David Schmidt
David is building an exoskeleton which is a robotic device that attaches to a person to assist with a variety of muscle engaging activities in the workforce or physical therapy. He plans to upgrade the existing industry exoskeleton that he and his team have already built through application of his research on rehabilitating people with physical disabilities and injury prevention. This exoskeleton can be used in therapeutic situations to help someone regain muscle strength or in heavy labor work environments to prevent common injuries. Since David already completed an exoskeleton for his senior design project, he understands how to make this version stronger, more reliable, and intuitive for users. “Thank you to EYE Grant funders as this grant has not only improved my capstone project, but also the overall learning opportunities that have risen because of it”, said David.
Kamil Lebowa
Kamil’s capstone project is an unaccompanied solo clarinet recital, which will be supported by the Honors EYE Grant. The recital will be a 40-minute showcase of extended techniques. Extended techniques are not commonly used to play an instrument and include things such as playing with only parts of the clarinet or playing multiple notes on the instrument at the same time, which is a technique known as multiphonics. This project will benefit him as a performer through many hours of practice for the recital to improve his clarinet skills. Additionally, it will enhance his ability to teach as a music educator who plans help students improve their playing abilities. Kamil said that “Receiving EYE grant funding means that I can further my education knowing that I will be using high quality materials, as opposed to lower quality substitutes. With this funding, I can now take my exploration even further!”
Ayanna Johnson
Ayanna will curate an art exhibition in Chicago as part of her Honors capstone project for Management. The theme of the exhibit is the Complexity of Perfection. She will solicit original pieces from NIU and local Chicago artists that explore the ways in which their perfectionist tendencies block them from reaching their full potential. This experience as a curator will directly lend itself to her career goal of opening an art gallery. Ayanna said that “Receiving this EYE grant means the world to me, in fewer words or more. To work as a curator on this platform is a huge honor and I feel very lucky to be able to pursue a project dedicated towards my career. I am excited to see how this project will unravel itself and for the professional development I will gain because of it. Thank you so much to the Honors Committee for providing me with this grant.”
Kayla Bivin
Kayla applied for Eye Grant funding through honors to host a performance in the NIU Recital Hall of the Music Building. This recital, which will serve as her senior capstone project, will consist of musical works that were written by Kayla during her time as an NIU undergraduate student. This 50-minute recital will feature six to eight of her pieces. While she will primarily serve as the composer and coordinator of the recital, she will play a leading clarinet part with a trio. The Eye Grant will afford her the opportunity to have a videographer record and transfer the performance to the web. She will also be able to print music and programs, as well as give an honorarium to each performer who brings her musical pieces to life. Kayla said “I’m so grateful that the University Honors Committee has chosen to support my Senior Capstone Recital. Organizing a recital of my own musical compositions involves the help and coordination of many different people and resources. It means so much to me that Honors is helping me make this meaningful performance a reality.”
Makkah Mujahid
Makkah will be studying abroad as part of the International Business Seminar, Winter Europe. This two-week program will take her from Chicago to London, United Kingdom; Paris, France; and the Hague, Netherlands. This opportunity will give Makkah experience in international business practices in three different European countries by offering insight into the cultural, social, and political environments of each country visited. Studying abroad will complement Makkah’s past internship experience where she worked for a company that operated in 150+ countries. The combination of studying abroad and her internship will set the trajectory for her career by opening doors for her to work in international business. Makkah said that “Becoming a recipient of the EYE Grant has opened the door to an amazing opportunity for me. This grant means a lot to me because I can now take my college education internationally and learn about different cultures and how businesses operate. I am very honored for receiving this award.”
