Maddie Darling and Jake Spinnato receive 2022 Engineering Council Outstanding Advisor Award

Bioengineering assistant director of undergraduate programs Maddie Darling and academic advisor Jake Spinnato have been chosen as recipients of the 2022 Engineering Council Outstanding Advisor Award. Advisors are nominated by their students and those who receive this accolade are among the top 10% of engineering advisors. 

Engineering Council is a union of engineering societies and committees dedicated to enriching the student collegiate experience through programming and services. Students serve as leadership for EC and contribute to building a sense of community at the U of I. 

"Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence - both in your accomplishments and how you have weathered the many changes that have occurred in the recent years," writes Philippe Geubelle, executive associate dean at The Grainger College of Engineering. "We would not be more proud to have you as part of the Grainger Engineering family. 

"I’ve always regarded the Engineering Council Outstanding Advisor award as such a kind, thoughtful acknowledgment of effort and award to receive from students," said Darling. This is her fifth time receiving this honor. 

"Over the past four years, bioengineering has grown from around 260 undergraduate students to around 350, and I am so glad that students continue to know they are valued, supported, and recognized by their advisors in bioengineering," she said.

Bioengineering professor Andrew Smith who currently serves as the associate head of undergraduate programs shares that Darling advises with great wisdom, organization and kindness and is highly respected across the department. 

Spinnato joined the department in 2021 and this will be his first full academic year advising bioengineering students. Smith commented that he’s been a tremendous addition to the bioengineering advising team this year and students have really benefited from his deep understanding of the curriculum, enthusiasm and hard work.  

For Spinnato, being a successful advisor means creating a relationship with each student. 

He said, "during my first year, I have tried to create a welcoming presence where students feel invited to continuously meet with me. Therefore, being recognized for this award is truly an honor. To my BIOE students, thank you and I feel grateful to support each one of you!" 

Bioengineering department head Mark A. Anastasio said, "Our advisors are very deserving of this prestigious award. They play a vital role in connecting student academic goals with personal and career aspirations.  We’re grateful for their commitment and dedication to our students' success."

Awardees will be honored at the College of Engineering Faculty Awards Ceremony on Monday, April 25, 2022 at the Campus Instructional Facility building.