At the intersection of academics and innovation lie Champaign and Urbana.

[btn-post-package]When it comes to success in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, few colleges can claim to be on the same level as the University of Illinois. The list of Illini alumni in these areas is long and distinguished, and includes names like Fazlur Rahman Khan (structural engineer for groundbreaking skyscrapers like the John Hancock Center in Chicago) and Martin Eberhard (co-founder of Tesla Motors).

In information technology and computer science in particular, Illinois excels. From famous figures like Larry Ellison and Marc Andreessen to lesser-known - but just as important - ones like Charlie Catlett and Ben Grosser, the university continues to attract and produce top-tier talent in this area.

Here?s a look at LiveBIG stories that show how Illinois shines in STEM and other fields: