3/5/2025 Jackson Brunner
Written by Jackson Brunner
Alice Gao, a senior in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has earned the annual college Knights of St. Patrick honor. The award recognizes her leadership skills, academic excellence and other impactful contributions to the Illinois materials community.
Get to Know Alice Gao:
- Gao was nominated by the materials student organization Keramos, which she helps to lead as its vice president in the 2024-25 academic year. Before taking on this role, she served as secretary for the other student group in the department, Material Advantage, during her junior year at Illinois.
- Gao is the only Knights of St. Patrick winner to represent the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in 2024-25.
- Gao is deeply involved in the academic community at Illinois, serving as a tutor for the Center for Academic Resources in Engineering (CARE), a tour guide for prospective students and a volunteer with new student registration.
- As part of her academic pursuits, Gao is a member of a research team led by Professor and Racheff Faculty Scholar Cecilia Leal.
"I think the award is a great honor to receive because they’re recognizing that I helped contribute to that community, and it’s also a way to increase my visibility as a role model for younger students." -Alice Gao
What’s next:
- Gao's career ambitions include the pursuit of a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering, with a particular focus on biomaterials. As of late February 2025, she already received offers from multiple Ph.D. programs and is currently touring her top choices to make an informed decision.
- After completing her Ph.D., Gao hopes to contribute to the advancement of materials science through research and leadership roles in academia or industry.
Why this matters:
- Gao’s recognition as a Knight of St. Patrick highlights not only her outstanding academic performance but also her commitment to leadership and service within the Illinois Grainger Engineering community. Each year, only 10-15 students are selected from the entire college, making the honor a significant achievement. The rigorous selection process, which includes peer and faculty nominations, detailed applications, and interviews, ensures that only the most deserving individuals are chosen. Gao’s receipt of this award underscores her dedication to her field and her ability to inspire and lead her peers in both academic and extracurricular settings.
Illinois Grainger Engineering Affiliations
Cecilia Leal is an Illinois Grainger Engineering professor of materials science and engineering and is affiliated with the Department of Bioengineering and the Carle Illinois College of Medicine. She holds the Racheff Faculty Scholar appointment.