When Cindy Carbajal traveled to Washington, D.C., for the American Public Health Association’s annual meeting, she joined more than 11,000 public health professionals, researchers and students from around the world. By the end of the conference, the Northern Illinois University public health student had earned recognition as one of the top student poster presenters in her section. 
Carbajal presented her research poster, “Ethical Burdens: Prevalence and Impact of Moral Injury Among Healthcare Professionals,” at the conference, the largest public health gathering in the world.
“Presenting at the APHA conference was truly an incredible experience that I feel so fortunate to have been able to take part in,” Carbajal said. “It was amazing to be in such an informational and collaborative environment with like-minded individuals.”
Her journey began through Research Rookies, NIU’s undergraduate research program, which provides students with faculty mentorship, hands-on research experience and professional development opportunities. Though initially hesitant to apply because she had no research experience, Carbajal said the program became much more than she expected.
“When I first started Research Rookies, I knew it was going to be a valuable learning experience, but it has all turned out to be so much more than that,” she said.
Before presenting at APHA, Carbajal shared her research at NIU’s annual CURE event. Presenting on a national stage helped strengthen her confidence as both a researcher and a student.
“Having the opportunity to present at the country’s largest public health expo was both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking,” Carbajal said. “However, I learned so much along the way that gained confidence in not only the importance of my research, but also myself.”
Carbajal credits her success to the support she received from Research Rookies, NIU’s Office of Student Engagement, Experiential Learning and Entrepreneurship and her faculty mentor, Dr. Shibata.
“Without his support and guidance, I would have never been able to delve into such important research or have had the opportunity to present our findings at the APHA conference,” she said.
Carbajal graduated from NIU in May 2026 after an undergraduate career that included conducting research, presenting at a national conference and earning recognition for her work.
“I am so grateful to NIU for all the wonderful opportunities it has provided me with throughout my undergrad journey,” Carbajal said. “I am proud to be a Huskie.”
