I’m very humbled, honored, and inspired to have received the rank of Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign​. Thank you to my wife Jess​, and friends and colleagues, near and far, for all your support. The biggest thanks to my mom and late dad, Carolyn and Ervin “Earl” Jr.; this achievement is dedicated to you. As we usher the class of 2015 toward their future, I’m also full of excitement for the many new personal and professional experiences ahead!