CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A documentary that premiered on the Big Ten Network featured three extraordinary women at the University of Illinois. “Making Their Mark” was aired on BTN on Friday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. CDT, following the Illinois-Maryland women’s volleyball match. The 30-minute program profiled athlete Jean Driscoll, entomologist May Berenbaum and computer artist Donna Cox.

“The stories of these three incredible women were fascinating to research and produce,” said Robin Kaler, associate chancellor for public affairs at the U. of I. “Through their words and deeds, they serve as inspiration for any of us trying to figure out how we can make a positive impact on the world, in big ways or small.”

President Obama in 2014 awarded professor May Berenbaum the National Medal of Science for her life’s work in entomological research.  Berenbaum is internationally known for her work investigating the recent honey bee crisis, and her research has yielded important new insights into the evolutionary relationships between insects and their host plants.  A prolific researcher, author and editor, she has written six popular books about insect life, history and lore. More than 30 years ago, Berenbaum founded the Insect Fear Film Festival, an annual celebration of insect-monster movies.  The festival always draws a crowd and provides a perfect venue for teaching her audience about the science behind the six-legged stars of the screen.