As the impact of the earthquake in Japan continues to unfold, we have identified eight Georgia Tech students who will be spending spring semester there as part of International Work Abroad and Office of International Education (OIE) programs. OIE has made contact with the students and has learned that all are safe.

In addition, Jill Burya, assistant director of Georgia Tech's Work Abroad Program, was traveling in Japan on a Department of Education grant when the earthquake hit. She has safely returned to the United States.

Georgia Tech also has 35 students enrolled from Japan. OIE is contacting these students to offer support and counseling services in this potential time of need. For those who may have family or friends in Japan, the Georgia Tech Counseling Center provides a variety of services to students and the greater campus community. See the Counseling Center's website at http://www.counseling.gatech.edu/index.php, for additional details.

In addition, throughout the day, Georgia Tech researchers have provided their insight and expertise to the media and the public through ABC, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, CNN, CNN en Español, the Weather Channel, Fox News and other national news organizations. As this natural disaster transitions from a response to recovery situation, Georgia Tech will be involved in the research arena in terms of evaluating the impact of the earthquake and translating that knowledge into useful information designed to help mitigate future disasters.

Georgia Tech will continue to monitor the impact of the earthquake in Japan, the Pacific and other affected areas and stands ready to offer the Institute's assistance and expertise.