Neer Jain: A Rising Star at Illinois State University
A New Journey Begins
Neer Jain, a senior majoring in computer science at Illinois State University, landed at the institution eager to seize every opportunity that came his way. His journey has not only strengthened his confidence but also encouraged him to aim higher.
Validation and Growth
Reflecting on his experience, Jain shared, “There was a time where I felt I’m just average. But once I came over here, I actually felt like, ‘You know what? I think I can do it.’ The Bone Scholarship provided me with that validation.” He is among the 14 students awarded the prestigious Robert G. Bone Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year—one of the highest honors for undergraduates at the university.
Character and Commitment
The Bone Scholarship recognizes students who excel academically while also engaging deeply with their campus and community. The endowment was established in 1967, honoring the retirement of University President Robert Bone.
A Formal Recognition
Jain and his fellow Bone Scholars will be celebrated at a reception on September 26, 2026, in the Bone Student Center’s Old Main Room, marking their academic accomplishments and contributions.
“The reason I am aiming so high is that I feel the position that I was put in by being at Illinois State University allows me to even think of being able to achieve those goals.” — Neer Jain
A Journey of Transformation
For Jain, this scholarship symbolizes more than academics; it reflects his growth since joining Illinois State. He remarked, “It gave me a lot of confidence in myself. I feel much more secure with what I’m doing. I feel like if I put in the effort, I know that something will come out of it.”
A Sense of Belonging
Originally born in the U.S. and raised in India, Jain completed high school and one year of college before choosing Illinois State for its supportive environment, especially with family nearby. Upon arriving in Normal, his eagerness to explore was evident.
Getting Involved
“I did not want to be comfortable. I wanted to explore,” Jain said, leading him to join five registered student organizations, including Information Technology Students of America (ITSA), where he quickly became president.
“I did not have all the answers when I took on the role, but I was willing to learn and step up,” he reflected, describing ITSA as a crucial turning point in his college journey.
Valuable Mentorship
It was in ITSA that Jain met Dr. Elahe Javadi, an associate professor of information systems and faculty advisor for the organization, who became a transformative figure in his academic career. Jain engaged in undergraduate research with her, focusing on robotics.
Dr. Javadi praised Jain, stating, “He thrives on independent exploration… and genuinely values community-building and civic engagement,” noting his impressive development as a student and researcher.
Research Contributions
During his research, Jain worked on assembling a low-cost robotic arm, developing a teleoperation setup, and training models for pick-and-place tasks, culminating in a presentation at the University Research Symposium.
Broadening Horizons
In 2025, Jain had the opportunity to attend the inaugural National AI Research Resource pilot meeting in Washington, D.C., where he connected with leading researchers and broadened his perspective on robotics and AI.
Future Aspirations
Post-graduation, Jain aims to pursue graduate studies in artificial intelligence and computer science. “The reason I am aiming so high…” he reiterated, “is because I feel the position that I was put in by being at Illinois State University allows me to even think of being able to achieve those goals.”
Guiding Principles
Jain’s willingness to say “yes” to opportunities has been a guiding principle throughout his journey, culminating in his recognition as a Bone Scholar. He encourages fellow students to embrace this mindset: “You just have to keep your eyes open and start saying ‘yes’ more… those opportunities will start coming towards you.”
