Dean Welcome Letter

Dean Eniola-Adefeso

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Diversity drives innovation. I firmly believe this, and the substantial diversity of UIC’s College of Engineering’s community was one of the main draws for becoming dean. In this issue of RISE, you’ll read about just a few examples of some of the exceptional work by faculty, students, and staff, as well as the actions we’re taking to advance progress.

Attracting talented students is central to our mission, and we begin the academic year with perhaps our largest and most diverse undergraduate student body. Undergraduate enrollment has surpassed 5,000 for the first time in history, and we have seen increases in the number of students who identify as Black, Hispanic, and multi-race. Together with the many students who are the first in their families to attend college and the mix of socioeconomic representation, we welcome and benefit from the wide array of experiences and perspectives as we cultivate a learning environment that invites and supports full participation. This issue highlights some of our extraordinary students, including Michael Jacobson, a doctoral student named Illinois Student Veteran of the Year; our award-winning LunaBots Team, who excelled in the NASA 2024 Challenge; and an inspiring story from one of our Spring 2024 graduates.

At the core of the College’s exceptional education and research is the faculty–with 226 members and growing–spearheading discoveries in critical areas, from technology to improve human health to advancing environmental resilience. With nearly 300 active grants totaling more than $190 million, the College of Engineering is a powerhouse of discovery. Examples of research funded by these grants include efforts to reduce carbon emissions from pulp and paper production, mold remediation in Chicago homes, and sustainable fuel for autonomous vehicles. This work is also made possible by the generous support of UIC engineering alumni and friends, who help us recruit and retain accomplished faculty through endowed professorship and other philanthropic support.

Key drivers of our success include the partnerships that students and faculty form with public and private sector collaborators and other UIC colleges. This issue spotlights an important engagement with the College of Medicine that offers high school students interested in STEM and biomedical engineering an opportunity to gain hands-on research experience.

With this and so much more happening in our East Campus classrooms and labs, there is much to be proud of and anticipate with optimism and enthusiasm. UIC College of Engineering is truly the place to be, and I am excited and humbled to be a member of this community and to build on the College’s strong foundation as we move forward together.