What is campus life like for engineers?

Engineering at Illinois is world renowned and doesn’t sacrifice any of the benefits of a large university. I like how there are so many options, both within engineering and outside such as study abroad, student organizations, leadership opportunities, etc.

Jamie.Blog.Photo
Materials Science & Engineering, Senior
Activities – Material Advantage, Illini 4000, Keramos

What impresses you most about the College?

I am impressed by the dedication of the faculty and staff. It is consistently evident that they care about the quality of education and about each and every one of the students.

What are the academics like?

Engineering is certainly a challenge, but there is definitely time to pursue other interests as well. I encourage everyone to study something that excites them and to stick with it even if it’s difficult.

Study Abroad - Germany
Studying abroad in Germany.

 

Study Abroad - Greece

Studying abroad in Greece.

What is your advice to incoming freshmen?

Really make this experience your own. Try new things, challenge yourself, and don’t be afraid to make a few mistakes. If you work hard at something you are passionate about, that’s really all that matters.

Describe your research.

I worked with Brendan Harley in Chemical & Biological Engineering on developing a 3D collagen-GAG scaffold to study the interface between tendon and bone for applications in injury healing. I also worked with Nancy Sottos in Materials Science & Engineering on developing a 2D microvascular network for autonomous cooling of polymers.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve done at Illinois?

The coolest thing I have done would be the Illini 4000, where I helped raise money for cancer research by bicycling across the USA!

Illini 4000

What are your post-graduate plans?

I will be attending the University of Colorado at Boulder to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.