Throughout your time at Illinois Tech, your adviser will be your go-to person for all your questions about classes. They can help you identify what classes to take and how to best align your course schedule in order to make sure you’re on track to graduate on time. Academic advisers can also assist with questions about choosing a specialization, adding a minor, or applying for one of Illinois Tech’s special degree programs.
Joseph Orgel
Nicole Legate
John Twombly
Boris Glavic
Michael Saelee
Matthew Bauer
Cynthia Hood
Sohail Murad
Donald Chmielewski
Ray Trygstad
Jeremy Hajek
Kathryn Spink
Nick Menhart
Kiah Wah Ong
Despina Stasi
Sally Laurent-Muehleisen
Carlo Segre
Erdal Oruklu
Brent Stephens
Stephen Kleps
Kathleen S. Nagle
Keigo Kawaji
John Georgiadis
Georgia Papavasiliou
Carrie Hall
Kevin Cassel
Murat Vural
Edoarda Corradi Dell'Acqua
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
Professor of Biology and Biomedical Engineering
Associate Director of BioCAT
B.Sc. (Hons) University of Stirling
Ph.D. University of Stirling
Professor Joseph Orgel is a British American Scientist based at the Illinois Institute of Technology with past and present appointments in Biology, Physics, and Biomedical Engineering and Applied Health Sciences at UIC as visiting faculty. His research interests are concerned with fundamental structural biochemistry problems that have direct links to the understanding and treatment of disease. Using unique techniques developed by Orgel, his group has been able to visualize the molecular organization of connective and neurological tissues to a resolution of less than one billionth of a meter. Joseph Orgel leads investigations of brain pathological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Traumatic Brain Injury in collaboration with the US Army and connective tissue conditions including heart disease and arthritis, at the National Institutes of Health Biotechnology Research Resource, BioCAT, as Associate Director. An awardee of the United States National Science Foundation’s CAREER award, he has been Biochemistry Section Editor of the Public Library of Science Journal, PloS ONE since 2008 and joined the board of directors of the National Museum of Health and Medicine (Chicago) in December of 2012.
Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Undergraduate Programs
Nicole Legate is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Illinois Institute of Technology. She teaches undergraduate courses in introduction to psychology and a special topics seminar in prejudice and stigma. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Rochester in 2014 and completed a pre-doctoral internship at the University Counseling Center at the University of Rochester. Her research interests are focused on how the social environment (friends, family, peers, etc.) can support those with a stigmatized identity to buffer against minority stress and its impact on health, but also how the social environment can thwart these individuals and contribute to the mental and physical health disparities gap. Much of this work has focused on the coming out process, finding that lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals are more ‘out’ with those who support their autonomy and that they experience better mental and physical health with these people when they come out. Another major focus is on how environments can pressure people to exclude or hurt others, and the costs associated with doing that.
Professor Legate is also the Faculty advisor to WISTEM, and PSI CHI (Psychology honors society), co-faculty advisor to PRISM.
Ph.D., University of Rochester, Clinical Psychology (2014)
B.A., University of California, Los Angeles, Psychology (2007)
Stigma and prejudice
Social exclusion
Disclosure and concealment
Disparities in mental and physical health
Self-Determination Theory
Director of Undergraduate Programs in Business
Clinical Professor of Accounting and Finance, IIT Stuart School of Business
Adjunct Faculty, Industrial Technology, and Management
Ph.D., University of Chicago, Business Administration
C.P.A., Illinois
M.B.A., University of Chicago, Accounting & Statistics
B.S., University of Pennsylvania, Economics
Financial accounting and management
Associate Professor of Computer Science
I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Illinois Institute of Technology. I am a database guy and am leading the IIT DBGroup. My research interest spans several areas of database systems including data provenance, data integration, query execution and optimization, and data curation. I strive to build real systems that are based on solid theoretical foundations. For a list of my publications see below or have a look at DBLP and google scholar. I received a Diploma (Master) in Computer Science from the RWTH Aachen in Germany, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Zurich in Switzerland being advised by Michael Böhlen and Gustavo Alonso. Afterward, I spend two years as a PostDoc in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto working at the Database Research Group under Renée J. Miller.
Database Systems, Data Provenance, Data Integration
Senior Instructor of Computer Science
Hello there! If you’re a current student or advisee, you can make an appointment to meet with me (either online or in person) on Calendly.
The following are courses I’m teaching or have taught in the past:
Senior Lecturer of Computer Science
M.S. Mathematics, Illinois Institute of Technology
Associate Chair and Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering
Network & Systems Management; Wireless Networks; Adaptive Systems; Innovation In Education.
Chair of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Professor Murad can advise students on internships opportunities in the Chicagoland area and in Chemical Companies. He will also advise the new minor Pharmaceutical Engineering.
Professor of Chemical Engineering
B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Engineering, Lahore, Pakistan
M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida, Gainsville
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University
Dr. Murad’s research interests are in the broad areas of classical and statistical thermodynamics. The recent focus of his research has been on using computational molecular modeling to investigate the transport of water, gases, and ions in membranes. The research has important applications in water desalination technology, advanced batteries, gas separations and drug delivery.
CURRENT PROJECTS:
Zeolite Thin Films as Efficient and Robust Ion Exchange Membranes in Redox Flow Batteries for Renewable Energy Storage
A Proof of Concept Study to Demonstrate Tunable Thermal Rectification in Liquids
Molecular Modeling of Ion Transport and Separation in Nanochannels
Solubility of Gases in Heavy Oils and Alcohols
Separation of Chiral Compounds
Professor of Chemical Engineering
Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles (Chemical Engineering, 2000)
M.S. University of California, Los Angeles (Electrical Engineering, 1993)
B.S. Illinois Institute of Technology (Electrical Engineering, 1991)
Economics of control system design
Modeling and design of energy-related processes
Applications include:
Associate Chair, Department of Information Technology and Management
Director of Undergraduate Advising, Department of Information Technology and Management
Industry Professor of Information Technology and Management
Co-Terminal Adviser – Cyber Forensics and Security
Interim Associate Director, Center for Cyber Security and Forensics Education
Chair, Undergraduate Studies Committee
Ph.D. Studies Illinois Institute of Technology
Diploma in Aviation Safety, Naval Postgraduate School
M.S. Systems Management, University of Denver
B.S. United States Naval Academy
Information technology management, cyber security management, cyber security policy, information technology policy, cloud computing, system administration, operating system virtualization, open-source operating systems and applications, and multimedia
Industry Associate Professor, Information Technology and Management
Graduate and Undergraduate Advisor
M.I.T.M., Illinois Institute of Technology
B.I.T.M., Illinois Institute of Technology
Cloud computing, systems architecture, enterprise computing, embedded systems, and operating systems, IoT, Smart Technology, DevOps, IT Orchestration, Augmented Reality Applications, XR and VR
Large-Scale Immersive Hologram to Show the Real Impact of Sea Level Rise
Illinois Tech’s Smart Tech Lab Installs Innovative Lighting and Control Solution
Director of Pre-Health Professions Programs
Senior Lecturer
B.S. Michigan Technological University
Ph.D. Michigan State University
Deputy VP for Accreditation
B.S. University of Waterloo
Ph.D. University of Waterloo
My major research interest concern the use of spectroscopic techniques to study multi-domain proteins. In many cases, high resolutions structural data is available for only individual domains of proteins, while their arrangement within the context of the entire molecule is unknown. This arrangement is crucial to the function in certain cases.
One of the systems currently under study, plasminogen, is such a case. This is a key enzyme in the haemostatic system, being responsible for the dissolution of blood clots. Treatments for heart attack and stroke, the first and third leading causes of mortality in affluent societies, involve activating plasminogen to its active form, plasmin. However, plasminogen normally circulates in a compact form that is not easily activated. It is known that it can adopt a more open form, for instance on the surface of a fibrin clot, that is much more readily activated.
This open form – closed form transition has been studied by a wide variety of techniques, however detailed structural information has not been forthcoming, since the intact molecule is too large for current NMR instruments, and has so far been refractory to crystallization. However, plasminogen is composed of several constituent units; in addition to its protease domains (~25kDa), plasminogen contains five other compact domains known as kringles (~10kDa). The structures of most of these domains are known in isolation by either X-ray or NMR studies, or in some cases both. We are attempting to study this transition by placing spectroscopic probes (paramagnetic or fluorescent) on the various domains of plasminogen to try to localize these specific domains and determine their proximity to each other during this transition. By combining distance measurement between these domains, solvent accessibility data for the various surfaces, with the known high resolution structures of each isolated domain, we hope to be able to assemble a model of the structure of the intact molecule in each of its conformational states.
Associate Chair and Director of Undergraduate Studies of the Department of Applied Mathematics
Senior Lecturer of Applied Mathematics
Ph.D. in Mathematics – Indiana University (2017)
M.S. in Mathematical Sciences – Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia (2010)
B.S. in Mathematics – University of Malaya, Malaysia
Dynamical properties of systems driven by dissipative or stochastic partial differential equations
Senior Lecturer of Applied Mathematics
My research interests have always fallen squarely in the intersection of discrete mathematics with other fields, including computer science, probability, statistics, and algebra. My work concerns statistical network models; theoretical and computational problems in graphs and hypergraphs; random discrete structures; Horn formulas; probabilistic, randomized, and structured-based algorithms.
Senior Lecturer of Physics
B.S. University of Wisconsin – Madison
Ph.D. The Pennsylvania State University (Astrophysics)
My area of research is extragalactic astronomy, specifically quasars and active galaxies. My thesis research involved defining a new sample of active galaxies belonging to the class of “BL Lacs”. As a postdoc I worked with the FIRST (Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty centimeters) survey, a radio survey complementing the Sloan Digital Sky survey. I have also researched Narrow Lined Seyfert I galaxies and am currently collaborating on studies of Broad Absorption Line Quasars (BALQSOs). I can also meet with Aerospace students interested in pursuing a minor in Astrophysics (or any other student interested in an Astro minor).
Professor of Physics
Duchossois Leadership Professor
Deputy Director, Materials Research Collaborative Access Team (MRCAT)
Director, Center for Synchrotron Radiation Research and Instrumentation (CSRRI)
Deputy Director, BioCAT / Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
B.S, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Ph.D., University of California, San Diego
My research centers around the structure and electronic properties of complex materials including superconducting, magnetic, catalytic, and energy storage materials.
Experimental techniques used in my research include; material synthesis through arc-melting, powder metallurgy, and advanced chemical methods; structural characterization of the samples performed by x-ray powder diffraction and x-ray absorption fine structure; and measurement of electronic properties by resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and x-ray absorption spectroscopy. Specific topics of interest include:
I also am an active participant in the IIT Center for Synchrotron Radiation Research and Instrumentation (CSRRI); serving as Center Director and as Deputy Director of the Materials Research Collaborative Access Team (MRCAT) which operates an experimental facility for materials research at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). I have been involved in the development of crystal optic devices for the delivery and detection of x-rays at synchrotron beamlines.
Since 1992, I have been involved with the International Bridge Building Committee. We organize the Chicago Regional Bridge Building Contest each winter and the International Bridge Building Contest in odd years. This contest has grown, over the past 37 years, to be an integral part of many High School Physical Science curricula.
Associate Chair and Director of Undergraduate Affairs in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Ph.D. CPE, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, 2005
M.Sc. EE, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey, 1999
B.Sc. ECE, Technical University of Istanbul, Turkey, 1995
Dr. Oruklu joined the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at IIT in May 2005. Dr. Oruklu’s research interests are reconfigurable computing, advanced computer architectures, hardware/software co-design, and embedded systems. The main focus of his studies is the research and development of system-on-a-chip (SoC) frameworks for FPGA and VLSI implementations of signal processing algorithms.
Dr. Oruklu will be teaching courses in the areas of VLSI design, computer architecture, embedded system design and signal processing architectures.
Department Chair and Professor of Architectural Engineering
Director of Architectural Engineering
Director of Environmental Engineering
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2012
M.S.E. Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2009
B.S.E. Civil Engineering, Tennessee Technological University, 2007
Dr. Brent Stephens runs the Built Environment Research Group at Illinois Tech, which is dedicated to investigating energy and air quality in the built environment. His major research areas include:
Recent Funded Research Projects:
Associate Chair of Undergraduate Affairs in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering
Senior Lecturer of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 2013
Masters of Structural Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 2003
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 2002
Understanding how construction foremen improvise on construction sites in response to a disruptive event. Correlated the type of disruption to the extent and time of the improvisation required.
Best practices for construction estimating, including on-screen and digital estimating tools and techniques.
Understanding construction contract language and it’s correlation to construction project outcomes.
Studio Associate Professor
Undergraduate Architecture Advising Coordinator
Bachelor of Architecture YR 1 Coordinator
B.A., Williams College
M.ARCH., Harvard University Graduate School of Design
American Institute of Architects Honor Award (2006)
Illinois Institute of Architecture Excellence in Teaching Award (2009)
Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston
Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 2012
B.S.E. Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, 2007
B.A. Mathematics, Duke University, 2007
Dr. Kawaji’s research interests focus on the engineering development of novel MR-based biomarkers to study tissue disease and deaths, using dedicated tissue models in a carefully controlled experimental setting, and novel BME instrumentation and clinical translation of new techniques for the MRI system in the hospital setting. He is also interested in BME education research, focused on both pedagogical methods and the development of new student-driven approaches inspired by mathematical problem-solving ideas and techniques.
Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering
R. A. Pritzker Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, 1987
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, 1984
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece, 1983
Prof. Georgiadis’ research interests are driven by open questions related to how the human brain and muscle change with age, and involve the use of non-invasive techniques like Magnetic Resonance Imaging to probe the human central nervous system and skeletal muscle. His current research activities involve three projects:
Associate Chair of Undergraduate Affairs in the Department of Biomedical Engineering
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Post-Doctoral Internship, Johnson Polymer, 2003
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 2003
B.S., Chemical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 1996
Our research focuses on the coupling of computational modeling of polymerization and experimental design for the synthesis of hydrogel nanoparticle delivery vehicles and the synthetic hydrogel scaffolds for guiding cell behavior and tissue regeneration.
Current Research Projects
Research Funding
NIH R21 (HL094916-01A1) ERIF Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering
Associate Chair of Graduate Affairs in the Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering
Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Ph.D. Engineering, Purdue University, 2012
M.S. Engineering, Purdue University, 2010
B.S. Engineering Science, Bob Jones University, 2008
Modeling and control of advanced internal combustion engines and automotive powertrains; development of clean and efficient utilization of alternative fuels.
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs for Armour College of Engineering
Professor of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Professor of Applied Mathematics
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Lehigh University, 1993
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Lehigh University, 1990
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Messiah College, 1988
Associate Professor of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Associate Chair of Undergraduate Affairs in the Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering
Post-Doc, Graduate Aeronautical Labs, California Insitute of Technology, 2000-2003
Ph.D. Aeronautical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Turkey, 1998
M.S. Aeronautical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Turkey, 1991
B.S. Aeronautical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Turkey, 1989
Mechanical response, microstructural failure/damage characterization, and constitutive modeling of traditional as well as advanced materials under a wide range of loading conditions including high-strain rates, multiaxial stress states, and elevated temperatures.
Some of the recent research topics are:
Senior Lecturer of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering
Edoarda Corradi Dell’Acqua teaches architectural design at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Her research interests lie at the intersection of architecture and engineering with a focus on energy conservation.
Edoarda completed an M.S. in Architectural Engineering at IIT after graduating in Architecture in Italy at the Politecnico of Milan. She studied one year in England at the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment and attended a summer program in Boston at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Her background in both fields allowed her to develop a broad set of skills in architecture, engineering, and interiors. Her work experience in Milan and Chicago includes office, commercial and residential building design with Box Studios and studio Bandello 6, and integrated design with dbHMS. Edoarda also serves as a member of the board of directors of the Chicago Architectural Club.
