 1994, I would leave Illinois to spend four years floating on U.S. Coast Guard Cutters throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean. Upon completion of my service, I would return to Illinois as a veteran and pursue an education at NEIU thanks to the funding I received from the Veterans Service program at NEIU under Tom Earth’s leadership and the financial support of the Illinois Veteran's Grant and the Montgomery G.I. Bill. As I tell everyone I meet, I’d already have NEIU tattooed on my arm if I weren’t afraid of needles. Northeastern, especially the Department of Linguistics, has provided me with a top-notch education, a chance to develop into a professional and an opportunity to excel in life. I find it very hard to adequately explain the influence Northeastern has had on my life, and I am only able to provide a simple thank you to each and every faculty and staff member who took the time, energy and dedication to provide for the education I received and continue to receive.
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.

Faculty and Staff Highlights

David Nissim-Sabat — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 16:54:43 +0000

Faculty and Staff Highlights

David Nissim-Sabat Fri, 06/14/2024 - 11:54

Dr. Scott Hegerty Chair of Anthropology, Economics, Geography & Environmental Studies, Global Studies, and Philosophy What kinds of research are you doing? Right now I am doing a lot of joint projects with colleagues, where I mainly do the statistics. Most of this is with the Warsaw School of Economics—I just got added to a grant where we examine how being part of a geographic cluster affects firm performance—but I'm also looking at trade and CO2 emissions with a colleague from Romania. On my own, I have a few projects in Urban Geography. The big one lately looks at whether ethnic diversity changes sharply at urban-suburban borders. What is your favorite thing about NEIU? Definitely the fact that we have such a big impact on people's lives. A college degree—or even just one class—can change not only someone's earning power, but also their view of the world. Plus, everyone is super interesting, and I get to hear about their businesses, side hustles, or YouTube discographies. What are your hobbies? I'm a musician, and used to play bass in bands. I was in a Gospel Choir in Milwaukee for years, and we would go on bus tours to small towns across Wisconsin(!). I play guitar and drums as well. Right now I write songs to get a laugh out of people and have smuggled a guitar into BBH. I also read a lot of weird sci-fi when I get the chance. Why did you decide to work in an academic environment? I originally thought I was going to work for the Federal Government, and wound up interviewing at a few places around D.C. It got weird—at one point a bunch of applicants were taking the psych eval in a computer lab (I passed!) and since I got done pretty quickly I wound up helping some others understand the questions. That whole experience helped me realize I'd rather be in the classroom.
Dr. Steve Frankel Biology What is your educational history? I got my Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My thesis was in plant chemical ecology with research in the rainforests of Panama. What are your research interests? My research focus at NEIU has been on prairie ecology focusing on the impacts of fire on the prairie ecosystem. What do you do at NEIU and beyond? I am a Senior Instructor in Biology. My teaching focus is ecology and plant biology. In addition to General Ecology, I also teach Local Flora and Economic Botany with the goal of getting students to better appreciate our local habitats and the world of plants. I am involved in the maintenance of the campus natural landscaping, including running the prescribed fires of the prairie and swamp white oak savannah. I am also a member of the Tree Campus USA committee and the management team for the Gensberg-Markham Prairie. I work with the University Professionals of Illinois and the Illinois Federation of Teachers to increase the investment in and support of public higher education in the state. What are your hobbies? My hobbies include running, gardening, brewing beer and mead, hiking, and camping. What is your favorite thing about NEIU? The thing I most value about NEIU is the opportunity it offers to our students. I see so many students who have work, family, and financial obligations that would overwhelm most people, yet they still do outstanding work in the classroom and are setting themselves up for a better future. I feel like NEIU understands the challenge our students face and all of us here support them and their goals.
Dr. Denise Cloonan Cortez World Languages and Cultures What are your res I have been at NEIU since 1997. I am currently chair of World Languages and Cultures, ELP, SAELL and TESOL as well as coordinator of the Peace Corps Prep Certificate Program. I am a Romance Linguist with interests in dialectology of Spanish and regional literature with eye dialect: literatura campesina y literatura minera. In grad school, I was pursuing a Ph.D. in literature and began taking linguistics courses to complement my literary analyses, and then decided to switch to a linguistics Ph.D. and so I am able to blend both fields together--my dissertation was an empirical study involving 350 students and I analyzed how their cultural background influenced their reading comprehension and interpretation in Spanish. What is your favorite thing about NEIU? My favorite thing about NEIU are the students. We have such interesting students who are eager to learn and it is rewarding to see the impact that our graduates make in the community. Many of our undergraduates come back for our grad programs and that is a testament to us and the work that we all do here. Working at NEIU is a labor of love; I have seen NEIU change dramatically over the last 27 years and I have adapted to those changes. We are in a good place right now with strong leadership, but we still need to put in a lot of effort and I like to believe that I positively contribute to the well-being of our community here. What are your hobbies? I love all animals! I adopt as many rescue animals as I can. I have one TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release Program) cat (the ones with the notch on their ear) and two rescue dogs. However, apart from the domesticated animals, I love the great apes. I am a strong advocate for their protection from human intervention/habitat loss. Orangutans are my favorite and I have promised myself that I will take a trip to Borneo to see the orangutans in sanctuary. I sponsor one orangutan, named Kopral, in Borneo on a sanctuary island and I sponsor two chimpanzees, Kareem and Gracie, in Georgia under the care of Project Chimps. I probably should have become a primatologist. I proudly carry my green BOS (Borneo Orangutan Survival) Foundation water bottle to all NEIU meetings. A word of warning from my (loving?) son: "Don't let my mom trap you in a conversation about the apes, you'll be sorry!"
Tim Barnett English Why did you choose English? I study language, writing especially, because I think it is the most powerful force in the world. I love to see people expand their voices and to look at language and themselves in new ways. NEIU has been a great place for this kind of work because of its diversity and the unique voices our students bring to the world. I have learned more than I ever expected from them and from the great faculty and staff at our university. What do you like about NEIU? I’ve been extremely lucky to be in a tenured position at NEIU. Tenure provides a lot of freedom to think and to explore the relationships between ideas and actions; it’s given me the opportunity to try—and both succeed and fail at—many different sorts of projects and initiatives over my 27 years as a professor. It is one of the things all academics should have to guarantee academic independence. What part of your work are you most proud of? Three of the things I am most proud of are working with the Prison+Neighborhood Arts/Education Project and Erica Meiners to bring a college degree program to Stateville Prison, helping to lead our faculty/staff union, and working in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Those experiences have reinforced for me the idea that education needs to be responsive to politics and social inequities. They have helped me think of schools as places for individual growth (however individual students might define that term) and as places to imagine and initiate social change, even as we also help students find the careers they need to make it in the world as it exists today. We know, though, that we don't have to settle for the world as it is, and that keeps our work exciting.
Dr. Chris Merchant Psychology What are your research interests? My research interests—like the wind—are ever-changing. At the moment, I am working on a study about people’s relationship to their religious/spiritual texts and their beliefs about climate change, supernatural causation, and other socio-political issues. This came from my previous research interests in identity development and social media engagement, which was subsequent to my graduate research training in suicide intervention among adolescents. What is your favorite thing about NEIU? The world we live in is constantly picking on people. I love that working here offers me a chance to help those people stand up for themselves. From incarcerated students, to undocumented students; Black, Latinx, disabled, queer, Palestinian, neurodivergent, and all of the working-class students. Being here lets me work and be in community with them in a way that is important to me. What are your hobbies? Plotting the overthrowing of our oligarchs. Also crafts. I dabble in woodworking, bookbinding, 3d printing, painting, collage... In truth I collect hobbies. I’ve got my eye on linocut printing for 2025. Why did you choose an academic environment? I originally saw myself as working primarily with data, but during graduate school I was required to do a teaching assistantship. Despite being at a larger institution, I found a lot of gratification in working closely with students from time to time. And I fell in love with the look on someone’s face when they get something they had been struggling with.
Adam Goldstein Associate Professor of Theatre What kinds of creative activities are you involved with currently? It's good to be busy! My professional creative life typically involves two main areas, theatre direction and accents & dialects design. Currently as a director, I'm preparing to co-direct alongside collaborator Emilio Williams, an awesome new piece GROWING UP WITH BIG HAIR by Diana Suarez Mucci for Stage Center Theatre's thINKtank Series! This play will be presented onstage at our partner theatre, Bramble Theatre, in Andersonville and will feature a sea of NEIU alumni in a professional setting. Additionally, I'm in casting for TUCK EVERLASTING, the beautiful musical which I'll direct this summer for Actors Training Center in Wilmette. On the accents & dialects front, I have a current design running at Steep Theatre in the haunting play, A SLOW AIR by David Harrower and directed by my good friend and acclaimed director, Robin Witt. That piece runs until March 1! Later that week, I head into rehearsal as the accents & dialects coach for TITANIC, the musical at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire where I previously designed BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, and where in the fall I'll design dialects for CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. What is your favorite thing about NEIU? My favorite thing about NEIU is the tangibility of our community and the ever present opportunity to make a positive impact on layers of both our student lives and our world at large. I love that our students come here taking nothing for granted and ready and willing to attack each day. The relationships built and the learning gleaned at NEIU by both students and faculty alike connect us across years and generations. It's so meaningful to see critical ripple effects of our time in class as our students tackle vital careers in spaces that foster a better world. What are your hobbies? I am an absolute sports junkie overall and most prominently a golf and baseball nut. I love exploring different pockets of our own area via the golf scene as well as planning rockin' golf trips around the world with my tight knit group of friends. Alongside that I'm an active member of the Evanston Baseball and Softball Association Board where one of the greatest experiences of my life throughout the year is having the opportunity to coach my son's local house team and to sit as a fan for his remarkable travel ball team in the summer. Dean Libretti would jump in to point out that I'm proud to be a "championship winning coach" in local tournaments. Sports has connected me to possibly the greatest community of folks I've encountered in a town in which I've lived and have helped to connect my son and I to a common love of competition on the field. Pitchers and catchers report this week, so let's go Cubs! Why did you decide to work in an academic environment? So I tell a story to my acting students on the first day of class most semesters of an encounter that I had in my BFA acting program with a teacher that has forever shaped my life. On our first day in undergrad, my acting teacher, Alexandra Borrie, a true force of nature, was asked why she as a tremendously successful artist chose to teach. She said quite simply and directly that in her view, anyone who is fortunate enough in our field as artists has a duty and an obligation to share their tools and success with upcoming generations. Immediately that day as an eighteen year old, I knew that not only did I want to achieve such success, but that teaching would be an essential goal of my work. Universities and colleges find students at a crucial intersection in life where close mentorship and guidance can forever empower a student. This happened to me via Alexandra and so many other teachers on and off campuses. Her words helped me to see that the destination of training and education was not a destination but rather about the process of forging one's constantly evolving contributions in the continuum of learning that connects us across time. My career is in conversation with Alexandra's career which in turn puts us both in conversation with my students. I take that obligation incredibly seriously as I feel that I've been fortunate enough to achieve certain career milestones and a current body of work that equip me to teach not the "next" generation but emerging artists walking alongside me. Further, I recognize now that the beauty of teaching is not in sharing what you know, but in the exchange from which I learn immensely from my own wonderful students. This connects us not as teacher/student, but rather as peer artists working to generate meaning through art in a complex world. Alexandra's words come with me to work every single day and help me to constantly reignite purpose at the top of every class session.
Dr. Stacey Goguen Philosophy + Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality studies Dr. Goguen is interested in many different research topics, but most revolve around the question: When should we trust what someone tells us? And what should we do when we don't know who or what to trust? Dr. Goguen shared that she first thought about this question when she was in elementary school and got accused of cheating on a test. Even though she hadn’t cheated, she realized there was no way the teacher could know that, so she began thinking, what should the teacher do? Now, Dr. Goguen studies bias, stereotypes, disinformation, and ignorance, but they all come back to questions like: If someone you trust says something you can't believe, what should you do: stop trusting the person, or start believing the incredible? Dr. Goguen was originally planning to specialize in philosophy of physics (because the wave/particle duality and quantum entanglement are “freakin cool and strange”.) Then she discovered social psychology and feminist philosophy, and that changed her life. Dr. Goguen realized that some things she had taken for granted (Do we know our own thoughts and intentions? Do our social identities influence what we know and notice?) might have some wildly different answers than what she had previously assumed to be true. According to Dr. Goguen, her favorite thing about NEIU is that there are so many people here (students, staff, faculty) who genuinely care about contributing to their communities and don't want to settle for what's comfortable and easy--they want to do what's hard and transformative. They want to keep growing and learning. That's a wonderful space to be in. When Dr. Goguen isn’t in front of class or serving on a committee; you might find her playing games (board games, video games, etc.) She can run eight different TTRPG systems! Dr. Goguen also likes learning new recipes to cook, and walking by the river.
David Nissim-Sabat Director of preprofessional advising (Pre-Health & pre-law) David has been instrumental in meeting the needs of students in the CAS who are interested in health and/or the law careers and/or graduate programs. David works with students on a number of areas, including: Assisting students in the application process to professional graduate programs Providing information about the basic requirements and admission procedures for professional graduate programs Assisting students with personal statements Providing opportunities for students to learn more about professional and graduate programs as well as other career options Guiding, monitoring, and assisting students in their academic progress Helping students to succeed in their involvement of activities, workshops, and enrichment experiences. David is actively involved with both the National Association for Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) and the Midwest Association of Pre-Law Advisors (MAPLA). David has also been heavily involved in the CAS Career Readiness Initiative helping to develop and chart career pathways and working to identify core competencies taught across the CAS curriculum. In addition to David’s professional activities, he is also an accomplished photographer and drone pilot. The CAS is lucky to have such a Renaissance person amongst our ranks! You can make an appointment with David by using this link: https://calendly.com/dnissim Also, be sure to check out David’s pre-professional advising webpage which contains a wealth of helpful information.
Dr. Ana Nieves Art + Design department Dr. Nieves, an Associate Professor of Art History in the Art + Design Department, specializes in the art and architecture of the Americas, specifically on the artistic traditions of the Peruvian south coast. Dr. Nieves has taught a number of classes for NEIU ranging from General Education classes (Introduction to Art History) through graduate-level courses offering, specifically a class titled Latin American Literatures and Cultures (taught entirely in Spanish!) for the World Languages and Cultures Department, as part of the MA in Latin American Literatures and Cultures. Dr. Nieves organized a study abroad trip (for NEIU students) to Peru as part of a class on Andean Art and Architecture. Students were able to visit Lima and Cuzco where they were able to explore museums and archaeological sites. Dr. Nieves has regularly conducted research in the South Coast of Peru, where she regularly publishes and presents her work. In fact, Dr. Nieves recently exhibited her work at the Museo Julio C. Tello de Paracas in Paracas, Peru where the exhibit was, in many ways, a culmination of her years of field work in the Nasca and Palpa Valleys, specifically her photographic work through the process of Reflectance Transformation Imaging and photogrammetry. In addition to being an internationally recognized scholar, Dr. Nieves’ work was honored by two NEIU Excellence Awards in research. Relatedly, for many years, Dr. Nieves organized a lecture series that focused on the Art of the Americas, an important series and ever more so for an HSI. Finally, Dr. Nieves has been instrumental in her role as a faculty member on the planning committee for the annual John Albazi Student Research and Creative Activities Symposium, one of the most special days of the academic year for our students, where they are able to showcase their scholarly activities by disseminating their projects with the rest of the NEIU community.
Dr. Joseph Hibdon Jr. Mathematics department Faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences not only excel in the classroom, they also do amazing work related to research and engagement of the community in many different ways. Professor Joseph Hibdon Jr., of the Mathematics Department, is one of our faculty that has an extensive track record of research grants related to student success, and the hits keep coming! Dr. Hibdon was recently awarded a grant from the National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology, where he serves as a Leader on the Outreach and Leadership Team. In his work on this project, Dr. Hibdon will be focusing on how students at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs), just like NEIU, will benefit from the project's mission of creating a collaborative research community to address real world issues through the integration of mathematics and biology. This is just one example of how Dr. Hibdon has connected his research work to the success of our students. A thread that is easily seen throughout his work is a laser sharp focus on students and how he can use his expertise in mathematical modeling in creative ways to support NEIU students. Other recent examples of this include running a workshop for the American Institute of Mathematics on open educational resources related to Quantitative Justice at the California Institute of Technology, and coming in the summer of 2025, he will be leading a Research Experiences for Undergraduates program funded by the National Science Foundation that will provide students paid internships related to Quantitative Justice, in connection with the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute. Throughout his time at NEIU, Dr. Hibdon has filled the roles of Director and Advisor in the Student Center for Science Engagement, as a Principal Investigator on a major National Institutes of Health grant, and as a faculty in the Mathematics department, providing him with an excellent connection to and understanding of our students. The commitment that he routinely shows to the NEIU mission and our students goes far beyond the classroom, and exposes students to the opportunities and pathways that exist for them in the College of Arts and Sciences and beyond. Dr. Hibdon’s work is a prime example of how the disciplinary expertise of CAS faculty is translated into real world success that improves the lives of our students. Way to go Joe!
Dr. Casey Holtschneider Social Work Program Often faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences are doing amazing work that falls under the radar precisely because the College is vast and so many of our faculty are busily engaged in the activities meaningful to them that they do not have time to publicize what they are doing. Professor Casey Holtschneider, a faculty member in the Social Work program, is one such faculty member. Dr. Casey has done an incredible job developing a center for homeless youth outside of the great work she does as a faculty member at NEIU. She always extended an open invitation to visit, and earlier this term, Dean Tim Libretti, and Associate Deans Ken Voglesonger and Amanda DykemaEngblade took a road trip to 549 E. 76th Street to visit the LYTE Collective. What we saw amazed us, exceeding anything we imagined. As we approached the building that resembled a kind of spaceship, staff from the collective (including an NEIU graduate!) were putting up Halloween decorations. Casey came out to greet us and took us on a tour through the warm and welcoming center, explaining to us that LYTE derives from the principle articulated by the human rights leader Václav Havel of Live Your Truth Everywhere. The center is designed to provide any and every young adult impacted by poverty and homelessness with whatever they need without question. Those who enter can help themselves to a meal in the kitchen and dining area, designed to resemble a café, where homeless youth often seek shelter. They can nap, shower, and do laundry. There are lockers for them to store their belongings. There is an art and music studio, a library, a clinic where people can receive medical care, and more. As explained on the LYTE Collective website, “Havel’s ideas call us to end participation in social systems that harm human beings and to instead create alternative systems defined by social justice, dignity and the protection of human rights.” Casey had worked in social service agencies for a decade and was frustrated seeing the harm these systems do to those seeking succor. So she and the other founders in 2014 set out to develop this alternative system whose mission has three key elements: SUPPORT every young adult who contacts us, with whatever they need, for as long as they want us by their side. END harmful systems that cause young people to need our help in the first place. BUILD a more just and equitable world together with all who aspire to do better by young people. This brief news blurb can not do justice to the wonders of this center and the work Casey is doing. It is truly a gem representing the best of work our faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences contribute to the world. To learn more, check out the site: Link
Dr. Christopher Owen Department of Music and Dance The College of Arts and Sciences is proud to announce that Professor Christopher Owen, who chairs our Department of Music and Dance, was chosen last June to serve as the Artistic Director of Windy City Performing Arts, a performing arts company that “sings to inspire change, celebrate diversity, and honor the dignity of the LGBTQ+ community,” according to their website. Owen sought the position because for him it was, he says, “about being able to serve the queer community of which I’m a part. To be part of an organization that puts the LGBTQ+ community in the center is a great honor.” For Owen, taking on this leadership role in our current political landscape in which members of LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans youth, are targeted for violence and told they don’t belong, was a powerful political act. As he puts it, “Every time the LGBTQ+ community sings, it’s a political act. We’re saying we are here, we’re not going anywhere, and we can create beautiful things for the world.” Owen sees the company modeling for LGBTQ+ people, youth and trans youth in particular, that they have a right to exist and that they have much beauty to bring to the world—a vital message in a world that too often seeks to exclude or target for hostility LGBTQ+ people. The company features the Windy City Gay Choir (TTBB) for tenors and basses and the Windy City Treble Quire (SSAA) for sopranos and altos. Owen explains that the spelling “Quire” is intended to highlight the queer identity of the group, for whom intersectionality is an important element as they seek to transcend the simplistic identity categories that have historically organized, say, a men’s or women’s choir. The College is proud of Professor Owen’s community leadership.

College of Arts and Sciences

Assistant Professor in Social Psychology

Assistant Professor in Social Psychology

Tenure Track Position for an Assistant Professor in Social Psychology

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Career Readiness

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Lawyer

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Featured CAS Majors

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Why Everyone Should Take a Philosophy Class

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Alumni and Student Highlights

Alumni and Student Highlights

Renee Bracey ShermanPsychology Major, Sociology Minor

Ed Remus

Stephen Tallackson & Judith Mendelsohn Tallackson

Sonia Hussain

Diana HuizarM.S. Political Science

Dr. Dustin De Felice

Haley (“Lily”) Farris

Olivia Goree Olivia (Alumni)

Kevin Duong

Lindsay Maldonado, PhD (Alumni)

Ana Torres (Justice Studies, 2024)

Marshal AliMaster’s in Social Work

Tammy Martin (Alumni)

Rolando Serna

Dominick Sanakiewicz

Yesenia Esteban

Derek Barthel (Alumni)

Jeremy Raucci

Andrea Ramirez

Muna Aden

Cassandra Ceballos (ALUMNI)

Faculty and Staff Highlights

Faculty and Staff Highlights

Dr. Scott Hegerty

Dr. Steve FrankelBiology

Dr. Denise Cloonan CortezWorld Languages and Cultures

Tim BarnettEnglish

Dr. Chris MerchantPsychology

Adam GoldsteinAssociate Professor of Theatre

Dr. Stacey GoguenPhilosophy + Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality studies

David Nissim-SabatDirector of preprofessional advising(Pre-Health & pre-law)

Dr. Ana NievesArt + Design department

Dr. Joseph Hibdon Jr. Mathematics department

Dr. Casey HoltschneiderSocial Work Program

Dr. Christopher OwenDepartment of Music and Dance

Renee Bracey Sherman
Psychology Major, Sociology Minor

Diana Huizar
M.S. Political Science

Marshal Ali
Master’s in Social Work

Dr. Steve Frankel
Biology

Dr. Denise Cloonan Cortez
World Languages and Cultures

Tim Barnett
English

Dr. Chris Merchant
Psychology

Adam Goldstein
Associate Professor of Theatre

Dr. Stacey Goguen
Philosophy + Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality studies

David Nissim-Sabat
Director of preprofessional advising
(Pre-Health & pre-law)

Dr. Ana Nieves
Art + Design department

Dr. Joseph Hibdon Jr.
Mathematics department

Dr. Casey Holtschneider
Social Work Program

Dr. Christopher Owen
Department of Music and Dance