On Jan. 1, Christopher Reaves became Georgia Institute of Technology’s first director of undergraduate research and student innovation.

“Now that innovation is listed among the Institute’s strategic goals, we think it’s vital to have a person in our office who is responsible for both providing support and  leadership for existing undergraduate research programs and evolving programs that are focused on undergraduate and graduate student innovation,” said Ray Vito, vice provost for graduate and undergraduate studies.

As director, Reaves will oversee and support undergraduate research programs; provide support for student symposia, conferences and competitions related to undergraduate research and student innovation; and be responsible for campus communications related to both efforts, among other things.

“What I’m most looking forward to is working with the faculty and students and contributing to the outstanding learning environment that exists at Tech,” Reaves said.  

In his most recent appointment as director of the Office for Undergraduate Research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Reaves initiated promotional activities that facilitated a 24% increase in student enrollment in undergraduate research courses from 2007 to 2010, developed and organized a campuswide undergraduate research day, and served as faculty advisor to the university’s student editorial board for the annual undergraduate scientific research journal. 

Reaves earned a bachelor of science in education and a master of public administration from Jacksonville State University and a doctorate of philosophy in urban and public affairs with a concentration in urban planning and development from the University of Louisville.

“Christopher’s track record is impressive and speaks for itself,” Vito said. “We are fortunate to have someone with his creativity and work ethic join our team.”