BIOGRAPHY

Hello! My name is Ellie Beck. I am currently a Freshman in Electrical Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I grew up in River Forest, Illinois with my three siblings and many pets. Besides Illini 4000 I am involved in iRobotics, the Women in Electrical and Compute Engineering organization, and work with Engineers Without Borders on their Ecuador Water Project. I am also a member of the Campus Honors Program and the James Scholar program. I am honored to be a part of the 2021 Bike America Team and can't wait to get to know my teammates and travel the country.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

My older sister was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma as a baby. Thankfully, she had access to the best doctors in the country and through many laser surgeries, lots of chemo therapy, and the enucleation of her right eye, she has been able to live a normal life and become an art teacher. Although I was not alive during her treatment, the affects on our family have been long lasting. I grew up being told stories of the courage my sister showed, even as a baby and the love and support my family received throughout the process. I have had many other family members and influential people in my life that have been affected by cancer. My ride is dedicated not only to my sister, my family members, and people I have known who have fought cancer, but also to everyone across the country who has been affected by cancer.