Thank you for taking the time to discuss your role for the department. Could you give us some background about your position and how it relates to recruiting talent?

As the engagement coordinator, I have a multifaceted role. I assist with alumni relations and help manage our alumni board. I also work on undergraduate student engagement, helping with events and activities. But a key part of my role is recruiting undergraduate students.

I understand you organize meetings with incoming students and families. What makes those meetings valuable to attracting the best materials engineering students to the Illinois campus?

These meetings serve as an important touchpoint. We give prospective students and their families an overview of materials science and engineering, highlighting research opportunities, internships and our flexible curriculum. Crucially, we also give them a tour of our labs, letting them experience firsthand what they could do here. This hands-on exposure, combined with the opportunity for a Q&A session, makes these meetings very impactful.

Materials engineering has seen impressive application numbers, especially at the undergraduate level. How do you feel your efforts have contributed to this success and which strategies have been most effective when recruiting new students?

A key part of our strategy is the targeted, personalized approach. Rather than broad, generic communications, we focus on face-to-face engagement — hosting office hours, visiting high schools and attending college fairs. This allows us to tailor the discussion to each student's specific interests and goals.

Many prospective students are unfamiliar with materials science, so educating them on diverse career paths is crucial. We emphasize how a materials degree can be applied across fields, from aerospace to bioengineering.

On top of that, little touches like having faculty members reach out personally make a big impression. Students remember that individualized attention and care.

The materials engineering faculty at Illinois are known for being exceptional. How do you think this department sets itself apart in student recruitment and engagement?

Our world-class faculty are the backbone — their research and reputation make my job much easier. But we also go above and beyond in terms of the red-carpet treatment for prospective students. We take the time to truly understand their interests and tailor the experience accordingly.

Materials science is an incredibly broad field, so we have to be flexible, shifting the conversation to match each student's passions — whether that's sustainability, computer science or something else. Providing that personalized attention is what really sets us apart.

Can you share a memorable moment or feedback you received that illustrates the positive impact of your recruitment efforts? 

I recently received an email from an incoming student who had offers from Ivy League schools and other top universities. They specifically chose Illinois because of the personalized attention and care we showed them during their visit. They shadowed a student for a lab class and checked out a lecture. 

They felt that we really wanted them to succeed, both during their time here and after graduation. Moments like that are incredibly rewarding and motivate me to continue providing that high level of service.

I know you're involved in the Marching Illini as a field assistant, where you work closely with students and sometimes conduct rehearsals. Could you speak to how your extracurricular background helps you connect with prospective students and showcases the broader university community?

My experiences as a student here, including with the Marching Illini, have given me deep insight into the university. I can speak firsthand about student life, navigating campus and the many opportunities available.

The strong connection between music/arts and STEM fields is also relevant — about 30% of members in the Marching Illini are engineering students, and we affectionately call ourselves a band full of engineers. So I'm able to discuss those dual passions and interests that many prospective students have.

Ultimately, being able to share my own student journey and involvement helps me paint a well-rounded picture of what the Illinois experience can offer.