Rutba Khan

Rutba Khan is a transfer communicative disorders major from Des Plaines, IL

Hometown: Des Plaines, IL

Class Of: 2023

Transfer from: Oakton Community College

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
Because it is affordable.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
I always wanted to be a doctor. When I came to the U.S., I started at Oakton Community College and asked the professor about my admission to medical school. He told me it is expensive and also very time consuming. So, I looked for other paths that can interest me. I found speech-language pathology, which not only interested me, but also made me apply for admission to the program at NIU. I am loving this program. 

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in communicative disorders with a minor in counseling. I decided to go for communicative disorders because I liked the program and how I can treat others with speech and swallowing issues. 

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.
Machine Learning of Accurate Rhotic Productions is the title of the project. In this project we collected samples of the “R” sound to see if they matched with the American Standard English “R” sound. This project interested me because it was related to phonological error produced by children and also bilingual language speakers. 

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
I always wanted to do research. After doing this research, I found that I have increased my knowledge, as I was reading articles and gathering information regarding the research, and also it has provided me with some experience about what research looks like. 

How will your research experience help you in the future?
This research experience will allow me to do better when I am doing research for my Ph.D. 

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Research Rookies and my mentor helped me to gain this experience in a way that didn't make me feel pressured. They made me feel easy while doing the research steps in a very simple way. They are the reason I felt comfortable while doing this research. 

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
I would advise students to do some research study as undergraduates to get more information about the topics they’re interested in. 

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Something I found pleasing at NIU is the Huskie Food Pantry, which has made the students’ life easier. Whenever they want to get something for themselves, they can go to the pantry and collect the food they want without the tension of spending too much money on groceries. 

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Every semester, I meet new people and have made friends that I am still taking classes with, but I am still forming new relations with new teachers and other new people in my class. 

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 involved in the National Stuttering Association as treasurer and in NSSLHA as student officer. Joining these organizations made me understand more about my major and how these organizations help students understand the need for speech therapy. This is also a good opportunity to put something in my resume, as joining the organizations have helped me learn more about stuttering issues.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
My Honors Program advisor helped a lot to get me closer to my academic goals so far. They were there when I needed help, and I am grateful to them for providing me with guidance whenever I need it. 

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I liked the Honors Engage stuff in Suitable, which allows me to experience more than just studying. 

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite instructors are Dr. Allison Gladfelter for COMD 221 and COMD 305 and Dr. Milijana Buac for COMD 423 and COMD 429.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I go to class every day as it helps me to stay up to date with my work, and it’s also easy to ask questions if I am not understanding a topic. 

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I would actually like to go for Founders Library as it is quiet and nice to concentrate on the studies or even to get some refreshment by reading other books. 

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would advise them to first complete the general education requirements at a community college near them and then transfer to a four-year university, which can help them complete the degree in two years instead of four years. 

Why is a college education important to you?
It is important to me because I can get a good job with good pay that can benefit me in the future. 

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I am doing every assignment and exam preparation before time so that I can spend time with my family and friends. 

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I am informed about events on campus through email. 

What do you do to relax or recharge?
If I want to relax or recharge, I go out with my family for hiking or for skiing. 

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work at Ross Stores in Rosemont, Illinois, and my hobbies are to read books and do research on autistic children.