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Excellence in agricultural and biological engineering
As climate change intensifies, the need for innovative, sustainable solutions has never been greater. In this aspect, the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is leading the charge. By blending core engineering principles with expertise in food, agriculture, environment, and energy systems, ABE sets itself apart. This unique fusion is recognised by industry leaders for its relevant curriculum and job-ready graduates.
ABE’s flagship programme, the ABET-accredited BS in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, is consistently ranked among the top in the US. This prestigious programme equips students with the skills and knowledge to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues in food, water, and the environment. Through hands-on projects addressing real-world problems, students gain invaluable experience, positioning them for impactful careers that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Preparing career-ready graduate
From day one, the Grainger College of Engineering empowers students to translate their education into meaningful careers. Engineering Career Services (ECS) acts as a bridge, helping students leverage their strengths and connect with opportunities.
ECS not only polishes resumes and cover letters but also equips students with essential networking skills. Engineering Ambassadors, in collaboration with ECS, offer resume review sessions to engineering student organisations as well.
Their services extend to internship and full-time job searches. Each year, the college facilitates over 6,000 on-campus and virtual interviews, a key reason behind how 100% of ABE students reported landing their top-choice positions after graduation, with an average starting salary of US$67,000. These graduates excel in Fortune 500 companies, consulting firms, academia, government agencies, non-profits, and research institutions.
Take Leah Fields, for example. A 2024 BS ABE graduate, she exemplifies the programme’s success. With ECS’s support, Leah secured a position as a Staff Engineer at Trotter and Associates Inc. in St. Charles, Illinois, contributing to vital water quality and wastewater treatment projects.
Making a difference
Inspired by her parents' impactful journey within the ABE department, Jamie Abbott, a third-generation UIUC engineer has excelled in her studies, earning many scholarships and awards. But her dedication goes beyond academics.
She's a driving force behind initiatives like the ENG 177 course, which connects UIUC students with peers in Puerto Rico for disaster relief projects. Her mentorship and leadership were instrumental in the programme's success, leaving a lasting impact on participants.
Jamie is now set to work with Anderson Consulting Engineers on critical water resources projects.
“A highlight of my college involvement is my work with the UIUC Puerto Rico Disaster Relief Programme. Through collaborating on resilience projects with communities in Puerto Rico, I have had opportunities for undergraduate research, study abroad, engineering learning assistant positions, and networking with an incredible local and global community.”
“I focused my efforts on building a stronger community within the department in my four years on the Illini Pullers student design team. The Pullers team had dwindled after COVID-19 stopped us from competing for three years and left us with only four members. I rekindled the team by growing membership from four to 30 and creating an environment for cooperation and learning. I emphasised the transfer of knowledge from senior to newer members and a full leadership restructure. As president from 2022 to 2024, I led the team back to competitive shape.”
hear from the students
Sam Atkinson
Design Engineer with Paul’s Machine & Welding in Villa Grove, Illinois
Class of 2024
“The programme’s well-rounded course load exposed me to various engineering fields. I tailored my education to my specific career goal of working for a food manufacturer and being part of the process of getting food on the tables of people across the country. By supplementing my engineering courses with a minor in food science, I achieved my goal of working for a leading food manufacturer."
Allison Trio
Principal Scientist, Next Generation Ingredients at The Kraft Heinz Company
Class of 2017
“ABE’s systems approach to food, agriculture, and natural resources made me realise the interconnections with the rail industry. We move all kinds of products related to ABE in an efficient manner, from the more obvious grain and coal to wind turbine parts, lumber, produce, fertiliser, and processed products like corn syrup. Transportation is a critical piece in the food, agriculture, and natural resources web, and my ABE has been invaluable in understanding how these sectors fit together.”
Kara Brockamp
Manager of Public Projects at BNSF Railway
Class of 2019
“As a design engineer for Caterpillar, I work every day with specifications for off-road equipment. My current role is exactly what ABE prepared me for within my focus area; I’m constantly working on complex mechanical systems like differentials, final drives, and brakes that help power Caterpillar machinery. ABE helped me understand that success skills are just as valuable as basic engineering principles. Relationship building, teamwork, and communication are every bit as important to an engineer as the ability to solve a complex equation. Besides, the campus accessibility to Research Park allowed me to continue my work with the same team throughout the school year, affording me two full years of Caterpillar experience before graduation.”
Alex Schmidt Brockamp
Design Engineer at Caterpillar
Class of 2019
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