Writing the future: Meet 2026 graduate Aliana Quinones
For Aliana Quinones (BA’26) the path to a bachelor’s degree in English Literature with a minor in Spanish from the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences and a minor in Environmental Science from the College of Engineering and Sciences at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) was a journey of exploration.
When Quinones first arrived at PNW, she didn’t have a clear academic path in mind. Exploring a wide range of disciplines from political science and criminal justice to biology, she discovered English served as a foundation that connected all her interests. In addition, she felt a degree in English would strengthen her reading and writing skills, providing a stepping stone to graduate school and beyond.
At PNW, Quinones made the most of her time both inside and outside the classroom. As a student researcher for the PNW Sustainability Education Initiative, she contributed to grant writing and community outreach and was able to present at PNW’s Sustainability Symposium. Her 2025 Days of Discovery project, “Red Zones in a Green Crisis” examined how climate change disproportionately affects minority communities, specifically on the South Side of Chicago. She presented the same project at the Indiana Environmental Humanities Congress. At PNW’s 2026 Days of Discovery, she presented her research on the U.S. immigration system’s impact on Latin American women entitled “Signed, Sealed and Undelivered.”
Quinones was a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society, and the Honors College. She served on the Community Standards Board, was a Global Ambassador, volunteered at the Center for Justice and Exoneration Network at PNW and completed an internship at Andrean High School.
The Merrillville native also participated in the PNW Theatre Organization’s productions of “A Christmas Carol” and “Moon Over Buffalo”.
After graduation, Quinones is considering attending either law school or graduate school. In the future, she hopes for a career where she can focus on giving back to the community.
PNW opens up more opportunities than you’d expect. You’ll make lifelong friends and form great relationships with your professors.
How do you think your involvement in campus organizations and activities helped define your success at PNW?
“What really helped me was presenting at conferences. It made me comfortable with researching, putting together a presentation and then presenting in front of an audience.
I also was able to study many different areas and experience many different things, like blending an English major with an Environmental Science minor in a new combination of environmental humanities. It gives me many different avenues that I can take towards a career. No matter what I choose, I feel really prepared, I just feel ready.”
What did you like most about the English program at PNW?
“I appreciated the teachers wanting us to be as active in the classroom as out of the classroom and providing us with activities to strengthen our studies. For example, Dr. Justin Ness, who taught Shakespeare, took a group of us to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier where we watched two plays. Also, Dr. Steffanie Triller, director of the PNW Writing Center, provided a place to receive feedback on writing assignments, tutoring help and a place to connect with other students.”
Did you face any challenges while attending PNW?
“My biggest challenges were some of my classes, the ones outside of my major. I’ve never been good with math or computers, they’re really not my niche, but PNW has a great tutoring program. The important part, and probably the hardest, was just being able to reach out when I needed help – but it definitely made things easier.”
What words of advice would you share with prospective students looking to attend PNW?
“I’d say go for it! You can’t dream too big. PNW opens up more opportunities than you’d expect. You’ll make lifelong friends and form great relationships with your professors. If you’re unsure about pursuing college, just try it out, you’ll be surprised at how much it broadens your horizons and shapes your future.”
Was there anyone at PNW who inspired or encouraged you along the way?
Mita Choudhury
Professor of english
“Dr. Choudhury was a great professor and mentor. She always took time to check in with me and pushed me to travel and broaden my horizons. When things would get hard, she made me feel supported and that she really cared.”
Meet PNW's 2026 Graduates
From working heavy construction to starting a career in professional hockey, discover how Purdue University Northwest’s 2026 graduates are taking the next step toward proud futures.