three students discussing a project at a table

Lewis College of Science and Letters is home to seven academic departments and a multitude of research labs and centers working at the intersection of humanity and technology. Our academic programs are grounded in rigor and relevance, providing students special preparation to succeed in fields that require exceptional application of knowledge.

The college’s faculty and students engage in a wide variety of research-oriented programs. Both undergraduate and graduate students can find opportunities to conduct research on campus with a professor, or at nearby laboratories including Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab. 

No matter which academic fields interest you, you will find yourself immersed in thought-provoking study and innovative research at Chicago’s only tech-focused university.

Photo of Jean-Luc Ayitou in a lab

Enabling Minority Students to Explore Science

Illinois Tech Assistant Professor of Chemistry Jean-Luc Ayitou explores science by engaging his community. After joining Illinois Tech, Ayitou founded VISCUS (Vivifying Scientific Curiosity for Underrepresented Undergraduate Students) to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to pursue graduate education and explore research opportunities.

Carly Kocurek

How Video Games Can Help Kids Learn

Associate Professor of Digital Humanities and Media Studies Carly Kocurek explains how video games, even non-educational ones, can be used to help children learn. She also offers helpful tips for parents to deal with their kids’ outbursts surrounding screen time.

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Arlen Moller in Classroom

Tackling Gun Violence as a Public Health Issue

Associate Professor of Psychology Arlen Moller offers a course designed to give students the tools to explore this issue from a public health and communications perspective.

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A researcher in a biology lap examines containers

A Breakthrough in Understanding Chlamydia

Chlamydia affects one in 20 Americans, making it one of the world’s most prevalent STDs. Oscar Juarez, assistant professor of biology, is closing in on methods to disrupt the growth of chlamydia.

Allan Huang

Improving the City He Loves

As a first-generation college student at Illinois Tech, Allan Huang (CECD ’18) knew the challenges that can come with immigrating to a new country—his parents did it.

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Students test for bacteria on commercially prepared foods.

Advancing Food Science

Students within the food science and nutrition department gain real-world experience working with and conducting research for the United States Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the food industry.

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“I had great experience at Illinois Tech. I could do much more than just gain academic knowledge. I was able to participate and lead in student activities such as founding the food science club, getting elected as area rep for Midwest Region of Institute of Food Technologists Student Association student body, and many other IFT events. This led to an overall personality development and confidence that has helped me in achieving success.” 

—Gina Oberoi (B.S. BCHM/M.A.S. FST ’18)

Gian Oberoi

“The incredible people I met and the mentors I gained in my undergraduate time at Illinois Tech truly shaped the person I am today, and it continues to shape me as I progress through graduate school. I left my undergraduate career feeling confident that I could achieve anything I put my mind to, and that I had the skills to do so thanks to the university.”

—Melanie Standish (PSYC ’17, Ph.D. Industrial-Organizational Psychology Student)

Melanie Standish

“As a student, I was able to participate in some amazing opportunities, like becoming a research assistant for two professors, presenting research findings at symposiums, winning an entrepreneurial hackathon, studying in Japan, and attending a professional conference, among other things. These have been great talking points in interviews and at networking events. Perhaps the faculty at Illinois Tech would be the most unique aspect of the institution. The impact of these wonderful people on my life was immeasurable. Their confidence in me, an undergrad, helped me find my value and view it from a new perspective. They empowered me to be myself.”

—Amy Kamin (Digital Humanities ’18)

Amy Kamin

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Brian Gomez 450x730
Finance and Operations Manager, Sunrise Movement

A passionate environmental advocate, Brian Gomez hit the ground running upon graduation, putting his education to use for organizations working to improve Chicago and protect our planet.

Brian Gomez (CECD ’18)
Iva Veseli
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Chicago

Seizing on the chance to start conducting research during her first year at Illinois Tech, Iva Veseli positioned her aptitude in the lab to help her success. 

Iva Veseli (BIOL/M.S. CS ’18)
Michael DeAnda
Professional Lecturer, Game Development

Now a full-time lecturer on game development, alumnus Michael DeAnda is teaching the next generation of game designers to consider inclusivity and the cultural stories their games can tell.

Michael DeAnda (THUM ’19)
Mehak Hafeez sees a client in her office
Psychotherapist

Originally from Pakistan and the first woman in her family to graduate from college, Mehak Hafeez has launched her career as a psychotherapist in Chicago.

Mehak Hafeez (PSYC ’17, M.S. REHC ’19)