The Grainger College of Engineering

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The Grainger College of Engineering

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Leading global engineering education and research Questions?

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois is among the world's most prestigious and largest engineering institutions, with undergraduate and graduate programs rated among the top five nationally. Nearly 6,000 undergraduates and more than 2,500 graduate students are divided within 12 specialized departments. The breadth and scope of research activities are enormous--more than $198 million funding more than 1,900 projects by some 650 researchers and thousands of graduate and undergraduate students. In addition to long-standing leadership in traditional engineering specialties, they are pioneering new areas such as nanotechnology, bioengineering, trusted computer systems, novel materials, and much more. Undergraduate Programs 217/333-2280 [email protected]
Graduate Programs 217/265-4560 [email protected]
Alumni Relations 217/244-2364 [email protected]

We adhere to the same posting policy as The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, which can be found here: https://publicaffairs.illinois.edu/services/social-media/social-media-comment-policy/

10/28/2026

A 3D thermal cloak that hides objects from infrared cameras?

Grainger engineers have developed a 3D thermal cloak that guides heat around an object, concealing its thermal signature while protecting it from extreme temperatures. Made with 3D-printed aluminum and a rubber-like material, the cloak works from essentially any direction.

The research could open new possibilities for protecting sensitive electronics, managing heat in microchips and shielding equipment in harsh environments.

The research was conducted by Illinois civil and environmental engineering professor Shelly Zhang in collaboration with professor Ole Sigmund of the Technical University of Denmark. Their findings were published in Nature Communications.

Watch to explore the science behind making heat take a detour.

10/26/2026

Grainger engineers, let’s roll up our sleeves and make a difference. 🩸 🧡💙

Through Oct. 31, help Grainger Engineering finish strong in the Illinois Gives Blood Challenge! Colleges across campus are competing to rally the most blood donors, and every donation has the potential to save up to three lives.
Your donation also helps Illinois compete for $1 million from Abbott to support student or community health initiatives through the Big Ten We Give Blood Challenge.

Here’s how to show your Grainger pride:
1. Schedule an on-campus donation by October 31.
2. Tell student ambassadors Lauren Koot or Abi Beck you’re representing Grainger Engineering so your donation counts toward our college’s total.
3. Receive an exclusive Illini T-shirt and a $10 Espresso Royale gift card while supplies last.

A little college pride. A life-changing impact. Let’s finish strong! 🚀

Schedule your donation: https://bigten.org/abbott/illinois

10/22/2026

Rethinking waste. Reimagining what comes next.

From producing food using microbes, water and air to turning food waste into sustainable aviation fuel, Grainger Engineers are developing technologies that connect renewable resources with everyday needs. Collaboration across engineering, biology, chemistry and food sciences helps bring these ideas closer to practical, large-scale use.

See how Illinois is advancing a more circular, resilient economy. Read the full story: Link in the bio.

10/21/2026

Yesterday, Grainger Engineering gathered with local community members to celebrate the grand opening of Hope Village, an innovative 24-home community in Urbana providing safe, permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and significant medical fragility. Developed through a partnership among Carle Health, Champaign County Health Care Consumers and the U. of I., the initiative showcases how interdisciplinary research and engineering innovation can address complex community needs.

Ashlynn Stillwell, professor of civil and environmental engineering, has played a leadership role in the university’s involvement, working alongside Chris Larrison, Joe Bradley, Harshal Mahajan, D**g Wang, Na Wei, Brandi Barnes and Yiwen D**g. Their collective expertise spans engineering, social work, bioengineering, applied health sciences, information sciences, industrial systems, and interdisciplinary health research.

Grainger Engineering Dean Rashid Bashir joined community partners and university leaders to mark this milestone. Hope Village reflects the potential of engineering research to move beyond the laboratory, translating these technical advances into equitable solutions that will serve local communities.

10/19/2026

Have an idea? Let’s talk about how to pitch it.

For Cara Bognar (B.S. ’24, bioengineering; B.S. ’24, innovation, leadership and engineering entrepreneurship), it started with getting comfortable being uncomfortable.

Think practicing pitches on strangers at CIF and asking her little brother to explain her business back to her.

Now the founder and CEO of Top Tier Lessons, Cara shares what helped her turn an idea into a company, one conversation at a time.

Have an idea you can’t stop talking about? Watch for her advice on finding your voice, making your message clear and pitching with confidence.

10/15/2026

A little advice from the locals. 🐿️🪿

Swipe to hear why they think you should apply to Grainger Engineering.

Apply by Nov. 1 for early action consideration. Link in bio.

10/14/2026

What makes Illinois feel like home? The people. 🧡💙

The friends you meet through a student organization. The teammates who share your ideas. The community that cheers you on when things get tough.

Through programs like Women in Engineering and the Morrill Engineering Program, plus more than 100 student organizations and programs, there are many ways to build those connections at Grainger.

Find your community at Grainger Engineering. Apply by November 1.

10/13/2026

What does responsible AI growth look like from an environmental engineer’s perspective?

Jeremy Guest, department head and professor of and Environmental Engineering, explores the infrastructure behind AI, including its energy and water needs and its impact on the communities that share those resources. He also discusses how engineers can help realize AI’s potential while building a more sustainable future.

10/12/2026

A little code, a little couture, a lot of creativity! 🤖✨

Meet Christina Ernst, the creator behind She Builds Robots , whose work shows just how creative engineering can be. She shares her journey at Illinois, how she turns imagination into invention and her advice for women pursuing engineering.

Watch for a little inspiration to create, experiment and follow your curiosity. 🧡💙

10/10/2026

We honor the life and memory of Anthony J. “Tony” Leggett, whose contributions transformed our understanding of physics. His pioneering work on the theory of superconductors and superfluids earned him the 2003 Nobel Prize in physics.

A beloved Illinois teacher and colleague, Tony inspired generations through his curiosity and humility.

His legacy lives on through his work and the people he inspired.

Address

1308 W Green Street
Urbana, IL
61801

Telephone

+12173332151

Website

https://grainger.illinois.edu/

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