UI Department of Bioengineering

05/29/2026

Congratulations to Patrick Selby for earning the John C. and Elizabeth J. Chato Award in Bioengineering! Selby is double majoring in bioengineering and mechanical science and engineering, with a plan to pursue an MD/PhD after graduation. Learn more: https://bioengineering.illinois.edu/news/selby-chato-award

05/19/2026

A series of chance encounters their freshman year set two bioengineering students on a path to an enduring friendship at The Grainger College of Engineering — one that they plan to continue long after graduation.

While Jaya Ganapathi ('26, B.S., bioengineering, minor in computer science) grew up near the roller coaster rides of Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL, Divya Bendigeri ('26, B.S., bioengineering) grew up near the rolling hills and mountains of San Jose, CA. A shared early introduction to engineering and the pursuit of making an impact in medicine led them to the Department of Bioengineering, where they found each other and a discovery of common interests. Learn more: https://grainger.illinois.edu/news/stories/engineering-friendship

05/14/2026

Rohit Bhargava, professor of bioengineering and the Phillip and Ann Sharp Director of the Cancer Center at Illinois, was recently honored by Illinois Human Resources with the 2025 Executive Officer Distinguished Leadership Award. Bhargava leads interdisciplinary efforts to advance cancer research and translate discoveries into real-world impact. Learn more: https://bioengineering.illinois.edu/news/bhargava-leadership

05/13/2026

LAST CHANCE to take advantage of our application fee waiver!

We’re excited to offer a limited-time application fee waiver opportunity for our 2️⃣ Bioengineering Graduate Professional Programs, available to all students eligible for conditional admission.

If you're a current senior or recent Illinois Undergraduate in select majors and thinking about your next step, now is the time to explore what’s ahead.

Programs eligible for application fee waiver:
🧬 M.Eng. in Bioengineering: A one-year program combining advanced engineering coursework, business training, and a hands-on capstone experience that prepares students for leadership roles in industry.
🩻 MS in Biomedical Image Computing: The first program of its kind in the U.S., focused on AI, biomedical imaging, and high-performance computing, with applied, real-world project experience.

Who is eligible to apply for the fee waiver:
🟠 Have a 3.00+ GPA
🟠 Undergraduates from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in one of the following majors:
➡️ Any The Grainger College of Engineering degree
➡️ Agricultural & Biological Engineering
➡️ Chemical Engineering
➡️ STAT + CS
➡️ MATH + CS
🟠 Complete the application fee waiver form between April 16-May 15, 2026: https://go.illinois.edu/BIOEWaive

📅 Fall 2026 Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships.

From hands-on capstone projects to flexible in-person and online pathways, these programs are built to help engineers and scientists translate their skills into real-world impact.

We’re looking forward to connecting with the next generation of bioengineering leaders.

05/12/2026

The Department of Bioengineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, held its first graduate awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 22nd. The event will be held annually to recognize the extraordinary work their graduate students do every day. Learn more about the ceremony and the winners: https://bioengineering.illinois.edu/news/bioe-holds-graduate-awards-ceremony

05/12/2026

05/11/2026

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign demonstrated the multiplexed MRI technology, or MRx, by characterizing brain tumors and multiple sclerosis lesions — revealing different structural, physiological and molecular changes associated with the diseases. Led by Zhi-Pei Liang, a professor of bioengineering, electrical and computer engineering, and a member of the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the U. of I., the team reported its findings in the journal Nature. Learn more: https://bioengineering.illinois.edu/news/new-mri

05/07/2026

The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Program (NSF GRFP) is one of the highest honors a graduate student can receive. The Department of Bioengineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is proud to have three students chosen for NSF Fellowships this year: Chrystal Davis, Peter Wei Hsu, and Chathurya Devineni. Learn more: https://bioengineering.illinois.edu/news/nsf-graduate-fellowship

05/06/2026

Meet Lauren Kerr, a junior in bioengineering. When she's not in the classroom, Lauren is a member of the Illinettes dance team, and will be captain this upcoming semester. "The support from faculty and staff at Illinois has also been incredibly helpful," said Lauren, "and I feel very fortunate to be part of both such an amazing academic program and a supportive team." We asked Lauren a few questions about her Illini experience.

Why I chose bioengineering:
"Bioengineering represents the intersection of innovation and healthcare. With aspirations of becoming a Clinical Specialist, my goal has always been to help others. I am passionate about giving back to the community that has given me so much."

Favorite BioE Class:
"I’ve enjoyed many classes in this program, so it’s difficult to choose just one. However, BioE 205 stands out as my favorite. Dr. Ansari created such an encouraging and engaging classroom environment, and it was one of my first exposures to core BioE concepts."

Favorite study spot:
"I enjoy studying in the Sidney Lu Mechanical Engineering Building. Although I enjoy Everitt, it is nice to have a change of scenery when studying."

Thank you Lauren, and every member of our amazing bioengineering cohort!

05/06/2026

Congratulations to Rohit Bhargava, Phillip and Ann Sharp Director of the Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL), who was recently honored by Illinois Human Resources with the 2025 Executive Officer Distinguished Leadership Award! 👏

WATCH to to learn more about the CCIL founder's journey: https://youtu.be/NUBRTtrnzKM?si=YR0HuAyv39uNhSk-