All About Chemistry

At Northeastern Illinois University, Miguel Alvarado learned the formula to earning a college degree: time + support + flexibility.  As a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, he already had the discipline necessary to study hard, but other factors had to align for him to succeed.

“I chose NEIU because it was the most strategic option for me at the time,” Alvarado said. “It’s close to home, affordable and gave me the flexibility I needed after finishing my military service. Over time, I realized it was actually one of the best choices I could’ve made.”

Alvarado, who plans to earn his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry this May, said his professors made a significant impact on him, something he might not have had at a school with larger class sizes.

“The small class sizes allowed me to build strong relationships with my professors, which opened the door to meaningful research opportunities and mentorship,” Alvarado said. “I’ve learned a lot from them, all of whom come from excellent institutions and bring the same quality of education to NEIU.”

One of those professors is Bernard J. Brommel Distinguished Professor of Biology Emina A. Stojković, Ph.D., who noted that Alvarado’s character has helped him persist.

“Miguel is one of a kind student who is independent, hard-working, reliable and responsible,” Dr. Stojković said. “He is fearless of academic challenges.”

Professor of Chemistry Stefan Tsonchev, Ph.D., also spoke highly of Alvarado’s achievements, which include being part of the American Chemical Society, working at Argonne National Laboratory and the Northwestern University Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental Center, as well as conducting a high-impact research project with Dr. Stojković. Alvarado also studied chemistry over the summer at the University of Alberta in Canada, where he developed and enforced safety protocols to address organizational challenges in a lab, significantly improving its safety standards and overall efficiency. Given the combination of his personal and academic achievements and recommendations from faculty, Alvarado was a 2025 Rhodes Scholarship finalist in U.S. District 10, which includes the states of Illinois and Ohio.  

“Miguel is certainly one of the best students at Northeastern Illinois University, not just currently but for the whole period of nearly 20 years while I have been here,” Dr. Tsonchev said. “He has a truly remarkable interest in scientific research. He constantly searches the literature for new information, reads recent papers and communicates with the authors, always trying to do his best in his work. Miguel has always done more than what was required or expected of him, due to his exceptionally strong motivation and enthusiasm. I know that he is determined to advance to the top of his field.”

After finishing his undergraduate studies, Alvarado plans to pursue a Ph.D. in physics. His goal is to work in research.

“I’m interested in understanding and developing materials that make quantum technologies more practical and reliable,” Alvarado said. “I really want my work to contribute to technologies that solve real-world problems in areas like energy, AI, medicine and computation.”

Reflecting on his time at Northeastern, Alvarado encourages other students to take the time to connect with their instructors and enjoy everything the University has to offer.

“What I’ve enjoyed most is the level of support and access to faculty,” Alvarado said. “Professors are approachable and willing to help, which makes it easier to learn and grow. At the same time, I’ve also enjoyed the overall campus environment — the green
spaces, the gym facilities, and the library all make it a great place to stay focused and productive, and to enjoy the day-to-day experience of being a student.”

Top photo: A headshot of Miguel Alvarado.