Physics Illinois

05/19/2026

✨Celebrating graduating senior, Ivan Holt! ✨

Majoring in Physics with a minor in Secondary Education, Ivan’s journey has been shaped by both heart and perseverance. Growing up with his dad as his high school principal in Mount Carmel, IL, Ivan knew early on that he did not want to be a teacher. He excelled in science and math and loved working with kids, but he imagined a different career path for himself than teaching.

When his dad’s health declined, Ivan felt called to pursue something meaningful and challenging, and decided to major in biophysics. Engineering courses quickly showed him just how tough the field could be, but Ivan didn’t give up. His resilience and determination carried him forward.

An opportunity to student teach in Monticello while an ELA in the Illinois Physics Learning Assistant Program (https://physics.illinois.edu/academics/undergraduates/learning-assistants) changed everything. Ivan discovered how much he loved being in the classroom, building strong relationships with students and finding creative ways to bring lessons to life. His experience as a Learning Assistant gave him valuable early field experience, preparing him to thrive during his student teaching experience.

What is one of the most important lessons he’s learned? Teaching is all about preparation and flexibility. You should have a solid lesson plan but be ready to pivot. Sometimes those unexpected moments lead to the most engaging, hands-on ways to demonstrate a concept.

After graduation, Ivan will begin his career as a launch engineer for North American Lighting, but his story in education isn’t over. He plans to return to the classroom in a few years. When he returns, Ivan will bring with him real-world experience and the same dedication that has defined his journey so far.

We are so proud of you, Ivan! Your future students will be lucky to have you! 🚀📚

05/18/2026

Illinois Physics is part of Pint of Science tonight at Gallery Art Bar! 🍻🔬

From the Microscopic to the Planetary brings together researchers for an evening of science that stretches across scales, from living cells to the Amazon to clean-energy materials.

Illinois Physics faculty Ido Golding and Ben Hooberman are among tonight’s speakers. Golding will discuss predicting the behavior of a living cell, while Hooberman will share how quantum physics can help find materials for clean energy. The event also features Francina Dominguez, who will explore how much rainfall in the Amazon comes from evaporation from the forest.

Doors open tonight at 6:00 PM, and the event runs from 6:30 to 9:00 PM at Gallery Art Bar, 119 W Main St.

👉 Learn more about the event and how to attend: https://pintofscience.us/event/from-the-microscopic-to-the-planetary/

05/15/2026

As we approach the end of the academic year, we’re recognizing this year’s undergraduate and graduate award winners from Illinois Physics. 🎓🏆

These students have helped make it a remarkable year through their accomplishments in research, academics, leadership, and service. Their contributions reflect the strength of the Illinois Physics community, and the impact students are making across the department.

To all of our award winners, congratulations, and thank you for helping make this such a successful year!

And to our students graduating this weekend, congratulations on reaching this milestone. You did it! 🎉

We're so proud of all of you 💙🧡

05/14/2026

Illinois Physics Ph.D. candidate Bryce Cousins has been awarded a 2026 Jump Fellowship, a major honor recognizing outstanding doctoral students in the mathematical, computing, and physical sciences. 🏆

Cousins conducts research in astrophysics and cosmology under the supervision of Professor Nicolás Yunes. A central focus of his work is developing new ways to use gravitational waves to study how the universe is expanding. He has also led work on the “stochastic siren,” a method that uses unresolved gravitational waves to help measure the universe’s expansion rate.

The fellowship provides support for students whose research demonstrates exceptional originality, rigor, and potential for high impact.

👉 Take a closer look at Cousins’s work and this recognition: https://grad.illinois.edu/news/bryce-cousins-awarded-2026-jump-fellowship

05/13/2026

Illinois Physics undergraduate student Aidan Andrews has been named the recipient of the 2026 Illinois Innovation Award, while Hajara-Yasmin Isa received the 2026 Fiddler Innovation Fellowship! 🏆

The Illinois Innovation Award recognizes University of Illinois students for groundbreaking innovation and translational research that addresses real-world problems and has the potential to make a significant impact. Andrews, co-founder of AgAnswers.ai, was recognized for developing AI and autonomous agent systems designed to help farmers manage complex agricultural operations more efficiently. As part of the award, he received a $20,000 prize from Illinois Grainger Engineering.

The Fiddler Innovation Fellowship, awarded through the eDream Institute at NCSA, recognizes interdisciplinary work addressing societal and global challenges. This year’s recipient, Hajara-Yasmin Isa, was honored for creating the first comprehensive programming logic and design textbook in Hausa, helping make computing education more accessible to millions of speakers across West Africa.

Congratulations as well to this year’s finalists. Illinois Innovation Award finalists included Hyungyu Lee, Alexander Smith, and Jiadiao (David) Zhou, while Fiddler Innovation Fellowship finalists included Kazuma Kobayashi and Lauren Hyde.

Together, these recognitions highlight the range of innovation and problem-solving happening across the University of Illinois community, including within Illinois Physics.

👉 Learn more here: https://tec.illinois.edu/news/82729

05/08/2026

The Illinois Physics community came together this weekend for the 2026 Physical R***e, continuing a nearly 35-year tradition that celebrates the creativity and talent of graduate students.

This year’s AB-BA–themed event brought in a record crowd of more than 300 students and faculty, filling the Illini Union ballroom and expanding into the South Lounge for the first time. Organized by members of the Illinois Physics PGSA, the evening featured a wide range of musical and comedic performances, along with weeks of preparation behind the scenes to bring the event to life.

In addition to the performances, the event also supported the broader community, raising approximately $2,200 for the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in Champaign.

The Physical R***e remains an important part of Illinois Physics, offering graduate students a space to showcase their creativity beyond the classroom while strengthening the sense of community across the department.

05/07/2026

05/01/2026

Join us in congratulating Vidya Madhavan, head of the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a valued member of the Illinois Physics community, on her election to the National Academy, one of the most prestigious honors in science. 🏆

Her research in quantum materials and nanoscale systems has helped advance how scientists study and interpret complex physical phenomena, opening new directions in understanding matter at its most fundamental levels.

This recognition highlights a career built on sustained discovery and impact, as well as her leadership within the field.

👉Take a closer look at her work and this milestone achievement: https://physics.illinois.edu/news/Madhavan-elected-to-National-Academy

04/30/2026

Reaching out to all May 2026 graduates… Do you have your post-graduation plans in mind? Please let us know at: go.illinois.edu/MyIlliniSuccess ($50 Amazon gift card raffles weekly in December for respondents!)

Not sure where you’re headed next? Did you know that career services help recent alumni, too? Come check us out at careercenter.illinois.edu

We’re here for you. We look forward to the chance to help you reach your Illini Success Story

04/30/2026

Illinois Physics graduate students recently traveled to Bluefors Lab in Chicago, gaining firsthand exposure to the technology behind quantum research.

During the visit, students observed and discussed the industrial status of dilution refrigerators, a key component in cryogenics that plays an essential role in quantum systems. They also learned about operating a Bluefors fridge, including the “can-up” process, offering insight into how these systems function in practice.

Opportunities like this give Illinois Physics students a clearer view of how their work connects to real-world applications and the broader quantum industry. With Bluefors planning to join the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park in Chicago, these connections continue to grow, strengthening the link between research, innovation, and industry.