Environmental scientist leaves Cameroon conflict as part of Illinois Scholars at Risk program

Leaving behind a dangerous situation where more than 100 armed groups are fighting a separatist war, Eric Zama, an environmental scientist from Cameroon, continues his academic work in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) through the Illinois Scholars at Risk program.  

The conflict Zama left started in 2016 as a peaceful protest by English-speaking teachers and lawyers who were feeling marginalized. By 2018, armed groups escalated the situation, and now the government is fighting back.

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ASABE Midwest Rally cultivates connections in agricultural and biological engineering

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign hosted over 50 students from six Big Ten universities for the 2024 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Midwest Regional Rally from March 21 - 23. 

Hosted annually at rotating locations, the ASABE Midwest Regional Rally is an opportunity for agricultural and biological engineering students from across the region to come together, network with industry professionals, learn about job opportunities in this space, and explore options for graduate school.  

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Illinois study: Systematic review of agricultural injuries can help inform safety measures

Agricultural occupations are  hazardous with one of the highest rates of workplace injuries and fatalities in the U.S. The manual and often strenuous nature of the work, combined with the use of machinery and exposure to environmental hazards create a challenging work environment. Understanding the nature and causes of injuries can help improve safety guidelines and policy measures. However, obtaining a comprehensive overview of injuries is hindered by the absence of a central reporting system.

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Voices of ACES Blog

From Japan House to Dublin, ABE student embraces the present moment

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“I am a big believer that you are always where you are meant to be.” As an Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE) sophomore at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Erica Stehlik lives out this belief daily, whether studying abroad in Dublin or working at Japan House in Urbana.

iFAB partners commit $680 million, seek EDA funding for Central Illinois biomanufacturing hub

A 31-partner consortium seeks $70 million from EDA to help create jobs, expand commodity markets, and drive zero-emission manufacturing efforts in Champaign, Piatt, and Macon Counties.

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Voices of ACES Blog

Carrying Forward: Emma Hawkinson's Illinois Family Legacy

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Illinois spirit flows deeply in the Hawkinson family! Meet Emma Hawkinson, a proud fourth-generation Illinois student, who carries this legacy with passion. For Emma and her family, the connection to Illinois is not a coincidence, but rather an intentional choice by each individual.

Despite the family ties, Emma’s parents never forced their alma mater on her or her siblings. This freedom allowed Emma to develop her own love for the university, which made all the difference to her.

Local pipefitter expertise supports growing biomanufacturing industry in Central Illinois

URBANA, Ill. — Complex biomanufacturing equipment is required to turn corn and soybeans into value-added products through the process of fermentation. New initiatives led by the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 149 and the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) are training more skilled tradespeople to support this rapidly growing industry in Central Illinois. 

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Puerto Rico case study sheds light on academic-NGO collaborations

Puerto Rico has faced several human-made and natural crises in recent years, including the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria in 2017. Building disaster resilience and recovery is crucial for community well-being and requires a comprehensive approach with cooperation from multiple organizations. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign examines the partnership between a Puerto Rican non-governmental organization (NGO) and a group of academics.

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