Two Bioengineering Students Chosen as Knights of St. Patrick

The Knights of St. Patrick is one of the highest honors a student can receive in The Grainger College of Engineering. The award has been a tradition at Illinois since 1950. It is presented to students who represent leadership, excellence in character, and exceptional contribution to engineering at Illinois. This year, the Department of Bioengineering is proud to celebrate two honorees: Sophia Reyes and Madison Fanning.

Sophia Reyes:

What does it mean to you to be a Knight of St. Patrick?

I’m incredibly grateful and humbled to receive this honor! I’ve always liked to think of myself as a mosaic composed of everyone who has ever shaped me. While this award carries my name, it truly belongs to every mentor, friend, professor, peer, and family member who’s poured into me unconditionally. I’m endlessly grateful for the guidance, opportunities, and support that have allowed me to grow, and for the communities I’m lucky enough to call home.

Why did you decide to pursue bioengineering?

I’ve always been fascinated by the human body. I used to think about how incredible it was that so many tiny mechanisms are constantly at work just to let us do "mindless tasks" like breathing or curling our fingers. I didn’t even know what engineering was until my senior year of high school, when a group of engineering students visited one of my classes. It was the first time I saw that my curiosity about biology could turn into building something tangible. On a bit of a leap of faith (and after being told by three advisors that it would be a reach), I applied to bioengineering. Looking back, that decision shaped everything. What began as simple curiosity has grown into a deep commitment to using bioengineering to both understand and improve the way we care for the human body, especially for those who are often overlooked. My time in bioengineering, my research, and service has shaped my belief that innovation should always be guided by empathy and care.

What are your plans after you graduate?

I plan to apply to graduate programs to continue pursuing biomedical research, particularly work focused on improving diagnostic tools for chronic and infectious diseases. Long term, I hope to bridge innovative research and clinical advocacy in a way that makes healthcare more accessible, thoughtful, and equitable. I’d also love to continue teaching, run a full marathon, and (one day) go to outer space!

Any more fun facts about yourself?

When I’m not studying, you’ll probably find me on a run with my friends, cooking up a Spotify playlist, at a cafe (always looking for new recommendations!), or intently writing a Letterboxd and Goodreads review.

My Top 10 GOATs (Greatest of All Time): Chocolate chip coconut cookies, coffee, Reeboks, purple, saffron-scented perfumes, salsa vieja, orchids, headphones, Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr, and history documentaries.

Fun facts: In middle school, I failed the mile test, and now I’m going to run my second half-marathon this April. Oh, and also, I can fold my tongue to look like a three-leaf clover.

My favorite quote & best piece of advice: Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Madison Fanning:

What does it mean to you to be a Knight of St. Patrick?

Being chosen as a Knight of St. Patrick recognizes my accomplishments across Grainger and reinvigorates me to be involved and continue my journey. I have dedicated my time at Grainger to building an inclusive, welcoming environment and want to leave a positive lasting impact. Being a Knight of St. Patrick reinforces the idea that I am on the right path and will continue to leave my mark wherever I go.

Why did you decide to pursue bioengineering?

I chose bioengineering because I am fascinated by the intersection of medicine and engineering. I started in Engineering Undeclared and transferred into this major. I also deeply appreciate the diversity and culture of the department.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After I graduate next year I hope to pursue a graduate degree in higher education and a career in student affairs.

Any more fun facts about yourself?

I have a black cat named Ramen Katsumura. I greatly enjoy traveling, and have been to seven countries during my undergrad, along with several more domestic locations. I am pursuing a dual degree in chemistry and am a rural, first-generation student.