Created by Illinois alumnus Brad Radl, BS 80, the President and Chief Technology Officer of Taber International, the Taber International, LLC Scholarship is used to support graduate students in the Master of Engineering in Energy Systems Program in the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering. Radl established the scholarship because he believes Illinois’ Energy Systems Masters of Engineering is a timely answer to the industry’s current needs,
“The energy industry is experiencing a dynamic phase,” Radl said. “Efficient, clean and reliable energy provides a key foundation of any advanced economy. Without new talent entering the field, the U.S. as whole faces a risk of falling behind in a key industry.” Read more about the creation of the scholarship here.
Recipients are selected by the admissions committee based on GPA, letters of recommendation, overall academic merit and strength of application materials. Decisions are based on the admitted students’ application materials; no additional application is necessary.
Read more about past Taber Scholars below:
 | Kruti Goyal (2018-2019) “I do not want to be a mere advocate of this cause [renewable energy sources], but actively work towards advancement in the field that deserves to be more progressive than corrective." |
 | Brad Flanagan (2018-2019) “The work is always more rewarding knowing that it is a topic that I am passionate about, and that I will be able to use it to help improve the world.” |
 | Chris Hillebrand (2018-2019) “By studying Energy Systems, I hoped to equip myself with all the tools I would need to be someone who could play a part in the energy transition to come in the next few decades.” |
 | Emmanuel Fadahunsi (2017-2018) “I believe the program will put me on track to become one of the future energy leaders who will shape the global sustainable energy future.” |
 | Connor Daly (2017-2018) “Climate change will likely be the largest engineering and societal problem for my generation, so I wanted to help solve it.” |
 | Joe Darga (2017-2018) “I hope to work in researching and developing photovoltaic materials, specifically quantum dots, which is why I am also considering further education that would align with those goals.” |
 | Christopher Guida (2016-2017) “I am interested in working at the leading edge of sustainable technology to help create a healthier environment." |
 | Kevin Kubis (2016-2017) “The flexibility of the courses allowed me to learn special topic areas that I wish to pursue after college. These courses taught the overarching energy situation in the world and U.S., but also taught about different energy systems in great technical detail.” |
 | Anthony Ekeopara (2015-2016) “I learned that, with novel ideas and proactive policies, the challenge of climate change and reducing our carbon consumption and emissions is possible.” |
 | John Flanagan (2015-2016) “Program directors and administrators were genuinely supportive of my pursuits; the coursework is challenging and rewarding. I would recommend this program to somebody passionate about seeking a career in fields related to energy and sustainability.” |