Illinois ECE

09/18/2026

What does ECE and 007 have in common? Michael VanBlaricum.

The three-time ECE alum has spent decades building one of the world’s largest collections of James Bond and Ian Fleming memorabilia. Now, part of that collection is finding a new home at Illinois’ Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Discover: https://news.illinois.edu/rare-book-and-manuscript-library-holds-treasure-trove-of-james-bond-author-ian-fleming-materials/

Rare Book and Manuscript Library holds treasure trove of James Bond, author Ian Fleming materials August 31, 2026 10:50 am by Jodi Heckel Arts and Humanities Editor Library and Information Sciences Share on Facebook Share on X Share via email The Rare Book and Manuscript Library holds a large collec...

09/17/2026

What are you grateful for? 💙🧡

Whether it’s a professor who inspired your path, a research opportunity that opened a door, or the people who made Illinois feel like home, there’s a lot to be grateful for. And, we'd love to hear all about it. Share your favorite memories with Grainger: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1371515424

09/17/2026

ECE welcomed this year's Alumni Awards recipients for a Colloquium Series Panel on September 10. ECE Alumni Board President Yemaya Bordain faciliated the panel that included Aran Hegarty, James Raftery, Jr., Prasun Raha, Pradeep Shenoy, and Sharon Xue Yang.

09/15/2026

ECE Professor Brian Cunningham and his research team developed a pocket-sized fluorescence device that’s now helping enable a new approach to detecting RNA viruses like Zika and hepatitis C directly from whole blood.

The work brings together researchers across departments, with Cunningham’s ECE team collaborating with Bioengineering Professor Rashid Bashir’s group to rethink what point-of-care testing can look like.

Small device. Big collaboration.

Read more: https://ece.illinois.edu/news/point-of-care-detection-without-lab-grade-equipment-for-rna-viruses

ECE Professor Brian Cunningham’s pocket-sized fluorescence device is integral to a new testing protocol that detects Zika and hepatitis C without lab-grade equipment.

09/15/2026

Calling all Seattle-area ECE alumni!
Your Illinois ECE family is coming to Bellevue this month, and we'd love to see you.

Join the ECE Alumni Board, Department Head Jennifer Bernhard, and fellow alums on September 29 for apps, drinks, conversation, and some Topgolf. Space is limited, and registration is required by Sept. 23.

📍 Bellevue, Washington
📅 Sept. 29 | 5:30-7:30 PM
⚠️ Register: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/689575831

09/11/2026

ECE Professor Kent Choquette and a team of Illinois researchers are rethinking how semiconductor lasers are designed, showing that lasers don’t need perfectly repeating patterns to precisely control light.

The research is getting attention from Interesting Engineering. Explore: https://interestingengineering.com/science/laser-breaks-repeating-patterns-semiconductor-design

By embedding tiny dielectric structures inside the semiconductor, researchers created a laser that can control light in a new way.

09/10/2026

Whether you're an incoming freshman or a returning student, if you've got an idea, the Landuyt Center wants to help you build it. Head to the Illini Union, September 14 from 4-6 pm, to meet the team, explore entrepreneurship programs, and grab fun swag.

09/09/2026

Join us on Thursday, September 10 at 4pm in the Grainger Auditorium in ECEB for the ECE Alumni Awardee Panel. Hear from Aran Hegarty, James Raftery, Jr., Prasun Raha, Pradeep Shenoy, and Sharon Xue Yang. Learn more: https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/6590?eventId=33556222

09/09/2026

Illinois researchers have successfully demonstrated a superconducting electric motor designed to help bring zero-emissions propulsion to large commercial aircraft.

The CHEETA motor reached 1,500 RPM during its initial public demonstration, and testing has since pushed it to speeds of up to 2,400 RPM and torque of 400 N·m. Next up: higher power, continued testing and, ultimately, flight. ✈️

09/07/2026

ECE juniors and seniors: City Scholars gives you the chance to live, learn, and intern in Chicago while staying on track toward your Illinois degree. Work 20 hours a week with a Chicago tech company, take Illinois courses, and build connections in the city’s tech ecosystem.

Applications for Spring 2027 close September 13 at midnight.

Learn more and apply: https://cityscholars.grainger.illinois.edu/students/city-scholars-internship