The Department of Bioengineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is proud to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our faculty and staff. Their dedication, innovation, and leadership continue to shape the future of bioengineering and drive our mission forward. We are deeply grateful for the many ways our faculty and staff have strengthened our department and campus community. With their talent and dedication, our department continues to grow as a leader in education, research, and innovation.
Written by Ben Libman
Top (left to right): Associate Professors Yuan Yang, Shannon Sirk, and Thom Gaj. Bottom (left to right): Teaching Associate Professor Holly Golecki, Donald Biggar Willett Professor Emeritus in Engineering Michael Insana, and Clinical Associate Professor Joe Bradley.
The Department of Bioengineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, prides itself on extraordinary faculty. Their skill and dedication makes the life-changing work done here possible. We would like to extend our congratulations to those who have received promotion, tenure, or emeritus status beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.
Yuan Yang, Shannon Sirk, and Thom Gaj have been promoted to Associate Professor with tenure. We’re also proud to announce that Holly Golecki has been promoted to Teaching Associate Professor, and Joe Bradley to Clinical Associate Professor. These promotions recognize significant achievements in research, teaching, and service across our academic and clinical missions.
In addition, we are pleased to share that Dr. Michael Insana has been granted emeritus status with the title of Donald Biggar Willett Professor Emeritus in Engineering by the Board of Trustees, an honor that recognizes his lasting impact and distinguished career.
We also celebrate the following service milestones for our colleagues in recognition of their dedication to the University and its mission: Dr. Stephen Boppart for 25 years of service, Dr. Joe Bradley for 15 years, and Stacy Fournier for 5 years. We are grateful for their long-standing commitment and many contributions to our department and campus community.
Our outstanding faculty and staff enable us to build a legacy of excellence. The future of Bioengineering at Illinois is bright, and we look forward to continued innovation and impact.