Shared Governance in Bioengineering
Shared governance is a defining principle of academic life at the University of Illinois. In Bioengineering, it reflects our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and broad participation in the decisions that shape our academic community. Guided by our departmental bylaws, the University Statutes, and campus policy, our governance structure ensures that faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners contribute meaningfully to the department’s direction and priorities.
Our approach brings together several key bodies: the Internal Advisory Committee, the faculty-elected group that advises the Department Head on matters of faculty concern; the External Advisory Board, which provides independent insight on industry trends, research opportunities, and program development; and our Alumni Board, which fosters strong connections between the department and our graduates. Together, these groups create a framework that supports shared responsibility, informed decision-making, and alignment with our mission of excellence in education, research, and service.
Internal Advisory Committee
The Internal Advisory Committee (IAC) is a five-member faculty elected committee, that advises the Department Head and carries out responsibilities delegated by the faculty under the bylaws.
External Advisory Board
Bioengineering at Illinois is pleased to have a distinguished group of experts to help guide our growth. Members serve a three-year, renewable term and annually attend a meeting on campus. Learn more about our board members by clicking on their names below.
Professor of Radiology
Co-Director, Functional MRI Laboratory
We thank our former board members for their service and advice:
- Susan Margulies, Head of the NSF Engineering Directorate
- Ben Noe, Medtronic MITG
- Robert Nerem, Georgia Institute of Technology
- Gilda Barabino, Olin College of Engineering
- Rick Stevens, Argonne National Laboratory
- Robert T. Tranquillo, University of Minnesota
- Frank Yin, Washington University in St. Louis
Alumni Advisory Board
The Bioengineering Alumni Advisory Board (BAAB) is a unified advisory group representing alumni from all of our degree programs. Members serve three-year terms and meet regularly to offer insights on curriculum, student preparation, and emerging opportunities in the field.