Illinois ECE

Keith Chang, a Ph.D. student in ECE, has been selected to receive a prestigious National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship from the U.S. Department of Defense.

The highly competitive fellowship recognizes outstanding graduate students conducting research in fields critical to national defense and provides three years of support for doctoral studies. Chang's research focuses on cubic gallium nitride and diamond semiconductors for advanced photonic and power electronic applications.

Congratulations to Keith on this outstanding achievement and recognition of his research potential.

Read more: https://ece.illinois.edu/news/phd-student-keith-chang-receives-ndseg-fellowship

ECE boasted two poster presentations at the 2026 ASEE Annual Conference, showcasing new approaches to engaging students in engineering design and preparing them for real-world engineering challenges. https://ece.illinois.edu/news/ece-showcases-engineering-education-innovations-at-asee-annual-conference

ECE showcases engineering education innovations at ASEE Annual Conference Two innovative approaches to engineering education were presented at the 2026 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Annual Conference, highlighting new teaching methods designed to better prepare students for engineering careers.

Curiosity sparked. Circuits built. Futures explored. ⚡

Students were welcomed to ECEB earlier this summer for Discover ECE, a summer camp designed to introduce middle school students to the exciting world of electrical and computer engineering. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, campers explored the technologies shaping our future while experiencing what it's like to be an engineer at Illinois.

Who knows? We may have met a few future Illini along the way.

No matter where life after Illinois ECE has taken you, we'd love to stay connected. Update your information, share your accomplishments, and keep up with what's happening back on campus. Stay Connected: https://ece.illinois.edu/alumni/connect

Researchers in the lab of ECE Professor Brian Cunningham have developed the VPodDuo, a pocket-sized diagnostic device that could bring lab-quality molecular testing closer to the home. Building on an earlier version that could analyze only one sample at a time, the new system can simultaneously compare a test sample and control, improving reliability while remaining portable, wireless, and easy to use.

The team's goal: make sensitive, quantitative testing for cancer biomarkers and pathogens as accessible as today's at-home tests.

Read more: https://www.igb.illinois.edu/article/airpods-sized-fluorescence-analytical-device-holds-promise-timely-home-molecular-testing

Future engineers in the making! ⚡️

We welcomed students participating in Exploring Your Options (EYO) to ECEB for a hands-on introduction to electrical and computer engineering.

Through interactive activities and demonstrations, students have had the opportunity to explore what it’s like to study engineering at Illinois and discover the many possibilities that await them in the field.

We’re excited to help inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and technology leaders!

"I'll mentor students until there is no student needing assistance."

That's the philosophy Jack Blevins ('70, B.S., Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; '71, M.S., Electrical Engineering) has carried with him throughout his life.

More than five decades after graduating from the University of Illinois, Jack continues to give back to ECE by mentoring Senior Design students, supporting the department philanthropically, and encouraging fellow alumni to stay connected.

His story is a powerful reminder that the Illinois ECE experience doesn't end at graduation.

Read more: https://ece.illinois.edu/news/paying-it-forward-jack-blevins-enduring-commitment-to-ece

A new quantum discovery has an Illinois connection in more ways than one.

Led by ECE graduate student Swetapadma "Sweta" Sahoo, researchers discovered a new quantum light emitter in diamond that could help overcome key challenges in quantum technologies. Fittingly, the team named the newly identified color center IL1, a nod to the University of Illinois. Discover: https://ece.illinois.edu/news/new-diamond-quantum-emitter-with-potential-to-advance-quantum-technologies

As a 2026 Community-Academic Scholar, ECE student Aman Saji is exploring how large language models can help streamline public health accreditation while supporting accuracy, accountability, and efficiency. He'll be working with fellow scholar Manh Nguyen, Discovery Partners Institute Senior Research Associate Anuj Tiwari, and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.

"It's an opportunity that could lead to high-impact work for the state of Illinois, which has already given me so much," Saji said.

Read more: https://ece.illinois.edu/news/ce-student-applies-ai-through-community-academic-scholars-program

Computer engineering student applies AI to improve accreditation process through Community-Academic Scholars program University of Illinois computer engineering student Aman Saji was named a 2026 Community-Academic Scholar to advance AI-powered public health accreditation research using large language models.

From powering smartphones and AI systems to enabling scientific discovery, computer chips have become a foundation of modern life. A recent Nature feature explores their growing significance through the lens of The Chip Age, a new book by ECE Professor Rakesh Kumar.

Read more: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-02099-y