Reports

Department Head Address

Dear Bioengineering Community,

This past year marked a milestone in the history of the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: our 20th anniversary. What began in 2004 as a bold interdisciplinary vision has grown into a nationally recognized department driving innovation across medicine, biology, and engineering.

As we reflect on two decades of progress, we celebrate not only the discoveries and advancements that have defined our past, but also the momentum that propels us into the future. Our faculty, students, alumni, and partners continue to shape the frontiers of human health, through both research that addresses today’s most urgent biomedical challenges and through educational programs that prepare the next generation of leaders in the field.

The achievements highlighted in this report represent the shared ambition, creativity, and commitment of our entire community. From groundbreaking research and rising national recognition to inspiring student initiatives and new academic programs, these milestones underscore the department’s continued growth and momentum. As we look forward, we are especially grateful for the faculty, students, alumni, and partners who have shaped our journey so far. With their continued engagement and support, we are well-positioned to build on this legacy and lead the next era of innovation in bioengineering.

Warm regards, Mark A. Anastasio
Department Head
Donald Bigger Willett Professor in Engineering