Illinois Featured Content

Highly Cited researchers this year at Illinois are: clockwise, from top left, Elizabeth Ainsworth, Charles Deiner, Kaiyu Guan, Axel Hoffmann, Atul Jain, Stephen Long, Li-Qing Chen and Brent Roberts. Photos from multiple sources, cited in story text.

Eight Illinois scientists rank among world's most influential

Nov 13, 2023 4:45 pm

The list recognizes research scientists and social scientists who have demonstrated exceptional influence – reflected through their publication of multiple papers frequently cited by their peers during the last decade.

New sleep enhancement device earns students National Academy of Medicine award

Oct 17, 2023 11:15 am

Carle Illinois College of Medicine student team was recognized by the US National Academy of Medicine for developing a device that could improve the duration and quality of sleep, especially for people with conditions like dementia.

Illinois molecular and integrative physiology professor Xinzhu Yu. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Xinzhu Yu receives NIH Director's New Innovator award

Oct 3, 2023 11:30 am

The New Innovator Award from the National Institutes of Health, which provides $2.4 M in funding over five years, will allow her to continue her exploration of mechanisms driving astrocyte-neuron interactions in the brain.

Grainger College of Engineering Dean Rashid Bashir

Rashid Bashir elected to National Academy of Medicine

Oct 9, 2023 9:30 am

Bashir was elected for seminal contributions in micro and nanoscale biosensors and diagnostics, bioengineering early detection of infection and sepsis, and his work to establish the the world's first engineering-based medical school at U of I.

stock image of Illinois students by Photo Services | Strategic Communications and Marketing

U of I honored for support of first-generation students

Sep 28, 2023 11:30 am

Illinois was one of 22 institutions named to the First Scholars 2023 cohort, the next level of recognition in the nation’s first program acknowledging higher education institutions for their commitment to first-generation student success.

Two Illinois Students Awarded Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service

Sep 19, 2023 11:15 am

Christiana Lewis and Andres Vazquez, both juniors at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, have received the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, also known as the Voyager Scholarship.

map shows Asteroid Eggl orbits the sun at a distance of roughly 2.52 astronomical units or 234 million miles, or 2.52 times the distance between the Earth and the sun.

Aerospace Engineering professor honored with asteroid namesake

Aug 23, 2023 11:30 am

An asteroid named '28751 Eggl' - as in Professor Siegfried Eggl - can now be spotted on all international databases including NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Horizons. 'It was a total surprise to me! I had no idea I was being nominated,' Eggl said.

B.B. Singh with cowpea plants (Credit: Texas A&M AgriLife)

Alumnus receives first-ever Shin Humanitarian Award, pays it forward to Crop Sciences

Aug 2, 2023 9:15 am

Renowned crop breeder B.B. Singh was honored with the inaugural Shin Humanitarian Award by the U of I for his exemplary impact on humanity by addressing global food security. He's giving the $50,000 prize back to the College of ACES.

CI MED Welcomes Class of 2027

Jun 30, 2023 1:45 pm

Carle Illinois College of Medicine – the world’s first engineering-based medical school – welcomed the Class of 2027, its largest class to date.

graphic courtesy of Intercollegiate Athletics includes images of Dike Eddleman Award winners Devon Witherspoon and Olivia Howell

Witherspoon, Howell named Dike Eddleman Athletes of the Year

Jun 21, 2023 10:30 am

U of I football consensus All-American Devon Witherspoon and track national champion Olivia Howell are winners of the 2022-23 Dike Eddleman Award, presented annually to the top Fighting Illini male and female athlete.

Five University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professors have been named University Scholars. Top, from left to right: Merle Bowen, African American studies; Cecilia Leal, materials science and engineering; and Ying Diao, chemical and biomolecular engineering. Bottom row, left to right: Brian Ogolsky, human development and family studies; and Kaiyu Guan, natural resources and environmental studies Bowen photo by Della Perrone; Leal, Diao and Ogolsky by L. Brian Stauffer; and Kaiyu Guan by Chris Brown Photography, courtesy of NCSA.

Five Urbana faculty members honored as University Scholars

Jun 8, 2023 10:00 am

'Faculty excellence is the University of Illinois System’s foundation, and the basis for the exceptional academic experience of the nearly 95,000 students who enrolled in our three universities last fall,” said Nicholas Jones, vice president for academic affairs.

Ashley Yeah reacts after winning a point

Ashley Yeah named ITA Midwest Region Senior Player of the Year

Jun 7, 2023 8:30 am

Yeah joins Cynthya Goulet (2004-05) as the only Illini in program history to be named the ITA Midwest Region Senior Player of the Year.

Illini golfer Jackson Buchanan celebrates a good shot out of a sand trap

Buchanan joins Dumont de Chassart, Kuhl as PING All-America honorees

Jun 6, 2023 10:00 am

Jackson Buchanan, a unanimous All-Big Ten first-team selection earns his first All-America nod from the GCAA after also taking home his first All-Midwest Region accolade from the organization last month.

From left, individuals awarded the 2023 Campus Awards for Excellence in Public Engagement are Sara Benson, a professor and copyright librarian at the University Library; Tracy Dace, the founder and chief executive officer of the Driven to Reach Excellence and Academic Achievement for Males Opportunity Center; and Kevin Tan, a professor of social work.

Awards recognize excellence in public engagement

Jun 1, 2023 9:30 am

These awards honor faculty and staff members, students, and community members who engage the public to address critical societal issues.

Men's Golf Coach Mike Small talks with a player on a green

Small named finalist for Dave Williams Coach of the Year Award

Jun 5, 2023 8:00 am

Small, who earned his record 13^th Big Ten Coach of the Year award, led the program to its eighth consecutive Big Ten title – and 13^th of the last 14 overall – to secure one of seven tournament wins on the year, also the most in the nation.

Illinois ranked No. 4 in agricultural and biological engineering

May 23, 2023 10:15 am

The graduate program is ranked No. 4 nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, moving up three spots.

Illinois Athletics announces 2023 Hall of Fame inductees

May 9, 2023 11:45 am

The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics named 12 new members to the UI Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023, including athletes and coaches from nine different teams.

Chemistry professor Nancy Makri elected to National Academy of Sciences

May 8, 2023 4:15 pm

Election to the National Academy of Sciences is one of the highest professional honors a scientist can receive. It recognizes distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.

Big Ten Player of the Week Drake Westcott at the plate

Westcott named Big Ten Player of the Week

May 9, 2023 11:00 am

Drake Westcott put on an incredible power display at the plate during the Illini's sweep of Michigan State, going 8-for-15 (.533) with eight runs, five home runs and 10 RBI.

Four University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign faculty members were honored by the Office of the Provost with the 2023 Campus Awards for Excellence in Faculty Leadership. From left, William Gropp; Mariselle Meléndez; Yoon Pak; and Tandy Warnow. Photo collage by Michelle Hassel

Four honored with 2023 Campus Award for Excellence in Faculty Leadership

May 5, 2023 12:15 pm

These awards are presented in three categories – faculty mentoring, distinguished executive officer and outstanding faculty leadership – to distinguished faculty who enrich the intellectual vitality of campus and the broader community.

Illinois graduate student and golfer Crystal Wang

Wang named Big Ten Golfer of the Year

Apr 26, 2023 12:30 pm

Crystal Wang has been named Golfer of the year and All-Big Ten First Team. Wang shot a record-low final round 62 to earn medalist honors at the B1G Championships, winning the individual title by 12 strokes - the only player to finish under par.

Electrical and computer engineering professor Tamer Başar, materials science and engineering professor David Cahill and physics professor Vidya Madhavan have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Photos by Brian Stauffer

Three Illinois scientists elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Apr 24, 2023 10:30 am

Electrical and computer engineering professor emeritus Tamer Başar, materials science and engineering professor David Cahill and physics professor Vidya Madhavan – have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

students Daniel Cudzich, Max Fan and Aidan Lindsay. Photos submitted by students

Three Illinois students honored with Goldwater scholarships

Apr 18, 2023 2:15 pm

U of I students Daniel Cudzich, Max Fan and Aidan Lindsay are among 413 scholars selected for Goldwater scholarships from the 1,267 mathematics, science and engineering students nominated by colleges and universities nationwide.

History professor Yuridia Ramírez and Latina/Latino studies professor José de la Garza Valenzuela have been awarded 2023 American Council of Learned Societies Fellowships.

Two Illinois researchers receive Council of Learned Societies fellowships

Apr 6, 2023 2:45 pm

The ACLS Fellowship Program supports exceptional scholarship in the humanities and interpretive social sciences that has the potential to make significant contributions within and beyond the recipients’ fields.

Ian Skirkey competing on the pommel horse and sophomore Ashton Anaya competing on the still rings

Skirkey, Anaya earn national titles at NCAA Championships

Apr 17, 2023 8:00 am

Ian Skirkey (pommel horse) and Ashton Anaya (still rings) both were named national champions at the NCAA Championships Saturday night in State College, Pa. This is the first time Illinois has two national champions since 2012.

portrait images of all winners of Excellence in Instruction awards for 2023. Photos and composite image by Michelle Hassel

Faculty, advisers honored with Excellence in Instruction awards

Apr 12, 2023 9:45 am

Awardees are recognized for sustained excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate teaching, undergraduate and graduate advising and mentoring, online teaching and research guidance.

Department of Speech and Hearing Science celebrates 50 years

Apr 5, 2023 2:45 pm

The Department of Speech and Hearing Science celebrates 50 years of empowering lives through enhanced communication.

a smiling Devon Witherspoon talks with members of the press

Witherspoon shows first-round talent at Pro Day

Apr 5, 2023 7:30 pm

Illinois Football All-American Devon Witherspoon shined at his personal Pro Day on Wednesday at the Irwin Indoor Practice Facility. Witherspoon performed in front of 31 scouts representing 23 NFL teams.

Illinois professors Prashant Jain, Gloriana Gonzalez, D.K. Lee, Carol Symes, and Derek Holem. Photo compilation by Michelle Hassel

Five Urbana-Champaign faculty members named University Scholars

Mar 24, 2023 10:15 am

Five U of I professors have been named University Scholars in recognition of their excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. The award is presented by the University of Illinois System to faculty members from the Chicago, Springfield and Urbana universities.

Matthis Besard watches his put at the NIT in Tuscon, AZ

Besard named B1G Golfer of the Week

Mar 23, 2023 9:00 am

Senior Matthis Besard has been named Big Ten Golfer of the Week after leading the Illini to a share of fourth place last weekend against a strong field, which included nine top-30-ranked programs, at the National Invitational Tournament in Tucson, Ariz.

Junior guard Makira Cook brings the ball up court in a file photo.

Makira Cook named to AP All-America honorable mention list

Mar 16, 2023 8:45 am

Cook is the first Illinois women's basketball player to earn AP All-America accolades since Karisma Penn following the 2012-13 season. In her first season with the Orange and Blue, Cook has put together the best year of her career.

Chemistry professor named 2023 Sloan Research Fellow

Feb 15, 2023 9:15 am

Mei Shen adds a Sloan Fellowship to a list of honors that include the American Chemical Society Arthur Findeis Award, an National Science Foundation CAREER award, and a campus award for Excellence in Guiding Undergraduate Research.

U of I among top producers of Fulbright US Student, US Scholar awards

Feb 10, 2023 10:15 am

Illinois is among 18 institutions recognized as top producers for both Fulbright students and Fulbright scholars with eight scholars and 16 students selected.

Huddled with players, Coach Grentz charts a play in this file photo.

Women’s Basketball to honor Illini coaching great Theresa Grentz

Feb 8, 2023 4:15 pm

The Illini welcome back former head coach and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Inductee Theresa Grentz to celebrate her legendary career with a Hall of Fame banner ceremony on February 19 before a game against Penn State.

a 'highlight reel' layup by Terrence Shannon Jr. during a game against Nebraska

Shannon Jr. named top 10 candidate for Jerry West 'Shooting Guard' Award

Feb 8, 2023 9:30 am

Terrence Shannon Jr. is one of only two power conference players – and one of 14 players nationally – averaging at least 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal on the season. You can vote for him beginning Feb. 10.

Ken Norman in his playing days at Illinois. Shown on a graphic for the '28 Days of Black Excellence' Black History Month feature

Ken Norman: A double-double machine

Feb 6, 2023 11:15 am

Ken Norman was the guy that every conference coach coveted. In his junior and senior seasons—1985-86 and '86-87—Norman was a double-double machine. He had at least 10 points and 10 rebounds on 25 occasions.

Physics professor James Eckstein, psychology professor Kara Federmeier, atmospheric sciences professor Atul Jain, chemistry professor Liviu Mirica, computer science professor Grigore Rosu, mechanical science and engineering professor M. Taher Saif, and materials science and engineering professor Charles Schroeder will be awarded the distinction of AAAS Fellow this year.

Seven Illinois faculty members elected to AAAS

Jan 31, 2023 9:00 am

Seven professors at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have been elected 2022 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Fellows are chosen by their peers for outstanding contribution to the field.

Professor Erin Riggs. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Illinois anthropology professor awarded NEH Fellowship

Jan 18, 2023 10:00 am

Riggs is a contemporary and historical archaeologist with interests in welfare state initiatives, materiality, national belonging and displacement in the recent past.

Offensive linebacker Gabe Jacas awaits the snap

Illini Football's Jacas named FWAA Freshman All-American

Jan 13, 2023 3:15 pm

Outside linebacker Gabe Jacas was named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America Team. He's the second Illini in the award's history (2001), and the first ever Illini true freshman to earn the honor.

referee raises Zac Braunagel's hand in victory

Zac Braunagel named NCAA/B1G Wrestler of the Week

Jan 12, 2023 9:00 am

Redshirt junior Zac Braunagel (197) was named to NCAA Wrestler of the Week and Big Ten Co-Wrestler of the week honors for this weekend's performances against No. 2 Iowa and No. 13 Wisconsin.

Smiling U of i cornerback Devon Witherspoon on the sideline during a game

Witherspoon first Illini defensive back named Consensus All-American

Dec 16, 2022 10:30 am

Witherspoon will be honored with a permanent plaque in Grange Grove, a banner in Memorial Stadium, and his jersey hung in the Smith Center staircase. He's the first Illini to earn consensus honors since Whitney Mercilus in 2011.

Illinois inducted into Olympics' inaugural Collegiate Impact Award Class

Dec 9, 2022 1:00 pm

The induction by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee honors the top-performing schools represented on Team USA at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Fighting Illini Football Defensive Coordinator Ryan Walters

Ryan Walters named 247Sports Defensive Coordinator of the Year

Dec 6, 2022 4:15 pm

Illinois Football ranked in the top 10 in the nation in 17 major defensive categories during the regular season, including leading the nation in interceptions (22), ranking second in scoring defense (12.3), and third in total defense (263.8).

Shannon Jr. claps his hands during a game as an Illini crowd looks on

Terrence Shannon Jr. earns Big Ten Player of the Week honor

Nov 22, 2022 9:15 am

Shannon earns the award after averaging 22.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 59.5% from the field, including 56.5% from 3-point range. He led the No. 16 Fighting Illini to a 2-1 record on the week, including a top-10 victory.

Highly Cited researchers this year at Illinois are: clockwise, from top left, Elizabeth Ainsworth, Brent Roberts, Donald Ort, Atul Jain, Ed Diener, Arend van der Zande, Kaiyu Guan, Jennifer A. Lewis and Axel Hoffmann.

Nine Illinois scientists rank among world's most influential

Nov 15, 2022 9:45 am

The 2022 Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researchers list recognizes research scientists and social scientists who have demonstrated exceptional influence – reflected through their publication of multiple papers frequently cited by their peers.

Nathaniel "Big Easy" Lofton, recently retired from the Harlem Globetrotters, presents the Emmy Award to U of I producers Tim Hartin and Kaitlin Southworth.

'Cold War: Illinois Stories' wins Mid-America Regional Emmy Award

Nov 3, 2022 4:45 pm

“Cold War: Illinois Stories” won the Mid-America Regional Emmy Award for best magazine program. It was the seventh Emmy for producer Tim Hartin, and the cap to his thirty year career at Illinois.

Fellowship awardees Owen MacDonald (History), Adrian Wong (Institute for Communications Research), and Marisa Natale (History).

Three grad students receive Fulbright-Hays Fellowships for doctoral research abroad

Oct 26, 2022 10:45 am

These are highly competitive fellowships that support dissertation-level research abroad in 'modern foreign languages and area studies.' Fellowships provide a stipend, cover research and travel expenses, and offer up to 12 months of support.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign chemistry professor Martin D. Burke has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Burke elected to National Academy of Medicine

Oct 17, 2022 10:00 am

'Dr. Burke’s election is well-deserved recognition of his pioneering research methods ...a testament to his unwavering focus on finding solutions that can directly impact people’s lives and the health of our communities,” Chancellor Jones said.

Chase Brown: Chasing History

Oct 20, 2022 9:15 am

The nation's leading rusher is Illini Chase Brown. He's the first Illini to rush for 100+ yards in the first seven games of a season, leads the nation in all-purpose yards, yards gained after contact, and rushes of 10+ yards. This website is all about him.

Voyager Scholarship winners Ella Dennis and Linh Nguyen

Illinois students selected for inaugural Voyager Scholarships

Oct 5, 2022 1:30 pm

The inaugural Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, also known as Voyager Scholarships, provide up to $50,000 to use toward education-related expenses, and a $10,000 stipend toward an immersive work-travel experience.

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