Chynar Amanova, a grant program assistant and tutor with the RISE (Rockford Inspiring School and Community Excellence) initiative, received NIU’s Outstanding Staff Contribution to International Education award this fall.
Amanova was among four individuals and one department honored during International Education Week in November.
She has advanced internationalization at NIU through sustained mentorship, scholarship and community engagement. She has mentored more than 20 international doctoral students across various departments, providing academic and holistic support. Her mentorship has been recognized in multiple dissertations.
Her collaborative research with international students has led to peer-reviewed publications and national conference presentations, highlighting her commitment to elevating international voices in academia. She actively participates in events hosted by the International Student and Scholar Services Office and Diversity and Cultural Resource Centers, fostering intercultural understanding and inclusion.
Meanwhile, Amanova mentors international students through the Research in Teacher Education Lab and promotes NIU’s graduate programs through social media and professional networks, helping attract international talent. Her research addresses the experiences of international graduate students, and she advocates for inclusive pedagogical practices.
- Amanova is also celebrating the Oct. 18 publication of “From camps to careers: Analyzing the impact of summer STEM camps on students’ career choices” in Volume 9, Issue 5 of tje Journal of Pedagogical Research with co-researchers Paul Wright and Kristin Brynteson.
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