UI Department of Bioengineering

The Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) has more than 120 members from across the Illinois campus, including many from the Department of Bioengineering. Their “Get to Know a Cancer Researcher” series provides readers with a connection to the amazing array of individuals who comprise the CCIL’s robust cancer research team. This edition features bioengineering professor Yang Liu. Liu’s research focuses on optical imaging platforms, such as the Omni-Mesoscope, a technology that allows the user to see granular detail over a much larger area than previously possible. Learn more about professor Liu: https://bioengineering.illinois.edu/news/get-to-know-yang-liu

The Department of Bioengineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is excited to welcome Mindy Kinney to the role of Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs. With over two decades of experience in advising at Illinois State University, Mindy promises to be a crucial addition to our dedicated team of student support professionals. Learn more about the department's newest team member: https://bioengineering.illinois.edu/news/welcome-kinney

The Harvey H. Jordan Award, the Bronze Tablet, and the Senior 100 Honorary are three of the highest accolades that a graduate can receive. Any one of these prestigious honors recognizes exceptional dedication and talent in their recipient. Soundarya Sivakumar, Bioengineering Class of 2026, received all three.

"After a lot of uncertainty, I came to the University of Illinois with a dream of studying Bioengineering," said Soundarya. "I’m deeply honored to graduate with highest honors and receive the prestigious Harvey H. Jordan Award. My time at Illinois has been shaped by interdisciplinary learning, meaningful collaborations, and experiences that challenged me to grow both personally and professionally. I’m extremely grateful to the Grainger College of Engineering and the BIOE community for all the opportunities that fostered my tremendous growth over the past four years. Thank you to my professors, mentors, friends, and family for supporting me along this incredibly rewarding journey. I-L-L!"

The Highschool Visitation Program aims to foster a sense of community and encourage students to pursue STEM careers. Sophia Witola Reyes, NSBE President and bioengineering undergraduate, was inspired to participate when she encountered HSV in high school. “Often, students don’t pursue STEM not because they’re incapable, but because they haven’t had the chance to picture themselves in that space yet." Learn more: https://bioengineering.illinois.edu/news/hsv

The Department of Bioengineering is pleased to welcome professor Natsumi Komatsu to its faculty. With a strong background in multiple fields, including bioengineering, material science, and neural engineering, Komatsu is a perfect addition to a department that values interdisciplinary collaboration and pushing the boundaries of research. Learn more about Komatsu’s background and what she hopes to accomplish at Illinois: https://bioengineering.illinois.edu/news/welcome-komatsu

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

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

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

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.