Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

Achievements

IN THIS ISSUE: ACES | FAA | LAS | library |

agricultural, consumer and environmental sciences

Plant breeding scientists from around the world recently gathered in Mexico City for the first International Plant Breeding Symposium honoring John W. Dudley, emeritus professor of plant genetics, the Renessen Endowed Chair in Corn Quality Trait Breeding and Genetics, and former associate head of the department of crop sciences. Dudley is best known for his research on the long-term selection of corn for protein and oil. His other work has focused on improvement in yield and disease resistance, use of quantitative genetics in plant breeding, and on applications of biotechnology to plant improvement.

fine and applied arts
William Rose, UI research architect, received the 2006 Lee Nelson Book Award from the Association for Preservation Technology for his book, “Water in Buildings: An Architect’s Guide to Moisture and Mold.” Rose was honored at the association’s annual conference Sept. 15 in Atlanta. The Journal of Preservation Technology said Rose’s book is an “authoritative guide that should be used by designers, builders and all people concerned with historic-building performance and preservation.”

liberal arts and sciences
Yamuna Kachru, a UI professor emerita of linguistics, received the Presidential Award from the President of India on Sept. 14 at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi. Kachru is one of four recipients of this year’s award, presented by the president of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

According to Abbas Benmamoun, head of the linguistics department, the award is “highly prestigious” and “speaks to Yamuna’s distinguished research record and stellar reputation as one of the premier experts on the Hindi language and linguistics.”

Gene E. Robinson, the B. William Arends Professor of Integrative Biology, was elected a fellow of the Animal Behavior Society. Robinson is a professor of entomology, director of the Neuroscience Program, and theme leader at the Institute for Genomic Biology.

university library
Jane Block, head of the Ricker Library of Architecture and Art, will receive the library’s Andrew Turyn Professorship. This five-year appointment, beginning this academic year, provides support for Block to pursue her research into 75-plus known portraits rendered in Neo-Impressionist technique in France and Belgium between 1886 and 1903. Her work, much of which will take place at the Royal Library in Brussels, will analyze these portraits as reflections of their age and shed light on their significance within the Neo-Impressionist movement.

Thomas H. Teper, preservation librarian, has been appointed to an endowed chair, Assistant Professor of Library Preservation. The chair was endowed by John “Bud” Velde, an alumnus who was interested in both preservation and rare books.

Read Next

Life sciences Portrait of the research team posing together.

Minecraft players can now explore whole cells and their contents

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Scientists have translated nanoscale experimental and computational data into precise 3D representations of bacteria, yeast and human epithelial, breast and breast cancer cells in Minecraft, a video game that allows players to explore, build and manipulate structures in three dimensions. The innovation will allow researchers and students of all ages to navigate […]

Arts Photo of seven dancers onstage wearing blue tops and orange or yellow flowing skirts. The backdrop is a Persian design.

February Dance includes works experimenting with live music, technology and a ‘sneaker ballet’

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The dance department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will present February Dance 2025: Fast Forward this week at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. February Dance will be one of the first performances in the newly renovated Colwell Playhouse Theatre since its reopening. The performances are Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Dance professor […]

Honors portraits of four Illinois researchers

Four Illinois researchers receive Presidential Early Career Award

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Four researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign were named recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on young professionals at the outset of their independent research careers. The winners this year are health and kinesiology professor Marni Boppart, physics professor Barry Bradlyn, chemical and biomolecular engineering professor Ying […]

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