CALE BLANFORD

Pre-Medical Biology and French double major at Northern Illinois University pursuing a minor in chemistry and certificate in applied ethics. Patient transporter, NHA-certified phlebotomy technician, and hospital volunteer with expertise in research, patient support, and relations. Background includes a variety of hospital and clinical experience with skills in patient interactions built through work and volunteering. Work-driven and strives to provide quality patient care with skills built through past clinical experience. Able to work effectively with diverse populations and communicate in both English and French

How disability impacts students in STEM classrooms:

• (8/2026-present)
• Research student under Stephanie Berg EdD.
• Analyze and study the effects that neurodivergency and disabilities can have on the capabilities and identities of students and researchers.

The affects of being English-Second Language at a colligate level:

• (9/2026-present)
• Independent research
• Attempting to determine the affects that being ESL can have on both a college student's ability to learn and its impact on their identity.

Analysis of early cell energy production:

• (9/2026-present)
• Research done as a part of the Conference for Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) under the mentorship of Wesley Swingley PhD and Rita Smith (PhD candidate).
• Attempting to determine the methods of early cell energy production through the use of ATP-synthase.
• Bio-informatics heavy research with frequent meta-analytical data-graphing as a means of displaying and conveying results.

General Biological/Chemical research:

• (08/2024-present)
• Various wet-lab procedures including, but not limited to, cell-culturing, DNA extraction and analysis, distillation of organic solutes, etc.

• Seal of Biliteracy in Illinois (French, March 2024)
• NHA-Certified Phlebotomy Technician (June 2026)
• NHA-BLS certified (June 2026)

Graduated with Honors (High School), Honors Society (College), OSF Focus Recognition