Isiah Bryant Camarao

Isiah Bryant Camarao is a biological sciences major from the Philippines

Hometown: Philippines

Year: Expected graduation: 2026

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
At the time I came of age, I decided I wanted to be a neurologist/neurosurgeon because of my great interest in the field of science. That’s why I pursued a pre-medical major, which is biological sciences.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is biological sciences; it is a pre-medical program to pursue neuroscience in the future. Ever since I was young, I have been greatly involved in science activities, and I noticed my profound interest in science, specifically in biology. Furthermore, I am always fascinated by how our body systems, especially the nervous system, work.

Have you conducted your own research through Research Rookies, Honors capstones or theses or any other faculty-guided research opportunity?
Yes

Tell us about the research you are doing and why it interests you.
Last year, I did research with the program Research Rookies that basically focused on the utilization of music with people who have varying levels of dementia. I conducted the study because it has a correlation to my courses and my future career, and I also enjoy listening to music. All of these reasons prompted me to conduct the study.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
The research helped my experience here at NIU because I was able to not only venture out and learn, but I also got the chance to share information with other people. It made me more confident and knowledgeable, especially when it comes to the field of research.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
This research will help me in the future in terms of dealing with cases of dementia. It will help me alleviate the burden and inform families about the things they could do to help the patient suffering from dementia. Furthermore, the research can help develop new ways to prevent or even cure the problem that correlates to dementia or any cognitive degeneration, which is a valuable asset to my future career.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
I would like to acknowledge the Honors Program for suggesting this life-changing experience to a student like me, then Research Rookies for providing me with support, knowledge, advice and information to map out my research journey. Finally, I’d like to acknowledge my research mentor, Dr. Jamie Mayer, for supporting me throughout the study, helping me approach problems with different perspectives, and providing her expertise and experience.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
My advice would be to make sure to have a growth mindset and be open to change, criticism and frustration, because these are the things that an individual will encounter when it comes to dealing with research. Sometimes, the pre-arranged method might not work, and you must come up a new strategy for conducting the study. I would also say to be unique and creative. Remember that research is all about adding to the body of knowledge, which is why you should be able to offer something new.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I find it very satisfying that there are a lot of events that happen on campus, which makes everything more interesting, as it not only focuses on academics, but also helps students be more outgoing and social.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Yes, just recently I came from the Latino Resource Center, where I made and painted a “vejigantes,” a mask that has a Puerto Rican nature. From there, I was able to learn some history and culture from Puerto Rico, while having fun painting the mask.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I am currently part of the Honors Program and a peer educator for the Foreign Language Residence Program as a native speaker teaching the Filipino language. I am also a community adviser for the dormitories and housing department, as well as a telephone interviewer for the College of Health and Human Sciences research lab. All of these experiences shape my skills, whether critical thinking, communication, organization skills, time management or real-life working conditions.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
I believe the offices that helped me a lot are International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), the Foreign Language Residence Program and the University Honors Program, for offering me advice, scholarships and connection.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
Leadership bootcamp. I was able to use the skills for my community adviser position.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
A lot of resources and access to exclusive opportunities and privileges.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My professor for math 104/105 when I was a freshman, Allison Abel, because she is just so knowledgeable and a very skilled teacher, while being kind and supportive. Another is my professor for BIOS 208, Bergen Holler, because she is energetic, fun, smart, knowledgeable, kind and considerate. What I really liked about her is how she collaborates with other professors in different fields to educate us about their specializations, which gives us new perspectives and knowledge.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
By keeping up with the topics and being able to take notes.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot would be my dorm room because that is a place for me to recharge, energize and rest when I am overworked and tired.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would suggest coming here to NIU! Not only do they offer hundreds of courses, but it is also a very inclusive university that is open to all cultural backgrounds. They also have a lot of opportunities and scholarships.

Why is a college education important to you?
College education is very important to me because it is a step toward my goal of a career in the medical field. I always believe that education is key, and it will get you far enough to succeed in life.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I have a planner in which I write down all of the events and activities that will occur in a week. From there, I manage it according to priorities: school first, then work, then friends and family. I also put notes and reminders on my phone.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
NIU applications and software, as well as notifications from flyers, friends and brochures.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I eat, sleep, listen to music, dance and hang out with friends.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am a telephone interviewer, a community adviser (CA) and a peer educator for languages. For the first job, it is my responsibility to contact people throughout the state of Illinois to conduct a tax-funded health survey, which is how the state stays up to date with health trends. As a CA, I manage a floor in Grant Tower. I’m basically in charge of making a harmonic community among students. Finally, as a peer educator, I teach students interested in Filipino. My hobbies include listening to music, dancing, and watching shows and movies.