Research in the College of ACES is making a difference in Illinois and around the globe. The projects featured in this year's Report on Research will give you a glimpse at the work being done in laboratories, fields and other research facilities -- from examining how a single gene can control the fate of one of Illinois's crops to understanding the relationship between a mother and her infant. This research is finding real solutions to help our families, our state and our world.

Even before I joined the College of ACES in 2007, I was impressed by the enormous breadth of research being conducted here. Now, as Associate Dean for Research, I am proud to be an active participant in fostering research that seeks to improve our land and atmosphere, food and crops, the health of animals and people, as well as Illinois families and communities. ACES research is blazing new frontiers every day in an effort to make Illinois healthier and stronger.