One of my favorite aspects of being a professor at Northern Illinois University is the association I have with my research team! Our research team is comprised of both undergraduate and graduate students in the Human Development and Family Sciences Programs at Northern Illinois University. We research about commitment in couple relationships, romantic relationship formation, marriage, and decision-making in the emerging adult (18-29 year-old) population.
Each of the students on my research team were selected based on their performance in the classroom, as well as their personal passion for helping individuals, couples, and families. I invite you to get know these wonderful researchers by reading their biographies below!
Hi! My name is Natalie Celler. I am a senior at NIU majoring in Psychology. My career goal is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and obtain a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis. I joined the research team because I was excited to learn more about the topics I learned in Dr. Sibley’s Family Relationships class, and to meet new friends who share my interests and values! After I graduate, I’ll be taking some time to improve my skills as a Registered Behavior Technician, and applying to Ball State’s ABA Master’s program. Outside of school, I spend most of my time with my two kitties, Haley and Henley!
Hello, my name is Lexi DeHart! I am a senior at Northern Illinois University majoring in human development and family sciences with an emphasis in family social services and a minor in addiction studies. I joined the research team to learn more about relationship dynamics and to collaborate with more people interested in the same field as I! I am also very excited to learn how to better my own personal relationships through studying other’s findings and experiences. After graduation I plan on getting my master’s to work as a marriage and family therapist.
Hi! My name is Maja Kęska. I am a senior at Northern Illinois University, majoring in HDFS with an emphasis in Family Relations, Prevention, and Wellness (FRPW). I am also minoring in Global Studies. After graduating, I hope to apply everything I have learned on the research team to my future work, helping those who are undergoing various crises.
Hello everyone! My name is Betsy Reyes, and I am entering my junior year at Northern Illinois University. I am majoring in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis on Family Social Services. My goal for the future is to attend graduate school and become a social worker. Helping individuals and families who are in harmful situations and need assistance is my dream. As someone who did not have the greatest guidance on relationships and family structures, I wanted to learn more in-depth about relationships and the foundations of families. I am excited to work on the Research Team because I am gaining more knowledge, help, and experience in the field I want to be in. I am also meeting others who are interested in the same field as me!
Hi! My name is Sara Rozalowski and I am a senior at Northern Illinois University! I am double majoring in Health and Human Sciences as well as Rehabilitation and Disability Services. I also have a minor in Family and Child Studies! After graduation I plan on going to Optometry school to fulfil my dream of becoming an Optometrist. I wish to specialize in Pediatric Optometry and am excited to help all individuals see life more clearly! I joined the research team because I loved the topics presented in Dr. Sibley’s Intro to Family Relationships course and wanted to learn more. When the opportunity to be in the research team was given, I knew it was something I needed to do! Outside of my busy school schedule I love to read, spend time with loved ones, go on walks, and go to the beach!
Hi! My name is Abigail Transon, but please call me Abby. I am a Senior, and I attend Northern Illinois University. My major is in Human Development and Family Sciences with an emphasis in Family Social Services and my area of study is Intervention and Prevention within the family. I am also minoring in Counseling and working towards my goal of becoming a licensed Social Worker. After completing my undergraduate degree, I will do this by attending graduate school. My overall dream career is to be working within an elementary school, as a social worker, to help children be the best students they can be. I joined the research team to further my knowledge of how and why relationships can impact children even at such young ages. Children are always forming new relationships based on what they have observed, so it is crucial for me to be aware of how different their ideas of relationships are.
