Letter from the Dean
S24 Letter from the dean.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I write to you during another exciting semester at UIC’s College of Engineering, where the remarkable innovation and resilience of our students, faculty, and staff continually uplift me. This issue of RISE Magazine captures just a few of the dozens of stories from the last six months that showcase our impact and excellence. The UIC Engineering Flames continue to burn bright despite these uncertain times in higher education.
Beginning in January, we launched a strategic planning process to help us chart an impactful and transformative course for the College in the coming years. This initiative includes engaging with faculty, staff, students, alums, industry partners, and others to understand how we can harness the college’s collective strengths and advance progress across key dimensions. Together, we will identify ways to spur groundbreaking research, train the next generation of problem-solvers and leaders, and expand our profile and impact within and beyond Chicagoland. More details on this exciting project are included in this RISE edition.
In this issue, we also feature stories about our exciting new in-space manufacturing research center, which will help fuel human space exploration with a $4.65 million NASA grant. You’ll read about how chemical engineers are developing novel medical treatments, shortening development cycles for new drugs, and improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Additionally, UIC’s College of Engineering is at the forefront of developing and implementing quantum computing and is helping students get in on the ground floor of this transformative field.
This issue also highlights how one faculty member is improving dental safety, a new data and AI training program to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st-century workforce, and news on our latest and most successful student-led hackathon!
With so much momentum, there is much to be excited about as we move forward. UIC’s College of Engineering is a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking community that I am honored to be a part of. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to all we will accomplish in the months ahead.
Sincerely,
Lola Eniola-Adefeso
Dean, UIC College of Engineering