MEP 411
Scholarships, careers, and opportunities for MEP students. Links to more scholarship listings for continuing students, department scholarships, and external scholarships here: https://grainger.illinois.edu/admissions/costs/undergraduate.

Professional Development
  • New Mexico Lab-Embedded Entrepreneur Program (NMLEEP)

    The New Mexico Lab-Embedded Entrepreneur Program (NMLEEP) a program tailored to help entrepreneurs bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization through mentorship, business support and the talent and resources of Los Alamos National Laboratory. NM LEEP offers fellows a two-year collaboration to advance their technology with DOE National Laboratory researchers, customized entrepreneurial training, and connections to networks and business resources with potential strategic partners, investors, and customers.
    Deadline May 8, 2025 @11:59PM Mountain Time Zone, Apply HERE

  • 2023 DOE Scholars Program – Accepting Applications

    Application deadline: January 23, 2023, 8:00 AM EST 

    The DOE Scholars Program is designed to attract talented undergraduate and graduate students, and recent graduates to research, technical and professional opportunities within U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and organizations that support the DOE mission.

    As a participant in the DOE Scholars Program you will have the opportunity to explore a federal career with DOE and gain a competitive edge as you apply your education, talent and skills in a variety of settings within the DOE complex.

    Applications and supporting materials must be submitted at:

    https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/DOE-Scholars-2023-Gen

     

     

  • Qualcomm - DECA 2015

    Gain experience in the wireless industry. Deadline: 11/17

  • Repperger Research Intern Program

    The Repperger Research Intern Program is a 10-week educational experience, from June 2 to Aug. 8, 2025 at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, and JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX. The available research opportunities span many STEM fields, including biology, mathematics, computer science, cognitive science, kinesiology, physics and several other areas of study.

    Deadline: Jan. 15, 2025
    Apply here: APPLY
    Project Descriptions: Click here for a complete list of projects

  • Leadership and Diversity Workshop

    Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the SDRP Building [10 am - 6 pm]

    Leadership Strategies for a Diverse World with Joshua Fredenburg

    As an expert in leadership and diversity, Joshua will discuss issues relevant to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign students and give you an opportunity to create an action plan that you can use on campus.  Lunch will be provided

    For more information contact leadership@illinois.edu

     To register go to www.go.illinois.edu/Josh

     

  • Emerging Business Leaders: Program Coordinator

    Prepare tomorrow’s leaders today by assisting in the Emerging Business Leaders Program. Learn more and apply.

  • Office of Science Graduate Student Research Application Workshops

    The SCGSR program provides supplemental awards to U.S. graduate students to pursue part of their graduate thesis research working side by side with science and engineering experts at a DOE laboratory or facility.

    Workshop 1: General overview of the SCGSR Program

    September 15, 2022 | 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. (EST)

    Workshop 2: Q&A and Application Guidance

    October 20, 2022 | 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. (EST)

    Application Deadline: November 9, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. (EST)

  • Illini Career and Internship Fair

    The 14th annual Illini Career and Internship Fair will take place on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Illini Union in Illini Rooms A, B, C, the South Lounge, and the Pine Lounge.  This Fair is the ideal platform to network, gain career insights, and secure potential positions from employers across diverse sectors.  Career coaches will be onsite in Room 104, offering invaluable advice to ease any last-minute nerves.  We highly encourage you to talk to a few specific employers that you have identified in advance by looking at the list of participating employers on Handshake:

    https://app.joinhandshake.com/login

  • Register Today for the 2014 Women of Color STEM Conference

    Keep building on your success at the 2014 WOC STEM Conference!

  • Student opportunities at NCSA

    The National Center for Supercomputing is accepting applications (NCSA). Attached are the two digital signs for the student conference.

     "NCSA’s Students Pushing Innovation (SPIN) internship program is now accepting applications from U of I undergraduate students for the Summer 2026 session.

     2026 Summer dates: June 8-July 31, 2026

    • Work 20 hours a week
    • Pay rate is $15 per hour
    • Open to all U of I undergraduates (except Spring 2026 graduates)
    • Must be on campus during the program
    • Must be in good academic standing
    • International students are eligible

     Interested students can apply at https://spin.ncsa.illinois.edu/ by March 3, 2026!"

      "4th Annual NCSA Students Research Conference

    Join NCSA students for the 4th Annual NCSA Students Research Conference on April 23, 2026, from 1:00–5:00p.m. at the NCSA, located at 1205 W Clark St, Urbana, IL 61801.

     Undergraduate and graduate students working with NCSA researchers or NCSA faculty affiliates are invited to register to present, along with University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign students whose research is in areas of interest to NCSA. This student conference will feature oral presentations, a poster session, and the opportunity to interact with industry partners at our industry panel and dinner. Dinner is complimentary, and there is no registration fee for the conference. Register at https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/7097?eventId=33540095 by April 1, 2026

      Conference schedule:

    12:30 - 1:00 p.m. | Conference Check-in, NCSA Lobby

    1:00 - 1:05 p.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks by Shrikant, NCSA Director, NCSA Atrium

    1:05 - 2:00 p.m. | Poster Session, NCSA Atrium

    2:00 - 2:10 p.m. | Break

    2:10 - 3:05 p.m. | Oral Presentations - Rooms: 2000, 2100, 3000, 3100, 4000, 4103

    3:05 - 3:10 p.m. |  Break

    3:10 - 3:55  p.m. | Industry Panel, NCSA Auditorium

    3:55 - 4:00  p.m. | Break

    4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Dinner and Industry Networking, NCSA Atrium

  • Fulbright Personal Statement Workshop

    Friday, April 20

    Personal Statement Workshop – 3:30-5:00 pm, rm.514 Illini Union Bookstore

    A key part of the Fulbright Application is the Personal Statement, a one-page essay. Come learn how to create this document and tell your unique story.

  • FBI Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit Fellowship

    This project involves the development of extraction and instrumental methods for the analysis of residues from detonators (primary explosives) used in criminal cases.  Under the guidance of a mentor, you will perform sophisticated laboratory techniques using emerging technologies, judge the completeness and accuracy of research results, perform statistical analyses on data, and prepare written manuscripts for FBI review and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. 

    Apply Today: Here

    Program Website:https://orise.orau.gov/fbi/


    Questions?EmailFBIrpp@orau.org.Please list the reference code [FBI-CFSRU-2024-CAPE] for this opportunity in the subject line of your email.

  • U. Buffalo BioXFEL Summer Internship Program for Undergraduates

    The National Science Foundation BioXFEL Science and Technology Center is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its tenth annual international conference May 16-18, 2023. Our annual External Advisors Meeting will be held Monday, May 15, 2023.

    The annual International BioXFEL Conference brings together experts in a variety of fields (structural biology, physics, biochemistry, and more) to discuss the most recent advances in structural biology using X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs). The conference features talks by leading scientists in the field, a poster session, as well as networking, and professional development opportunities.

     REGISTER HERE 

  • IEFX Network Lunch Series - P & G

    Be sure to join us for the IEFX Network Lunch Series.  These lunches and workshops are part of our commitment to support you in your academic and professional development.  Space is limited, please RSVP using the form linked below.  If you are unable to sign-up, don’t worry because there will be several events in the future.

    Please be sure to check your schedule before signing up!

     Lunch Series: Procter & Gamble

     Wednesday, February 19th 

    112 Engineering Hall

    12:00pm-1:00pm

    RSVP at https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/2066008

     -- P&G is the world’s largest and most profitable consumer products company, with nearly $84 billion in sales. More information found at http://www.pg.com/en_US/index.shtml

     To gain the most out of this experience we recommend that you research the company and bring a smile, your appetite, and a list of questions that you would like to ask. Remember you have the opportunity to receive a free lunch, learn about the company, start creating contacts, and gain insight into potential internship opportunities that may give you an edge after graduation.

     For any questions please feel free to contact Ndubuisi Egekeze at negekeze@illinois.edu . 

  • NASA Pathways Internship Program

    Become a part of the NASA team starting January 2016! Application deadline: Friday, October 9, 2015

  • DOE Graduate Research Fellowship

    The Innovation in Buildings (IBUILD) Graduate Research Fellowship is now acceptingapplications through December 2, 2022 (5:00 PM EST).

    Program Website:https://ibuildfellowship.org/

    Information Webinar: Please note that there was an information session that was hosted on October 19, 2022. Links to the video and slides are available at the following.

    https://ibuildfellowship.org/about/

    Questions? Email IBUILD@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code [DOE-EERE-RPP-IBUILD-2022] for this opportunity in the subject line of your email.

  • Camp @ Goldman Sachs for Financial Services Industry

    The Goldman Sachs Undergraduate Camp is a two-day program for Black, Latino/Hispanic, and Native American college undergraduate freshmen and sophomores who are interested in exploring the

    numerous career paths in the financial services industry, and learning more about summer internship opportunities at the firm.

  • Computing4Change: Fall Project and Conference

    ♦ Be enrolled as an undergraduate at the time of the competition (November 2018)
    ♦ Have a minimum overall GPA out of 2.5
    ♦ Be able to participate in 6 webinars between July and November, to learn core skills and develop some experience with the tools (you will have input in the scheduling)
    ♦ Be able to attend the full competition in Dallas November 11-14, 2018
    Complete the online application form before the deadline

  • Students of Color Abroad

    Why do more students of color need to study abroad? Learn more here

  • GFX Now Hiring for 2024 New Student Registration

    Grainger First-Year Experience (GFX) seeks to hire on-campus and online positions for 2024 New Student Registration (NSR).  GFX is hiring New Student Registration Student Directors, Group Leaders, and Assistants.  Go to this link for more information and to apply:

    https://gfx.grainger.illinois.edu/leadership-employment/nsr

    Applications are due by Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

  • Effective Planning Workshop

    Thursday, September 19, 2013, at 6:30 PM

    429 Grainger Library

    Do you ever tell yourself that you're going to make time to study that certain topic, or make time to review that last lecture but never end up getting around to it?  Then this workshop is for you!

  • 2015 Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

    Gain research experience through a summer internship. Deadline: 01/30/15

  • IEFX NetWORK Lunch Series

    Select one of the following:

    Lunch Series: Riverbed Technology

    212 Engineering Hall

    Wednesday, January  30th 

    12:00pm-1:00pm

    RSVP at https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/3357030

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Lunch Series: Riverbed Technology

    212 Engineering Hall

    Thursday, January 31st 

    12:00pm-1:00pm

    RSVP at   https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/9717174

    Featuring: Riverbed Technology

    -- Riverbed Technology is an IT infrastructure performance company that earned revenues of $728.5M in 2011. More information found at http://www.riverbed.com/us/.

     

  • Engineering Ambassadors


    We are excited to introduce you to the Engineering Ambassadors program, a professional outreach initiative sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Programs in the Grainger College of Engineering.  Our ambassadors connect with K-12 students at local schools, sparking their interest in science and engineering through engaging, hands-on activities. By highlighting the positive impact engineers of diverse backgrounds have on the health, happiness, and safety of our world, we aim to inspire the next generation of problem solvers. Our members learn essential communication skills to reach a wide range of audiences and receive valuable leadership training.

     

    If you are passionate about sharing your love for engineering and making a difference, we encourage you to learn more about the program and apply! Applications are due by March 3rd! Apply here: https://forms.gle/h4mGDaLkpHRWvQ3E6 


  • New Economic Justice and Clean Energy: Integrated Strategies Office Opportunity

    When? Selections Start April 15th! (Applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

    Who? Recent grads in an energy-relevant field of science, engineering or other highly quantitative field such as economics, current students may be considered for short term appointments 

    What? The EERE STP Program provides an opportunity for highly talented scientists and engineers to participate in policy-related projects at DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Washington, D.C. and Golden, CO site office.

    Program Website: https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/energy-efficiency-and-renewable-energy-science-technology-and-policy-program

    Questions? Email DOE-RPP@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code [DOE-EERE-STP-IS-2023-2000] for this opportunity in the subject line of your email.

  • XSEDE Scholars Program

    Deadline is April 1, 2013

    The XSEDE Scholars Program is a year-long program for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented minority groups and women in computational sciences. The program provides opportunities to learn more about high performance computing and XSEDE resources, network with cutting-edge researchers and leaders, and belong to a cohort of student peers. The XSEDE Scholars program is geared toward students in computing fields and those whose research might benefit from high performance computing.

    Please read more for further information. 

  • Understanding Work Culture

    NACME's, C.A.S.E. Academy is holding a webinar on Wednesday, March 26th at 7pm on "how to identify and adapt to workplace norms, align with company values, and navigate diverse professional environments."

    Register HERE

  • Office of Undergraduate Research Conference Travel Grants

    Subsidize the presentation of your undergraduate research at professional conferences.

  • Career Transitions 💼Workshops at the SSSummit!

    Catch these exciting virtual workshops on "CAREER TRANSITIONS" at this year's STEM Success Summit!!

    • An Early Career Professional's Guide on the Transition From the Classroom to the Boardroom
    • Exchanging the Pipette for a Pen: Transitioning out of Academia into Science Writing
    • The Sky Is NOT The Limit: Practical Tips for Launching Your Career in The Space Industry

    If you haven't already, SIGN UP TODAY to access to the STEMedia Network platform and do not miss these and many more exclusive ۜsessions by registering as an in-person VIP; November 17-19, 2022.

    www.STEMSuccessSummit.com

     

  • Patent Education Online Course

    The Women in Engineering ProActive Network (WEPAN) has shared an online course for potential inventors. The Inventors Patent Academy (TIPA) is a free course that offers foundational insights into the patent system, fostering trust and transparency about the patent application process. If you are interested: Register for TIPA.


  • Harvard Business School MBA Opportunity

    Visit the Career Center on October 29 at 7 for more information.

  • Women's Career Institute: The Power of Negotiation

    Tuesday, Nov. 13, 5-6 p.m., Women’s Resources Center

     

    Statistics show that women are less likely to advocate for better salaries and advancements. In this workshop, students learn tactics for negotiating for earning what they’re truly worth. Learn how to not undersell yourself! Learn more here

     


     

  • Purdue Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)


    SURF is a 10-week-long paid research opportunity for undergraduates enrolled in US universities. The Purdue SURF application opens Dec 1, 2024. Priority deadline is Jan 15, 2025 with rolling admissions after this deadline. This program runs from May 25- August 8, 2025 SURF Students receive a summer stipend of $6,500. Send any summer research questions to  eur@purdue.edu

    Also check out the Pathways Scholars cohort of SURF, if you are interested in graduate school and a PhD. Selected Pathways Scholars receive $10k, which includes summer stipend ($6500) and is expected to cover the cost of housing ($2500 summer housing allowance) and travel (up to $1000 travel reimbursement).



  • Summer Internships for Native Americans in Genomics (SING)

    This workshop will be held August 2-9 here at UIUC. Apply today

  • ASEE Conference: March 27-28, 2015

    Call for student posters. Abstract due date: Monday, March 9, 2015

  • STEM Success Summit

    This free virtual summit is designed to equip and empower students and early career professionals to launch successful and meaningful careers in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

    Application deadline extended to Oct. 17th at 11:59pm ET

  • University of California at Berkeley SUPERB-IT 2016

    Gain 9 weeks of research experience with a $4500 stipend at UC Berkeley! Application deadline: January 30, 2016

  • Internship Opportunity with DOE's Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management

    The Oak Ridge office of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Office of Environmental Management (EM) is seeking fellows to engage in projects and activities related to DOE’s Legacy Clean-up Missions at East Tennessee Technology Park, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Y-12 National Security Complex sites. EM's first priority is to ensure the safety and health of the public and EM's workforce while continuing to protect the environment. The Oak Ridge office carries out the mission using sound business practices, innovative management approaches, and science and technology to reduce risks and costs within the EM regulatory framework. The fellow will receive training, coaching and mentoring from the EM-92 branch chiefs to effectively accomplish appointment goals.

    The EM Oak Ridge office is seeking qualified candidates who possess the appropriate bachelor's/master's degrees in engineering, physical science, and business/accounting.

    Apply now: https://zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/OREM-2022

     

  • Applications to the 2026 DOE Fusion Energy Sciences Postdoctoral Research Program Now Open! DOE Fusion Energy Sciences Postdoctoral Research Program

    About the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences: The Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) has four strategic goals: (1) Advance the fundamental science of magnetically confined plasmas to develop the predictive capability needed for a sustainable fusion energy source (2) Support the development of the scientific understanding required to design and deploy the materials and fusion engineering and technology needed to support a burning plasma environment (3) Pursue scientific opportunities and grand challenges in high energy density plasma science to better understand our universe, and to enhance national security and economic competitiveness (4) Increase the fundamental understanding of basic plasma science, including both burning plasma and low temperature plasma science and engineering, to enhance economic competitiveness and to create opportunities for a broader range of science-based applications 

    https://orise.orau.gov/doe-fes-postdoc/index.html

    Provisions: You will receive an annual stipend of $90,000 plus a supplement to offset the cost of health insurance. The program will also provide a one-time $3,000 relocation allowance (if eligible). You will also receive a $4,000 travel allowance per year. Travel allowance can be used to support travel to FES-related conferences (domestic or foreign)

    Qualifications: You must:

    •    Be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.

    •    Have received a doctoral degree in an appropriate science or engineering discipline within four years of the desired start date or expect to complete degree requirements prior to the desired start date.

    •    Be available to conduct research at the hosting facility for up to two years.

    Preferred academic fields include:

    •    Chemical Engineering

    •    Computational Plasma Physics

    •    Computer Science

    •    Experimental Plasma Physics

    •    Material Science

    •    Mathematics

    •    Mechanical Engineering

    •    Nuclear Engineering

    •    Physics

    •    Plasma-Material Interfacial Science

    •    Theoretical Plasma Physics

    Program Website: https://orise.orau.gov/doe-fes-postdoc/index.html

    Questions? Email fusion@orau.org. Please list the reference code [DOE-FES-2026] for this opportunity in the subject line of your email.

    https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/DOE-FES-2026?utm_source=opportunity_digest&utm_m…

     Application/Recommendation(s) Deadline: January 15, 2026 @5PM Eastern Time

  • 2017 AISES National Conference Webinar

    Join Us for a 2017 AISES National Conference Webinar

    presented by IBM

    “Building Your Personal Brand”

    Just in time for the 2017 AISES National Conference! Join IBM for the September 7th webinar designed to help you build your personal brand when meeting with potential colleges and employers.

    Who should attend this webinar?  High School Students, College Students, Early Professionals and AISES Members.

    Who are you? How do you share that with mentors, networks and potential employers? These are the core questions IBM professionals hope to help you answer in "Building Your Personal Brand," an interactive 45-minute webinar that will help you understand how to identify and share your "personal brand." 

    Presenters:    

    Laura Guio, Vice President of the Systems Services Center of Competency and Sales,IBM 

    Marshan J. Austin, People Engineer, IBM Leadership & Development 

    Peter Mostachetti, IBM Leadership & Development 

    Objectives:

    Understand what is a personal brand

    Reflect on what you need to understand about yourself to create a compelling your personal brand

    Begin to build your 30-second introduction; tell the story of who you are and what differentiates you

    Thursday, September 7, 2017

    11AM-12PM (EDT)

    Save Your Seat → http://www.aises.org/news/events/webinar-building-your-personal-brand

    We look forward to seeing you there!

     

    Can’t attend live? You should still register!  We’ll be sending out slides and the recording after the webinar to registrants. You don’t want to miss out on this information.

  • The ExxonMobil LOFT Fellowship

    Participate in this mentoring program and earn a $1,000 educational grant Application deadline: April 15

  • IEFX NetWORK Lunch Series

     Be sure to join us for the IEFX NetWORK Lunch Series.  These lunches are part of our commitment to support you in your academic and professional development.  Space is limited, please RSVP using the form linked below.  If you are unable to sign-up, don’t worry because there will be several events in the future.

    Please be sure to check your schedule before signing up!

     Lunch Series: Riverbed Technology

    (Please select ONE of the following)

    Wednesday, March 5th

    112 Engineering Hall

    12:00pm-1:00pm

    RSVP at https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/9181538

     OR

     Thursday, March 6th

    112 Engineering Hall

    12:00pm-1:00pm

    RSVP at https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/2137844

     Featuring: Riverbed Technology

    -- Riverbed Technology is a IT infrastructure performance company that earned revenues of $728.5M in 2011. More information found at http://www.riverbed.com/us/.

     To gain the most out of this experience we recommend that you research the company and bring a smile, your appetite, and a list of questions that you would like to ask. Remember you have the opportunity to receive a free lunch, learn about the company, start creating contacts, and gain insight into potential internship opportunities that may give you an edge after graduation.

     For any questions please feel free to contact me at negekeze@illinois.edu or 217-244-3826. 

     Ndu

     Ndubuisi Egekeze P.E.
    Corporate Liaison
    Illinois Engineering First-Year Experience
    College of Engineering
    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Mayo Clinic SURF Program

    Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

    Illinois undergraduates from all majors are invited to an info session to learn about the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program, Health Equity Research Experience (HERE), and Clinical Research Internship Study Program (CRISP). Each 10-week program offers students an opportunity to join the culture of a major medical center, work with world-class Mayo Clinic faculty mentors, and test their inclinations towards careers in research. Participation in the live info session is recommended. However, if you are unable to attend, please register to receive a link to the recording. 

     Please click the link as shown above for Program Highlights, Important Dates, Eligibility and Financial Support, and the Application Process: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program, Health Equity Research Experience (HERE), and Clinical Research Internship Study Program (CRISP).  

     

  • Conflict Resolution Training Opportunity

    Develop your conflict resolution skills. Deadline: Jan. 26

  • ORISE DOE-STP Fellowship

    The Grid Controls and Communications (GCC) Division of the Office of Electricity (OE) manages research, development, and demonstration programs aimed at modernizing the Nation’s electricity delivery system including secure communications, controls and protection systems. The Division is responsible for engineering end-to-end systems for communications, grid modeling, measurement and controls, and operations and planning.

    Application Deadline: February 10, 2025 @ 3:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
    Apply HERE

    Selected candidates will receive a stipend. Amounts are determined by DOE officials, based on the candidate’s academic and professional background, starting at approximately: 

    • Bachelor’s degree: $70,000
    • Master’s degree: $80,000
    • PhD: $100,000
  • Summer Undergraduate Program in Engineering Research at Berkley

    Prepare for graduate study this summer!

  • Liberty Mutual Insurance Leadership Forum

    Network with students, senior leaders and recruitment professionals. Deadline: April 30, 2015

  • ExploreCSR Computational workshop for undergraduates

    3-day virtual workshop consisting of tutorials and testimonials on how computational methods can be used in scientific research, followed by hands-on practice in small groups.

    Meet graduate, postdoctoral, and faculty mentors to discuss future career and research goals.

    Deadline: March 1, 2021

  • Join Illinois Engineering Ambassadors!

    Tell younger students what engineering is all about!

    Attend the info session on Wednesday, September 17 at 7pm in 1265 DCL to learn more!

  • Spanish Career Workshop

     

    Mi Carrera Workshop
    Tuesday, October 9th 5-7pm
    Lucy Ellis Lounge 1080 FLB
    Food provided!
    RSVP by October 1 to tmatos@illinois.edu