Today, the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will recognize the achievements of two outstanding alumni at the 2024 ABE Awards reception.

Professor Emeritus K.C. Ting will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for his exceptional contributions to the field and the department. Ting served as head of the ABE department from 2004 to 2016, during which time he spearheaded research into automation, intelligent systems, and decision-support tools for agriculture. His work has impacted global food security, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability, and his extensive publication record has established him as a leader in the field.  Additionally, Ting has demonstrated his continued commitment to the department by establishing and providing scholarship support for outstanding students, further solidifying his legacy of nurturing future talent in agricultural and biological engineering.

Elizabeth Brooks Bruns, P.E., will be honored with the Young Alumni Achievement Award. A 2009 graduate of the department, Bruns now works as a civil engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where she leads emergency response efforts and flood management initiatives. Bruns has consistently demonstrated a commitment to public service and innovation in water resource management.

Ronaldo Maghirang, ABE department head, expressed pride in the award recipients: “Dr. Ting’s groundbreaking work has shaped agricultural and biological engineering on an international scale, while Elizabeth Bruns’ work exemplifies the impact that young engineers can have on critical infrastructure and public safety. We are fortunate to count them among our distinguished alumni.”

The ABE Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2008 and the Young Alumni Achievement Award was introduced in 2020 to recognize alumni who have achieved significant success and distinction in their careers. Awardees are selected for their contributions to their professions and the lasting impact they have made in their fields. Nominations are accepted through an online submission form.