Hometown: Burbank, Illinois

Major: Biology

Future Plans: Become an environmental steward

Beatriz Acosta chose the University of Illinois of Springfield because it is “a smaller school, away from the city.” She is the Student Government Association (SGA) resident senator, secretary of the Chemistry Club and a member of an unofficial research journal club. She also served as the student member on a search committee for a faculty position in the Biology Department. “What I like most about UIS is the devotion of professors who have inspired me to pursue my passion,” she said. “These professors make class engaging and the course load challenging, but attainable, and I am very grateful for that. UIS has helped me grow as a person and a colleague.” She is considering continuing her education after graduation and ultimately wants to become an environmental steward that helps inspire companies and policy makers to be more sustainable.

Leadership is lived at UIS. Every day.