As interim dean, Collard will represent a college that is home to more than 3,000 students, 500 faculty members, and six internationally ranked schools.
Collard joined the Georgia Tech faculty in 1991. His research program has focused on understanding how interactions between molecules influence the properties of materials, ranging from electrical conductivity to biological responses. As an instructor he has received awards for teaching excellence and outstanding use of educational technology.
“David’s thoughtful approach and deep affinity for the college make him ideally suited to help steward this transition period,” said Raheem Beyah, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “We are grateful for his willingness to provide continuity of leadership for a college that has achieved tremendous growth in size and reputation over the past seven years.”
A national search for the College’s next dean will commence, led by College of Engineering Dean Mitchell Wallker. Information regarding the search committee and key dates will be posted to provost.gatech.edu.
]]>David Collard, senior associate dean for the College of Sciences and professor in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, has accepted an appointment to serve as the interim leader for the College of Sciences.
]]>Georgia Tech alumnus and President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough was struck by the beauty and ecological significance of this region during a trip to Cumberland Island.
The South Georgia native decided to transform his sense of wonder into a multiyear exploration of the coast’s natural history, flora, and fauna. Along the way, he met some of the people studying and working to protect its ecological and cultural heritage.
The result is his new book, The Ever-Changing Georgia Coast: A Natural History of Its Creation, Transformation, and Future. Described as “part travelogue, part natural history, and part nature guide,” the book examines the past, present, and future of Georgia’s coast and reflects on the forces, both human and natural, that continue to shape it.
Clough will share stories and inspiration from his latest book during a special conversation on Friday, Oct. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the West Lobby of Scheller Tower. Susan Lozier, dean of the College of Sciences and Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair, will moderate the conversation, which will be followed by an audience Q&A and a book signing reception.
The event is free and open to the public. Copies of Clough’s new book will be available for purchase and signing.
RSVP to attend and be entered into a drawing for one of 14 signed copies of his book, one for each of Georgia’s major barrier islands.
]]>Francis Halzen, principal investigator of the NSF IceCube Neutrino Observatory and a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was honored by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for his “decisive contributions to IceCube and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.”
“Francis proposed building a neutrino telescope in Antarctic ice, and along with his collaborators, he proved that it is possible to detect neutrinos in this challenging environment,” says Ignacio Taboada, professor in the School of Physics and former spokesperson for the IceCube Collaboration. “IceCube was a technological tour de force, and its success is now recognized by this Nobel Prize. The award energizes the nascent field of neutrino astronomy.”
A. Nepomuk Otte, professor in the School of Physics, describes the impact of IceCube’s results as “breathtaking.”
“What we are witnessing is the opening of an entirely new window into the universe, providing us with a unique view of the most violent astrophysical objects and allowing us to study the elusive nature of neutrinos,” says Otte. “I am extremely excited about the prospects of pushing to even higher energies and deeper into the universe with the next generation of neutrino experiments planned at Georgia Tech and around the world.”
IceCube is a giant neutrino telescope located at the South Pole. Envisioned by Halzen in the late 1980s and completed in 2011, the instrument detects neutrinos, tiny high-energy particles that travel through the universe and rarely interact with matter. Scientists study neutrinos to better understand phenomena such as supermassive black holes and exploding stars.
Georgia Tech has been a member of the IceCube Collaboration since 2008. The collaboration includes more than 400 physicists from 58 institutions in 14 countries.
Georgia Tech researchers continue to shape neutrino astronomy by contributing to next-generation observatories. Taboada leads the design of the trigger system for the Pacific Ocean Neutrino Experiment (P-ONE) Observatory, and Otte is the principal investigator of the NSF-funded Trinity Neutrino Observatory in Utah.
]]>The center is co-directed by Martin Mourigal, Dunn Family Professor in the School of Physics, and Robert Wyllie, division chief of the Quantum System Division in the Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research (CIPHER) lab at GTRI.
“Quantum technologies are rapidly moving from scientific theory toward practical application,” said Julia Kubanek, vice president of Interdisciplinary Research. “This center builds on Georgia Tech’s expertise to help lead that transition by connecting research with industry, government, and societal needs.”
Building on Georgia Tech’s strengths in atomic physics, materials science, engineering, computing, photonics, sensing, and advanced manufacturing, GT QuARC will serve as a hub for quantum research and collaboration across Georgia Tech and GTRI. The center will help bridge fundamental discovery and practical application, creating new opportunities in quantum technologies while strengthening Georgia Tech’s leadership in areas such as computing, sensing, communications, and national security.
Quantum technologies use the principles of quantum mechanics to perform tasks that are difficult or impossible with conventional technologies. As federal agencies and industry partners continue to increase investments in quantum research and development, Georgia Tech is positioned to contribute to advances in quantum materials, devices, systems, algorithms, and applications.
“Quantum breakthroughs happen at the intersection of disciplines,” said Wyllie. “By connecting the researchers and resources across Georgia Tech and GTRI, we’re building a stronger foundation for quantum innovation.”
GT QuARC will strengthen these efforts by providing a unified identity for Georgia Tech’s quantum community and creating new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, students, industry partners, government agencies, and national laboratories.
“One goal for the center is to identify meaningful applications for emerging quantum technologies,” said Mourigal. “Another is to build connections among researchers, industry, and government. Those conversations are essential to discovering where quantum technologies can have the greatest impact. For that to happen, we must coordinate and optimize efforts across campus.”
“A core part of IMS’s mission is creating opportunities that enable breakthrough discoveries and accelerate emerging areas of research," said Eric Vogel, executive director of IMS. “GT QuARC, provides a framework for bringing together Georgia Tech’s quantum expertise and building the partnerships needed to advance both scientific discovery and real-world impact.”
The center will initially focus on three research thrusts:
Quantum Building Blocks and Enabling Technologies will advance the materials, devices, fabrication methods, control technologies, and characterization capabilities needed to create and manipulate quantum states.
Quantum Systems and Manufacturing Testbeds will integrate the building blocks into scalable quantum sensing, computing, communication, and simulation platforms, supported by shared research infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities.
Quantum Computing, Algorithms, and Applications will develop quantum and hybrid quantum-classical approaches to challenges in scientific discovery, industry, national security, and other areas of societal importance.
These efforts will help move quantum technologies from the laboratory toward practical use while creating new opportunities for collaboration across disciplines.
In addition to advancing research, GT QuARC will support education and workforce development by expanding hands-on learning opportunities, strengthening industry engagement, and connecting students with emerging careers in quantum science and engineering.
The center will also help Georgia Tech pursue strategic investments in quantum infrastructure, including advanced characterization capabilities, micro- and nanofabrication resources, sensing platforms, and access to leading quantum computing systems.
By bringing together expertise from across Georgia Tech’s colleges, research centers, and GTRI, GT QuARC will help position the Institute as a leader in translating quantum discoveries into technologies that address national priorities and societal challenges.
To learn more about Georgia Tech’s quantum ecosystem, visit quantum.gatech.edu.
]]>The Institute for Matter and Systems
]]>Since its launch in 2025, SRI has brought together researchers from across campus to advance interdisciplinary space initiatives and create new opportunities for collaboration. In their new roles, Ballantyne and Borowitz will help guide the institute's growth by strengthening both internal research connections and external partnerships across the broader space community.
“David and Mariel bring complementary strengths that will be invaluable as we continue building SRI,” said Jud Ready, executive director of SRI. “David has a deep understanding of the research enterprise at Georgia Tech and a passion for connecting people and ideas across disciplines. Mariel brings extensive experience working across government, industry, and the international space community. Together, they will help us strengthen Georgia Tech's space ecosystem and expand our impact far beyond campus.”
Since joining the Institute in 2008 as a founding faculty member of the Center for Relativistic Astrophysics, Ballantyne has helped advance both space science and academic leadership across campus.
A professor in the School of Physics, he studies the evolution of galaxies and their central black holes, as well as the physics of accretion disks around black holes and neutron stars. He has authored more than 140 peer-reviewed publications and served as associate chair of the School of Physics for nearly a decade.
As associate director, Ballantyne will focus on cultivating connections across Georgia Tech's space research community and identifying opportunities for new interdisciplinary collaborations.
“I view SRI as a catalyst — a mechanism to spark new and transformative areas of space research at Georgia Tech that will grow to national and international prominence,” Ballantyne said. “There is so much innovative space research happening across campus, and one of SRI's most important roles is helping researchers find the connections and collaborations that can spark new ideas and discoveries.”
Ballantyne says he is particularly interested in helping position Georgia Tech as a leader in understanding the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence in space systems.
“My goal is to be out in the community, learning about the breadth of space research happening across campus and identifying ways SRI can accelerate that work,” he said. “AI technologies are poised to transform space exploration, scientific discovery, national security, and commercial space operations. SRI is uniquely positioned to help Georgia Tech lead those conversations.”
As space activities become increasingly interconnected across government, industry, and academia, strong partnerships are essential to translating research into real-world impact. That collaborative spirit is central to the work of Mariel Borowitz, an associate professor in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs.
Borowitz, who also serves as director of Georgia Tech’s Center for Space Policy and International Relations, is widely recognized for her expertise in space policy, international cooperation, and the governance of emerging space activities. Her work has connected her with space agencies, private companies, and policymakers around the world, providing a valuable perspective on opportunities for Georgia Tech to expand its engagement with the broader space community.
In her role as associate director, Borowitz will focus on growing SRI's partnerships with industry, government, and the broader space community.
“My focus as associate director will be on building partnerships between Georgia Tech and the broader space community,” Borowitz said. “Georgia Tech has tremendous expertise across science, engineering, policy, economics, and international affairs. By working across those disciplines, we can help address the complex challenges facing the future of space development while creating new opportunities for collaboration and impact.”
Borowitz sees SRI as a powerful mechanism for connecting Georgia Tech's diverse strengths and amplifying their collective impact.
“Real-world challenges and opportunities are inherently interdisciplinary,” she said. “The Space Research Institute allows us to bring together expertise from across Georgia Tech to develop more complete solutions and create new possibilities for the future of space.”
Together, Ballantyne and Borowitz will help advance SRI's mission of connecting researchers, educators, students, industry leaders, and policymakers to address the most pressing opportunities and challenges in space.
“Space exploration has always challenged us to think bigger, work across boundaries, and pursue questions that no single discipline can answer alone,” said Ready, who also serves as a principal research engineer at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. “David and Mariel embody that spirit of collaboration, and their leadership will help us create new opportunities for discovery, innovation, and impact at Georgia Tech and beyond.”
“This year’s honorees are incredible trailblazers who have built remarkable careers, demonstrated exceptional leadership, and continue to inspire those who follow in their footsteps,” says Susan Lozier, dean and Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair of the College of Sciences and professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. “It is a privilege to recognize these extraordinary individuals and celebrate the many ways they reflect the strength and spirit of the College of Sciences.”
Honorees will be recognized at the second annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel.
Recognition categories include the Distinguished Alumni Awards, honoring one graduate from each school; the Distinguished Young Scientist Award, recognizing early-career excellence; and the College of Sciences Impact Award, honoring transformative contributions to the College’s mission and future.
“The large response to our call for nominations was a powerful reminder of how deeply our alumni contribute to their fields and communities,” says Director of Alumni Relations Leslie Roberts. “We are excited to recognize this year’s amazing honorees and celebrate the lasting influence they have had both within and beyond Georgia Tech.”
B.S. Earth and Atmospheric Sciences 1996
B.S. Applied Biology 1972
Ph.D. Chemistry 2003
M.S. Applied Mathematics 1973
B.S. Physics 1965, M.S. Physics 1967, Ph.D. Physics 1969
Ph.D. Psychology 2000
B.S. Psychology 2014
B.S. Physics 1978
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