Elli Burris, a meat scientist, coach, and advocate for cystic fibrosis awareness, shared her story on May 3 about finding purpose and community within the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES).
Burris grew up in Mason City, Illinois with a passion for agriculture. Her journey changed dramatically after being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis during high school. Despite health challenges—including hospitalizations and ongoing treatments—she continued to pursue her interests in animal science.
“It was a defining time in my CF journey, and I realized that I had two choices: live in fear and just survive or choose to live fearlessly and go forward with a lot of faith that everything was going to be okay,” Burris said. “Many people I’ve met who are living with CF learn to look at life through a glass-half-full mindset because that was the only option. But when I finally learned to accept it, my life became so much better, and I became so much more hopeful for the future.”
After attending Lincoln Land Community College, Burris transferred to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in fall 2020. She found her calling through classes like Food Animal Production Management and Evaluation. “That class introduced me to the world of meat evaluation and the connection between the live industry and the meat industry,” she said.
Burris joined the Illinois meat judging team in 2022 while managing daily medical routines. She credits new medications like Trikafta for improving her quality of life: “Science and Jesus, together, are amazing,” Burris said. “Trikafta is a miracle for so many people with CF.”
Now serving as a specialized teaching faculty member in animal sciences at ACES, Burris values mentorship above all else: “Student first and meat judger second, and if you come out better as a person than as a meat judger, I have succeeded.” She also acknowledged support from colleagues such as Anna Dilger.
The University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences allocates $3.8 million annually in scholarships to support students according to its official website. The college promotes social well-being through programs on nutrition, wellness, and community development via its extension services according to its official website. Research is conducted using resources like the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station on campus according to its official website.
ACES maintains high student success rates including a 96% freshman retention rate along with offering over 400 study abroad opportunities as reported by its official website. The college aims “to advance knowledge in agriculture, consumer sciences and environmental sciences for global benefit” according to its official website.
Burris’s story reflects resilience amid adversity while highlighting how supportive academic environments can help students thrive.
