U of I Professor Receives Prestigious Award for Excellence in Her Field

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URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — An esteemed professor from the University of Illinois has been awarded the pinnacle accolade in her discipline.

Sarah Low has been distinguished as a fellow of the Regional Science Association International, a prestigious worldwide organization. During their annual North American conference, Low was among just two individuals honored with this fellowship.

While acknowledging this accolade, Low emphasized that it represents more than personal achievement. She credits her collaboration with the U of I Extension’s Community Economic Development Group as a significant factor in earning this honor. Her efforts are concentrated on boosting economic growth, particularly in the state’s rural regions, a cause she holds closely.

Currently serving as the department head and a professor in Agricultural and Consumer Economics, Low also takes pride in her research on stakeholder engagement. This approach involves the communities she studies actively participating and posing their own questions throughout the research process.

Low also shared that becoming a fellow goes beyond the honor of the title.

“It’s an opportunity, too, for me to be a role model in the regional science field. I’m really passionate about regional science because what it does is, it’s really application of research to policy and practice. So, my research is focused on rural economic development. It’s a real honor to have someone, who’s focused on rural economic development, receive this honor,” Low shared.

She added that the University of Illinois benefits, too, because it attracts students, faculty, and resources. Low’s research continues to help people like mayors, economic developers, and factory managers improve rural well-being.