The Office of Strategic Communications will be hosting two Open Photo Studio sessions for Spring 2026 for all staff or faculty. The photos can be used for university purposes such as department websites, campus directory, speaking engagements at conferences, etc. Any staff or faculty member who either hasn’t had their portrait taken or would like another, more recent, portrait taken are encouraged to attend.
Hometown: Dundee, Scotland
Major: Mathematical Science
Future Plans: Pursue a master’s degree in data science
Hometown: Hecker, Illinois
Major: Elementary Education
Future Plans: Become an elementary education teacher
Brooke Biffar loves the small campus and the availability of professors to connect with students at the University of Illinois Springfield. Biffar is a member of the UIS women’s soccer team and works at Cox Children’s Center. She chose UIS because it offers a balance between academics and athletics. After graduation, Biffar plans to become an elementary education teacher and coach high school soccer.
Hometown: Chatham, Illinois
Major: Biochemistry
Future Plans: Attend professional school or begin a career in research
Hometown: Cave-In-Rock, Illinois
Major: MBA in Human Resources Management
Future Plans: Become a crime scene investigator
Emma Mott values the close-knit community at University of Illinois Springfield, which has helped her form lasting friendships. Mott is the vice president of Women of Distinction and a student worker at the Student Union. She chose UIS because of the scholarship accessibility. Following graduation, she plans to attend the police academy and pursue a career as a crime scene investigator.
Hometown: Chicago
Major: Public and Nonprofit Administration
Future Plans: Earn a master’s degree
Hometown: Springfield
Major: Psychology
Future Plans: Attend graduate school
Hometown: Yorkville, Illinois
Major: MBA
Future Plans: Finding a marketing position in London, England
Maddie Grandys loves the close-knit and diverse community at the University of Illinois Springfield. Grandys is part of the UIS women’s soccer team and she works as a graduate assistant at the Student Union. She chose UIS because of the soccer team and the scholarship opportunities. Following graduation, Grandys plans to move to London, England, and find a marketing position within the nonprofit sector.
Hometown: Iwo, Osun, Nigeria
Major: Computer Science
Future Plans: Attend graduate school
Hometown: Carpentersville, Illinois
Major: Legal Studies
Future Plans: Attend law school