4/3/2025 Jackson Brunner
Written by Jackson Brunner
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is proud to announce the recipients of its annual alumni awards, recognizing graduates who exemplify excellence and innovation in the field. Recipients are selected by the department's Alumni Board for their contributions to groundbreaking research, early-career innovation and lifelong commitment to scientific advancement.
The awards will be formally presented at the department's annual Awards Banquet in April. Please join us in congratulating these outstanding alumni who continue to develop transformative technologies and support our department's ongoing mission.
Distinguished Merit Award: Julie M. Schoenung ('83 B.S.)
Julie M. Schoenung has been honored with the Distinguished Merit Award, which recognizes alumni whose illustrious careers reflect admirably on the department. A member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering, Schoenung currently serves as a professor at Texas A&M University with joint appointments in materials science and engineering and mechanical engineering. Her exceptional contributions to the field exemplify the transformative impact of an Illinois materials science and engineering education.
Young Alum Award: Robert F. Shepherd ('02 B.S., '10 Ph.D.)
The Young Alum Award, recognizing unusual accomplishments in the early career stages of alumni, has been presented to Rob Shepherd. As a Cornell University engineering professor and senior member of the National Academy of Inventors, Shepherd leads groundbreaking research at Cornell's Organic Robotics Lab. His innovative work combines bioinspired design approaches, materials science and mechanical engineering to enhance machine function and autonomy.