The Graduate College is pleased to announce Zeynep Madak-Erdogan as the Graduate College Faculty Fellow.

Madak-Erdogan is an associate professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition and a Health Innovation Professor for the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, whose research and career have focused on improving the quality of life and outcomes for cancer patients. Director of the Women’s Health and Metabolism Laboratory, her research combines the study of endocrinology and metabolism with molecular and cellular biology to understand how health and nutrition impact the cause, progression, and treatment of breast cancer. Since joining the University of Illinois, she has directed her research efforts on health disparities in cancer and other diseases.

Madak-Erdogan has mentored both undergraduate and graduate students and is a former member of the Graduate College Executive Committee. She has participated in several graduate training programs designed to introduce students and postdoctoral researchers to cancer research careers. She is an innovative thinker, recruiting students from different areas of expertise to creatively work together to solve problems. Committed to supporting educational and career outcomes for her students, she has led initiatives that provide professional training opportunities that extend beyond the university to address important societal issues and reach special populations.

Faculty Fellows serve as part of the dean’s cabinet and advise the dean broadly on topics related to graduate education. Madak-Erdogan will also collaborate with the Graduate College on projects related to graduate student satisfaction and resilience.

We are delighted to work with Zeynep in this new role. Please help us in congratulating her.