New Furniture from President’s House Beech Tree Source of Pride, Memories, Collaboration

By Jalynn BugajCustomer Relations & Communications intern A beech tree from the University of Illinois President’s House was given a new purpose after it had to be cut down in 2022. The tree’s significance was not just botanical; it had witnessed decades of life at the house. When Andrew Burnett, F&S mill foreperson, first met with Roberta Johnson Killeen, wife of President Tim Killeen, and … Continue reading New Furniture from President’s House Beech Tree Source of Pride, Memories, Collaboration

$51M IBRL Grant Thanks to F&S

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is no novice at securing federal research grants. The campus regularly receives among the most federal money between all research universities from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), and other federal agencies. And nearly every dollar is for administrating the project or team to accelerate innovation and discovery — they are almost never for ‘capital’ projects … Continue reading $51M IBRL Grant Thanks to F&S

Morgan White Electrical and Computer Engineering Building ECE net zero energy

“All in” on Zero Energy at ECE: Now 1 Year

A celebration for the 1-year anniversary of the Electrical & Computer Engineering Building’s (ECE) ‘net zero energy’ mark was held there in the atrium, a huge study and hang out location for students. It made sense, given recognition of the building’s ability to impact academic research. Basically, students can plug in at a computer and be able to study how energy is collected, stored, and … Continue reading “All in” on Zero Energy at ECE: Now 1 Year

Turn the Handle: Interactive Mechanical Engineering Artistry

This just in: Just outside the east entrance of the Sidney Lu Mechanical Engineering Building (MEB) stands a new piece of public art. Called Grasp, the three metal vertical arms move back and forth with the power of a simple handle-crank on the base. On the back of the gearbox, glass panels allow the user to see the gears at work. So, give it a … Continue reading Turn the Handle: Interactive Mechanical Engineering Artistry

Mike Larson, F&S Abbott Power Plant, gives a tour to local girl scouts

Girl Power: Education at Abbott

Local girl scouts came on a Saturday morning to learn about the utility systems operated at Abbott Power Plant. Associate professor in Civil and Electrical Engineering (CEE) in the Grainger College of Engineering, Ashlynn Stillwell helped organize and manage the groups and distributed safety and personal protective equipment (PPE). Stillwell is also the former Central Illinois Girl Scout leader. Kids toured the power plant with … Continue reading Girl Power: Education at Abbott

Four and Looking for More

After winning four straight times in the International Laboratory Freezer Challenge, the U of I can still save more energy and money in the future, particularly if Paul Foote has his way. “I want every lab on campus to know about and participate in the Freezer Challenge,” said Foote, energy conservation specialist. “Small changes, like defrosting a freezer or adjusting its temperature, can have a … Continue reading Four and Looking for More