SIB Bulletin Board

We are currently recruiting for the Spring 2027 semester!

Project 1: Does the luxury effect impact bat movement in Champaign, Il? - This project will be done with graduate student Elizabeth Hargis and is looking at bat activity and movement within urban spaces to better understand the luxury effect (the idea that more affluent/wealthy areas tend to have higher abundance and/or biodiversity). To do this, you will will be radiotracking bats and evaluating the areas that they travel to using both habitat indicators as well as indicators of socio-economic status. 

Project 2: How do human-bat relationships influence hunting and conservation-related behaviors in the Marianas? - This project will be done with graduate student Mary Heather Jingco and is exploring the human dimensions of fruit bat conservation in the Mariana Islands by analyzing interviews with local community members. The undergraduate student will help review and code interview transcripts through ATLAS.ti, identify emerging themes, and help develop a framework to better understand community perspectives.

Skills you can gain:

• ArcGIS Pro
• Tagging bats
• ATLAS.ti
• Qualitative data analysis

Contact us if interested!

• Heather (mjingco2@illinois.edu)
• Elizabeth (ehargis2@illinois.edu)
• https://kingstonlab.org/

First year Bio students: We are recruiting for next year’s sophomore class! Come find out from current IBH students why this is a unique program.

• Small dedicated core classes (24 students)
• Hands-on research
• Peer support Independent Research projects across campus
• Decide which classes you want to take from IB, MCB, SESE or ACES
• Share your passion for biology
• Field trips
• Alumni support and scholarships

Come and find out more and meet with our current IBH students at our info session: Tuesday, November 17 at 6:00 p.m. Join us in person at 4014 Natural History Building – pizza provided.

Each year the School of Integrative Biology makes a T-Shirt for students, faculty, and staff. Having a school shirt is a fun tradition created to promote pride within the SIB community at all levels. 

When sourcing the design each year we love to get submissions from our students and their creative minds. The professional staff then selects a winning design, or a group of designs to merge together to be the next academic year's shirt, to be given out at the annual SIB Kickoff Event.

If you would like to submit a design idea for next years shirt please fill out the form.

Noon to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, Illini Union 
Explore meaningful career and internship opportunities with employers leading the way in sustainability and green industries. Whether you're seeking an internship, a full-time position, or just looking to grow your network, this forum is a great platform to expand your professional journey. 

The Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Cech Fellows Program is a nine-week, paid, full-time summer research experience (June 14–August 12, 2027) for up to 200 rising juniors and seniors to conduct hands-on research alongside HHMI scientists. Fellows are placed in HHMI labs at universities and research institutions across the U.S. and at HHMI’s cutting-edge Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia.

Highlights include:

• Immersive research in an HHMI lab with professional mentorship and development workshops
• Up to $15,000 stipend
• An end-of-summer symposium at Janelia (August 10–12), with travel, lodging, and meals provided by HHMI

Key dates:

• November 10: Competition opens. Details and FAQ are available on the Cech Fellows Program page
• December 17: Applications close

You can learn more about details and eligibility requirements at our website. We also have a community newsletter that will share periodic stories and program updates.

Please reach out to the Cech Fellows team at cechfellows@hhmi.org with any questions.

The Career Center is accepting fall 2026 applications for two semester-long career readiness programs: Career Certificate — International, for students pursuing global job and internship opportunities, and FOCUS, for first-generation students. Both programs are offering additional sessions this fall, creating opportunities for more students to take advantage of these valuable programs. Visit the program websites for details, eligibility, information sessions, and how to apply.

Various times, 335 Illini Union 
Make a strong first impression! Free student headshots are available at the Professional Portrait Lab. 

2:30-4:30 p.m., various dates and locations
Throughout the academic year, The Career Center offers on-site career coaching at seven campus partners. No appointment needed. Just drop in.

See the locations and times on the Career Services webpage.

Illini Union, Room 104

Attention, campus! Join us for the Undergraduate Research Showcase from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, in Room 104 of the Illini Union. Held during Dads Weekend, this year’s showcase features a select group of undergraduate researchers from across campus who will present their work and share their research experiences. Campus partners, colleagues, students, and Illinois families are warmly invited to attend and support our student presenters. Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome.

Biophysics combines biology with physics, mathematics, chemistry, and engineering to explore how living systems work. Biophysicists study everything from molecules and cells to the brain and immune system, using experiments, data, and technology to better understand life and solve biological problems. Join us Nov. 18 for the Illinois Biophysics Symposium to learn more about biophysics research at Illinois and where this field can take your career. Speakers, poster session, lunch, fun activities, from 10 am – 4:15 pm at the Beckman Institute. 

Anyone who is interested in taking MCB 247 in spring 2027 and has not already placed their name on a priority registration list should send an email to the SMCB Instructional Program Office via mcb-ip-support@illinois.edu.  You must include your name, UIN, year in school, and educational goal, i.e., pre-PA, pre-dental, etc.

Announcements and updates regarding MCB 247 and other SMCB courses can be found on the school's Course Restrictions, Seat Reservations, and Authorization page.

Explore the oceans or the science behind natural disasters this Winter. GEOL 117: The Oceans, taught by Cory Pettijohn, and GEOL 118: Natural Disasters, taught by Sarah Austin, run December 18, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Each is fully online, three credits, and carries Illinois Physical Sciences GenEd credit. Students may take one Winter course; the concentrated four-week term calls for regular study time.

GEOL 117: https://courses.illinois.edu/schedule/2027/winter/GEOL/117
GEOL 118: https://courses.illinois.edu/schedule/2027/winter/GEOL/118
Questions: jcpettij@illinois.edu

August 26–December 16 • Hours vary by location • Find us across campus and online!

Earn an Environmental Data Science Master’s at UC Santa Barbara.

The Bren School’s Master of Environmental Data Science (MEDS) is a one-year, full-time program that trains students to use data science to tackle real environmental problems. No coding experience required. We’ll teach you!

• Learn R & Python, statistics, data visualization, spatial analysis with ArcGIS, machine learning, and the latest tools shaping environmental data science
• Complete a capstone project with a real environmental client
• Free to apply for domestic students for 2027 admission

Request more information here: https://bren.ucsb.edu/request-information. Priority deadline for applications is December 16. Questions can go to admissions@bren.ucsb.edu.

Hours vary Sunday through Friday across campus and online

Find help with your writing needs at the Writers Workshop. Consultations are available by appointment and during dedicated drop-in hours.

Visit the Writers Workshop page to learn more.

Funded by the State of Illinois, the Kaplan All-Access Program provides currently enrolled students with no-cost access to more than 40 courses supporting graduate and professional school preparation, professional licensure, career credentials, and professional skills development. Since its launch a couple years ago, more than 4,000 Illinois studentshave enrolled in courses, representing an estimated $8.3 million in savings compared to purchasing these resources individually. 

While MCAT, LSAT, CPA, GRE, and CFA preparation courses have been among the most popular, the program offers a much broader range of resources, including:

• Real Estate, Insurance, SIE, FPQP, WMS, Financial Modeling, and Fundamentals of Engineering
• Cyber Risk Management, Defensive Security Operations, and Offensive Security Operations
• GMAT, OAT, and DAT
• Confident New Hire, Resilient Leader, Critical Thinking, and Project Management
• Data Literacy, Python and Math Fundamentals, and Data Analysis

Please be sure that students are aware of these resources.  You are welcome to use Illinois-branded marketing materialsthat are available on box.

Learn more about Kaplan All-Access at Illinois here - https://careercenter.illinois.edu/services/kaplantestprep

Various locations through Friday, Dec. 4 
The Big Ten university with the most donations wins $1 million from Abbott to support student or community health initiatives. Schedule your appointment and register your donation or text ‘DONATE’ to 222688 to get your T-shirt and give Illinois credit. Through Saturday, Oct. 31, colleges across campus will compete in the Illinois Gives Blood Challenge to see which college can rally the most blood donors. When you donate on campus, tell the student ambassadors you’re representing LAS.

CampusWell provides health and wellness articles and videos for the campus community. Topics incorporate the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, ranging from nutrition, mindfulness, time management and finances. 

The LAS Undercover Food Pantry is in business and already serving students. We don’t check student ids and we don’t turn anyone away; the pantry is tucked into a secluded corner of the LAS office and is discreet. Students can stop by 2002 Lincoln Hall during our hours of operation (8:30 am – noon and 1 pm – 4:40 pm M, T, TH, F and 10 am – noon, 1 pm – 4:40 pm on W). Let the front desk know you're here about the pantry, or to ‘shop.’ We have bags for you to use if you need them.

The Food Assistance and Well-Being Program is an emergency resource for Illinois students who are facing financial challenges and need short-term food and basic needs support. Our pantry offers a variety of items such as protein, dairy, fresh produce, canned goods, grains and limited personal care items. Every week, students can choose to either make an appointment at the ARC Instructional Kitchen, schedule a pick-up at CRCE lockers or visit a Wesley Food Pantry. During Hunger Action Month this September, create awareness about food insecurity and share this resource with students you serve.

The Student Wellness Guidebook is an online etext and open enrollment Canvas course that helps students build skills across the eight dimensions of wellness and connects them to Illinois resources all in one place.

On TalkCampus, you can share what’s on your mind, chat one-on-one with a trained TalkCampus Buddy, join group conversations, journal, and explore self-guided tools to support your wellbeing. There’s no judgment, just real conversations with students who have lived experience with common college stressors. 

To get started, create an account using your Illinois NetID. If you have questions, contact the Counseling Center at 217-333-3704 during business hours. 

Let's Talk is a program offered by our embedded counselors. It is not a counseling appointment but a casual conversation about Counseling Center services available to you. Conversations with Let’s Talk counselors are private, informal consultations. Let's Talk appointments are 15 minutes long, and there is no fee. 

To schedule a Let's Talk appointment, please schedule an appointment online.  

Learn about resources for stress management individually and throughout the campus community. This weekly event features education, an activity, and giveaways around a new theme.

Illinois students who are facing financial challenges can access short-term food and basic needs support. The pantry offers a variety of items such as protein, dairy, fresh produce, canned goods, grains, and personal care items. Make an appointment at the ARC Instructional Kitchen, schedule a pick-up at the CRCE lockers, or visit a Wesley Food Pantry.

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of hospitalized children and their families? Join Mattea's Joy UIUC! Through creating care packages, organizing fundraisers, and working toward expanding our hospital outreach, our club is dedicated to spreading joy and providing comfort for families when they need it most. The only requirements to join are a willingness to brighten someone's day and make a positive impact in the community! Find us on Instagram @matteasjoyuiuc and join our GroupMe at https://groupme.com/join_group/118215037/vgSXlSJt

The Illini Wildlife and Conservation Club (IWCC) is a perfect fit for any students who are interested in wildlife, conservation, the environment, or just spending time outdoors. Our RSO has monthly general meetings where we host speakers such as professors from the university, field biologists, zookeepers, and Illinois alumni. During the semester, we take off-campus trips to places such as zoos, state parks, local nature centers, and forest preserves. We also host socials and philanthropy events, plus volunteer at local events like Boneyard Creek Community Day and Illini Lights Out as IWCC is dedicated to giving back to the community and being stewards of the local environment. Ultimately, our goal is to increase awareness and interest in the conservation and sustainability of both wildlife and the environments that support them.

Explore biology and research through writing, editing, and creative design. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

In Double Helix Digest, students can publish any research they’ve done, write a review article from scratch, edit articles, or work on the design/layout of the journal. Our goal is to teach science communication skills to undergraduates, as well as other skills to help prepare undergraduates for further schooling (and ultimately publish one issue at the end of each academic year).

Follow @Quiuchd on Instagram for meeting updates.

Do you like getting “good” mail? Writing and receiving letters is a fun way to get to know someone new. The University Library and International Education are hosting a pen pal program that will pair university students with members of the local community. Participants are asked to write three letters per semester and will have opportunities to meet in person. Register at the link provided.

5-6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5,  Lisnek LAS Hub, Lincoln Hall
Join an educational event with Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue. Learn about their work rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for pigeons in the Chicago area, including the challenges these often-overlooked birds face. You'll also have the chance to potentially meet some of their foster pigeons! Come hang out, ask questions, and discover how you can help pigeons in need. Registration encouraged.