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Alumni & Friends

Welcome back SIB Alumni!

We’re thrilled to reconnect with our vibrant community of SIB graduates—your achievements, insights, and continued engagement are what make our legacy of discovery and impact so meaningful. Whether you’re here to share your story, mentor the next generation, or stay updated on the latest news and opportunities, we’re glad you’re part of the SIB family.

SIB News

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Assistant Professor in plant biology pens opinion piece for New Phytologist
 In a new opinion piece published in New Phytologist, Plant Biology Assistant Professor Ya Min (Minya) examines how flowers develop their distinctive shapes and symmetry. Titled “Floral bilateral symmetry: one axis, many...
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Two SIB faculty awarded with the 2026 Emerging Innovator Award
 In partnership with Entrepreneurship@Illinois, the Office of Technology Management (OTM) is proud to have introduced two new awards at Founders Week...
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Meet the 2026 Integrative Biology homecoming court student representative
 Each year, the University of Illinois Homecoming Court brings together students from across campus who represent the diverse communities, interests, and accomplishments that make the university so special. This year, the School of Integrative Biology (IB) was represented by a student whose...
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Pollen study reveals the hidden history of grasses
 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Scientists used machine-learning and super-resolution microscopy to overcome a challenge that has stymied research into the natural history of grasses for decades. Their method allowed them to detect subtle differences among grass pollen grains and trace changes in grass...
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Climbing against cancer
 While completing his pediatric oncology fellowship at the University of Michigan, Carl Koschmann (BS, ‘02, biology honors) met a young patient battling cancer.Her name was Vara James. At 9 years old, she was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor in her kidney....
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Entomology Alumnae Erin Welsh and Erin Allmann Updyke featured in STORIED magazine
Discover the compelling story behind the popular podcast “This Podcast Will Kill You” in the latest issue of Storied, the University of Illinois’ alumni magazine published through Illinois Advancement! The article highlights Entomology graduates Erin Welsh and Erin Allmann Updyke,...

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Please help us continue guiding the next generation of scientists.

You and your investment play an invaluable role in the success of our students, faculty, and staff. Your impact is evident in the cutting-edge discoveries and transformative educational experiences that have emerged from our school. 

As we continue to push the boundaries of scientific understanding, we would like to convey our gratitude to you for being instrumental in shaping the future of biological sciences and fostering a community committed to excellence by supporting our School through fellowships, scholarships, and essential upgrades to laboratories, classrooms, and technologies. 
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Celebrate excellence — nominate a fellow alumni for a distinguished alumni award!

Help us honor the remarkable achievements of School of Integrative Biology alumni! We’re seeking nominations for the Achievement Award and the Outstanding Recent Alumni Award. Both are a chance to spotlight a fellow SIB grad whose professional success or exceptional contributions reflect the value of their Illinois education.

Know someone who inspires, leads, or makes an impact in their field? Submit your nomination by the deadline and give them the recognition they deserve within the SIB community!
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