Awards

2024

Hua Wang, Assistant Professor of Materials Science & Engineering (RBTE), was awarded a Research Scholar Grant from the American Cancer Society to investigate a novel mRNA-based cancer vaccine. (October 2024)

Kaiyu Guan, Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (CABBI), named a finalist for the Blavatnik National Award for Young Scientists which honors exceptional young scientists across the sciences providing critical support to innovative research that addresses global challenges. (September 2024)

Nicholas Wu, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry (IGOH/MMG) was named a Vallee Scholar by the Vallee Foundation, which recognizes outstanding early-career investigators making advances in the biomedical sciences. (September 2024)

Rosa M. Espinosa Marzal, Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering (EIRH) was named Ivan Racheff Professor in Environmental Engineering in recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership in her field of expertise. (September 2024)

Amy Wagoner Johnson, Professor and Andersen Faculty Scholar, Mechanical Science and Engineering (EIRH/RBTE) was elected Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for seminal contributions to biomechanics and biomaterials, particularly in bone regeneration, soft tissue mechanics, and coral restoration. (September 2024)

Wilfred van der Donk, Richard E. Heckert Endowed Chair in Chemistry, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator (MMG leader) received the Alfred Bader Award in Bioinorganic or Bioorganic Chemistry from the American Chemical Society. (August 2024)

Helen Nguyen, Ivan Racheff Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering (IGOH), was selected as a 2024-2025 Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright Specialist to study antimicrobial resistance in Southeast Asia. (August 2024)

Erik Nelson, Associate Professor of Molecular & Integrative Physiology (ACPP) and Lori Raetzman, Professor of Molecular & Integrative Physiology (EIRH/GNDP), received Laureate Awards from the Endocrine Society, which recognizes the highest achievements in the endocrinology field including groundbreaking research and innovations in clinical care. (August 2024)

Lori Raetzman, Professor of Molecular & Integrative Physiology (EIRH/GNDP), received the LAS Dean’s Distinguished Professorial Scholars award. (August 2024)

Madhu Khanna, Alvin H. Baum Family Chair & iSEE Director (CABBI) was named a Fellow of the European Association of Environmental and Resource Economics, a program recognizes outstanding contributions in the field of environmental and resource economics. (July 2024)

Zeynep Madak-Erdogan (CGD/EIRH/GSP), a professor of food science and human nutrition, and Jacob Sherkow (GSP), a professor of law, have been named University Scholars in recognition of their excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. (July 2024)

Eren Ahsen, Assistant Professor of Business Administration (CGD) was recognized with the Young Researcher Award at the Conference on Health IT and Analytics (CHITA) for developing technology to improve patients' access to mammograms and relieve stress during screenings. (July 2024)

CZ Biohub Chicago announced its first cohort of Investigators, awarded funding to enable high-risk, high-reward research on topics related to instrumented tissues, inflammation, and the functions of the immune system. 12 IGB members were among the 16 Illinois faculty chosen: Indrani Bagchi, Comparative Biosciences (EIRH co-leader); Rohit Bhargava, Bioengineering (CGD); Qian Chen, Materials Science & Engineering (M-CELS); Martha Gillette, Cell & Developmental Biology (GNDP/M-CELS); Bumsoo Han, Mechanical Science & Engineering (M-CELS); Amy Wagoner Johnson, Mechanical Science & Engineering (EIRH/RBTE); Auinash Kalostra, Biochemistry (CGD/GNDP); Hyun Jjoon Kong, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (M-CELS leader/EIRH/RBTE); M. Taher Saif, Mechanical Science & Engineering (M-CELS/RBTE); Mei Shen, Chemistry (GNDP); Shannon Sirk, Bioengineering (MME/MMG); and Jonathan Sweedler, Chemistry (BSD/CABBI/MMG). (July 2024)

Joanne Chory, Howard H. and Maryam R. Newman Chair in Plant Biology at the Salk Institute and IGB Science Advisory Board member, awarded the 2024 Wolf Prize in Agriculture for key discoveries on plant developmental biology of relevance to crop improvements. (July 2024)

Matthew Wheeler, Professor of Animal Sciences and of Bioengineering, received the 2024 Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award from the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) for his work developing GM swine for enhanced livestock productivity. (June 2024)

Erik Nelson, Associate Professor of Molecular & Integrative Physiology (ACPP), was named a 2024 Researcher to Know by the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition, which recognizes faculty that have demonstrated excellence in their work through recently achieved milestones. (June 2024)

Qian Chen, Materials Science and Engineering Professor (M-CELS), received the Materials Research Society’s 2024 Outstanding Early Career Investigator Award, recognizing one researcher under the age of 42 each year from an international pool of nominees. Chen is the first researcher from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to receive this award. (May 2024)

Huimin Zhao, Steven L. Miller Chair in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BSD lead/CABBI/CGD/MMG), received the 2024 Charles D. Scott Award from the Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology. (May 2024)

Stephen Sligar, Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry (ACPP), was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. (April 2024)

Tommie Sturgeon, CNRG Senior Research Programmer, was selected for the 2024 cohort of the IT Leadership Workshop, a program to develop leadership skills and facilitate communication, collaboration, and partnership among participating IT professionals. (April 2024)

Rashid Bashir, Grainger Distinguished Professor of Bioengineering and Dean of The Grainger College of Engineering (CGD/M-CELS) and Alison Bell, Professor of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior (GNDP leader), were elected members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the oldest honorary societies in the United States. (April 2024)

Seemesh Bhaskar, IGB Fellow (CGD), was recognized as an IOP Trusted Reviewer for a high level of peer review competence and the ability to constructively critique scientific literature to an exceptional standard. (April 2024)

Rebecca Fuller, Professor of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior (GNDP), and Praveen Kumar, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering (GEGC), were elected 2023 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. (April 2024)

Paul Kenis, Professor of Chemical and Bioengineering (RBTE), was named a Fellow of the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE) for his work in microfluidics and gas diffusion electrodes, and his contribution to electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. (April 2024)

Qian Chen, Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (M-CELS), and Matthew Wheeler, Professor of Animal Sciences (RBTE), received a Campus Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring from the Office of the Provost. (April 2024)

Mohammed El-Kebir, Assistant Professor of Computer Science (IGOH), and Katy Heath, Professor of Plant Biology (IGOH), received a Campus Award for Excellence in Guiding Undergraduate Research from the Office of the Provost. (April 2024)

Timothy Fan, Professor of Veterinary Clinical Medicine (ACPP/CGD), was named the inaugural Khan Family Chair in Veterinary Oncology Research, established by the Khan family in part due to their gratitude for the extraordinary level of care provided to their dogs at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. (April 2024)

Kimberly Valentine-Poska, Principal at Global Capital Markets, Inc. and IGB Leadeship Council member, received the Certificate in Cyber Risk Governance by the  DCRO Institute, awarded to those who have completed an extensive education program led by a global suite of board members, leading C-suite technology executives, law enforcement, and intelligence experts, all with deep knowledge of technology and cyber. (April 2024)

Alison Bell, Professor of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (GNDP leader), was named a 2024 Guggenheim Fellow by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, offered to exceptional individuals in pursuit of scholarship in any field of knowledge and creation in any art form, under the freest possible conditions. (April 2024)

Andrew Leakey, CABBI Director and Professor and Head of Plant Biology (GEGC) received the Charles F. Kettering Award from the American Society of Plant Biologists, which recognizes excellence in the field of photosynthesis. (April 2024)

Tandy Warnow, Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering (IGOH), received the Senior Scientist Accomplishment Award from the International Society for Computational Biology, which recognizes experienced computational biologists who have made major contributions to the field. (March 2024)

Amy Cash Ahmed, Lab Manager (GNDP) and Susan Thomas, Deputy Program Manager (IGOH), received the 2024 Chancellor's Staff Excellence Award, which recognizes the outstanding work of staff members who perform critical functions for our university. (March 2024)

Ruby Mendenhall, Kathryn Lee Baynes Dallenbach Professorship in Liberal Arts and Sciences (GNDP), was named the 2024 Urbana Poet Laureate by the Urbana Arts & Culture Program, which recognizes a resident poet who honors their community and elevates the importance of the creative writing art form. (March 2024)

Zeynep Madak-Erdogan, Associate Professor of Nutrition and Sylvia D. Stroup Scholar (CGD/EIRH/GSP), received the 2024 Michael B. Kastan Award for Research Excellence from the American Association for Cancer Research, which recognizes a research paper with the potential to shift paradigms, inspire translational activity, and raise awareness of new scientific areas. (February 2024)

Joanne Chory, Howard H. and Maryam R. Newman Chair in Plant Biology at the Salk Institute and IGB Science Advisory Board member, received the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science from The Franklin Institute. (January 2024)

Andrew Leakey, CABBI Director and Professor and Head of Plant Biology (GEGC) was named the Michael Aiken Chair, established in honor of former Illinois Chancellor Michael Aiken for his devotion to enhancing the quality of teaching, research and service across campus. (January 2024)

Brent Roberts, Professor of Psychology (GNDP) was named a Gutgsell Endowed Professor, established by Edward William and Jane Marr Gutgsell to promote faculty development and to ensure high achievement. (January 2024)

Paul Hergenrother, Kenneth L. Rinehart Jr. Professor of Chemistry (ACPP leader/MMG) was named a 2023 National Cancer Institute (NCI) Outstanding Investigator. Hergenrother is the first University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researcher to receive this award. (January 2024)

Taher Saif, Edward William and Jane Marr Gutgsell Professor of Mechanical Science and Engineering (M-CELS/RBTE) has been elected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering in recognition of his work characterizing mechanical properties of materials at small scales, with applications in materials science and biology. (February 2024)

2023

Alison Bell, Professor of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (GNDP leader) and Ripan Malhi, Professor of Anthropology (CIS co-leader/GNDP/GSP/IGOH) were appointed Center for Advanced Study (CAS) Associates. (December 2023)

Helen Nguyen, Ivan Racheff Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering (IGOH), was named Editor-In Chief of the AGU journal GeoHealth. (November 2023)

Ashwini Bedekar, Research Scientist in the Rao lab (BSD/CABBI), received the 2023 Innovator Award from the Association for Women in Science – Chicago Area Chapter, recognizing women’s innovations in science, technology, engineering, math or medicine. (November 2023)

Rashid Bashir, Dean of The Grainger College of Engineering and Professor of Bioengineering (CGD/M-CELS), has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. (October 2023)

Huimin Zhao, Steven L. Miller Chair in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BSD lead/CABBI/CGD/MMG), received the 2023 D.I.C. Wang Award for Excellence in Biochemical Engineering from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ (AIChE) Society for Biological Engineering. (October 2023)

Kaiyu Guan, Associate Professor of Natural Resources & Environmental Studies (CABBI), received the James B. Macelwane Medal from the American Geophysical Union (AGU), awarded to early career scientists for significant contributions to Earth and space science. (September 2023)

Sara Pedron Haba, Research Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (RBTE) was elected to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Women in Cancer Research Council, comprised of 13 women who advise the AACR on issues facing female researchers. (September 2023)

Cari Vanderpool, Professor and Associate Head of Microbiology (IGOH/MME) was elected the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences first Associate Dean for Research. (August 2023)

Stephen Long, Ikenberry Chair of Crop Sciences and Plant Biology (BSD/CABBI/GEGC), received an honorary doctoral degree from the University of Essex. (July 2023)

Mei Shen, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (GNDP), received an award from the Scialog: Microbiome, Neurobiology and Disease initiative, sponsored by the Research Corporation for Science Advancement, The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group and the Frederick Gardner Cottrell Foundation, with support from the Walder Foundation. (July 2023)

Jodi Flaws, Professor of Comparative Biosciences (EIRH co-leader), received the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) Research Award for her extensive contributions to the field of reproductive toxicology. (July 2023)

Lisa Ainsworth, research plant physiologist, USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS); adjunct professor of plant biology and crop sciences (CABBI/GEGC), received the Woolhouse Lecture Award, the highest award given to a plant biologist by the Society of Experimental Biology. (July 2023)

Cecilia Leal, Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (M-CELS), was named University Scholar in recognition of her excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. (June 2023)

Kaiyu Guan, Associate Professor of Natural Resources & Environmental Studies (CABBI), was named University Scholar in recognition of his excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. (June 2023)

Brian Cunningham, Intel Alumni Endowed Chair Professor and Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering (CGD Leader/MMG) was appointed to the Editorial Board of Scientific Reports, which comprises experts from all major fields to ensure each submission is handled by a specialist with an active research career. (June 2023)

Jason Ridlon, Associate Professor of Animal Sciences (MME), received the 2023 E.L.R. Stokstad Award from the American Society for Nutrition. (May 2023)

Gregory Stephanopoulos, H. Dow Professor of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering at MIT and IGB Science Advisory Board member, was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. (May 2023)

Charles Schroeder, James Economy Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (BSD), received the 2023 Beckman Institute Vision and Spirit Award, which recognizes individuals who embody Arnold Beckman’s vision of excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. (April 2023)

Zeynep Madak-Erdogan, Associate Professor of Nutrition and Sylvia D. Stroup Scholar (CGD/EIRH/GSP), was invited to participate in the 2023 NAM Emerging Leaders Forum, an annual assembly of outstanding early- and mid-career professionals with exceptional professional promise, achievement, and leadership in biomedical science, health, health care, and related fields. (April 2023)

IGB Director's Fellows Brian Allan, Professor of Entomology (IGOH), and William Barley, Associate Professor of Communication, were awarded the Best Short Research Paper at iConference 2023, presented by the iSchools, a worldwide association of Information Schools dedicated to advancing the information field. This research is related to the study of the science of team science, to better understand team science dynamics, potential benefits or barriers to research progress, and how these factors may enable or hinder research productivity within highly collaborative environments. (April 2023)

Mattia Gazzola, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Science & Engineering (M-CELS) was appointed a Center for Advanced Study (CAS) Fellow. (March 2023)

Kathryn Clancy, Professor of Anthropology (EIRH) was appointed a Center for Advanced Study (CAS) Associate. (March 2023)

Brian Cunningham, Intel Alumni Endowed Chair Professor and Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering (CGD Theme Leader/MMG) received the 2023 Michael S. Feld Biophotonics Award, which recognizes innovative and influential contributions to the field of biophotonics. (March 2023)

Zeynep Madak-Erdogan, Associate Professor of Nutrition and Sylvia D. Stroup Scholar (CGD/EIRH/GSP) was named an associate dean in the Graduate College. (March 2023)

Shannon Sirk, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering (MME) received a Trailblazer R21 Award from the NIH National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) her ongoing work in engineering both microbes and antibodies for human therapies. (March 2023)

Alison Bell, Professor of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (GNDP leader) received the Excellence in Guiding Undergraduate Research award from the Office of the Provost. (March 2023)

Isaac Cann, Professor of Animal Sciences and of Microbiology, has been elected Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, which recognizes excellence, originality, service and leadership in the microbial sciences. (February 2023)

M. Taher Saif, Edward William and Jane Marr Gutgsell Professor of Mechanical Science & Engineering (M-CELS/RBTE) and Charles Schroeder, James Economy Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (BSD) have been elected Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. (January 2023)

Wawrzyniec Dobrucki, Associate Professor of Bioengineering (RBTE), was named the inaugural Neil and Carol Ruzic Faculty Scholar by the Carle Illinois College of Medicine. (January 2023)

2022

Rachel Smith-Bolton, Associate Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology (GNDP/RBTE), received the 2022 Teaching Excellence Award from the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology. (December 2022)

Kaiyu Guan, Blue Waters Associate Professor in the department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (CABBI), received the  GroundBreaker Prize from FoodShot Global, a collaborative capital investment platform that catalyzes innovation for a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable food system. (December 2022)

Martin Burke, May and Ving Lee Professor for Chemical Innovation (MMG), was elected to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. (October 2022)

Xin Li, Assistant Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology (GNDP), was named a Lincoln Excellence for Assistant Professors (LEAP) Scholar by the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. (September 2022)

Rachel Smith-Bolton, Associate Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology (GNDP/RBTE), was named a Norman P. Jones Professorial Scholar by the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. (September 2022)

Elizabeth Murphy, Managing Director of the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE), received the 2022 SPaRC Outstanding Service Award from the campus Sponsored Programs Administration in recognition of outstanding service in support of research administration at Illinois. (September 2022)

Peter Fox, Founder and Principal of Fox Ventures, LLC and IGB Leadership Council member, received the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Illinois Alumni Association, presented to individuals whose consistent, exceptional and meritorious service to the University has made a significant impact on the institution’s overall welfare and advancement of its mission. (August 2022)

Mark Hauber, Harley Jones Van Cleave Professor of Host-Parasite Interactions, Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (GNDP), received the Alexander von Humboldt Research Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, which invites awardees to conduct the research project of their choice in collaboration with specialist colleagues located at a research institution in Germany. (August 2022)

Donald Ort, Robert Emerson Professor in Plant Biology and Crop Sciences (GEGC Leader/BSD/CABBI) received the Jalal Aliyev Lecture Scholarship from the International Society of Photosynthesis Research, which recognizes extraordinary achievements in photosynthesis research, particularly in applied environmental and ecological aspects of photosynthesis. (August 2022)

Huimin Zhao, Steven L. Miller Chair in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BSD/GSE lead/CABBI/CGD/MMG), was appointed editor-in-chief of ACS Synthetic Biology by the Publications Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS). (July 2022)

Madhu Khanna, Professor of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (CABBI) was named the Alvin H. Baum Family Chair and Director of the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment. (July 2022)

Huimin Zhao, Steven L. Miller Chair in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BSD/GSE lead/CABBI/CGD/MMG), received the 2022 Food, Pharmaceutical and Bioengineering Division Award in Chemical Engineering from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). (July 2022)

Kathryn Clancy, Associate Professor of Anthropology (EIRH), and Katy Heath, Associate Professor of Plant Biology (IGOH) were named Dean’s Distinguished Professorial Scholars by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, for their contributions in education and research at the University of Illinois. (June 2022)

Hee-Sun Han, Mark A. Pytosh Scholar and Assistant Professor of Chemistry (GNDP/IGOH) has received the Amy L. Devine Award from the Illinois chapter of Alpha Omega Epsilon for willingness to "go above and beyond" to ensure that her students are understanding the concepts being taught in her class. (June 2022)

Nicholas Wu, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry (IGOH) was selected for the new class of Searle Scholars to pursue ground-breaking research in chemistry and biomedical sciences. (June 2022)

Tandy Warnow, Associate Head for Research and Faculty Development in the Department of Computer Science (IGOH) received the 2022 College Award for Excellence in Faculty Mentoring from the Grainger College of Engineering. (May 2022)

Cecilia Leal, Associate Professor and Racheff Faculty Scholar in Materials Science and Engineering (M-CELS), is the recipient of the 2022 College Award for Sustained Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from the Grainger College of Engineering. (May 2022)

Sara Pedron Haba, Research Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (RBTE) was named a 2022 awardee of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). (May 2022)

Alison Bell, Professor of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (GNDP leader) received the Quest Award from the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) in recognition of outstanding seminal contributions in animal behavior. (March 2022)

Rohit Bhargava, Founder Professor in Bioengineering (CGD), was selected as the winner of the 2022 New York/New Jersey Society for Applied Spectroscopy Gold Medal Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of Applied Spectroscopy. (March 2022)

May Berenbaum, Professor and Head of Entomology (GEGC/IGOH) was named to the President’s Committee on the National Medal of Science, a committee of scientists and engineers appointed by POTUS to evaluate nominees for the Award. (March 2022)

Andrew Smith, Professor of Bioengineering (CGD) was elected Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) for outstanding contributions to the development of semiconductor quantum dots, ultrasensitive medical diagnostics, and bioengineering education. (March 2022)

Ting Lu, Professor of Bioengineering (BCXT/BSD/CABBI//MME), was elected Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) for outstanding contributions to the design, analysis and engineering of gene circuits that control microbial cell functionalities. (March 2022)

Amy Wagoner Johnson, Professor and Andersen Faculty Scholar, Mechanical Science and Engineering (EIRH/RBTE) was elected Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), in recognition of her work recruiting and advancing women and persons of color in academia and pioneering research in biomaterials and biomechanics. (February 2022)

Carla Cáceres, Professor of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior (IGOH) was named by the University of Illinois as G. William Arends Professor. (February 2022)

Rachel Whitaker, Professor of Microbiology (IGOH leader/BCXT) was appointed the Harry E. Preble Professorship. (February 2022)

Gene Robinson, IGB Director, Swanlund Chair, Professor of Entomology (GNDP) was elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) as one of 17 councilors, serving a three-year term. (February 2022)

Yong-Su Jin, Professor of Food Microbiology (BSD/CABBI/MME) was named University Scholar in recognition of his excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. (January 2022)

Chemistry professor Martin Burke (MMG); evolution, ecology, and behavior professor Mark Hauber (GNDP); plant biology professor Katy Heath (IGOH); bioengineering professor Joseph Irudayaraj (CGD/EIRH/MME); anthropology professor Ripan Malhi (GNDP/GSP/IGOH); and computer science professor Tandy Warnow (BCXT/IGOH) have been elected 2021 fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). (January 2022)

Jason Ridlon, Associate Professor of Animal Sciences (MME) was appointed a 2022-23 Center for Advanced Study (CAS) Associate and Sangjin Kim, Assistant Professor of Physics (BCXT) was appointed a 2022-23 Center for Advanced Study (CAS) Fellow. (January 2022)

2021

Brian Allan, Professor of Entomology (IGOH) and William Barley, Associate Professor of Communication, were appointed the inaugural IGB Director's Faculty Fellows for 2021-2022. Their joint project “Does participation in multidisciplinary science centers affect researchers’ careers?” seeks to better understand the dynamics of team science, the potential benefits or barriers to research progress, and how these factors may enable or hinder research productivity. (November 2021)

Jeffrey Moore, Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science & Engineering (BSD), was awarded the Campus Executive Officer Distinguished Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding academic leadership and vision by an executive officer within a college or campus unit. (October 2021)

Jonathan Sweedler, James R. Eiszner Family Endowed Chair in Chemistry (BSD/CABBI/MMG) and Rohit Bhargava, Founder Professor in Bioengineering (CGD) were named to the Analytical Scientist’s 2021 Power List highlighting tremendous talent, ingenuity, and leadership in analytical science across the world, with Sweedler receiving the #1 ranking. (October 2021)

Ripan Malhi, Professor of Anthropology (GNDP/GSP/IGOH) received the Robert W. Sussman Award for Scientific Contributions to Anthropology from the Steering Group of Section H (Anthropology) of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which recognizes meritorious scientific contributions to the field of anthropology. (September 2021)

Korinta Maldonado, Assistant Clinical Professor of Anthropology (IGOH), received the 2021 Immigrant Leadership Award from the Champaign-Urbana Immigration Forum, which recognizes the contributions of individuals and organizations that have created a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants in the Champaign-Urbana community. (September 2021)  

Mehmet Eren Ahsen, Assistant Professor of Business Administration (CGD); Brian Aldridge, Clinical Professor in Rural Animal Health Management (IGOH); Wawrzyniec Dobrucki, Associate Professor of Bioengineering (RBTE); Bruce Fouke, Professor of Geology (BCXT); Iwona Jasiuk, Professor of Mechanical Science and Engineering (RBTE); Zeynep Madak-Erdogan, Associate Professor of Nutrition (CGD/EIRH/GSP); and Rebecca Smith, Associate Professor of Pathobiology (IGOH) joined the Carle Illinois College of Medicine with Health Innovation Professor appointments. (September 2021)

Ruby Mendenhall, Associate Professor of Sociology (GNDP) received the 2021 Pearl Birnbaum Hurwitz Humanism in Healthcare Award from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, presented annually to a woman who exemplifies humanism and has advanced the well-being of at-risk or underserved populations in the healthcare arena. (August 2021)

Fadi Alnaji, post-doctoral researcher (Brooke Lab); Christopher Brooke, Associate Professor of Microbiology (IGOH); Martin Burke, May and Ving Lee Professor for Chemical Innovation (MMG); Timothy Fan, Professor of Veterinary Clinical Medicine (ACPP/CGD); Nigel Goldenfeld, Swanlund Professor of Physics (BCXT leader/GNDP); Kelsie Green, laboratory technician (Burke Group); Paul Hergenrother, Kenneth L. Rinehart Jr. Professor of Chemistry (ACPP leader/MMG); Sergei Maslov, Professor of Bioengineering and Physics (BCXT/CABBI); Diana Ranoa, IGB Fellow; and Rebecca Smith, Associate Professor of Epidemiology (IGOH), received the Presidential Medallion from University of Illinois President Tim Killeen, the highest honor the system president can bestow, for their work leading the system’s COVID-19 response. (August 2021)

Alison Bell, Professor of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (GNDP leader) was elected a Fellow of the Animal Behavior Society. (August 2021)

Marni Boppart, Professor of Kinesiology and Community Health (RBTE), was named a Fellow of the American Physiological Society (FAPS), which honors distinguished leaders who have demonstrated excellence in science and have made significant contributions to physiological sciences and related disciplines. (August 2021)

Satish Nair, Department of Biochemistry Head (MME/MMG), has been appointed the inaugural Gregorio Weber Endowed Chair of Biochemistry, established as a gift from the late George and Tamara Mitchell. (July 2021)

Ting Lu, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering (BCXT/BSD/CABBI/MME), jointly received the 2021 Future Insight Prize, established by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany to stimulate innovative solutions for humanity's greatest problems in the areas of health, nutrition, and energy, for work which uses microbes and chemicals to break down end-of-life plastics and transform them into edible food. (July 2021)

Hee-Sun Han, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (IGOH/GNDP), received a 2021 WISTEM²D (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing, and Design) Scholar Award from Johnson & Johnson, which fuels the development of female STEM²D leaders and feeds the STEM₂D talent pipeline by sponsoring women at critical points in their careers. (July 2021)

Mohammed El-Kebir, Assistant Professor of Computer Science (IGOH), received an NSF CAREER Award for his work utilizing single-cell sequencing as a way to further understand cancerous tumors. CAREER awards are given to early-career faculty who exemplify leadership through research and education. (June 2021)

Joseph Irudayaraj, Founder Professor of Bioengineering (CGD/EIRH), was named a 2021 Fellow of the International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineering (IAMBE) for pioneering contributions to the development of nanoparticle biosensors and single-cell technologies for quantification of mRNA and other disease biomarkers. (June 2021)

May Berenbaum, Professor and Head of Entomology (GEGC/IGOH) was named the new Director of the Center for Advanced Study (CAS) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. (June 2021)

Zeynep Madak-Erdogan, Associate Professor of Nutrition (CGD/EIRH/GSP) was named Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Endocrine Society (JES), which provides coverage of clinical research, clinical practice information, and basic research in all areas of endocrinology. (June 2021)

Wendy Yang, Associate Professor of Plant Biology (CABBI/GEGC), received the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for outstanding contributions to the college in teaching. (May 2021)

Amy Marshall-Colon, Associate Professor of Plant Biology (CABBI/GEGC), received the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to renowned researchers from abroad in recognition of their outstanding research achievements. (April 2021)

Wilfred van der Donk, Richard E. Heckert Endowed Chair in Chemistry (MMG), was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest professional honors a scientist can receive. (April 2021)

Gene Robinson, Swanlund Chair, Professor of Entomology (Director/GNDP) was elected a Member of the American Philosophical Society, the oldest learned society in the United States, founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin for the purpose of “promoting useful knowledge.” (April 2021)

Ruby Mendenhall, Associate Professor of Sociology (GNDP) was named in the Outstanding Faculty and Staff category of the 9th Annual Diversity and Social Justice Education Awards presented by the UIUC Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations, recognizing her efforts to  address marginalization, oppression, and privilege in our community. (April 2021)

Joseph Irudayaraj, Founder Professor of Bioengineering (CGD/EIRH) was selected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, recognizing his experience, expertise and commitment to promoting the value of interdisciplinary research at the chemistry-engineering interface. (April 2021)

Martha Gillette, Alumni Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology (GNDP/M-CELS), received the 2021 Vision and Spirit Award from the Beckman Institute, which recognizes faculty members who foster collaboration in their research and exemplify Beckman’s vision. (April 2021)

Martin Burke, May and Ving Lee Professor for Chemical Innovation and Professor of Chemistry (MMG), was elected a member of The American Society for Clinical Investigation, which seeks to support the scientific efforts, educational needs, and clinical aspirations of physician-scientists to improve the health of all people. (April 2021)

Brendan Harley, Robert W. Schaefer Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (RBTE Theme Leader/EIRH) was awarded the Clemson Award for Basic Research from the Society For Biomaterials, recognizing an original contribution to the basic knowledge and understanding of the interaction between materials and tissue. (April 2021)

Rashid Bashir, Professor of Bioengineering and Dean of the Grainger College of Engineering (CGD/M-CELS), has been awarded the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering’s (AIMBE) 2021 Professional Impact Award for Education. (March 2021)

Brian Cunningham, Donald Biggar Willett Professor of Engineering and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering (CGD Theme Leader/MMG) received the 2021 Everitt Teaching Award for Teaching Excellence from the Grainger College of Engineering. (March 2021)

Lisa Ainsworth, a research plant physiologist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and adjunct professor of plant biology and crop sciences (CABBI/GEGC), received the Distinguished Senior Research Scientist of the Year for 2021 as part of the ARS Employee Recognition Program. Representing the best of the best within the ARS, Lisa was chosen specifically for her work towards advancing understanding of crop responses to global climate change and science advocacy through both service and outreach. (March 2021)

Ripan Malhi, Professor of Anthropology (GNDP/GSP/IGOH) was named a 2021-22 Levenick Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) Teaching Sustainability Fellow in recognition of the creation of a new course built around sustainability elements, “Transforming Science from Colonial to Sustainable Practice.” (March 2021)

Cari Vanderpool, Professor and Associate Head of Microbiology (IGOH/MME) was elected Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology (AAM) in recognition of her scientific achievement and original contributions towards advancing the field of microbiology. (February 2021)

Sergei Maslov, Professor and Bliss Faculty Scholar of Bioengineering (BCXT/CABBI) was elected Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), in recognition of his contributions to computational biology including microbiome dynamics, microbial and viral ecology, genomics, and studies of complex biological networks. (February 2021)

Mark Hauber, Harley Jones Van Cleave Professor of Host-Parasite Interactions, Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (GNDP), was appointed a Center for Advanced Study (CAS) Associate. (January 2021)

2020

Paul J. Hergenrother, Kenneth L. Rinehart Endowed Chair in Natural Products Chemistry and Professor of Chemistry (ACPP theme leader/MMG), has been named a 2020 National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellow, recognized for groundbreaking innovations that have made tangible, positive impacts on society and the economy. (December 2020)

Alison Bell, Professor of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (GNDP leader) and Carl Bernacchi, Professor of Plant Biology (CABBI/GEGC) have been elected 2020 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, in recognition of important contributions to STEM disciplines, pioneering research, leadership, and teaching, fostering collaborations, and advancing public understanding of science. (November 2020)

Sergei Maslov, Professor and Bliss Faculty Scholar of Bioengineering (BCXT/CABBI) was elected Fellow of the American Physical Society, which recognizes members who have made advances in physics through original research and publication. (November 2020)

Carl Gunter, Professor of Computer Science (GSP leader) was named the George and Ann Fisher Distinguished Professor in Engineering. (November 2020)

Fan Lam, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering (GNDP) received a National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Trailblazer R21 Award, for his research on molecular imaging of the brain. These awards provide early-career investigators the opportunity to explore highly innovative research projects. (November 2020)

Christopher Brooke, Assistant Professor of Microbiology (IGOH) was named the 2020 Forty Under 40 Man of the Year by Central Illinois Business Magazine, for leading efforts to produce viral transport media (VTM) supporting COVID-19 testing across the state of Illinois. (October 2020)

Naveen Narisetty, Assistant Professor of Statistics (MME) received an NSF CAREER award for his work on how statisticians and data scientists can more efficiently work within the Bayesian framework for real world applications. CAREER awards are given to early-career faculty who exemplify leadership through research and education. (October 2020)

Martin Burke, May and Ving Lee Professor for Chemical Innovation and Professor of Chemistry (MMG), was named A Researcher to Know by the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition, highlighting the critical role of Illinois’ university research in the national innovation economy. (September 2020)

Amy Wagoner Johnson, Professor of Mechanical Science and Engineering (EIRH/RBTE) was awarded the Distinguished Engineering Educator Award from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) for significant contributions to the engineering profession through education. (September 2020)

Amir Ostadi Moghaddam (Wagoner Johnson Lab) was selected to work with the Cancer Center at Illinois’ (CCIL) Tissue Microenvironment (TiMe) Training Program, one of nine students chosen this year for the two-year program. (September 2020)

Ryan Dilger, Associate Professor of Animal Sciences (GNDP), and Rachel Whitaker, Professor of Microbiology (IGOH leader/BCXT) were named University Scholars in recognition of excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. (September 2020)

Rashid Bashir (CGD/M-CELS), Dean of the Grainger College of Engineering, Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering and Professor of Bioengineering, and Carla Cáceres (IGOH), Director of the School of Integrative Biology and Professor of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, were named 2020-21 President’s Executive Leadership Program (PELP) Fellows by the University of Illinois. (September 2020)

Douglas Mitchell (MMG), Professor of Chemistry, has been named John Witt Professor in Chemistry, an endowed Professorship established by John Witt (PhD, ‘61, Snyder) and Margaret Witt in 2013. (August 2020)

Vijay Singh (CABBI/GEGC), Distinguished Professor in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, received the International Food Engineering Award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) for outstanding contributions and innovation in the development and commercialization of novel corn processing and biofuels production processes. (July 2020)

Thanh (Helen) Nguyen (IGOH) has been named an Ivan Racheff Endowed Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering, in recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership in her field of expertise. (July 2020)

Sharon M. Donovan (MME), Professor of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Jeffrey Moore (BSD), Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science & Engineering, and Donald Ort (GEGC Leader/BSD/CABBI), Professor of Plant Biology & Crop Sciences, were appointed Center for Advanced Study (CAS) Professors. (July 2020)

Wilfred Van der Donk, Richard E. Heckert Endowed Chair in Chemistry (MMG), received the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Pedler Award, which recognizes originality, impact of research, and contribution to the chemical sciences industry or education. (July 2020)

Carla Cáceres, Professor of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior and Director of the School of Integrative Biology (IGOH), received the Executive Officer Distinguished Leadership Award from the Office of the Provost, which recognizes outstanding academic leadership and vision by an executive officer within a college or campus unit. (June 2020)

Madhu Khanna, ACES Distinguished Professor (CABBI), was named president-elect of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA), a not-for-profit association serving the professional interests of members working in the fields of agricultural and applied economics. (June 2020)

Lisa Ainsworth, a research plant physiologist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service and adjunct professor of plant biology and crop sciences (CABBI/GEGC), was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. (April 2020) 

Andrew Suarez, Professor of Entomology and Head of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (GNDP) was named the inaugural Jeffrey S. Elowe Professor in Integrative Biology, an endowment to support faculty and students in the School of Integrative Biology. (April 2020)

Jian Peng, Assistant Professor of Computer Science (CABBI) received the Overton Prize from the International Society for Computational Biology, in recognition of research, education, and service accomplishments in computational biology and bioinformatics. (April 2020) 

Roy Dar, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering (BCXT/GNDP), received an NSF CAREER award for his project “Viral control of cell migration in diverse host-cell types." CAREER awards are given to early-career faculty who exemplify leadership through research and education. (April 2020)

Brian Cunningham, Donald Biggar Willett Professor of Engineering and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering (CGD Theme Leader/MMG) was selected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, an honor given to researchers whose efforts have made outstanding contributions to chemical sciences. (April 2020)  

Stephen Boppart, Abel Bliss Professor of Engineering (RBTE), was awarded best healthcare product at the 12th Annual Prism Awards for his company's product TOMi Scope, which offers an improved quality of care for ear infection sufferers. (April 2020)

Donald Ort, Robert Emerson Professor of Plant Biology and Crop Sciences (GEGC leader/BSD/CABBI) received the Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership Award from the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB), an annual award for meritorious work in plant biology. (April 2020)

Amy Wagoner Johnson, Professor of Mechanical Science and Engineering (CGRH/RBTE) was appointed a 2020 Andersen Faculty Scholar, and received the Outstanding Advisor Award by the Engineering Council from The Grainger College of Engineering, recognizing the top 10 percent of advisors across all the engineering departments. (March 2020)

Brian Allan, Associate Professor of Entomology (CGRH/IGOH), was identified through the Chancellor's Senior Survey as a faculty or staff member who has made a positive impact on graduating seniors at Illinois. The survey, administered to all graduating seniors as a way to better understand their experiences at Illinois, identified over 900 faculty and staff, of which 38 were chosen for this recognition. (March 2020)

Tandy Warnow, Founder Professor of Computer Science (BCXT/CGRH/IGOH) was appointed Chief Scientist and Executive Committee member of the C3.ai Digital Transformation Institute, a new research consortium joining the world’s leading scientists in a coordinated and innovative effort to advance the digital transformation of business, government, and society. (March 2020)

Ian Traniello, Graduate Student in the Neuroscience Program (Robinson Lab), was selected as an award recipient for the NIH Outstanding Scholars in Neuroscience Award Program (OSNAP), a national program that recognizes those who are conducting exceptional research and have great academic potential within their discipline. (March 2020)

Ting Lu, Associate Professor of Bioengineering (BSD/BCXT/CABBI/MME) was appointed Donald Biggar Willett Faculty Scholar, which honors faculty members who contribute excellence in research, teaching, and professional service to the University of Illinois. (March 2020)

Andrew Smith, Associate Professor of Bioengineering (CGD) was appointed Donald Biggar Willett Faculty Scholar, which honors faculty members who contribute excellence in research, teaching, and professional service to the University of Illinois. (March 2020)

Paul J. Hergenrother, Kenneth L. Rinehart Endowed Chair in Natural Products Chemistry and Professor of Chemistry (ACPP theme leader/MMG), has been appointed the Cancer Center at Illinois Deputy Director. Paul currently co-leads the CCIL research program, Cancer Discovery Platforms Across the Engineering-Biology Continuum. (March 2020)

Fan Lam, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering (GNDP) received an NSF CAREER award for his project “Ultrahigh-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging for Label-Free Molecular Imaging of the Brain." CAREER awards are given to early-career faculty who exemplify leadership through research and education. (February 2020)

Robin Fretwell Wilson, Professor and Associate Dean, College of Law (GSP) has been appointed Director of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs (IGPA). (February 2020)

Matthew Hudson, Professor of Crop Sciences (CABBI/CGRH/GNDP) received the Runge Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award, of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) Paul A. Funk Recognition Awards. (January 2020)

Stephen Long, Professor of Crop Sciences and Plant Biology (BSD/CABBI/GEGC) was invested as the Stanley O. Ikenberry Chair Professor of Plant Biology and Crop Sciences. (January 2020)

2019

Elena Wilson, undergraduate student in MCB (Fouke Lab), has been named the recipient of the Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award, given annually to one student from each four-year degree-granting institution of higher learning in Illinois for exceptional attributes in leadership with the desire to make a difference in the world. (December 2019)

Stephen Boppart, Abel Bliss Professor of Engineering (RBTE) and David Kranz, Phillip A. Sharp Professor of Biochemistry (ACPP) were named Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), which highlights academic inventors who have demonstrated a spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions with an impact on quality of life, economic development and societal welfare. (December 2019)

Lisa Ainsworth, USDA Agricultural Research Service (GEGC), Andrew Alleyne, Professor of Mechanical Science and Engineering (BSD), and Paul Hergenrother, Professor of Chemistry (ACPP Theme Leader/MMG) were elected 2019 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. (December 2019)

James O'Dwyer, Associate Professor of Plant Biology, was appointed a Center for Advanced Study (CAS) Associate, Class of 2020-2021, pending BOT approval. (November 2019)

Martin Burke, Professor of Chemistry (MMG), received the Mukaiyama Award from the Society of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Japan, for pioneering the field of molecular prosthetics and the development of an automated Lego-like platform for democratizing small molecule synthesis. (November 2019)

Joseph Irudayaraj, Founder Professor in Bioengineering (ONC-PM) was elected a 2019 Fellow of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) for demonstrating exceptional achievement in the field of biomedical engineering. (November 2019)

Jonathan Sweedler, James R. Eiszner Family Endowed Chair in Chemistry (BSD/CABBI/MMG) was named to the top spot on the Analytical Scientist’s 2019 Power List, which highlights tremendous talent, ingenuity, and leadership in analytical science across the world. (November 2019)

Brendan Harley, Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (RBTE Theme Leader) and Hyunjoon Kong, Professor and Centennial Scholar in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (RBTE) have been named Robert W. Schaefer Professors, endowed Professorships in honor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering alumnus Robert W. Schaefer (BS Chemical Engineering, 1956). (October 2019)

Pablo Perez-Pinera, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering (ACPP) received a 2019 Impact Award from the Parkinson's Foundation, to support his gene-editing work to alter how Parkinson's disease develops and progresses. (October 2019)

Taylor Canady, IGB Fellow (ONC-PM) received the Best Poster award at the 16th USA Korea Nanotechnology Forum, one of only three awarded. (October 2019)

Ripan Malhi, Professor of Anthropology (CGRH, GNDP, GSP, IGOH, RBTE) was named Director for Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Anthropology. (October 2019)

Saurabh Sinha, Professor and Willett Faculty Scholar of Computer Science (BSD, CABBI, GNDP, GSP) received a Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) from the National Institutes of Health, which provides funds for the nation's most highly talented and promising investigators. (September 2019)

Nigel Goldenfeld, Swanlund Endowed Chair and Center for Advanced Study Professor in Physics (BCXT leader/CGRH/GNDP), was awarded the Leo P. Kadanoff Award by the American Physical Society, which recognizes a scientist whose work (theoretical, experimental or computational) has opened new vistas for statistical and/or nonlinear physics. (September 2019)

Brian Allan, Associate Professor of Entomology (CGRH/IGOH), was named a University Scholar in recognition of excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. (September 2019)

Paul Kenis, Elio E. Tarika Endowed Chair and head of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (RBTE), was named Fellow of the Electrochemical Society for exceptional contributions to the invention, characterization and development of innovative processes based on microfluidic systems for diverse applications in electrochemical energy conversion, chemical synthesis, and biology. (September 2019)

Jeffrey Moore, Murchison-Mallory Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (BSD), received the American Chemical Society Award in Polymer Chemistry, which recognizes outstanding fundamental contributions and achievements in the field. (August 2019)

Martin Burke, Professor of Chemistry (MMG), was named a 2019 iCON Honoree which recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding innovators and leaders whose work provides the basis for life sciences developments worldwide. (August 2019)

Ximing Cai, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CABBI) was named a 2019 Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (AGU). Fellows are recognized for their scientific eminence, remarkable breadth of interests, and scope of contributions. (August 2019)

Ting Lu, Associate Professor of Bioengineering (BSD/BCXT/CABBI/MME) received a Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) from the National Institutes of Health, which provides funds for the nation's most highly talented and promising investigators, for his proposal "Integrative Circuit-Host Modeling of Synthetic Gene Networks." (August 2019)

Madhu Khanna, ACES Distinguished Professor (CABBI), was elected to the DOE/USDA's Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee, which advises the Biomass R&D Board on R&D activities for the two agencies with the goal of expanding the bio-based industry. (July 2019)

Bruce Schatz, Professor of Computer Science and Head of the Department of Medical Information Science (CGRH), was named Associate Editor of the journal Nature Digital Medicine. (July 2019)

Huimin Zhao, Steven L. Miller Chair in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BSD lead/CABBI/MMG), received the 2019 Enzyme Engineering Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the field of enzyme engineering, for pioneering contributions in the development of directed evolution for enzyme engineering. (June 2019)

Ruby Mendenhall, Associate Professor of Sociology (CGRH/GNDP) and Amy Wagoner Johnson, Professor of Mechanical Science and Engineering (CGRH/RBTE) were selected for the inaugural cohort of the Public Voices Fellowship, a system-wide program to help faculty amplify their expertise in ways that can contribute to public conversations about pressing issues. (May 2019)

Auinash Kalsotra, Associate Professor of Biochemistry (GNDP/ONC-PM) and Heidemarie Laurent, Associate Professor of Psychology (CGRH/MME) received the 2019 Provost’s Campus Distinguished Promotion Award for extraordinary contributions in terms of quality of work and overall achievement. (May 2019)

Stephen Long, Professor of Crop Sciences and Plant Biology (BSD/CABBI/GEGC) was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. (May 2019)

Brendan Harley, Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (RBTE Theme Leader), was inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering and medicine research, practice, or education. (March 2019)

Zan Luthey-Schulten, William H. and Janet G. Lycan Professor of Chemistry (BCXT), was invested as the Murchison-Mallory Endowed Chair in Chemistry, established to aid the university in efforts to provide fundamental instruction to undergraduate students in fields such as engineering, medicine, and chemistry. (March 2019)

Paul Hergenrother, Professor of Chemistry (ACPP Theme Leader/MMG) received the George and Christine Sosnovsky Award for Cancer Research from the American Chemical Society for outstanding achievements leading to the discovery and development of improved cancer therapeutics. (March 2019)

Jiawei Han, Abel Bliss Professor of Engineering (GNDP) has been named the Michael Aiken Chair by the University of Illinois, one of the most distinguished honors on the campus, established in honor of former Chancellor Michael Aiken. (February 2019)

Rachel Whitaker, Professor of Microbiology (IGOH leader/BCXT) was elected an American Academy of Microbiology Fellow in recognition of excellence, originality, and leadership in the microbiological sciences. (January 2019)

Lisa Ainsworth, USDA Agricultural Research Service (GEGC) received the 2019 NAS Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences for pioneering research unraveling how anthropogenic atmospheric changes affect the physiology and growth of crops and for being a science ambassador and role model for the next generation of scientists. (January 2019)

2018

Hannah Holscher, Assistant Professor of Nutrition (MME) received the 2018 Young Investigator Award from the journal Nutrients, an annual award given to researchers who have made outstanding contributions to understanding the impact of nutrition on human health. (December 2018)

Rashid Bashir, Dean of the University of Illinois College of Engineering and Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering (ONC-PM/RBTE) was named a National Academy of Inventors Fellow, a program which highlights academic inventors who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions having a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society. (December 2018)

Hannah Holscher, Assistant Professor of Nutrition (MME) was appointed to the Scientific Advisory Board of uBiome. (December 2018)

Andrew Leakey, Professor of Plant Biology (GEGC/CABBI) and Ray Ming, Professor of Plant Biology (GEGC) were elected 2018 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. (November 2018)

Gene Robinson (Director) was  elected to the National Academy of Medicine “for pioneering contributions to understanding the roles of genes in social behavior.” (October 2018)

Zan Luthey-Schulten, William H. and Janet G. Lycan Professor of Chemistry (BCXT), was selected as a 2019 Fellow of the Biophysical Society for  excellence in science and her contributions towards the expansion of the field of biophysics. (September 2018)

Jan Lumibao, Predoctoral Research Fellow, Nutritional Sciences, and member of the Gaskins Lab (RBTE), was selected as a finalist in the MilliporeSigma 2018 Life Science Awards Program for Tumor Biology for excellent work in the categories of Innovation, Potential Impact, Communication, and Scientific Rigor, and will present at the Life Science Award Prize Event in Darmstadt, Germany. (September 2018)

Hong-Yan Shih, Physics postdoc in the Goldenfeld lab (BCXT) was awarded the 2019 Dissertation Award in Statistical and Nonlinear Physics by the American Physical Society (APS), which recognizes exceptional young scientists who have performed original doctoral thesis work of outstanding scientific quality in this field. (September 2018)

Jeffrey Moore, Murchison-Mallory Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (BSD), received the U.S. Secretary of Energy's Achievement Award for his work with the Scientific and Operational Leadership team for the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research project, which is developing high-performance, low-cost energy storage technologies for transportation and the electric grid. (August 2018)

Ting Lu, Associate Professor of Bioengineering (BSD/BCXT/MME) received the American Chemical Society Infectious Diseases Young Investigator Award,  which recognizes outstanding early-career individuals in the field of infectious diseases. (August 2018)

Alison Bell, Associate Professor of Animal Biology (GNDP) was named a University Scholar, recognizing excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. (August 2018)

Brian Cunningham, Donald Biggar Willett Professor of Engineering and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ONC-PM Theme Leader/MMG) was named to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Photonics Society Distinguished Lecturer Program, which honors excellent speakers who have made technical, industrial, or entrepreneurial contributions to the field of photonics. (August 2018)

Paul Kenis, William H. and Janet G. Lycan Professor and Head of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (RBTE), was named to the Elio Eliakim Tarika Endowed Chair in Chemical Engineering, which recognizes research excellence in honor of Illinois alumnus Elio Tarikia. (July 2018)

Douglas Mitchell, Professor of Chemistry (MMG) was named Alumni Research Scholar Professor of Chemistry, as well as receiving a 2018 Campus Distinguished Promotion Award in recognition of excellence through contributions and achievements within his field. (July 2018)

Taher Saif, Edward William and Jane Marr Gutgsell Professor of Mechanical Science and Engineering (M-CELS), was named the 2018 recipient of the Warner T. Koiter Medal from ASME, in recognition of distinguished contributions to the field of solid mechanics. (June 2018)

Brendan Harley, Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (RBTE Theme Leader), received a 2018 Campus Distinguished Promotion Award in recognition of excellence through contributions and achievements within his field. (May 2018)

Princess Imoukhuede, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering (RBTE), received the 2018 Distinguished Leadership Award from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), which recognizes IMSA alumni for distinguished achievements or leadership contributions in their professional fields of endeavor consistent with the academy's mission. (May 2018)

Jeffrey Moore, Murchison-Mallory Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (BSD), received the 2018 Stephanie L. Kwolek Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry, for the conception, testing, and validation of the mechanophore hypothesis and for research leading to self-healing polymers. (May 2018)

Stephen Moose, Professor of Crop Sciences (BSD/GEGC) was awarded the Karl E. Gardner Outstanding Undergraduate Adviser Award from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. (April 2018)

Saurabh Sinha, Professor of Computer Science (GNDP/BSD) was named an American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) Fellow for seminal bioinformatics methods in understanding gene regulation, including characterization of motifs, enhancers and the cis-regulatory code. (April 2018)

Rashid Bashir, Grainger Distinguished Chair of Bioengineering (ONC-PM/RBTE) was selected as a Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) fellow in recognition of his research contributions in the broad field of BioMEMS and biomedical nanotechnology. (March 2018)

Gene Robinson (Director) awarded the 2018 Wolf Prize in Agriculture for leading the genomics revolution in the organismal and population biology of the honey bee. (February 2018)

Amy. J. Wagoner Johnson, Associate Professor, Mechanical Science and Engineering (CGRH/RBTE), received the 2018 College of Engineering Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research in recognition of outstanding research. (February 2018)

Brendan Harley, Associate Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (RBTE Theme Leader) was awarded the College of Engineering Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research in recognition of outstanding research, as well as the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for outstanding contributions to the college in teaching. (February 2018)

Martin Burke, Professor of Chemistry (MMG), Andrew Leakey, Associate Professor of Plant Biology (GEGC), and Saurabh Sinha, Professor of Computer Science (GNDP/BSD) were named University Scholars, recognizing excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. (January 2018)

Olgica Milenkovic, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering (GNDP/BSD/ONC-PM), was named a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for contributions to genomic data compression. (January 2018)

2017

Dave Zhao, Assistant Professor of Statistics (GNDP/CGRH) was named a recipient of the Lincoln Excellence for Assistant Professors (LEAP) Award by the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Illinois, for scholarly productivity and contributions to the educational mission of their departments and the college. (December 2017)

Brian Cunningham, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering (ONC-PM Theme Leader/MMG) was appointed Center for Advanced Study (CAS) Associates, Class of 2018-2019. (December 2017)

Rachel Smith-Bolton, Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology (GNDP/RBTE) was named an I. C. Gunsalus Scholar in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. (December 2017)

Hannah Holscher, Assistant Professor of Nutrition (MME) received the New Innovator in Food and Agriculture Research award from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) for outstanding research in food and agriculture. (December 2017)

Sharon Donovan, Professor of Nutrition and Melissa M. Noel Endowed Chair in Nutrition and Health (MMG/CGRH), was elected to the National Academy of Medicine. (November 2017)

Carla Cáceres, Professor of Animal Biology (IGOH) was elected a 2017 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. (November 2017)

Monica Uddin, Associate Professor of Psychology (CGRH) was named a Richard and Margaret Romano Professional Scholar for her outstanding achievements in research and campus leadership. (October 2017)

Jonathan Sweedler, James R. Eiszner Family Endowed Chair in Chemistry (MMG/BSD) was named to the 2017 “Magnificent Tens” Power List as one of the 10 Leaders influencing the progress of measurement science by The Analytical Scientist magazine. (October 2017)

Huimin Zhao, Steven L. Miller Chair in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BSD lead), has been selected as the 2018 Awardee for the Marvin Johnson Award by the Biochemical Technology Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS), which recognizes outstanding research contributions toward the advancement of microbial and biochemical technology. (October 2017)

Rashid Bashir, Bioengineering Professor (RBTE) has been selected to receive the 2018 Robert A. Pritzker Distinguished Lecture Award, the Biomedical Engineering Society’s (BMES) premier recognition for outstanding achievements and leadership in the science and practice of biomedical engineering. (October 2017)

Kristopher Kilian, Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (RBTE) was named a 2017 Young Innovator of Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering (CMBE). (September 2017)

Girish Chowdhary, Assistant Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (GEGC) was elected to the grade of Associate Fellow, Class of 2018 in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), which recognizes professionals for their accomplishments in engineering or scientific work in aeronautics or astronautics. (September 2017)

Thomas Kehl-Fie, Assistant Professor of Microbiology (MMG) was named a 2017 Vallee Scholar by the Vallee Foundation, which supports original, innovative, and pioneering work by early career scientists. (September 2017)

Andrew Alleyne, Professor of Mechanical Science & Engineering (BSD) was awarded the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Advocating Women in Engineering Award, for being an advocate for women in engineering and demonstrating professional excellence in his chosen STEM field. (September 2017)

Huimin Zhao, Steven L. Miller Chair in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (BSD lead), has been recognized by the Society for Biological Engineering (SBE) with the 2017 Biotechnology Progress Award for Excellence in Biological Engineering Publication, for outstanding contributions to the literature in biomedical engineering, biological engineering, biotechnology, biochemical engineering and related fields. (August 2017)

Rachel Whitaker, Associate Professor of Microbiology (BCXT/IGOH Lead) recieved an Allen Distinguished Investigator (ADI) award for conducting pioneering research in epigenetics, aging, and evolution. (June 2017)

Stephen Long, Gutgsell Endowed Professor in the departments of crop sciences and plant biology (GEGC), has been appointed to the Newton Abraham Visiting Professorship in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Professor Long will be a fellow of Lincoln. (June 2017)

Zeynep Madak-Erdogan, Assistant Professor of Nutrition (ONC-PM) and Ruby Mendenhall, Associate Professor in Sociology, African American Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, and Social Work (CGRH/GNDP) were awarded 2017-18 NCSA Faculty Fellowships to address grand challenges aligned with NCSA's thematic research areas. (June 2017)

John Cronan, Professor and Head of Microbiology and Professor of Biochemistry (MMG); Jeffrey Moore, Murchison-Mallory Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (BSD); and Donald Ort, Robert Emerson Professor of Plant Biology, USDA/ARS Photosynthesis Research Unit and Adjunct Professor of Crop Sciences (GEGC lead/BSD) were elected to the National Academy of Sciences. (May 2017)

Gene Robinson (Director) was invited to serve as a member of the Convergence Advisory Group of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to provide strategic advice about how the National Academies can most effectively provide leadership in advancing convergence activities. (May 2017)

Andrew Suarez, Professor of Animal Biology (GNDP), received a Campus Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, which recognize sustained excellence in and innovative approaches to undergraduate teaching. (May 2017)

Rashid Bashir, Bioengineering Professor (RBTE) received a Campus Award for Excellence in Faculty Leadership, for his vision of the future and efforts to enable and promote others in shaping that future. (May 2017)

Ruby Mendenhall, Associate Professor in Sociology, African American Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, and Social Work (CGRH/GNDP) received the Black Metropolis Research Consortium Fellowship, sponsored by the Melon Foundation, to engage scholars, artists, writers, and public historians to better formulate new historical narratives of Chicago’s past. (April 2017)

John Gerlt, Gutgsell Professor of Biochemistry (MMG) was awarded the 2017 Gordon Hammes Lectureship, sponsored jointly by Biochemistry and the ACS Division of Biological Chemistry, which recognizes and honors an individual whose scientific contributions have had a major impact on research at the interface of chemistry and biology. (April 2017)

Princess Imoukhuede, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) received a National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Program CAREER Award, given in recognition of outstanding research and excellence in education. (February 2017)

Tandy Warnow, Founder Professor of Bioengineering and Computer Science (BCXT, CGRH) was elected a 2017 Fellow of the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) for outstanding contributions to the fields of computational biology and bioinformatics. (February 2017)

Hyunjoon Kong, Professor and Centennial Scholar in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (RBTE) was named an American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) Fellow for outstanding contributions to the fields of biomaterials, bioimaging contrast agents and tissue engineering. (February 2017)

Paul Hergenrother, Professor of Chemistry (ACPP Theme Leader) received the Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award by the American Chemistry Society (ACS) for his contributions of major significance to the field of chemistry. (January 2017)

2016

Iwona Jasiuk, Professor, Mechanical Science and Engineering (RBTE) was named the recipient of the 2016 American Advanced Materials Award from the International Association of Advanced Materials. (December 2016)

Wilfred van der Donk, Heckert Chair in Chemistry (MMG) received the 2017 Repligen Award in the Chemistry of Biological Processes from the Division of Biological Chemistry, American Chemical Society, in recognition of his contribution to understating natural product biosynthesis. (December 2016)

Satish Nair, Professor, Biochemistry (MMG/MME) was appointed to the I.C Gunsalus Endowed Professorship in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. (December 2016)

Jianjun Cheng, Professor, Materials Science and Engineering (RBTE) and Brian Cunningham, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering (ONC-PM Theme Leader/MMG) were elected 2016 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. (November 2016)

Amy. J. Wagoner Johnson, Associate Professor, Mechanical Science and Engineering (RBTE) and Iwona Jasiuk, Professor, Mechanical Science and Engineering (RBTE), were named as 2017-18 Center for Advanced Study (CAS) Associates. Ting Lu, Assistant Professor, Department of Bioengineering (BSD/BCXT/MME) was named a 2017-2018 Center for Advanced Study (CAS) Beckman Fellow. (November 2016)

Hyunjoon Kong, Associate Professor and Centennial Scholar in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (RBTE) received a 2016 Campus Distinguished Promotion Award, recognizing those scholars whose contributions and achievements within their respective fields are particularly excellent. (November 2016)

Brendan Harley, Associate Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (RBTE Theme Leader) was selected to participate in the National Academy of Engineering’s 22nd annual U.S. Frontiers of Engineering symposium. (November 2016)

Madhu Khanna, Professor of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (EBI) was named a Fellow of the American Applied Economics Association. (November 2016)

Andrew Alleyne, Professor of Mechanical Science & Engineering (BSD) was awarded the 2016 Charles Stark Draper Innovative Practice Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (November 2016)

Ruby Mendenhall, Associate Professor in Sociology, African American Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, and Social Work (CGRH/GNDP) received an Innovation Excellence Award from the International Data Corporation (IDC), which recognizes noteworthy achievements by users of high performance computing technologies. (November 2016)

Gene Robinson (Director) was elected as Chair of the National Academy of Sciences Section 27, Evolutionary Biology. (November 2016)

Rashid Bashir, Bioengineering Professor and Department Head (RBTE) has been named as the first Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering. (October 2016)

Jessica Saw, MD Program, Mayo Medical School / Graduate Student, Molecular and Integrative Physiology (Wildman Lab) has received a Scholar Award from the ARCS Foundation, a national organization which recognizes outstanding graduate and undergraduate students around the country in science, engineering, mathematics, and biomedical fields. (September 2016)

Andrew Leakey, Associate Professor of Plant Biology (GEGC) received the Melvin Calvin-Andrew Benson Award from the International Society for Photosynthesis Research, in recognition of outstanding investigation into metabolic and cellular aspects of the photosynthetic process. (August 2016)

Stephen A. Boppart, Abel Bliss Professor of Engineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) will receive the 2016 Technical Achievement Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. (June 2016)

Madhu Khanna, Professor of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (Energy Biosciences Institute) has been selected at one of five Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) 2016 Fellows. Fellows are recognized for their continuous contribution to the advancement of agricultural or applied economics via research, teaching, extension, and other contributions to public or private sector decision-making. (June 2016)

Hyunjoon Kong, Associate Professor and Centennial Scholar in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) has received the 2016 Campus Distinguished Promotion Award, given by the Campus Committee on Promotion and Tenure for excellence within the recipient's field. (June 2016)

Gene Robinson (Director) was awarded the 2016 IBANGS Distinguished Investigator Award for the importance of his research discoveries and record of achievement in the area of behavioral and neural genetics. (May 2016)

Huimin Zhao, Centennial Endowed Chair Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (Biosystems Design) received the 2016 Charles Thom Award, recognizing exceptional merit in industrial microbiology and biotechnology, independence of thought, and originality that added appreciably to scientific knowledge. (May 2016)

Matthew Wheeler, Professor of Animal Sciences (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) received a Campus Award for Excellence in Faculty Leadership from the University of Illinois for his service and loyalty to the university. (May 2016)

Rebecca Fuller, Associate Professor of Animal Biology (Gene Networks in Neural & Developmental Plasticity) received a Campus Award for Excellence in Guiding Undergraduate Research from the University of Illinois for her excellence in involving undergraduate students in scholarly research. (April 2016)

ChengXiang Zhai, Professor of Computer Science (Biosystems Design) received a Campus Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring from the University of Illinois for his dedication in mentoring more than 60 graduate students. (April 2016)

Lee DeVille, Associate Professor of Mathematics (Biocomplexity) received a Campus Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award from the University of Illinois for his positive impact on student learning. (April 2016)

Huimin Zhao, Centennial Endowed Chair Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (Biosystems Design) was selected by the University of Illinois as the Steven L. Miller Chair in Chemical Engineering. (April 2016)

Marni Boppart, Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Community Health (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) received a Campus Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award from the University of Illinois for her positive impact on student learning. (April 2016)

Karen Sears, Associate Professor of Animal Biology (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) received a Campus Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award from the University of Illinois for her positive impact on student learning. (April 2016)

Rex Gaskins, Professor of Immunobiology, Departments of Animal Sciences and Pathobiology (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) has received a Distinguished Scientist Award from the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (SEBM). The SEBM was formed in 1903 to promote investigation in the biomedical sciences by encouraging and facilitating interchange of scientific information among disciplines with a strong focus on interdisciplinary research training and early career development. (April 2016)

Hyunjoon Kong, Associate Professor and Centennial Scholar in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) has received the College of Engineering Dean's Award for Excellence in Research, given annually to faculty in recognition of their outstanding research. (March 2016)

Ting Lu, Assistant Professor in Bioengineering (Biosystems Design) received a 2016 Young Investigator Award from the Office of Naval Research for his proposal "Developing Designer Probiotic Cocktails to Reduce Foodborne Illness among Warfighters."  (March 2016).

Roy Dar, Assistant Professor in Bioengineering (Gene Networks in Neural & Developmental Plasticity) received a Career Transition Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (February 2016).

Ting Lu, Assistant Professor in Bioengineering (Biosystems Design) received a National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award to further his research on bacterial communities. (February 2016).

Karen Sears, Associate Professor of Animal Biology (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) has won the Lynn Martin Award for Distinguished Women Teachers from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (January 2016).

2015

Stephen Long, Gutgsell Endowed Professor in the departments of crop sciences and plant biology (GEGC), and Donald Ort, Robert Emerson Professor of Plant Biology and Crop Sciences (GEGC) were named by Thomson Reuters as Highly Cited Researchers for 2015 (December 2015).

Princess Imoukhuede, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) received a Scientist Development Grant from the American Heart Association, given to highly promising scientists with research broadly related to cardiovascular function, bioengineering, biotechnology, and public health problems (December 2015).

Paul Hergenrother, Professor of Chemistry (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) received the Innovation Transfer Award from the 2016 Innovation Celebration, a joint venture between the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, University of Illinois, and Parkland College to recognize entrepreneurial spirit on campus and in the community. (December 2015).

Tandy Warnow, Founder Professor of Bioengineering and Computer Science (Biocomplexity, Computing Genomes for Reproductive Health) has been named a 2015 Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), for contributions to mathematical theory, algorithms, and software for large-scale molecular phylogenetics and historical linguistics. (December 2015).

Ruby Mendenhall, Associate Professor, African American Studies of Sociology (Gene Networks in Neural & Developmental Plasticity) was named as 2016-17 Center for Advanced Study Associate, and Auinash Kalsotra, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry (Gene Networks in Neural & Developmental Plasticity) was named a 2016-17 Center for Advanced Study Fellow (November 2015).

William Metcalf, Arends Professor in Molecular and Cellular Biology (Mining Microbial Genomes) was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (November 2015).

Rashid Bashir, Bioengineering Professor and Department Head (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) was named a Fellow of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). Fellow status is awarded to BMES members who demonstrate exceptional achievements and experience in the field of biomedical engineering with a record of membership and participation in the Society. (November 2015)

Jesse Black, (Microbiology, Whitaker Lab) has been selected as a 2015 award recipient of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Undergraduate Research Fellowship, aimed at highly competitive students who wish to pursue graduate careers in microbiology. (October 2015)

Donald Ort, Robert Emerson Professor of Plant Biology (Genomic Ecology of Global Change theme leader) has been named to the Agricultural Research Service Science Hall of Fame, for his major impact on agricultural research and for his outstanding accomplishments within the agricultural research community. (October 2015)

Vijay Singh, Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (Genomic Ecology of Global Change) has been named a University Scholar, a program created to recognize the university’s most talented teachers, scholars and researchers. (September 2015)

Douglas Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (Mining Microbial Genomes) received the National Fresenius Award, administered by the American Chemical Society. The award recognizes excellence in chemistry and is presented annually to an outstanding young scientist who has attained national recognition in the areas of research, teaching and/or administration. (August 2015)

Princess Imoukhuede, Assistant Professor, Department of Bioengineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) was named a 2015 Young Innovator of Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering, which highlights the best and brightest young faculty working in the area of cellular and molecular bioengineering. (August 2015)

Aron Barbey, Assistant Professor of Speech and Hearing Science (Gene Networks in Neural & Developmental Plasticity) received an Outstanding Associate Editor Award from Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. (August 2015)

Jeffrey S. Moore, Murchison-Mallory Professor of Chemistry (Biosystems Design) has been named the 2015 recipient of the Leete Award by the American Chemical Society Division of Organic Chemistry. The Leete Award recognizes outstanding contributions to teaching and research in organic chemistry. (July 2015)

Patricia Blair (grad student, organic chemistry, Doug Mitchell Lab) was selected to receive an ACS Division of Medicinal Chemistry Predoctoral Fellowship, a prestigious award given annually since 1991. The award recognizes superior achievement as a predoctoral student and the potential to become an independent investigator. (July 2015)

Aleksei Aksimentiev, Associate Professor of Physics (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) has been selected as a 2015-16 NCSA Faculty Fellow for his project “Patchwork Molecular Dynamics: A New Paradigm for Hardware-Accelerated Large-Scale All-Atom Simulations of Biological Systems.” (June 2015)

Brendan Harley, Assistant Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) received the Everitt Award for Teaching Excellence. (May 2015)

Lee DeVille, Professor of Mathematics (Biocomplexity) received the Distinguished Teaching Award in Mathematics for Tenured Faculty from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. (May 2015)

Evan DeLucia, Professor of Plant Biology (Genomic Ecology of Global Change) was named a fellow of the Ecological Society of America, which honors members who have made outstanding contributions to a wide range of fields served by the society, including those that advance or apply ecological knowledge in academics, government, nonprofit organizations and the broader society. (May 2015)

Douglas Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (Mining Microbial Genomes) received a Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award from the Camille & Henry Dreyfus Foundation, for demonstrated commitment to education signaling the promise of continuing outstanding contributions to both research and teaching. (May 2015)

James O'Dwyer, Assistant Professor of Plant Biology (Biocomplexity) has been selected for a Simons Foundation Investigator Award. The Simons Investigators program provides a stable base of support for outstanding scientists, enabling them to undertake long-term study of fundamental questions. (May 2015)

Derek Wildman, Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology (IGB Faculty) has received the International Federation of Placenta Associations (IFPA) Award in Placentology, bestowed for contributions to the field of placentology by established investigators within 20 years of receipt of their terminal degree. (May 2015)

Sandra Rodriguez-Zas, Professor of Animal Sciences (Gene Networks in Neural & Developmental Plasticity) received the Senior Faculty Award for excellence in research from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. (May 2015)

A. Bryan Endres, Associate Professor of Agriculture and Consumer Economics (Energy Biosciences Institute) was among the faculty to receive the American Agricultural Economics Association Distinguished Extension/Outreach Program Group Award from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. (May 2015)

DoKyoung Lee, Professor of Crop Sciences (Energy Biosciences Institute) received the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Educator Award from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. (May 2015)

Vijay Singh, Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (Genomic Ecology of Global Change) received the American Association of Cereal Chemists International Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. (May 2015)

Jiawei Han, Abel Bliss Professor of Engineering (Gene Networks in Neural & Developmental Plasticity) received the Engineering Council Award for Outstanding Advising. (May 2015)

Taekjip Ha (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest professional honors a scientist can receive. (April 2015)

Taekjip Ha (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the longest-standing honorary societies in the nation. (April 2015)

Berkley Walker (Postdoc, USDA/ARS, Ort Lab) received an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship to conduct independent research with a host lab in Düsseldorf, Germany for two years. (April 2015)

Gene Robinson (Director) was appointed to the Board of Scientific Advisors (BSA) of the National Courts and Sciences Institute (NCSI), a judicially governed science and technology institute providing special training to state and federal court judges, Native American court judges, and administrative law judges of federal and state executive agencies and independent regulatory agencies. (April 2015)

Douglas Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (Mining Microbial Genomes) received the 2015 Pfizer Award in Enzyme Chemistry from the American Chemical Society Division of Biological Chemistry, for outstanding work in enzyme chemistry where the presence of enzyme action is unequivocally demonstrated. (March 2015)

Dipti Nayak, IGB Fellow (Biocomplexity) has been chosen as a 2015 Life Sciences Research Foundation Fellow, an organization which funds outstanding postdoctoral fellows in all areas of the life sciences. (March 2015)

Brian T. Cunningham, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering (Mining Microbial Genomes) and Saurabh Sinha, Associate Professor of Computer Science (Gene Networks in Neural & Developmental Plasticity) have been named Donald Biggar Willett Professors in the College of Engineering. (March 2015)

Jianjun Cheng, Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) has been chosen as an American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) Fellow for outstanding contribution to the development of polymeric biomaterials and translational nanomedicine. (March 2015)

Wen-Tso Liu, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering (Biocomplexity) has been appointed the Arthur C. Nauman Endowed Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. (March 2015)

Kristopher Kilian, Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering   (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) received a National Science Foundation CAREER Award for his work in regenerative medicine and his initiative in educating students about stem cell engineering. (February 2015)

Bryan White, Professor of Animal Sciences and Director, The Mayo Clinic/University of Illinois Strategic Alliance for Technology-Based Healthcare (Biocomplexity), has been elected to Fellowship in the American Academy of Microbiology. The Academy, an honorific leadership group within the American Society for Microbiology, recognizes excellence, originality, and leadership in the microbiological sciences. (February 2015)

Charles Schroeder, Associate Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (Biosystems Design) has been named a Dr. Ray and Beverly Mentzer Faculty Scholar, a position established through a gift from an alumnus of Chemical Engineering, Dr. Ray Mentzer and his wife Beverly Mentzer. (February 2015)

Yang Li, PhD Candidate, Department of Bioengineering, Jian Ma Lab, and Tong Si, IGB Fellow, Biosystems Design, will receive the 2014 Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad. Highly competitive, this award is sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Education and recognizes the academic excellence of self-financed (non-government sponsored) Chinese students pursuing a PhD across all fields of study overseas. (February 2015)

Brendan Harley, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) and Jian Ma, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer, Gene Networks in Neural & Developmental Plasticity, Biosystems Design) were named as 2015-16 Center for Advanced Study Fellows. CAS Fellows are selected in an annual competition and are granted one semester of teaching release time to pursue an individual scholarly or creative project. (February 2015)

Douglas Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (Mining Microbial Genomes) and Karen Sears, Assistant Professor of the School of Integrative Biology (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) have been named 2015-2016 Helen Corley Petit Scholars, an honor given annually to exceptionally successful faculty members in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, based on their work as scholars and teachers. (January 2015)

2014

Rashid Bashir, Bioengineering Professor and Department Head (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) has been elected a Fellow of the International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineering (IAMBE). The honor goes to researchers from across the world who have made "outstanding contributions to the profession of medical and biological engineering." (December 2014)

Gene Robinson (Director) was conferred the degree of Doctor Philosophiae Honoris Causa of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. (December 2014)

Brendan Harley, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) and Phillip Newmark, Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) have been elected 2014 fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. They are among 401 new fellows chosen for their efforts to advance science applications that are deemed scientifically or socially distinguished. The American Association for the Advancement of Science is the world’s largest general scientific society, founded in 1848. (December 2014)

Marni Boppart, Associate Professor in Kinesiology and Community Health (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) has been elected a Fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine. Among other things, the fellowships recognize “professional achievement and competence in the related disciplines of sports medicine via education, published works, professional practice and a demonstrated interest in and/or contribution to the goals of sports medicine.” (November 2014)

Stephen Long, Gutgsell Endowed Professor of Crop Sciences and Plant Biology (Genomic Ecology of Global Change, Biosystems Design) was presented with the Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher in recognition of ranking among the top 1% of researchers for most cited documents, in their specific field. He was also named by Thomson-Reuters as one of the World's Most Influential Scientific Minds for 2014. (October 2014)

Nicholas Vasi, IGB Director of Communications, received the 2014 Communicator of the Year award from the office of Public Affairs. This Award for Communications & Marketing Excellence (ACME) is presented to an individual who exemplifies the qualities of service, innovation, and advancement. (October 2014)

May Berenbaum, Professor and Head of Entomology (Genomic Ecology of Global Change) received the National Medal of Science, the nation's highest honor for achievement and leadership in advancing the fields of science and technology, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and bestowed by the President of the United States. (October 2014)

Paul Hergenrother, Professor of Chemistry (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) and Sandra Rodriguez-Zas, Professor of Animal Sciences (Gene Networks in Neural & Developmental Plasticity) have been named as University Scholars, a program created to recognize the university’s most talented teachers, scholars and researchers. (October 2014)

Bruce Fouke, Professor, Departments of Geology and Microbiology (Biocomplexity) has been chosen to serve as the 2014/2015 American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Roy Huffington Distinguished Lecturer in the Asia/Pacific Region. His formal AAPG lecture tour will include New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan, and cover topics such as field geobiology, coral reef ecosystems, and his work with the Yellowstone Hot Springs. (September 2014)

Stephen A. Boppart, Abel Bliss Professor of Engineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) and Martha L. Gillette, Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology (Gene Networks in Neural & Developmental Plasticity), were among the researchers to receive the 36 Early Concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) announced by the National Science Foundation. The grants were awarded to enable new technologies to better understand how complex behaviors emerge from the activity of brain circuits. (August 2014)

Brian T. Cunningham, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering (Mining Microbial Genomes) has received a Technical Achievement Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Cunningham received the award “for development and commercialization of optics-based biosensors and detection instruments for applications in drug discovery, diagnostics, environmental monitoring and life science research.” (August 2014)

Deborah Leckband, Reid T. Milner Professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering), has been elected a 2014 fellow of the Biomedical Engineering Society. Leckband was recognized for her research in two principal areas. Her research includes how mechanical and biochemical signals are transduced across cell membranes to regulate cell and tissue functions through simulations, single molecule studies, and biomechanical studies of proteins, cells and tissues. (August 2014)

Stephen Long, Gutgsell Endowed Professor of Crop Sciences and Plant Biology (Genomic Ecology of Global Change, Biosystems Design) has been invited to serve as a Sectional Committee Chair for the Royal Society. The position carries great honor and responsibility; the Sectional Committees must select, from the hundreds of nominations received each year, a short list of candidates for election as Royal Society Fellows. In his role as Chairperson, Long will attend Royal Society Council meetings to advocate for the candidates identified by his Sectional Committee. The Royal Society is one of the oldest scientific academies in the world, and the selection of new members has an important impact on the scientific community as a whole. (July 2014)

Patricia Blair (grad student, organic chemistry, Doug Mitchell Lab) was selected to receive an ACS Division of Medicinal Chemistry Predoctoral Fellowship, a prestigious award given annually since 1991. The award recognizes superior achievement as a graduate student and the potential to become an independent investigator. (July 2014)

Jeffrey S. Moore, Murchison-Mallory Professor of Chemistry (Biosystems Design) has been named a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Professor. This distinction honors respected researchers who also are transforming education within their fields. (June 2014)

Ruby Mendenhall, Associate Professor, African American Studies of Sociology (Gene Networks in Neural & Developmental Plasticity) has been named a Richard and Margaret Romano Professorial Scholar. The three-year appointment is based upon recognition of outstanding achievements in research and leadership on campus. (June 2014)

Rashid Bashir, Professor, Department Head, Bioengineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) was selected as Chair of the Nanotechnology Study Section (NANO) in the Center for Scientific Review of the National Institutes for Health. NANO reviews applications focused on research in bioengineering and technology development relating to the unique properties of nanomaterials. (June 2014)

Kyle Dunbar, Graduate Student (Doug Mitchell Lab) was chosen for the 2014 Knowles Award by the American Chemical Society Division of Biological Chemistry. (May 2014)

Wilfred van der Donk, Heckert Endowed Chair in Chemistry (Mining Microbial Genomes) won the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Bioorganic Chemistry Award for 2014. The prize was awarded “for his creative work on the chemistry, biosynthesis and mechanistic enzymology of the cyclic peptide and phosphonate classes of antibiotics.” (May 2014)

Jonathan Sweedler, Eiszner Family Chair in Chemistry (Mining Microbial Genomes) received the 2014 Malcolm E. Pruitt Award, given by the Council for Chemical Research in recognition of outstanding individual contributions to the progress of chemistry and chemical engineering by promotion of mutually beneficial interactions among universities, the chemical industry and government. Sweedler is the first Illinois faculty member to win the award. (May 2014)

Sua Myong, Assistant Professor, Bioengineering (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) received the Rose Award for Teaching Excellence, created to foster and reward excellence in undergraduate teaching in the College of Engineering. (May 2014)

Brian Cunningham, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering (Mining Microbial Genomes) has been selected to receive the 2014 Technical Achievement Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS), the world's largest international society of biomedical engineers. (May 2014)

Isaac Cann, Professor, Microbiology and Animal Sciences (Energy Biosciences Institute, Biocomplexity) was awarded the Paul A. Funk Recognition Award by the College of ACES, presented to faculty and academic professionals for outstanding achievement and major contributions to the betterment of agriculture, natural resources, and human systems. View the video here. (May 2014)

Sharon Donovan, Professor, Noel Endowed Chair in Nutrition and Health (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) received the Spitze Land-Grant Professorial Career Excellence Award from the College of ACES, to recognize the performance and commitment of tenured faculty in their professorial career. View the video here. (May 2014)

Stephen Moose, Professor, Crop Science (Energy Biosciences Institute, Biosystems Design, Genomic Ecology of Global Change) received a Faculty Award for Excellence from the College of ACES, recognizing outstanding professional achievement and demonstrated excellence in the areas of teaching, research, and extension. View the video here. (May 2014)

Wilfred van der Donk, Heckert Endowed Chair in Chemistry (Mining Microbial Genomes) has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the longest-standing honorary societies in the nation. (May 2014)

Amy Wagoner Johnson, Assistant Professor, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) was awarded a Chair of Excellence by the NanoSciences Foundation, an award program that attracts talented researchers to collaborate with laboratories on progressive research projects in Grenoble, France. (February 2014)

Patricia Blair, Graduate Student (Doug Mitchell Lab) received a travel grant from the Eli Lilly & Company and the American Chemical Society (ACS), as announced by the Women Chemists Committee. Grant award winners will travel to attend the ACS Fall National Meeting in San Francisco, CA. (April 2014)

Brendan Harley, Assistant Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) received the Everitt Award for Teaching Excellence from the College of Engineering for development of an innovative elective course on tissue engineering.  The winner of this award is selected by students from the Engineering Council. (February 2014)

Christopher Rao, Associate Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (Biosystems Design, Energy Biosciences Institute) received the Excellence in Research Award from the College of Engineering for his research accomplishments in the area of biomolecular engineering, on topics such as infectious disease, bioenergy production, and synthetic biology. (February 2014)

Jun Song, Professor, Bioengineering and Physics (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) was named as the department of Bioengineering's first Founder Professor, part of the Grainger Engineering Breakthroughs Initiative established in 2013 to support big data and bioengineering through enhancing facilities, funding student scholarships, and bringing senior faculty to Illinois. (February 2014)

Brian Cunningham, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering (Mining Microbial Genomes) was elected as a 2013 Charter Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. According to NAI, "Election to NAI Fellow status is a high professional distinction accorded to academic inventors who have demonstrated a highly prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society." (February 2014)

2013

Carl Bernacchi (Genomic Ecology of Global Change, Energy Biosciences Institute) was selected as a 2014-2015 Helen Corley Petit Scholar, an endowment which funds development of the scholarship and teaching of LAS college members early in their career. (December 2013)

Brendan Harley (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) has been selected to receive the 2014 Young Investigator Award of the Society for Biomaterials.  This award is given to recognize an individual within ten years of their terminal degree who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in the field of biomaterials research. (November 2013)

Stephen Boppart (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (November 2013)

Brian Cunningham (Mining Microbial Genomes) was elected a Fellow of the Optical Society of America “for the invention, development, and commercialization of biosensors and detection instrumentation based upon nanostructured surfaces, and the development of biological applications.” (November 2013)

Charles Schroeder (Biosystems Design) was named a Center for Advanced Study 2014-15 Fellow, pending BOT approval in January. (November 2013)

Huimin Zhao (Biosystems Design) has been selected to receive the 2014 Gaden Award. Named in honor of Elmer L. Gaden, Jr., the founding editor of the journal Biotechnology & Bioengineering, the award recognizes an outstanding published paper from the journal in the last year. (November 2013)

Robert Haines (undergrad, Metcalf Lab) has been selected as a 2013 award
recipient of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Undergraduate Research Fellowship. Fellowships are awarded to students pursuing graduate careers in microbiology, and was given to 37 individuals this year. (November 2013)

Jonathan Sweedler (Mining Microbial Genomes) has won the American Chemical Society (ACS) Award in Analytical Chemistry, recognizing "outstanding contributions to the science of analytical chemistry" for his pioneering development of methods to detect extraordinarily small quantities of neurotransmitters. (October 2013)

William Metcalf (Mining Microbial Genomes, Energy Biosciences Institute) was named by the University of Illinois as the G. William Arends Professor in Molecular and Cellular Biology. (October 2013)

Paul Kenis (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) was selected by the University of Illinois as the William H. and Janet G. Lycan Professor of Chemistry. (September 2013)

Hyunjoon Kong (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) has been named a Centennial Scholar by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. (September 2013)

Sua Myong (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) received the National Medical Scholars Program's 2013 Outstanding Advisors of the Year Award (September 2013)

Paul Hergenrother (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) was selected by the University of Illinois as the Kenneth L. Rinehart Jr. Endowed Chair in Natural Products Chemistry. (July 2013)

Lisa Ainsworth (USDA ARS, Genomic Ecology of Global Change) was selected to join the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Executive Committee as an elected member. (June 2013)

Nigel Goldenfeld (Biocomplexity), Stephen Long (Genomic Ecology of Global Change), and Jonathan Sweedler (Mining Microbial Genomes) have been named as Center for Advanced Study Professors. Appointment as a CAS Professor is one of the university’s highest academic honors, and reflects the outstanding contributions made by these faculty in their respective areas of interest. (July 2013)

Gene Robinson (Director) has been chosen to receive the iBIO Institute’s 2013 iCON Innovator Award. The award recognizes excellence in both teaching and scholarship of biotechnology in Illinois. (July 2013)

Bo Wang (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) received a Career Award at the Scientific Interface by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, designed to support those seeking to merge their education in engineering, computation or mathematics with an academic career in the biological sciences. (June 2013)

Stephen Long (Energy Biosciences Institute, Genomic Ecology of Global Change) has been elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society. The Royal Society is one of the oldest and most eminent honorific scientific academies in the world and election to its ranks is one of the highest awards a scientist can receive. (May 2013)

Saurabh Sinha (Gene Networks in Neural & Developmental Plasticity) was selected for the Dean's Award for Excellence in Research from the College of Engineering (formerly the Xerox Awards for Faculty Research). This award honors faculty members on an annual basis for outstanding research, in separate categories for assistant professors and associate professors. Professor Sinha was recognized based on his research, accomplishments, and papers published (or scheduled to be published) during the past five years. (April 2013)

Brendan Harley (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) was awarded a 2013 NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award. These grants are among the most prestigious given to the best young university faculty, in a highly competitive annual program. They recognize the outstanding efforts of these individuals and their leadership in the integration of education and research. (March 2013)

Madhu Viswanathan (Business, Economics, And Law of Genomic Biology) received a 2013 Campus Award for Excellence in Public Engagement. These awards recognize faculty members, academic professionals and students who have consistently applied their knowledge and expertise to issues of societal importance for the public good. (March 2013)

Bruce Fouke (Biocomplexity, Energy Biosciences Institute) received the 2013 Campus Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and the 2013 LAS Dean’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. (March 2013)

Brandon Burkhart (Graduate student, chemical biology) a member of Professor Doug Mitchell’s lab, was recently awarded a Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation. This prestigious honor is awarded to outstanding graduate students NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines that are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited United States institutions. (February 2013)

Gene Robinson (Director) has been elected by the Animal Behavior Society as the 2013 Distinguished Animal Behaviorist. One of the Society's most important marks of recognition, this award is granted for outstanding lifetime achievement in research. (January 2013)

Victor Jongeneel (HPCBio) has been appointed to the PubMed Central Advisory Committee of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The committee advises the NIH on the content and operation of the PubMed Central repository, and also establishes submission criteria and ensures that PubMed Central evolves and remains responsive to the needs of its users. (January 2013)

Gene Robinson (Director) has been elected to the National Advisory Mental Health Council (NAMHC) of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The NAMHC advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services; the Director, National Institutes of Health; and the Director, National Institute of Mental Health, on all policies and activities relating to the conduct and support of mental health research, research training, and other programs of the Institute. (January 2013)

2012

Doug Mitchell (Mining Microbial Genomes) was named one of Genome Technology magazine's Seventh Annual Young Investigators for his work in toxin biosynthesis. Nominated by established principal investiga­tors in their field, these individuals are under five years into a faculty appointment and recognized for using genomics tools to study promising new research. (December 2012)

Stephen Long (Energy Biosciences Institute, Genomic Ecology of Global Change) has received the Marsh Award for Climate Change Research by the British Ecological Society, an annual award recognizing outstanding contributions to climate change research. Open to ecologists from anywhere in the world, Long will receive the award at the institute’s annual meeting at the University of Birmingham in December. (December 2012)

Doug Mitchell (Mining Microbial Genomes) was awarded a 2012 Packard Fellowship in Science and Engineering from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Designed to support highly creative researchers in the natural and physical sciences or engineering, only 16 Fellowships are awarded each year to professors early in their careers. (October 2012)

Sua Myong (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) received the National Institutes of Health Director's New Innovator Award for 2012, one of 81 researchers receiving awards to pursue visionary science. (September 2012)

Elizabeth Ainsworth (USDA ARS, Genomic Ecology of Global Change) and Phillip Newmark (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) have been named as University Scholars, a program created to recognize the university’s most talented teachers, scholars and researchers. (September 2012)

Ryan Bailey (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) has been named one of the world’s top young innovators by Technology Review. The list, called the TR35, honors the top innovators under the age of 35 for contributions in diverse fields such as biomedicine, energy, the Web, computing, and other developing areas.  (August 2012)

Alison Bell (Genomics of Neural & Behavioral Plasticity) received the 2012 Young Investigator Award from the Animal Behavior Society. The award is given to one researcher each year who has made significant contributions to the field of animal behavior as a new investigator.  (June 2012)

Christopher Rao (Energy Biosciences Institute, Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) received the 2012 Outstanding Young Researcher award from the Computing and Systems Technology (CAST) Division of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). This award is given to an individual under the age of 40 in recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of chemical engineering computing and systems technology.  (June 2012)

H. Rex Gaskins (Host-Microbe Systems, Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) was elected President-elect of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. Founded in 1903, the SEBM is a not-for-profit scientific society formed to promote investigation in the biomedical sciences. The Society publishes the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine. (May 2012)

Elizabeth Ainsworth (USDA ARS, Genomic Ecology of Global Change) has been named the recipient of the Charles Albert Shull Award by the American Society of Plant Biologists for her research on current and potential impacts of global and environmental change on plant ecosystems. This annual award is designed to recognize young researchers for outstanding investigations in the field of plant biology. (April 2012)

Stephen Long (Energy Biosciences Institute, Genomic Ecology of Global Change) has been named the recipient of the Charles F. Kettering Award by the American Society of Plant Biologists, for his work in the role of photosynthesis in mitigating climate change, and changes in the physical environment. This award was established by an endowment from the Kettering Foundation in 1962 to recognize excellence in the field of photosynthesis. (April 2012)

Hyunjoon Kong (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) was named a recipient of the 2012 Engineering Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research. This award is made annually to four assistant professors in the College of Engineering, in recognition of their outstanding research conducted over the previous year. (April 2012)

Huimin Zhao (Mining Microbial Genomes) has been awarded a 2012 Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship. Professor Zhao was one of 181 distinguished scholars chosen to receive the annual award, on the basis of achievement and exceptional promise. (April 2012)

Ping Ma (Genomics of Neural & Behavioral Plasticity) won The Canadian Journal of Statistics award, for his paper Nonparametric Regression with Cross-Classified Responses. The Statistical Society of Canada presents this award each year to the author of an article published in the journal, in recognition of the quality of the paper’s methodological innovation and presentation. (March 2012)

Sheng Zhong (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) was been selected as a 2012 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow. This fellowship is awarded yearly to 118 researchers across the United States and Canada in recognition of distinguished performance and a unique potential to make substantial contributions to their field. (February 2012)

2011

Hyunjoon Kong (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) was named a new Center for Advanced Study 2012-13 Fellow and Sheng Zhong (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) as a new Center for Advanced Study 2012-13 Associate. (December 2011)

Jian Ma (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) was named one of Genome Technology magazine’s Young Inves­tigators, as nominated by senior principal investiga­tors in their field. (December 2011)

Rashid Bashir (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) and Wilfred Van Der Donk (Mining Microbial Genomes for Novel Antibiotics) have been elected fellows in the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The Illinois researchers are among 539 new fellows chosen by their peers for their efforts toward advancing science applications that are deemed scientifically or socially distinguished. (November 2011)

K.C. Ting (Energy Biosciences Institute) is the first recipient of the James R. and Karen A. Gilley Academic Leadership Award. This award was established to recognize a member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) who is currently providing outstanding academic leadership while serving as department head/chair of an ABET-accredited agricultural and biological engineering program in the United States. (November 2011)

Jonathan Sweedler (Mining Microbial Genomes) has been named the next editor-in-chief for Analytical Chemistry, published by the American Chemical Society (ACS). ACS Publications provides a comprehensive collection of the most-cited, peer-reviewed journals in the chemical and related sciences. (October 2011)

Paul Kenis (Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering) and James Slauch (Host-Microbe Systems) have been named as University Scholars, a program created to recognize the university’s most talented teachers, scholars and researchers. (September 2011)

Douglas A. Mitchell (Mining Microbial Genomes) is a recipient of the 2011 National Institutes of Health Director’s New Innovator Award. The award recognizes bold ideas from some of the nation’s most promising new scientists. (September 2011)

William Metcalf (Mining Microbial Genomes) has been appointed as an editor of the Journal of Bacteriology, one of the primary research journals published by the American Society for Microbiology. (September 2011)

Andrew Leakey (Genomic Ecology of Global Change) was selected as a Beckman Fellow, Center for Advanced Study. Leakey’s proposal, “Opening the Black Box of Plant Responses to Global Environmental Change with Genomic Tools,” deals with global environmental change in this century and the impact on growing conditions in farmers' fields and crop yields. (August 2011)

Jonathan Sweedler (Mining Microbial Genomes) among 213 distinguished scientists elected fellows of the American Chemical Society, in recognition for outstanding accomplishments in chemistry and for making important contributions to ACS. (August 2011)

James Slauch (Host Microbe Systems) and Wilfred van der Donk (Mining Microbial Genomes for Novel Antibiotics)  have been elected fellows of the American Academy of Microbiology. They are among the 78 microbiologists chosen by their peers for significant contributions to their field. (April 2011)

Taekjip Ha (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) has been awarded the 2011 Ho-Am Prize in Science by the Ho-Am Foundation in Korea. (April 2011)

May Berenbaum (Genomic Ecology of Global Change, Genomics of Neural and Behavioral Plasticity) has won the 2011 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. (March 2011)

Lisa Ainsworth (USDA ARS, Genomic Ecology of Global Change) has been selected to receive the President's Medal from the Society for Experimental Biology. (February 2011)

Jian Ma (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) received a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation. (February 2011)

Ryan Bailey (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) has been selected to receive a 2011 Sloan Research Fellowship from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. (February 2011)

Harris Lewin (Director) has been named the winner of the 2011 Wolf Prize in Agriculture. (February 2011)

Don Ort (Genomic Ecology of Global Change) has been named  Chair-Elect of the Section on Agriculture, Food, and Renewable Resources for the AAAS. (February 2011)

2010

Bruce Fouke (Biocomplexity) received the 2011 Samuel von Pufendorf Visiting Research Fellowship in the Pufendorf Institute for Advanced Studies at Lund University in Sweden. (October 2010)

Sheng Zhong (Cellular Decision Making in Cancer) received the National Institutes of Health Director's New Innovator Award for 2010.  (October 2010)

Carl Woese (Biocomplexity) was presented the Trustees’ Distinguished Service Medallion at the Sept. 23 UI Board of Trustees meeting in Urbana. The award recognizes individuals whose contribution to the growth and development of the UI, through extraordinary service or benefaction, has been of unusual significance. (September 2010)

Bruce Fouke (Biocomplexity) received the 2010 King Broadrick-Allen Award for Excellence in Honors Teaching. The King Broadrick-Allen Award is given annually to a Campus Honors Program faculty member who makes an extraordinary contribution to the well-being of Chancellor's Scholars and the development and energy of the Campus Honors Program.

Nigel Goldenfeld (Biocomplexity) was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Election to the academy recognizes achievements in original research.