Online Programs

Reflecting on her journey, Elizabeth Brinkman, a first-generation college student, never envisioned pursuing her master's degree. Yet, she attributes her success to the support and encouragement she received from the ACES Online Programs at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Elizabeth graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a degree in animal sciences, specializing in beef and swine production with a minor in chemistry. In 2018, she began her career as an associate researcher at ADM, an American multinational food processing and commodities trading corporation. 

During her time at ADM, she discovered a passion for companion animals but realized she needed further education to advance her career. She felt stuck between her career aspirations and a job she loved and established life. She was hesitant to leave her job to pursue further studies. "I genuinely enjoy my work here, and I don’t want to risk leaving and not having a spot when I got back," she said. 

However, a conversation with her coworker, Travis Nelson, opened her eyes to alternatives. While working at ADM, Travis enrolled in an ACES Online program to deepen his technical knowledge. "The program gave him both a great education and flexibility with his job at ADM," Elizabeth said. She had a similar goal in mind. 

Inspired by Travis, other ADM colleagues also took advantage of the company’s tuition assistance program to follow in Nelson’s footsteps and enroll in the Companion Animal and Welfare online certificate program. 

“The flexibility of the program allowed me to balance my job and studies, with deadlines and assignments designed for working professionals,” Elizabeth said. 

After finishing her certificate, Elizabeth took the next step and enrolled in the Master of Animal Science with a focus on Companion Animal Nutrition — thanks to encouragement from Maria Godoy, an assistant professor in animal sciences, who Elizabeth had partnered with to conduct digestibility trials for ADM. 

“Encouraged by my experience in the certificate program, I decided to pursue the Animal Sciences master’s degree online,” Elizabeth said. “I reached out to Dr. Godoy, who had been a professional contact and first attracted me to the certificate program. She was incredibly supportive and willing to be my advisor. Her guidance and the structure of the program were crucial in helping me continue my education while maintaining my full-time job.”

For Elizabeth, this journey has provided her with the knowledge, skills, and flexibility to achieve her goals. Now, as an Animal Nutrition Scientist at ADM specializing in Companion Animals, she is truly making a difference in a field she loves. 

“For anyone considering further education while balancing a career, I highly recommend the College of ACES,” Elizabeth said. “They’ve provided me with the opportunity to enhance my expertise and continue growing in my field — while staying engaged and advancing in my role. I'm grateful to have found ACES Online, and I believe that anyone seeking to upskill will find the same value in their program.”

The longstanding partnership between ADM and the College of ACES continues to create meaningful opportunities for collaboration. In addition to ADM employees taking advantage of tuition benefits by enrolling in ACES Online programs, ADM supports undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities, classroom discussions, career fairs, and joint research projects — including initiatives supported by ADM Cares grants. Both organizations are also engaged with the iFAB Tech Hub and participate in joint government relations efforts focused on sustainability and economic development.