Allyson Thompson

Allyson Thompson is a transfer biological sciences and environmental studies double major from Chicago, IL

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2024

Transfer from: Kishwaukee College and McHenry County College

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
My sisters are both alumni and there was a program that linked Kishwaukee College to NIU. 

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received a Kishwaukee Transfer Scholarship, an NIU Transfer Scholarship and a Transfer Achievement Award for being a transfer student from Kishwaukee College to NIU. I also maintained a high GPA and received additional support for academic success. 

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 wanted to be a wildlife rehabilitator and field biologist. I definitely chose my majors based on this dream.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am currently working on a major in biology and a major in environmental studies with an emphasis in biodiversity and ecological restoration. I have secured a part-time job at a wildlife rehab center and successfully interned full-time this past summer. I originally chose the environmental studies major based on a recommendation from my Kishwaukee College advisor. I later decided to double major based on a conversation with my mentor, Dr. Holly Jones. 

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.
I am working on a small mammal project in Dr. Holly Jones’ evidence-based restoration lab. I am researching stable isotope data in order to see if there is a correlation between small mammal diets. I would like to study the differences with regards to the presence of bison and prescribed burning.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
Fieldwork has been an inspiration to me and has motivated me to be a dedicated student. Research has been the fuel to my internal "why" flame. My "why" is because I want to leave a positive legacy and know that future generations will benefit from the research and work I’ve done. The opportunity to participate in research that is going to help future sustainability and restoration practices is so valuable. 

How will your research experience help you in the future?
These research opportunities are going to help me gain field experience and practice in the scientific process and peer review. I am given the opportunity to co-author scientific writing and abstracts that will be presented at the NIU Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) as well as other scientific conferences and symposiums. 

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Dr. Holly Jones and Ph.D. candidate Erin Rowland-Schaefer have both mentored me during my time in Dr. Jones' lab. I have learned a lot about advocating for myself and those around me, as well as the scientific process. I have gained a ton of experience with fieldwork and research through the support of Dr. Jones and Erin. In addition, Dr. Thomas Skuzinski supported me while I worked as a fellow doing IDNR grant proposal reviews. This gave me experience with the grant review process and understanding the nuances of applying and obtaining grants. Melissa Burlingame has also been supporting me from the get-go as my ENVS advisor. She was the one who suggested that I apply for the Research Rookies program and helped influence me to do research in Dr. Jones' lab. 

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
Do not get in your own way! The worst thing you can do for yourself is fail to apply. It's always worth reaching out; the worst answer will be "no." Thankfully, NIU faculty and staff are extremely supportive. If you show passion and drive, you will find a support system that will help you achieve your goals! It's a learning process, so it's important to give yourself grace and space to grow while you're learning.  

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
When I transferred from a community college, I was very nervous about being a little fish in a big pond. I expected to get lost in a sea of students. I couldn't have been further from the mark. I have had personal experiences with every TA and professor I've encountered at NIU. It's quite remarkable how much the faculty and staff at NIU truly care for their students. 

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Thankfully, I have noticed a trend with the students within the BIOS and ENVS departments. The easiest way to form new friendships was just acknowledging that we shared the same interests and classes. My first close friend was in four of my five classes my first semester. It's nice to build comradery with fellow students going through the same classes and process as me during my time at NIU. 

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
Yes, I am the treasurer for the Inclusive Birding Club at NIU. I am also part of the University Honors Program. These extracurricular activities remind me to take a breath from the undergraduate workload. My extra responsibilities are actually a blessing in that they help me to prioritize self-care by participating in something that I find "fun" or "exciting," like a birding hobby. It's important to take care of ourselves while we work on building our career. Even though the honors program is a lot of hard work, it's fulfilling to know that I'm working toward a goal that's going to help further my career. The in-course contracts have given me an opportunity to dive deeper into subjects that truly inspire me to be a creative and innovative scientist. 

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
The student services department, financial aid and advising resources have been extremely supportive of my success. Student services and financial aid because they have been easily accessible and made my degree attainable. The advising resources (between ENVS, BIOS and honors, I have three advisors) have been amazing at collaborating with one another and working through a complex web of scheduling and credit requirements so that I can meet my goal of graduation by May 2024. 

Are there transfer-specific resources, offices or services that you use to help you succeed at NIU?
There are several transfer scholarships that have helped financially support my NIU degree. 

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The honors courses and in-course contracts continue to support my academic career goals, so that I can have additional practice within my field. They also help me to gain additional experience I can include on my resume. 

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
The personal advising and additional class assignments that help to reinforce concepts. 

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Dr. Holly Jones was my instructor for two of my fall 2022 courses, as well as my undergraduate research mentor. She has a class design that supports adult learners. She is flexible (within reason) and supports full-time students who may not be in a typical undergraduate learning situation. For example, an adult learner (like me) or someone who is working full time while going to school. 

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class has been a huge benefit in my NIU learning journey, as it's given me the opportunity to engage with both my professors and my fellow students. There is an emphasis on collaboration and the experience gained by working and discussing concepts with my classmates. Class time has really supported those ideals and provided a safe space to practice collaboration. 

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Personally, I enjoy spending my time around Montgomery Hall (there's a picnic table right outside by the greenhouses that I particularly enjoy) and the NIU lagoon. Many campus sustainability projects have taken place around Montgomery and the lagoon, and it's refreshing to have a space outside where I can focus on my classwork while enjoying the outdoors. 

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Take time to research job boards for the types of positions you're trying to land once you've obtained a degree. Knowing exactly what I wanted to do once I graduated really helped pave the way for my educational career at NIU. Knowing the end goal helped me to prioritize my time at NIU. 

Why is a college education important to you?
Without a college education, I would not be blessed with the opportunity to participate in research or work in the conservation field. It's the social capital and knowledge gained at NIU that is going to propel me into my dream of being a field biologist and wildlife conservationist. 

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I have to block time in my calendar to properly balance my time between school, work, friends and family. It's imperative to carve out time for things that are important (school and work) and things that bring light to life, like friends, family and—most importantly—self-care. 

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I read the weekly newsletters that come to my ZID email. I also check the department bulletins. Thankfully, my mentor Dr. Holly Jones shares opportunities with our lab on a regular basis. 

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I do yoga daily and work out regularly. I like to take myself to at least one concert a month and try to attend outings with the lab (trivia nights). This helps with self-care and helps build relationships with my lab mates and new friends! 

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
Currently, I work at a wildlife rehab center. I get hands-on experience doing wildlife rehabilitation, which is priceless. My hobbies include amateur home gardening and birding. I love hiking and anything outdoors! 

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I am a 34-year-old transfer student working toward a whole new career goal. I worked for a decade with just a general education diploma and tried my best to make it in corporate medical billing and coding. I could have continued that path and supported my lifestyle and family. However, it wasn't until I changed my trajectory to one that spoke to my internal goals (my "why") that I truly felt content. NIU has supported my dreams and facilitated a realistic timeline for me to achieve these goals. I will always cherish my time at NIU and the relationships I have built with the students, faculty and staff. This experience has been life-changing, and I wouldn't trade it for anything!