A group of people marching with a banner that says "Illini Fan"

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

A woman in a bandana reaching up into a tree
PEEC graduate student Emmy Medina-Espinoza awarded the Graduate College Dissertation Travel Grant
 In Spring 2026, PEEC graduate student Emmy Medina-Espinoza was awarded the Graduate College Dissertation Travel Grant, which provides funding to support travel and fieldwork essential for doctoral dissertation research. The grant enabled Medina-Espinoza to conduct fieldwork in the Peruvian...
a woman smiling in a red shirt with sunflowers behind her
Plant Biology Professor Wendy Yang one of five Illinois professors recognized as University Scholars
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Five professors at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have been named 2026-2027 University Scholars in recognition of their achievements in teaching, scholarship and service.The program honors faculty excellence and provides $15,000 to each scholar for three years to...
A machine-learning labeled cross-section of a sorghum leaf generated with microCT imaging
High resolution x-ray analysis reveals the inner life of leaves while advancing engineering efforts to reduce crop sweat
 In the midwestern summer, humans and plants have to breathe through the heat and humidity. Researchers hope that a retooled crop plant—one with an improved ventilation system within its leaves—could thrive while avoiding drought stress by reducing “crop sweat”. Thanks to a next generation...
A smiling woman in round glasses and a plaid shirt standing outside
Plant Biology graduate student Angelique Acevedo wins Katherine Esau Award at Botany 2026
 Plant Biology graduate student Angelique Acevedo attended the Botany 2026 conference in Tucson, Arizona, where she received the Katherine Esau Award for her presentation, “Fascinating Fasciation, Whorls, and Spirals: Cellular and Molecular...
headshot of Carla Caceres
SIB Director Carla Cáceres one of two newly named endowed chairs
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Two University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign faculty members have been named as university endowed chairs, an honor awarded to highly distinguished scholars for their excellence and prominence in research, teaching and service.“An endowed chair represents one of the university’s...
a man smiling in a blue button down shirt
Entomology Professor Xuguo "Joe" Zhou Named 2026 Fellow of the Entomological Society of America
 SIB is proud to share that Professor Xuguo "Joe" Zhou, the C. W. Kearns, C. L. Metcalf, and W. P. Flint Endowed Chair in Entomology, has been named one of nine distinguished entomologists honored as 2026 Fellows of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). This recognition highlights...

Read more news

 

A photo of a statue of a mammoth

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. 
A statue with its arms open on a sunny day with blue sky and white clouds

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!
```twig
Give a gift
```twig
Get involved
```twig
Become a mentor