{"691378":{"#nid":"691378","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Alumnus Wins \u2018The 1% Club\u2019 $100,000 Grand Prize  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWithout using a zero, what is the lowest possible four-digit number you can make in which the digits add up to 18?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat\u2019s the question that stood between Georgia Tech alumnus Austin Huguenard and the $100,000 grand prize on Fox\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=JiNrx5I-1NY\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe 1% Club\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cYou have no idea how relieved I was\u201d at the question, the computer science graduate said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHuguenard was one of two players remaining from a field of 100 contestants. Questions challenge players\u2019 logic and reasoning, whittling the field as each fallen player adds $1,000 to the pot, and the final question is one that only an estimated 1% of the public can answer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPlayers can split the final prize money, so when Huguenard locked in his answer of 1,179 with time to spare on the 30-second clock, he knew he had secured at least a share of the prize. It was revealed that his counterpart missed the question, making Huguenard the first to claim the full prize in the two-season run of the American version of the show. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENot a \u201ctraditional trivia buff,\u201d Huguenard\u2019s proclivity for pattern recognition and logical problem-solving gave him the confidence to try out for the show. Over 15 rounds, the questions grew increasingly difficult. But, as players began to drop out, the Alpharetta, Georgia, native stayed calm and trusted the training he had received as a Tech student. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe 1% question was especially aligned with the way Georgia Tech helps teach you to think and to approach these difficult problems,\u201d he said. \u201cWith these optimization problems, you have several constraints that must be satisfied while finding the best solution. This comes up in algorithms, discrete mathematics, and combinatorics classes. The clock is another factor that I felt prepared for because of the high-pressure moments I faced here.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EThe pressure of being on the show paled in comparison to the nerve-racking nature of keeping his victory a secret.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s something I wanted to scream from the mountaintops and celebrate with everyone, and that was probably the most difficult part of the entire experience,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;Huguenard got that chance when the episode aired in mid-July as he hosted a watch party for his family and friends.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe is now preparing to move to New York City to start his career as a software engineering analyst at Deloitte. While most of the prize money is headed for long-term savings, he\u2019ll use some to furnish his apartment with the essentials as well as an espresso machine and baking tools. For now, baking is a hobby, and he says game show viewers shouldn\u2019t expect to see him on the \u003Cem\u003EUltimate Baking Championship \u003C\/em\u003Eany time soon.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Austin Huguenard became the first contestant to claim the show\u2019s grand prize.  "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAustin Huguenard became the first contestant to claim the show\u2019s grand prize.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Austin Huguenard became the first contestant to claim the show\u2019s grand prize.  "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-07-31 19:45:23","changed_gmt":"2026-07-31 19:55:05","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-31T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-31T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680746":{"id":"680746","type":"image","title":"Screenshot-2026-07-31-at-3.46.54-PM.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAustin Huguenard, CS 2026, in front of the Ramblin\u0027 Wreck during his time as a Georgia Tech student. Submitted photo.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1785527255","gmt_created":"2026-07-31 19:47:35","changed":"1785527255","gmt_changed":"2026-07-31 19:47:35","alt":"Austin Huguenard","file":{"fid":"265055","name":"Screenshot-2026-07-31-at-3.46.54-PM.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/31\/Screenshot-2026-07-31-at-3.46.54-PM.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/31\/Screenshot-2026-07-31-at-3.46.54-PM.png","mime":"image\/png","size":3017461,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/31\/Screenshot-2026-07-31-at-3.46.54-PM.png?itok=5C18ddGg"}},"680747":{"id":"680747","type":"video","title":"Georgia Tech Alumnus Wins \u2018The 1% Club\u2019 $100,000 Grand Prize","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAustin Huguenard became the first contestant to claim the show\u2019s grand prize.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1785527556","gmt_created":"2026-07-31 19:52:36","changed":"1785527556","gmt_changed":"2026-07-31 19:52:36","video":{"youtube_id":"JiNrx5I-1NY","video_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=JiNrx5I-1NY\u0026list=PLsH8f8oZVRS_gjVDCFld8VsYITR5c9Jve\u0026index=3"}}},"media_ids":["680746","680747"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"118331","name":"game show"},{"id":"506","name":"alumni"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013\u0026nbsp;Institute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691262":{"#nid":"691262","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Earns National Recognition for Sustainability Innovation","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s commitment to transforming waste into a valuable campus resource has earned national recognition. The Institute recently received the APPA Sustainability Innovation Award, honoring the Office of Sustainability\u2019s pioneering in-vessel composting program, which is helping Georgia Tech reduce waste, lower emissions, and create a more sustainable campus. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe award is presented by APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities, an international association that serves more than 1,300 educational institutions and facilities professionals. APPA\u2019s Sustainability Innovation Award recognizes educational institutions that implement transformative programs or processes that enhance service delivery, improve environmental performance, reduce costs, and support student success through environmental stewardship. Recipients are selected based on innovation, sustainability impact, adaptability to other institutions, and measurable benefits to their campus communities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETurning Food Waste Into a Campus Resource\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s award-winning in-vessel composting program exemplifies how innovative infrastructure can support ambitious sustainability goals.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Office of Sustainability received a Recycling and Waste Diversion grant from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division in 2024 to implement the composter, which arrived on campus last year. A student-staffed collection program (using e-bikes and an electric golf cart) captures food scraps and compostable materials from campus housing and dining facilities, and processes them on-site using a specialized in-vessel composting system. This reduces the weight of material by approximately 80%, decreasing the demand for off-campus hauling. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnlike traditional composting methods, the enclosed system carefully controls temperature, airflow, and moisture, accelerating decomposition while minimizing odors and reducing the space required for processing. In just over six months, three student assistants have collected more than 5 tons (10,000 pounds) of materials from various campus locations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech has grown a strong composting program thanks to high levels of commitment from Tech Dining, Housing, and Campus Services, plus a strong hauling partner,\u201d said Abby Bower, program and portfolio manager in the Office of Sustainability. \u201cThe in-vessel composter has added an exciting new layer to our composting services. It\u2019s been fun to see our students embrace the technology and share their ideas for how to improve campus operations.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy processing organic waste on campus, Georgia Tech diverts significant amounts of material from landfills, where food waste would otherwise generate methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The program supports the Institute\u2019s broader sustainability and circular economy objectives by keeping resources in use and reducing environmental impacts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Georgia Tech Stood Out\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to APPA, Sustainability Innovation Award recipients demonstrate creativity, measurable environmental and economic benefits, community impact, and the ability to serve as a model for other institutions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s in-vessel composting initiative stood out because it:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ec49378c2bd1e73372f573e0b50fd0c7f\u0022\u003EDemonstrates an innovative approach to campus waste management.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e0fb1e24c65e7d05c995aaf454877731b\u0022\u003EDiverts food waste from landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022eb8f78d77f9c65872249b27522fa43fb0\u0022\u003ECreates a closed-loop system that turns waste into a useful resource.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e4f311330b3cde5c36955c1aee7ea8bf1\u0022\u003EProvides educational opportunities for students and the campus community.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e3f1207bd346794c92e2525fb9b556dbd\u0022\u003EOffers a scalable model that can be replicated by other colleges and universities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe program reflects the collaborative work of the Office of Sustainability and campus partners to create practical, measurable solutions that advance Georgia Tech\u2019s sustainability commitments.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Model for the Future\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EReceiving the APPA Sustainability Innovation Award highlights Georgia Tech\u2019s role as a leader in sustainable campus operations and environmental stewardship. As institutions across the country seek innovative ways to reduce waste and meet climate goals, Georgia Tech\u2019s in-vessel composting program demonstrates how thoughtful investments in infrastructure can deliver lasting benefits for both the campus community and the environment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s in-vessel composting program earns national recognition.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech\u2019s in-vessel composting program earns national recognition."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2026-07-27 17:28:52","changed_gmt":"2026-07-31 16:50:48","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-27T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-27T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680681":{"id":"680681","type":"image","title":"Compost-Award-01--2-.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFrom left to right: Steve Place, campus sustainability program manager; Abby Bower, program and portfolio manager; and Jennifer Chirico, associate vice president of the Office of Sustainability are pictured with Georgia Tech\u0027s Sustainability Innovation Award in front of the campus in-vessel composter.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1785173637","gmt_created":"2026-07-27 17:33:57","changed":"1785359595","gmt_changed":"2026-07-29 21:13:15","alt":"From left to right, Steve Place, campus sustainability program manager; Abby Bower, program and portfolio manager, and Jennifer Chirico, associate vice president of the Office of Sustainability are pictured with Georgia Tech\u0027s Sustainability Innovation Award in front of the campus\u0027s in-vessel composter.","file":{"fid":"264981","name":"Compost-Award-01--2-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/27\/Compost-Award-01--2-.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/27\/Compost-Award-01--2-.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2415636,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/27\/Compost-Award-01--2-.jpg?itok=3p7bk-f_"}},"680684":{"id":"680684","type":"image","title":"Compost-Award-10--1-.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EKatherine Sanders, compost student assistant, at the in-vessel composter site.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1785173877","gmt_created":"2026-07-27 17:37:57","changed":"1785173877","gmt_changed":"2026-07-27 17:37:57","alt":"Katherine Sanders, compost student assistant, at the in-vessel composter site.","file":{"fid":"264983","name":"Compost-Award-10--1-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/27\/Compost-Award-10--1-.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/27\/Compost-Award-10--1-.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2630815,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/27\/Compost-Award-10--1-.jpg?itok=AaooHnZ6"}}},"media_ids":["680681","680684"],"groups":[{"id":"383831","name":"Infrastructure and Operations"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"660398","name":"Sustainability Hub"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192081","name":"office of sustainability"},{"id":"168693","name":"campus sustainability"},{"id":"175824","name":"composting"},{"id":"195205","name":"in-vessel composting"},{"id":"195206","name":"APPA award"},{"id":"195207","name":"Sustainability innovation"},{"id":"166890","name":"sustainability"},{"id":"93791","name":"Renewable Bioproducts Institute"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39491","name":"Renewable Bioproducts"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECathy Brim\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Officer II\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfrastructure and Operations | Office of Sustainability | Planning, Design, and Construction\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["Cathy.brim@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691341":{"#nid":"691341","#data":{"type":"news","title":"From Diagnosis to Wellness, AI\u0027s Healthcare Revolution","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArtificial intelligence (AI) is changing far more than hospital paperwork. Researchers say it\u0027s beginning to help doctors make clinical decisions, identify mental health risks earlier, expand care through smartphones and wearable devices, and extend healthcare to people who might otherwise go without it.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile adoption varies across healthcare systems, Georgia Tech researchers say AI is becoming increasingly integrated into medicine. At the same time, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.who.int\/publications\/i\/item\/9789240037403\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Equestions about privacy, trust, equity, and human oversight\u003C\/a\u003E remain central to how the technology will be used in the years ahead.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMedicine has clearly embraced the human-AI fusion approach,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/jon-duke\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EJon Duke\u003C\/a\u003E, director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gtri.gatech.edu\/about\/research-facilities\/center-health-analytics-informatics-chai\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECenter for Health Analytics \u0026amp; Informatics\u003C\/a\u003E at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. \u201cThe use of AI is encouraged, but reliance on AI is not.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Clinical Workflows to Decision Support\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany of healthcare\u0027s earliest AI applications focused on reducing administrative burdens. Today, researchers say the technology is increasingly helping clinicians access and interpret information.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuke points to the growing use of clinical AI tools such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.openevidence.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOpenEvidence,\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003Ewhich provide healthcare professionals with AI-generated, source-backed answers to medical questions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAI is moving beyond administrative tasks and beginning to play a meaningful role in clinical decision support,\u201d Duke said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWithin electronic health records, AI is being used to generate clinical notes from patient-provider conversations and summarize complex patient charts. While healthcare systems have moved most quickly on efficiency-focused applications, Duke said AI is steadily becoming part of everyday clinical practice.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStill, he believes human oversight will remain essential.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOne of the biggest long-term questions is whether physicians trained alongside AI will develop the same level of independent clinical judgment as previous generations,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExpanding Access Beyond the Doctor\u0027s Office\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers also see AI creating new opportunities outside hospitals and clinics.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/people\/munmun-de-choudhury\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMunmun De Choudhury\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ic.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Interactive Computin\u003C\/a\u003Eg, said AI is helping public health systems \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pcd\/issues\/2024\/24_0245.htm\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eidentify emerging mental health concerns\u003C\/a\u003E by analyzing digital and clinical data.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAI is enabling public health systems to move from reactive to more proactive approaches by identifying emerging mental health concerns from diverse digital and clinical data sources,\u201d De Choudhury said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThose insights may create opportunities for earlier intervention.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAI has the potential to identify subtle behavioral changes that precede worsening mental health, creating opportunities for earlier support before someone reaches a crisis,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/people\/alexander-t-adams\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAlexander Adams\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor in the School of Interactive Computing, studies wearable sensing systems, remote patient monitoring technologies, and point-of-care health tools. He said advances in AI are accelerating innovation in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical imaging, simulation, and biomarker discovery.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe biggest changes I am seeing are the increased productivity in pharmaceuticals, medical imaging, simulation, and biomarker discovery,\u201d Adams said. \u201cThat has a downstream impact on what we can measure at the point of care.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to Adams, smartphones and wearable devices have become increasingly important healthcare tools because of the amount of data they collect.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cNo stand-alone medical devices generate nearly as much data as smartphones and smartwatches, making them a natural place for modern AI,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe also sees significant potential for AI-enabled technologies to improve access in rural and underserved communities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThese technologies are especially important for underserved and rural populations that often have less access to care and face higher risks of complications,\u201d Adams said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBalancing Innovation and Human Connection\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite growing interest in AI, researchers caution that adoption is not without challenges.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe real opportunity lies not in building more autonomous AI, but in designing systems that strengthen human judgment, clinical expertise, and community care,\u201d De Choudhury said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlthough AI has advanced rapidly, its impact on chronic disease management has remained limited, said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/people\/rosa-arriaga\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ERosa Arriaga\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the School of Interactive Computing.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAI holds a lot of promise but hasn\u0027t delivered much in the way of real-world applications,\u201d Arriaga said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe also raised concerns about how increased reliance on data-driven tools could affect interactions between clinicians and patients.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe fear is that clinicians become \u2018data checkers\u2019 and have even less interaction with patients,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the same time, Arriaga said AI is having its greatest impact in the mental wellness space.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are now randomized controlled trials showing that some people are willing to receive \u2018therapy\u2019 from an AI agent and that this intervention is beneficial,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, she cautioned that those developments should be considered alongside potential risks.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGreater interactions with AI may lead to greater isolation, and parasocial relationships with AI may erode the social fabric,\u201d Arriaga said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShaping the Next Era of Healthcare\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite differing views on the opportunities and challenges, the researchers see AI becoming a lasting part of healthcare.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAI is accelerating everything,\u201d Adams said. \u201cEven through rapid iteration and simulation alone, it will accelerate medical devices and point-of-care technologies.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs healthcare organizations continue to explore where AI can improve care, researchers say the future of medicine will depend not only on technological advances but also on how effectively those tools support the people who deliver and receive care.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EFrom AI-powered clinical support tools and digital mental health applications to wearable devices and remote monitoring, artificial intelligence is influencing how healthcare is delivered. Researchers say the technology offers significant opportunities to improve care and access while raising important questions about human judgment, patient relationships, privacy, and equity.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into healthcare, researchers are exploring its potential to support clinical decision-making, improve mental health interventions, expand access to care, and accelerate medical innovation."}],"uid":"35797","created_gmt":"2026-07-29 17:13:59","changed_gmt":"2026-07-30 23:07:13","author":"Siobhan Rodriguez","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-29T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-29T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680734":{"id":"680734","type":"image","title":"From Diagnosis to Wellness, AI\u0027s Healthcare Revolution","body":null,"created":"1785452734","gmt_created":"2026-07-30 23:05:34","changed":"1785452800","gmt_changed":"2026-07-30 23:06:40","alt":"Image of watch vitals and machine vitals ","file":{"fid":"265041","name":"AdobeStock_894983554.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/30\/AdobeStock_894983554.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/30\/AdobeStock_894983554.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1424541,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/30\/AdobeStock_894983554.jpeg?itok=jRTD2kHz"}}},"media_ids":["680734"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/new-mobile-app-turns-phones-home-fetal-heart-monitors","title":"New Mobile App Turns Phones into At-Home Fetal Heart Monitors"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"140","name":"Cancer Research"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"195214","name":"Copilot said: AI in healthcare"},{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"187570","name":"healthcare innovation"},{"id":"110201","name":"electronic health records"},{"id":"195216","name":"AI ethics"},{"id":"195217","name":"human oversight"},{"id":"10343","name":"mental health"},{"id":"195218","name":"mental health interventions"},{"id":"755","name":"public health"},{"id":"77691","name":"wearable technology"},{"id":"172067","name":"wearable devices"},{"id":"195219","name":"remote patient monitoring"},{"id":"168927","name":"smartphones"},{"id":"195220","name":"healthcare access"},{"id":"195221","name":"rural healthcare"},{"id":"188889","name":"underserved communities"},{"id":"195222","name":"patient care"},{"id":"195223","name":"clinical workflows"},{"id":"29071","name":"medical innovation"},{"id":"2776","name":"medical imaging"},{"id":"170604","name":"Health Analytics"},{"id":"10679","name":"personalized medicine"},{"id":"195226","name":"preventive care"},{"id":"14788","name":"healthcare technology"},{"id":"108111","name":"health equity"},{"id":"114791","name":"Data Privacy"},{"id":"88161","name":"Healthcare transformation"},{"id":"184464","name":"medical research"},{"id":"195233","name":"AI in medicine"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"109","name":"Georgia Tech"},{"id":"43321","name":"Georgia Institue of Technology"},{"id":"195234","name":"prenatal health"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"},{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ESiobhan Rodriguez\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["sar30@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691273":{"#nid":"691273","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Green Forks Transforms Surplus Food Into Campus Support ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat started as concern about food waste has grown into a campuswide effort to help food-insecure Georgia Tech students while keeping thousands of meals out of the waste stream. Since launching in 2024, Green Forks has transformed surplus food from catered events into a valuable resource for students in need.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGreen Forks was founded by Renee Alnoubani, CE 2025, who is currently pursuing a master\u0027s in city and regional planning, and Ivy Xue, Neuroscience 2023, with support from Danielle Ismirle Dunigan of Tech Dining, Steven Fazenbaker of Student Life, and Steve Place of the Office of Sustainability, after students raised concerns about the amount of food being discarded after campus events. Recognizing an opportunity to address both food waste and food insecurity, the founding team partnered with Klemis Kitchen to develop a simple, scalable solution that directs surplus food to students who can benefit from it.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe process is straightforward. When a catered event ends with surplus food, the event coordinator or catering team submits a brief form. Students registered through Klemis Kitchen receive notifications when food is available, allowing them to pick up meals during a designated collection period. The model is designed to align with food safety requirements while minimizing additional work for event organizers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDirector of Dining Services Danielle Ismirle Dunigan said, \u201cThe students who proposed the idea were passionate about helping divert the many leftovers after catering events. Green Forks is basically a communication tool, and it has effectively diverted food waste while feeding hungry Yellow Jackets. Each Green Forks alert makes my day, knowing we are making a difference in many ways.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn just two years, Green Forks has made a significant impact across campus. The program has supported \u003Cstrong\u003E526 events\u003C\/strong\u003E and provided an estimated \u003Cstrong\u003E4,750 meals\u003C\/strong\u003E to students. These numbers represent thousands of opportunities for students experiencing food insecurity to access nutritious food that otherwise may have been discarded.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudent Life Program Director Steve Fazenbaker added, \u0022The idea that drives my work is that everything a student needs to thrive and flourish at Georgia Tech can be found somewhere at Georgia Tech. Green Forks brings that idea to life in a powerful way. Through Green Forks, students are made aware almost daily of the abundance of food on campus, and they are reminded that they never need to miss a meal.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeyond the numbers, students say the program has provided both practical support and a sense of community. One student said that Green Forks helped them \u0022worry less about paying for food and living costs,\u0022 while another described the program as a reminder of the generosity and care that exists across the Georgia Tech community.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESteve Place, campus sustainability project manager for the Office of Sustainability, said, \u0022Green Forks is the perfect example of different units working together to meet a common goal. Each partner brought what they do best, and the result was a terrific collaboration that serves campus and makes us incredibly proud.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGreen Forks also advances Georgia Tech\u0027s sustainability goals by reducing food waste. Rather than sending edible leftovers to the landfill, the program diverts food to students who can use it immediately, maximizing the value of meals already prepared for campus events.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe program\u0027s success has attracted attention beyond Georgia Tech. Team members have worked with other institutions to share the model, including Missouri State University and North Carolina State University, helping expand the impact of a program that began with a simple student idea.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFaculty and staff can help continue that success by using Green Forks for catered events, allowing extra time for food collection, and submitting surplus food through the program. Every event has the potential to reduce waste, strengthen community, and help ensure that no Georgia Tech student goes hungry.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor event coordinators and students who want to participate in and learn more about Green Forks and other temporary assistance programs at Georgia Tech, visit the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/dining.gatech.edu\/greenforks\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGreen Forks webpage\u003C\/a\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGreen Forks collaboration reduces waste, supports student well-being, and advances campus sustainability goals.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Green Forks collaboration reduces waste, supports student well-being, and advances campus sustainability goals."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2026-07-27 19:10:40","changed_gmt":"2026-07-27 19:19:05","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-27T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-27T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680687":{"id":"680687","type":"image","title":"green_forks_2yrs_celebration.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFrom left to right: Campus Sustainability Project Manager, Office of Sustainability Steve Place; Director, Safety and Facilities for Dining and Retail Danielle Ismirle Dunigan; and Program Director, STAR Steven Fazenbaker at the Green Forks celebration.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1785179481","gmt_created":"2026-07-27 19:11:21","changed":"1785179481","gmt_changed":"2026-07-27 19:11:21","alt":"Image of Green Forks co-founders at the two-year anniversary.","file":{"fid":"264987","name":"green_forks_2yrs_celebration.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/27\/green_forks_2yrs_celebration.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/27\/green_forks_2yrs_celebration.png","mime":"image\/png","size":4607292,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/27\/green_forks_2yrs_celebration.png?itok=omOjtma1"}}},"media_ids":["680687"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"660398","name":"Sustainability Hub"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"193873","name":"green forks"},{"id":"168693","name":"campus sustainability"},{"id":"192081","name":"office of sustainability"},{"id":"171884","name":"food insecurity"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECathy Brim\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Officer II\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfrastructure and Operations | Planning, Design, and Construction | Office of Sustainability\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["Cathy.brim@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"680102":{"#nid":"680102","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Thank the Backstreet Boys: A Teacher\u2019s Journey to Education Research","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWith so many paths to research careers at Georgia Tech, finding the right one can be daunting. In a new feature series, Unexpected Paths, we explore the journeys of 12 research faculty members from across the Institute and learn about their unique paths to research.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn this feature, follow Jeonghyun \u201cJonna\u201d Lee\u2019s path from English language educator in Seoul to leading a research team in Georgia Tech\u2019s College of Lifetime Learning.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/node\/41906\u0022\u003ERead more \u00bb\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Follow Jeonghyun \u201cJonna\u201d Lee\u2019s path from English language educator in Seoul to leading a research team in Georgia Tech\u2019s College of Lifetime Learning."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWith so many paths to research careers at Georgia Tech, finding the right one can be daunting. In a new feature series, Unexpected Paths, we explore the journeys of 12 research faculty members from across the Institute and learn about their unique paths to research.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"In this feature, follow Jeonghyun \u201cJonna\u201d Lee\u2019s path from English language educator in Seoul to leading a research team in Georgia Tech\u2019s College of Lifetime Learning."}],"uid":"27255","created_gmt":"2025-01-31 19:00:17","changed_gmt":"2026-07-27 17:05:42","author":"Josie Giles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-01-31T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-01-31T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"676180":{"id":"676180","type":"image","title":"Unexpected Paths_ Jeonghyun Lee-04.jpg","body":null,"created":"1738351013","gmt_created":"2025-01-31 19:16:53","changed":"1738351105","gmt_changed":"2025-01-31 19:18:25","alt":"Jeonghyun \u201cJonna\u201d Lee","file":{"fid":"259910","name":"Unexpected Paths_ Jeonghyun Lee-04.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/01\/31\/Unexpected%20Paths_%20Jeonghyun%20Lee-04.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/01\/31\/Unexpected%20Paths_%20Jeonghyun%20Lee-04.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":10885842,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/01\/31\/Unexpected%20Paths_%20Jeonghyun%20Lee-04.jpg?itok=d-viLBRf"}}},"media_ids":["676180"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"195203","name":"go-noshow"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"680788":{"#nid":"680788","#data":{"type":"news","title":"From Refineries to OMSCS: One Yellow Jacket\u2019s Path From a Texas Oil Town to Educational Technology","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EEver wonder how a mechanical engineer ends up leading online education? Here\u0027s Alex Duncan\u0027s unexpected journey to the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/node\/42615\u0022\u003ERead more \u00bb\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EEver wonder how a mechanical engineer ends up leading online education? Here\u0027s Alex Duncan\u0027s unexpected journey to the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Ever wonder how a mechanical engineer ends up leading online education? Here\u0027s Alex Duncan\u0027s unexpected journey to the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program."}],"uid":"27255","created_gmt":"2025-02-28 16:23:49","changed_gmt":"2026-07-27 17:01:56","author":"Josie Giles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-02-28T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-02-28T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"676424":{"id":"676424","type":"image","title":"path-alex-duncan-2.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAlex Duncan standing in front of the Klaus Advanced Computing Building at Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1740759851","gmt_created":"2025-02-28 16:24:11","changed":"1740759851","gmt_changed":"2025-02-28 16:24:11","alt":"Alex Duncan headshot","file":{"fid":"260209","name":"path-alex-duncan-2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/02\/28\/path-alex-duncan-2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/02\/28\/path-alex-duncan-2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":81771,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/02\/28\/path-alex-duncan-2.jpg?itok=3kiEy1Cc"}}},"media_ids":["676424"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"195203","name":"go-noshow"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"680790":{"#nid":"680790","#data":{"type":"news","title":"This Pacifier Could Monitor Babies\u2019 Vitals in the NICU","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers have developed a pacifier that can constantly monitor a baby\u2019s electrolyte levels in real time, eliminating the need for repeated invasive blood draws.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/node\/42622\u0022\u003ERead more \u00bb\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers have developed a pacifier that can constantly monitor a baby\u2019s electrolyte levels in real time, eliminating the need for repeated invasive blood draws.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The baby-friendly device measures electrolyte levels in real time, eliminating the need for repeated, painful blood draws. "}],"uid":"27255","created_gmt":"2025-02-28 16:51:08","changed_gmt":"2026-07-27 17:01:14","author":"Josie Giles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-03-04T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-03-04T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"676425":{"id":"676425","type":"image","title":"hg-pacifier-image.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EHong Yeo, associate professor and Harris Saunders Jr. Endowed Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, came up with the pacifier idea at a pediatric technology conference.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1740761476","gmt_created":"2025-02-28 16:51:16","changed":"1740761476","gmt_changed":"2025-02-28 16:51:16","alt":"Hong Yeo holding a white pacifier under development at Georgia Tech","file":{"fid":"260210","name":"hg-pacifier-image.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/02\/28\/hg-pacifier-image.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/02\/28\/hg-pacifier-image.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1199948,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/02\/28\/hg-pacifier-image.jpg?itok=rBZv2BD5"}}},"media_ids":["676425"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"195203","name":"go-noshow"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"681524":{"#nid":"681524","#data":{"type":"news","title":"For the Good of Humankind: A Journey in Accessible Design Across Three Continents","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EHow a young girl\u2019s interest in computers led to a research career developing technology for global learners with disabilities \u2014 from Turkey to Rwanda by way of Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/feature\/unexpected-paths\/zerrin-ondin-fraser\u0022\u003ERead more \u00bb\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EHow a young girl\u2019s interest in computers led to a research career developing technology for global learners with disabilities \u2014 from Turkey to Rwanda by way of Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Zerrin Ondin-Fraser, research scientist and interim executive director at Georgia Tech\u2019s Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation, has been working to address accessibility challenges for most of her career."}],"uid":"27255","created_gmt":"2025-04-02 17:02:04","changed_gmt":"2026-07-27 16:58:04","author":"Josie Giles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-04-03T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-04-03T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"676739":{"id":"676739","type":"image","title":"zerrin-feature-9.jpg","body":null,"created":"1743613340","gmt_created":"2025-04-02 17:02:20","changed":"1743613340","gmt_changed":"2025-04-02 17:02:20","alt":"Zerrin Ondin-Fraser headshot","file":{"fid":"260566","name":"zerrin-feature-9.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/04\/02\/zerrin-feature-9.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/04\/02\/zerrin-feature-9.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":108059,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/04\/02\/zerrin-feature-9.jpg?itok=dlj_fTsm"}}},"media_ids":["676739"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"195203","name":"go-noshow"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"682170":{"#nid":"682170","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Spidey Sense: How a Triple Jacket Makes Microelectronics Matter  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMikkel Thomas has loved comic books since he was a kid, but he didn\u2019t expect to relate to them as an adult. Just like Peter Parker didn\u2019t intend to be a superhero, Thomas didn\u2019t plan to be a research engineer. When he came to Georgia Tech in 1993 as an undergraduate, a bit of serendipity led him to the field of microelectronics (very small electronic components and circuits). Nearly three decades later, his superpower is demystifying the world of microelectronics for students.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/node\/43073\u0022\u003ERead more \u00bb\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Mikkel Thomas fell into microelectronics \u2014 and fell in love with it. Now, he\u2019s leading more people to the field."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMikkel Thomas has loved comic books since he was a kid, but he didn\u2019t expect to relate to them as an adult. Just like Peter Parker didn\u2019t intend to be a superhero, Thomas didn\u2019t plan to be a research engineer. When he came to Georgia Tech in 1993 as an undergraduate, a bit of serendipity led him to the field of microelectronics (very small electronic components and circuits). Nearly three decades later, his superpower is demystifying the world of microelectronics for students.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Mikkel Thomas fell into microelectronics \u2014 and fell in love with it. Now, he\u2019s leading more people to the field."}],"uid":"27255","created_gmt":"2025-05-01 17:52:39","changed_gmt":"2026-07-27 16:53:04","author":"Josie Giles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-05-07T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-05-07T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677014":{"id":"677014","type":"image","title":"Mikkel Thomas portrait in the Marcus Nanotechnology Building","body":null,"created":"1746121968","gmt_created":"2025-05-01 17:52:48","changed":"1746121968","gmt_changed":"2025-05-01 17:52:48","alt":"Man with crossed arms standing in a hallway with many windows","file":{"fid":"260873","name":"Unexpected-Paths_Mikkel-1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/05\/01\/Unexpected-Paths_Mikkel-1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/05\/01\/Unexpected-Paths_Mikkel-1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":9899450,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/05\/01\/Unexpected-Paths_Mikkel-1.jpg?itok=Z05WL5NJ"}}},"media_ids":["677014"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"195203","name":"go-noshow"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691210":{"#nid":"691210","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Launches New Sustainable Lab Certification ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Office of Sustainability, in partnership with the Office of Research Operations, is launching Georgia Tech\u2019s first \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sustain.gatech.edu\/sustainable-lab-certification\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESustainable Lab Certification\u003C\/a\u003E program, which will provide a framework for campus laboratories to implement practical, high-impact sustainability measures. Labs earn recognition for their efforts through tiered certification levels \u2014 bronze, silver, or gold \u2014 based on the number and results of practices implemented. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn average, labs use four times more water and 10 times more energy than office spaces. This disproportionate impact makes laboratories some of the best places for reducing institutional energy use. Small actions can have a big effect; for example, increasing the setpoint of ultra-low temperature freezers by 10 degrees Celsius can reduce the device\u2019s energy use by 30% and save over $150 per year per freezer. (That figure is derived from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mygreenlab.org\/the-beaker-blog\/8-ways-to-save-energy-in-the-lab\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/mygreenlab.org\/the-beaker-blog\/8-ways-to-save-energy-in-the-lab\/\u003C\/a\u003E and Georgia Power billing documents.)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore Sustainable Lab Certification, some campus labs had begun exploring reduced energy, water, and materials consumption through My Green Lab certification, a pilot program also sponsored by the Office of Sustainability. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShweta Biliya, a research scientist in the Molecular Evolution Core Lab, explained that while My Green Lab offered a helpful framework, translating certification requirements into actionable steps for her lab was difficult without local examples or tailored support. \u201cNow that we have a resource on campus, it\u2019s extremely helpful in that initial stage,\u201d she said. \u201cIt helps you see how to approach everything, get support, and make it feel possible.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBiliya hopes more laboratories across campus will participate in Sustainable Labs Certification, helping to create a shared culture of sustainable research at Georgia Tech. \u201cIt might feel like one lab doesn\u2019t make a difference, but when every lab contributes in small ways, it really adds up,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA Sustainable Lab Certification information and celebration session will take place in September. To learn more about the program, visit the Sustainable Labs page at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sustain.gatech.edu\/sustainable-labs\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/sustain.gatech.edu\/sustainable-labs\/\u003C\/a\u003E. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECampus labs have a new pathway to strengthen sustainable operations through a campus comprehensive certification program.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Campus labs have a new pathway to strengthen sustainable operations through a campus comprehensive certification program."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2026-07-22 17:46:33","changed_gmt":"2026-07-24 20:50:48","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-22T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-22T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680673":{"id":"680673","type":"image","title":"Molecular Evolution Core Lab ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EResearch technician Myles Hilson (left) and research scientist Shweta Biliya (right) of the Molecular Evolution Core Lab stand in front of TipCycle program equipment. TipCycle collects, sterilizes, and returns pipette tips to labs, reducing costs and decreasing plastic waste.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1784926218","gmt_created":"2026-07-24 20:50:18","changed":"1784926218","gmt_changed":"2026-07-24 20:50:18","alt":"Molecular Evolution Core Lab ","file":{"fid":"264964","name":"Screenshot-2026-07-24-at-4.41.24-PM.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/24\/Screenshot-2026-07-24-at-4.41.24-PM.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/24\/Screenshot-2026-07-24-at-4.41.24-PM.png","mime":"image\/png","size":3356878,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/24\/Screenshot-2026-07-24-at-4.41.24-PM.png?itok=Jjm-cw4M"}}},"media_ids":["680673"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"660398","name":"Sustainability Hub"}],"categories":[{"id":"194836","name":"Sustainability"}],"keywords":[{"id":"168693","name":"campus sustainability"},{"id":"192081","name":"office of sustainability"},{"id":"195199","name":"sustainable lab certification"},{"id":"8254","name":"Administration and Finance"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EDrew Cutright\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDirector of Sustainability Engagement\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOffice of Sustainability\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["Drew.cutright@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686409":{"#nid":"686409","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Uses Computing and Engineering Methods to Shift Neuroscience Paradigms ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA neuron is more than just a neuron. These cells, found throughout the nervous system and the brain, work together in circuits that perform the complex calculations needed for our perception, memory, behavior, and cognition. This means that breakthroughs in neuroscience don\u0027t just rely on biology or medical knowledge, but also on the quantitative skills needed to understand and model these circuits. Faculty at Georgia Tech use their expertise in engineering, math, and computer science to apply common principles of these disciplines to neuroscience research. Within the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EInstitute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society (INNS)\u003C\/a\u003E, neuroscientists use these quantitative methods to understand how humans think, treat disorders such as Parkinson\u2019s and Alzheimer\u2019s, and better understand psychiatric disorders.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/feature\/neuro-computation\u0022\u003ERead the full story here\u0026gt;\u0026gt;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Meet Georgia Tech\u2019s computation and cognition experts."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFaculty at Georgia Tech use their expertise in engineering, math, and computer science to apply common principles of these disciplines to neuroscience research. Within the Institute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society (INNS),neuroscientists use these quantitative methods to understand how humans think, treat disorders such as Parkinson\u2019s and Alzheimer\u2019s, and better understand psychiatric disorders.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Faculty at Georgia Tech use their expertise in engineering, math, and computer science to apply common principles of these disciplines to neuroscience research."}],"uid":"27255","created_gmt":"2025-11-13 16:38:38","changed_gmt":"2026-07-24 19:34:12","author":"Josie Giles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-13T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-13T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678614":{"id":"678614","type":"image","title":"Doby.jpg","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDobromir Rahnev\u2019s research in the Computations of Subjective Perception Lab focuses on metacognition. [Photo by Rob Felt]\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1763051943","gmt_created":"2025-11-13 16:39:03","changed":"1763051943","gmt_changed":"2025-11-13 16:39:03","alt":"Researcher adjusting a device on another person\u2019s head in a lab, with a computer displaying brain imaging data and a mounted camera in the background.","file":{"fid":"262669","name":"Doby.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/13\/Doby.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/13\/Doby.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5712564,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/13\/Doby.jpg?itok=jDhnEE_s"}}},"media_ids":["678614"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"172970","name":"go-neuro"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"195203","name":"go-noshow"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193656","name":"Neuro Next Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691122":{"#nid":"691122","#data":{"type":"news","title":"DeMillo Recognized for Lasting Contributions to Software Engineering","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERichard DeMillo, professor, founding chair of Georgia Tech\u0027s School of Cybersecurity and Privacy (SCP), and Charlotte B. and Roger C. Warren Chair of Computing, has been named to the inaugural class of the ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Academy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDeMillo was among 80 computer scientists worldwide selected for the Academy\u0027s founding class and was the only Georgia Tech faculty member recognized.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022I am honored to be included in the inaugural class of the ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Academy,\u0022 said DeMillo. \u0022This recognition reflects the work of outstanding students, collaborators, and colleagues over many years. Software engineering research has transformed the way society builds and depends upon software, and I hope our community will continue to advance the scientific foundations needed to make software more reliable, secure, and worthy of the trust people place in it.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEstablished by ACM SIGSOFT, the Software Engineering Academy is a standing body of honor that recognizes members of the software engineering community whose lasting technical contributions, leadership, and service have shaped the field. The Academy celebrates researchers whose cumulative work and influence have advanced software engineering as both a scientific discipline and professional practice.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Rich\u0027s research in software testing is recognized among the most influential contributions to the field of software engineering,\u0022 said SCP Interim Chair Mustaque Ahamad. \u0022His inclusion in the inaugural ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Academy demonstrates the lasting impact of his research on building more reliable software systems.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe inaugural class was selected from leaders whose contributions have already been widely recognized across the software engineering community, including ACM Fellows and recipients of ACM SIGSOFT\u0027s Outstanding Research Award. Beginning next year, new Academy members will be elected annually through a community nomination process.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDeMillo served as the founding chair of Georgia Tech\u0027s School of Cybersecurity and Privacy, the first school of its kind at a top research university. He previously served as the John P. Imlay Dean of the College of Computing and directed the Georgia Tech Information Security Center.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThroughout his career, DeMillo has held leadership positions across academia, industry, and government. He served as Hewlett-Packard\u0027s first chief technology officer, led computing research at Bell Communications Research, directed the Computer Research Division at the National Science Foundation, and led the Software Test and Evaluation Project in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis research spans software engineering, cybersecurity, election security, and the societal impacts of digital technology. His 1979 paper, Social Processes and Proofs of Theorems and Programs, is widely regarded as a foundational work in software engineering and has been recognized as one of the 50 most influential papers in computer science.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition to his research, DeMillo has helped shape higher education through the creation of Georgia Tech\u0027s Center for 21st Century Universities. He is a fellow of both the Association for Computing Machinery and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERichard DeMillo, professor, founding chair of Georgia Tech\u0027s School of Cybersecurity and Privacy (SCP), and Charlotte B. and Roger C. Warren Chair of Computing, has been named to the inaugural class of the ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Academy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDeMillo was among 80 computer scientists worldwide selected for the Academy\u0027s founding class and was the only Georgia Tech faculty member recognized.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Richard DeMillo has been named to the inaugural class of the ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Academy."}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2026-07-14 19:00:53","changed_gmt":"2026-07-24 19:28:31","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-14T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-14T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"673662":{"id":"673662","type":"image","title":"Georgia Tech Cybersecurity and Privacy Professor Rich DeMillo","body":null,"created":"1712679629","gmt_created":"2024-04-09 16:20:29","changed":"1712679629","gmt_changed":"2024-04-09 16:20:29","alt":"Georgia Tech Cybersecurity and Privacy Professor Rich DeMillo","file":{"fid":"257084","name":"Rich_DeMillo_08.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/04\/09\/Rich_DeMillo_08.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/04\/09\/Rich_DeMillo_08.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":50395,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/04\/09\/Rich_DeMillo_08.jpg?itok=qBhdaP00"}}},"media_ids":["673662"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660406","name":"School of Cybersecurity \u0026 Privacy"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jpopham3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJohn Popham\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECommunications Officer\u003Cbr\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687102":{"#nid":"687102","#data":{"type":"news","title":"How a Race Car Project Is Transforming Rural STEM Education","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EStudents in rural Georgia are discovering new possibilities through Georgia Tech\u2019s new Advanced Manufacturing Pathways program, where they design, build, and race custom cars while learning real manufacturing skills. With local educators and industry partners behind it, AMP is reshaping how communities imagine their future workforce.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/node\/44711\u0022\u003ERead more \u00bb\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Inside Georgia Tech\u2019s Advanced Manufacturing Pathways program, high school students learn to design, build, test, and dream big through a collaboration that\u2019s reshaping classrooms and communities."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EStudents in rural Georgia are discovering new possibilities through Georgia Tech\u2019s new Advanced Manufacturing Pathways program, where they design, build, and race custom cars while learning real manufacturing skills. With local educators and industry partners behind it, AMP is reshaping how communities imagine their future workforce.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Inside Georgia Tech\u2019s Advanced Manufacturing Pathways program, high school students learn to design, build, test, and dream big through a collaboration that\u2019s reshaping classrooms and communities."}],"uid":"27255","created_gmt":"2026-01-07 16:28:03","changed_gmt":"2026-07-24 19:27:33","author":"Josie Giles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-07T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-07T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679063":{"id":"679063","type":"image","title":"AMP Students","body":"\u003Cp\u003EBainbridge High School students in the AMP program gathered in October 2025 to race their cars and put their manufacturing skills to the test.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1769106564","gmt_created":"2026-01-22 18:29:24","changed":"1769106564","gmt_changed":"2026-01-22 18:29:24","alt":"Bainbridge High School students in the AMP program gathered in October 2025 to race their cars and put their manufacturing skills to the test.","file":{"fid":"263178","name":"AMP-students-candid-GTMI.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/AMP-students-candid-GTMI.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/AMP-students-candid-GTMI.png","mime":"image\/png","size":884236,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/22\/AMP-students-candid-GTMI.png?itok=pYT1gafc"}}},"media_ids":["679063"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"195164","name":"go-ampf"},{"id":"195203","name":"go-noshow"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193654","name":"Enterprise Innovation Institute"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"},{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687121":{"#nid":"687121","#data":{"type":"news","title":"How Georgia Tech Is Transforming Advanced Manufacturing","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s hybrid manufacturing breakthroughs are reshaping how industries \u2014 from the U.S. Navy to aerospace and rail \u2014 repair and build critical parts. Fast, precise, and scalable, GTMI\u2019s innovations turn complex problems into real world solutions, showcasing how cutting edge research becomes game changing impact.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/node\/44714\u0022\u003ERead more \u00bb\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s hybrid manufacturing breakthroughs are reshaping how industries \u2014 from the U.S. Navy to aerospace and rail \u2014 repair and build critical parts. Fast, precise, and scalable, GTMI\u2019s innovations turn complex problems into real world solutions, showcasing how cutting edge research becomes game changing impact.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech\u2019s hybrid manufacturing innovations are transforming defense and industry alike, turning complex repair challenges into fast, scalable solutions that boost performance, resilience, and real world impact."}],"uid":"27255","created_gmt":"2026-01-08 21:23:39","changed_gmt":"2026-07-24 19:26:56","author":"Josie Giles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-08T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-08T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678945":{"id":"678945","type":"image","title":"mazak-machine-people.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGTMI researchers work beside a Mazak machine inside Georgia Tech\u2019s Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility, continuing a partnership with Mazak that has advanced hybrid manufacturing innovation for more than a decade.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1767907437","gmt_created":"2026-01-08 21:23:57","changed":"1767907437","gmt_changed":"2026-01-08 21:23:57","alt":"Three individuals standing at a workbench in front of a large Mazak hybrid manufacturing machine, discussing components and technical drawings.","file":{"fid":"263043","name":"mazak-machine-people.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/08\/mazak-machine-people.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/08\/mazak-machine-people.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1184429,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/08\/mazak-machine-people.jpg?itok=CmbEVqcc"}}},"media_ids":["678945"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"195203","name":"go-noshow"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688239":{"#nid":"688239","#data":{"type":"news","title":" Humanoid Robots Make Confident Strides Toward Walking Stability","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHumanoid robots are coming.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile this statement might cause anxiety for some, for one Georgia Tech research team, working with humanlike robots couldn\u2019t be more exciting.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBipedal \u2014 or two-legged \u2014 autonomous robots can be quite agile. This makes them useful for performing tasks on uneven terrain, such as carrying equipment through outdoor environments or performing maintenance on an ocean-going ship. However, unstable or unpredictable conditions also increase the possibility of a robot wipeout.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers, led by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/ye-zhao\u0022\u003EYe Zhao\u003C\/a\u003E, director of the Georgia Tech \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/lab-idar.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ELaboratory for Intelligent Decision and Autonomous Robots\u003C\/a\u003E (LIDAR), and Zhaoyuan Gu, a robotics Ph.D. student, wanted to develop a real-time planning and control framework that guarantees a robot\u0027s safety and recovery when traversing difficult terrain. The autonomous nature of this framework means the robots can make their own decisions without direct assistance from a human. For example, if an unexpected obstacle appears in its path, a robot equipped with this new framework could catch itself instead of falling.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUntil now, there\u2019s been a significant lack of research into how a robot recovers when its direction shifts \u2014 for example, a robot losing balance when a truck makes a quick turn. The team aims to fix this research gap.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPutting the Project Pieces Together\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1109\/TRO.2025.3582820\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EIEEE Transactions on Robotics\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E paper, the researchers describe a first-of-its-kind strategy that gives robots a clear set of rules for reacting when something changes in its path. These rules help the robot make quicker decisions and take more confident steps. When the robot senses that its current plan might not keep it stable, it uses these rules to adjust its next few steps, so it can continue moving safely. In earlier experiments, which lacked this framework, two-legged robots struggled to identify a solution for stability and were prone to falling.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers implemented the new framework with Cassie, a two-legged robot. Inside Tech\u2019s 3,000-square-foot \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/robotics\/human-augmentation-core\u0022\u003EHuman Augmentation Core Facility\u003C\/a\u003E, the Cassie robot confidently walks on a Computer-Aided Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) \u2014 a treadmill system that can be programmed to move in any direction at different times. When the team realized CAREN is limited in how much force it can inflict, they added a BumpEm system, which creates a stronger jerk to further stress-test Cassie\u2019s gait.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Results\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough these experiments, the researchers found that their new programming framework outperforms state-of-the-art methods with more certainty, faster decision-making, higher collision avoidance, and the ability to reliably walk on moving platforms and varying types of terrain.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZhao said, \u201cThe results we got through this project are very impressive. They\u2019re the most comprehensive and extensive hardware results we\u2019ve published so far.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThough significant, the real-world results weren\u2019t perfect. The robot doesn\u2019t perform as well when moving downhill, which requires it to take riskier steps and walk less efficiently. However, the only time Cassie completely failed to recover its gait was during a difficult scenario involving a very wide step and a cross-legged maneuver. Recovery simply wasn\u2019t feasible given the spatial limits of the narrow treadmill.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENext Steps for Walking Robots\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOverall, the researchers\u2019 framework increases by 81% Cassie\u2019s ability to recover from instability. The team noted that bipedal stability in robotics needs further research. If these walking robots are to be fully integrated into our society, they must be reliable.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis paper may serve as a foundation for continued work on walking robots,\u201d said Zhao. \u201cOur work may inspire further research that can imitate or learn from the framework we\u2019ve created.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOther ways of walking recovery are yet to be tested. For example, humans often hop to counteract instability or uneven footing; mirroring this with two-legged robots could be the next step in the team\u2019s research.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey would like to eventually enable the use of autonomous two-legged robots in marine environments, where ship maintenance and operations require risky, strenuous labor. Ideally, these robots could reliably, safely, and efficiently perform these kinds of tasks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe project will be tested at sea through the Office of Naval Research in Arlington, Virginia.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHumanoid robots are coming to your homes, coming to the factories, coming to logistics. They\u0027re going to show up on the street. It\u2019s exciting,\u201d said Gu.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERobotics engineers should consider not only a robot\u2019s mechanical design, but also its algorithms, intelligence, and brain. Being able to safely and regularly interact with these robots requires this foundational work.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u2014 By Chloe Morris\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cRobust-Locomotion-By-Logic: Perturbation-Resilient Bipedal Locomotion via Signal Temporal Logic Guided Model Predictive Control.\u201d \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ieeexplore.ieee.org\/document\/11049016\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1109\/TRO.2025.3582820\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EFunding for this research is provided by the Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Program and the National Science Foundation CAREER Program.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EResearchers on this project include LIDAR Director Ye Zhao, Ph.D. student Zhaoyuan Gu, and master\u2019s students Yuntian Zhao, Yipu Chen, and Rongming Guo. Other contributors from the\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/power.me.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E Physiology of Wearable Robotics Lab\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E include \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/gregory-sawicki\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGregory Sawicki\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E, director, and Jennifer Leestma (Ph.D. ROBO, 2024).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis research is also supported by the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/vip.gatech.edu\/teams\/entry\/1281\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAgile Locomotion and Manipulation team\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E, part of Georgia Tech\u2019s Vertically Integrated Projects program.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers have developed a new \u201cthinking\u201d technology for two-legged robots, increasing their balance and agility.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers have developed a new \u201cthinking\u201d technology for two-legged robots, increasing their balance and agility.\u00a0"}],"uid":"28766","created_gmt":"2026-02-13 14:34:19","changed_gmt":"2026-07-24 19:25:01","author":"Shelley Wunder-Smith","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-18T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-18T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679321":{"id":"679321","type":"image","title":"humanoid-robotos.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003EYipu Chen (seated) and Zhaoyuan Gu (standing) on the CAREN treadmill system\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1771337425","gmt_created":"2026-02-17 14:10:25","changed":"1771337425","gmt_changed":"2026-02-17 14:10:25","alt":"Two individuals on a large circular motion platform in a research lab, with one person seated cross\u2011legged on the platform and another suspended in a harness wearing a Georgia Tech exoskeleton system.","file":{"fid":"263464","name":"humanoid-robotos.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/17\/humanoid-robotos.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/17\/humanoid-robotos.png","mime":"image\/png","size":13065997,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/17\/humanoid-robotos.png?itok=xpm563Bv"}},"679359":{"id":"679359","type":"video","title":"Cassie Robot Walking on the CAREN Treadmill","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Cassie robot walks confidently on the CAREN treadmill, making adjustments to its gait as the platform moves.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1771444600","gmt_created":"2026-02-18 19:56:40","changed":"1771444600","gmt_changed":"2026-02-18 19:56:40","video":{"youtube_id":"klhX6qFRZEs","video_url":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/klhX6qFRZEs"}}},"media_ids":["679321","679359"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"195203","name":"go-noshow"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39521","name":"Robotics"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMedia contact:\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:swundersmith3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Research Communications\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688758":{"#nid":"688758","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Target the Tumor. Spare the Body.","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researcher Nick Housley is developing a drug\u2011delivery system designed to send cancer treatments directly to tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. His team\u2019s approach uses self\u2011assembling nanohydrogels (SANGs) that circulate through the body, remain inactive in healthy environments, and release their drug payload only when they encounter the unique chemical conditions created by tumors. This \u201ccancer\u2011agnostic\u201d strategy avoids the pitfalls of traditional targeted therapies, which can lose effectiveness as tumors evolve, and aims to reduce the harsh side effects patients often endure. Early preclinical results show that the nanohydrogels successfully concentrated drugs at tumor sites, and Housley\u2019s team is now preparing for broader testing to move the technology toward clinical trials.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/node\/45127\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERead more \u00bb\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"A Georgia Tech researcher is working to send cancer drugs to tumors \u2014 and avoid healthy tissue."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researcher Nick Housley is developing a drug\u2011delivery system designed to send cancer treatments directly to tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Early preclinical results show that the nanohydrogels successfully concentrated drugs at tumor sites, and Housley\u2019s team is now preparing for broader testing to move the technology toward clinical trials.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Housley and his team are developing self\u2011assembling nanohydrogels that deliver cancer drugs only when they reach tumor\u2011specific conditions, aiming to reduce side effects and make treatment more precise across multiple cancer types."}],"uid":"27255","created_gmt":"2026-03-05 23:19:22","changed_gmt":"2026-07-24 19:20:54","author":"Josie Giles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-06T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-03-06T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679537":{"id":"679537","type":"image","title":"20260226-Cancer-Delivery-System-Story-6.jpg","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENick Housley\u2019s latest advancement is a drug\u2011delivery system called SANGs, short for \u201cself\u2011assembling nanohydrogels.\u201d As these nanohydrogels move through the body, they keep the cancer\u2011fighting drug contained, passing through healthy tissue without releasing medicine. When they encounter the unique conditions created by a tumor, they remain in that environment and release the drug precisely where it\u2019s needed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1772752775","gmt_created":"2026-03-05 23:19:35","changed":"1772752775","gmt_changed":"2026-03-05 23:19:35","alt":"A person wearing a blue lab coat stands with arms crossed in a laboratory filled with shelves of scientific equipment, supplies, and a refrigerator unit in the background.","file":{"fid":"263710","name":"20260226-Cancer-Delivery-System-Story-6.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/05\/20260226-Cancer-Delivery-System-Story-6.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/05\/20260226-Cancer-Delivery-System-Story-6.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":14461101,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/05\/20260226-Cancer-Delivery-System-Story-6.jpg?itok=hcwCBuaP"}}},"media_ids":["679537"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"66220","name":"Neuro"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"172970","name":"go-neuro"},{"id":"195203","name":"go-noshow"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691121":{"#nid":"691121","#data":{"type":"news","title":"She Lost Her Mother. She Found Her Purpose.","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMeghna Iyer came to Georgia Tech determined to understand the disease that was slowly taking her mother\u0027s life. Working with researchers in the Georgia Tech Laboratory for Pathology Dynamics, she helped use AI to analyze 36 million biomedical research papers, uncovering biological connections among ALS, Alzheimer\u0027s disease, and frontotemporal dementia. After losing her mother, Meghna returned to the lab with an even stronger resolve to continue the work, earning first-author publication on the study and helping create a tool that could accelerate future research for families facing these devastating diseases.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/feature\/neurodegenerative-diseases\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERead more \u00bb\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Meghna Iyer came to Georgia Tech trying to understand her mother\u2019s illness. What she discovered is changing how scientists connect three neurodegenerative diseases."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMeghna Iyer came to Georgia Tech determined to understand the disease that was slowly taking her mother\u0027s life. Working with researchers in the Georgia Tech Laboratory for Pathology Dynamics, she helped use AI to analyze 36 million biomedical research papers, uncovering biological connections among ALS, Alzheimer\u0027s disease, and frontotemporal dementia. After losing her mother, Meghna returned to the lab with an even stronger resolve to continue the work, earning first-author publication on the study and helping create a tool that could accelerate future research for families facing these devastating diseases.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A Georgia Tech student transformed her search to understand her mother\u0027s ALS into AI-driven research that could reshape how scientists study neurodegenerative diseases. "}],"uid":"27255","created_gmt":"2026-07-14 16:53:19","changed_gmt":"2026-07-24 18:39:44","author":"Josie Giles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-16T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-16T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680604":{"id":"680604","type":"image","title":"als-thumb.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA Georgia Tech student, Meghna Iyer, transformed her search to understand her mother\u0027s ALS into AI-driven research that could reshape how scientists study neurodegenerative diseases.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1784048017","gmt_created":"2026-07-14 16:53:37","changed":"1784048017","gmt_changed":"2026-07-14 16:53:37","alt":"Two smiling researchers wearing jackets sit on rocks at a sunny beach with shoreline homes and the ocean in the background.","file":{"fid":"264887","name":"als-thumb.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/14\/als-thumb.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/14\/als-thumb.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2526212,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/14\/als-thumb.jpg?itok=glNqw-cB"}}},"media_ids":["680604"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/feature\/neurodegenerative-diseases","title":"Read the Full Feature"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"}],"keywords":[{"id":"195203","name":"go-noshow"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"193656","name":"Neuro Next Initiative"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687060":{"#nid":"687060","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Y Combinator Backing and $30M Investment\u202f Take Startup Greptile to the Next Level\u202f","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGreptile, founded by three current and former Georgia Tech students, has quickly emerged as one of Silicon Valley\u2019s most promising young technology companies. The startup, led by Daksh Gupta, CS 2023; Soohoon Choi, CS 2023, MTH 2023; and computer science major Vaishant Kameswaran, builds artificial intelligence tools that help engineering teams review, analyze, and improve their code.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince its launch in 2023, the company has gained traction with more than 2,000 customers, including Brex, Whoop, and Substack. In 2025, Greptile raised $25 million in Series A funding from Benchmark, bringing its total capital raised to $30 million and valuing the company at $180 million.\u202fThat same year, Greptile was also accepted into the winter 2024 cohort of Y Combinator, the startup accelerator that helped launch Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe. \u202f\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Gupta, the road to building Greptile began at Georgia Tech. The founders entered Georgia Tech\u2019s CREATE-X Startup Launch program with an entirely different idea: an AI shopping assistant called Tabnam. But through the program\u2019s customer-discovery process \u2014 an intensive cycle of testing, feedback, and rapid iteration \u2014 the team realized their technology had stronger potential when applied to software development. That pivot became the foundation for Greptile.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCREATE-X did two things without which Greptile would not exist,\u201d Gupta said. \u201cIt introduced me to my co-founder, Soohoon, and it gave us the confidence to consider starting a company as a real career path.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe founders credit the program with shaping their entrepreneurial thinking, but they describe Y Combinator as the force that helped propel their company to the next stage. Gupta says Y Combinator\u2019s value mirrors some of what they found at Georgia Tech. \u201cLike Georgia Tech, a lot of Y Combinator\u2019s value comes from three things: being surrounded by ambitious people, gaining credibility, and having smart, accomplished people believe in you before you fully believe in yourself,\u201d he said. \u201cThat combination does wonders for your self-esteem, which in turn has enormous compounding effects.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe company\u2019s recent fundraising experience reflects this momentum. Gupta describes their investor pitches as \u201cfast and painless,\u201d noting that they entered the process with compelling metrics and a refined story. Today, the team is supported by an impressive roster of founders-turned-investors \u2014 including partners from Initialized Capital and Benchmark \u2014 who have helped the company hire talent and make key strategic decisions.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELooking back, Gupta says the lessons from CREATE-X continue to guide their approach to building technology and scaling a company. \u201cY Combinator helped us scale, but Georgia Tech is where it started,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form\u0022\u003EApplications for the next CREATE-X Startup Launch\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003Ecohort are now open, \u003C\/strong\u003Ewith limited spots available. Early applicants receive priority consideration and feedback.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGreptile, founded by three Georgia Tech students, has quickly become a standout Silicon Valley startup building AI tools that help engineering teams understand and improve their code. After pivoting from an earlier idea during Georgia Tech\u2019s CREATE\u2011X program, the company launched in 2023 and now serves more than 2,000 customers, including major tech firms. In 2025, it raised a $25\u202fmillion Series A from Benchmark, reached a $180\u202fmillion valuation, and joined Y Combinator\u2019s winter cohort. The founders credit both CREATE\u2011X and Y Combinator for shaping their trajectory, from discovering their true product to scaling with confidence.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Greptile, a fast\u2011growing AI startup founded by Georgia Tech students, has rapidly scaled from a CREATE\u2011X pivot to a Y Combinator\u2013backed, $180\u202fmillion\u2013valued company serving thousands of customers with tools that help engineering teams analyze and improve"}],"uid":"36810","created_gmt":"2026-01-05 16:20:16","changed_gmt":"2026-07-23 16:49:21","author":"zzhang860","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-05T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-05T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678924":{"id":"678924","type":"image","title":"Greptile-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px-.png","body":null,"created":"1767642907","gmt_created":"2026-01-05 19:55:07","changed":"1767642907","gmt_changed":"2026-01-05 19:55:07","alt":"Students smiling","file":{"fid":"263021","name":"Greptile-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/05\/Greptile-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/05\/Greptile-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":901544,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/05\/Greptile-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px-.png?itok=Jlt7JUpq"}}},"media_ids":["678924"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form","title":"Apply to Startup Launch"}],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"139","name":"Business"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"},{"id":"193593","name":"gt-commercialization"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"},{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWritten by Amanda Dudley\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInternal Contact:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBreanna Durham\u003Cbr\u003EMarketing Strategist\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["bdurham31@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691211":{"#nid":"691211","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Named Among \u2018Money\u2019 Magazine\u2019s Best Colleges ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech is one of America\u2019s best colleges, according to \u003Cem\u003EMoney\u003C\/em\u003E magazine. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute is one of 17 public schools to receive a five-star ranking and the only institution in the state to receive the designation. To compile its list for 2026 and to \u201chelp families find schools that deliver strong value,\u201d the publication evaluated more than 700 four-year colleges on 25 metrics, including graduation rates, costs, financial aid, student debt, and alumni salaries.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/money.com\/best-colleges\/profile\/georgia-institute-of-technology-main-campus\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EIn its breakdown\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E, Money\u003C\/em\u003E declares, \u201cGeorgia Tech gets results.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECementing its status as a national leader in outcomes and value for all students remains a top priority in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/strategicplan.gatech.edu\/bets\/leader-outcomes\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInstitute\u2019s strategic plan\u003C\/a\u003E. Since 2019, as in-state tuition has risen nationwide by an average of $2,200, Tech has reduced its in-state tuition and fees by nearly 25%. Georgia Tech students continue to outpace the national average with a 93% graduation rate, 75% of whom finish in four years or less.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETech recently completed its \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/23\/georgia-techs-record-fundraising-year-propels-campaign-past-2-billion\u0022\u003Emost successful fundraising year in history,\u003C\/a\u003E including the creation of a $100 million endowment for need-based scholarships, advancing opportunities for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe recognition from \u003Cem\u003EMoney \u003C\/em\u003Eis the latest accolade Tech has received for its value creation and return on investment. The Princeton Review has named Georgia Tech a best value public college for three consecutive years, and this year, Tech retained its place on \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/09\/georgia-tech-earns-top-c-suite-ranking-among-forbes-new-ivies\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EForbes\u2019 list of New Ivies\u003C\/a\u003E, receiving the highest C-suite rating of any university.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"For the value it offers students, the Institute earned a five-star rating from the publication. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFor the value it offers students, the Institute earned a five-star rating from the publication.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"For the value it offers students, the Institute earned a five-star rating from the publication. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-07-22 18:44:16","changed_gmt":"2026-07-23 13:17:31","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-22T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-22T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680651":{"id":"680651","type":"image","title":"Tech Tower Through the Trees","body":null,"created":"1784747669","gmt_created":"2026-07-22 19:14:29","changed":"1784747669","gmt_changed":"2026-07-22 19:14:29","alt":"Tech Tower Through the Trees","file":{"fid":"264941","name":"22C10400-P3-003.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/22\/22C10400-P3-003.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/22\/22C10400-P3-003.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5470957,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/22\/22C10400-P3-003.JPG?itok=v7OROc8S"}}},"media_ids":["680651"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/money.com\/best-colleges\/","title":"\u0027Money\u0027 Magazine\u0027s Best Colleges"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"132","name":"Institute Leadership"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"}],"keywords":[{"id":"4744","name":"money"},{"id":"2308","name":"Forbes"},{"id":"13983","name":"Return on investment"},{"id":"1644","name":"Best Values"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano \u003C\/a\u003E\u2013\u0026nbsp;Institute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691215":{"#nid":"691215","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech\u2019s Record Fundraising Year Propels Campaign Past $2 Billion","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech raised more than $415 million in fiscal year 2026, exceeding the previous annual record by more than $100 million and pushing\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/transformingtomorrow.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ETransforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E past the initial campaign target of $2 billion with 18 months remaining.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFueled by the generosity of thousands of alumni, donors, corporations, foundations, and friends, this defining moment builds on the strongest two-year fundraising performance in Georgia Tech\u2019s history and reflects extraordinary engagement across the Institute. Recent milestones underscore the breadth of support behind \u003Cem\u003ETransforming Tomorrow\u003C\/em\u003E, including the 79th Roll Call, which raised $8.8 million, and Georgia Tech Athletics\u2019 \u003Cem\u003EFull Steam Ahead\u003C\/em\u003E initiative, which led to\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramblinwreck.com\/georgia-tech-athletics-sets-revenue-record-in-2025-26\/\u0022\u003Emore than $100 million\u003C\/a\u003E in gifts and commitments.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe collective support of donors, including gifts from first-time donors, is already making a difference across campus \u2014 in the experiences of students, the work of faculty, and the spaces that shape learning and discovery.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETransforming Campus and Expanding Opportunity\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDonor support has fueled major projects such as the Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center, which\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramblinwreck.com\/sports\/genrel\/facilities\/thomas-a-fanning-student-athlete-performance-center\/\u0022\u003Eopened in May\u003C\/a\u003E, and\u0026nbsp;George Tower | Scheller Tower, which will open in September. Scheller Tower will house MBA and executive education programs for the Ernest Scheller Jr. College of Business, while George Tower will become the new home of the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering. These facilities are designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and student success.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis momentum continues as Georgia Tech advances new capital projects, including the Aerospace Engineering Building, Medical Innovation Building, Creative Quarter, and Alumni Welcome Center \u2014 each critical to the Institute\u2019s future growth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the same time, philanthropy is transforming access to education. Donors have contributed more than $513 million to expand scholarship and fellowship support, opening doors for talented students and ensuring that financial barriers do not limit opportunity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInvesting in Students, Faculty, and Research\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESupport for students extends from undergraduate access to graduate-level research and discovery. Graduate fellowships funded through the campaign are enabling students to pursue advanced study, contribute to research labs, and play a central role in Georgia Tech\u2019s academic mission.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the faculty level, donor investment continues to strengthen Georgia Tech\u2019s ability to attract and retain world-class educators and researchers. A landmark example is the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/development.gatech.edu\/impact\/john-w-durstines-quiet-philanthropy-fuels-transformative-impact\u0022\u003E$100 million bequest from the estate of alumnus John W. Durstine\u003C\/a\u003E, the largest gift in the Institute\u2019s history, supporting faculty excellence in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn health research, a significant commitment has established the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/16\/georgia-tech-receives-commitment-launch-new-ai-driven-health-innovation-center\u0022\u003EParker H. Petit Center for AI-Driven Health Innovation\u003C\/a\u003E, a new research hub focused on using artificial intelligence to model diseases, identify treatment paths, and move discoveries closer to patient care.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDriving Innovation Through Collaboration and Industry Engagement\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPhilanthropy is also fueling new interdisciplinary initiatives that reflect Georgia Tech\u2019s collaborative, forward-looking approach. The\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/02\/alumnus-commitment-establishes-tony-kepano-joint-center-real-estate\u0022\u003ETony Kepano Joint Center for Real Estate\u003C\/a\u003E brings together the Ernest Scheller Jr. College of Business and the College of Design to create a multidisciplinary platform for education, research, and industry engagement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECorporate and foundation partnerships are accelerating progress in key areas.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/02\/25\/delta-air-lines-foundation-makes-5m-commitment-new-aerospace-engineering-building\u0022\u003EThe Delta Air Lines Foundation\u2019s $5 million commitment\u003C\/a\u003E is helping fund the new Aerospace Engineering Building. This facility will elevate one of the nation\u2019s top-ranked aerospace programs, fuel the state\u2019s economy, and accelerate innovation across the aviation industry.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/29\/hyundai-motor-group-georgia-tech-sign-mou-hydrogen-mobility-development\u0022\u003Emultidecade partnership with Hyundai Motor Company\u003C\/a\u003E is advancing research and education in sustainable mobility, hydrogen technologies, and workforce development, while strengthening the Institute\u2019s role in driving innovation and economic growth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELooking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe campaign\u2019s success reflects the collective efforts of alumni, donors, volunteers, faculty, staff, students, and partners who have advanced Georgia Tech\u0027s mission and strengthened its impact. The momentum created through their generosity will help shape the Institute\u2019s future for years to come.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBehind every gift is someone who believes in Georgia Tech\u2019s mission and wants to help us amplify our impact,\u201d said Georgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera. \u201cTheir generous support has expanded access to education, strengthened research and innovation, and strengthened our Institute to make sure it keeps creating value for generations to come. I am profoundly grateful to each of our donors for investing in Georgia Tech.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI\u2019m equally grateful to our deans, faculty, Campaign Steering Committee volunteers, and every member of our Development team for opening doors, carrying our message everywhere, and persuading others to participate in this campaign. Congratulations to all of them on reaching the most ambitious philanthropic goals in Institute history.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EGeorgia Tech achieved a record-breaking fundraising year in fiscal year 2026, raising more than $415 million and pushing Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech beyond its $2 billion goal with 18 months remaining. Support from alumni, donors, corporations, foundations, and friends is funding scholarships, fellowships, faculty excellence, groundbreaking research, and transformative campus projects, including new facilities for business, engineering, and athletics. Campaign investments are expanding access to education, advancing artificial intelligence and health research, and strengthening industry partnerships with organizations such as Delta Air Lines and Hyundai Motor Company. The historic fundraising success reinforces Georgia Tech\u2019s position as a leading research university driving innovation, economic growth, and student opportunity.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A historic $415 million fundraising year fuels scholarships, academic excellence, and major capital projects across the Institute."}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2026-07-23 03:12:45","changed_gmt":"2026-07-23 03:18:44","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-23T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-23T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680653":{"id":"680653","type":"image","title":"Week of welcome","body":null,"created":"1784775578","gmt_created":"2026-07-23 02:59:38","changed":"1784775689","gmt_changed":"2026-07-23 03:01:29","alt":"students taking a photo selfie with mascot Buzz.","file":{"fid":"264944","name":"26-R10410-P8-013--1--2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/22\/26-R10410-P8-013--1--2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/22\/26-R10410-P8-013--1--2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2431596,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/22\/26-R10410-P8-013--1--2.jpg?itok=rzJsVTmk"}}},"media_ids":["680653"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/transformingtomorrow.gatech.edu\/","title":"Transforming Tomorrow"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/07\/29\/georgia-tech-has-historic-fundraising-year","title":"Georgia Tech Has Historic Fundraising Year"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"4790","name":"fundraising"},{"id":"351","name":"development"},{"id":"167285","name":"scholarship"},{"id":"195200","name":"record fundraising year"},{"id":"195201","name":"Georgia Tech donors"},{"id":"194752","name":"transforming tomorrow"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:anne.stanford@dev.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAnne Stanford\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Development Communications\u003Cbr\u003EDevelopment Communications\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:aisles3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Media Relations\u0026nbsp;Representative\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691193":{"#nid":"691193","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Hot Enough For Ya? Georgia Tech Has an App for That, and It\u2019s More Useful Than You Might Think","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThey say Atlanta is the city in a forest,\u201d Clayton Patterson, Georgia Tech\u2019s operations manager for horticulture, said, \u201cbut there\u2019s a lot of asphalt here, a lot of concrete, and it gets really hot around it. This place turns into an oven, real quick.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESchool of City and Regional Planning \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/planning.gatech.edu\/people\/rounaq-basu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAssistant Professor Rounaq Basu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E knows it, too. So he and his students (supported by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/resilience.research.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECenter for Urban Resilience and Analytics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E) created the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/geo.gatech.edu\/coolroutes\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECool Routes app\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to help people in Atlanta find the most shaded \u2014 and most importantly, the coolest \u2014 paths if they have to walk or bike outside.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDescribing Atlanta\u2019s latest heatwave, \u201cThis is great for research, but not so great for residents,\u201d Basu said. \u201cI like to walk and bike everywhere, and it\u2019s too hot. I need to know where the shaded paths are!\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Cool Routes app currently covers 10 cities in the U.S., including Atlanta. Users choose a city from a dropdown menu, provide a trip start and destination, tell the app whether they\u2019re walking or biking, and select route preferences. The app then generates up to three routes to the user\u2019s destination, allowing them to compare how much cooler one route is from another. Further refinement of routes is offered after that.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/planning.gatech.edu\/feature\/cool-routes-2026\u0022\u003ELearn more \u0026gt;\u0026gt;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ESchool of City and Regional Planning \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/planning.gatech.edu\/people\/rounaq-basu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAssistant Professor Rounaq Basu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E knows it, too. So he and his students (supported by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/resilience.research.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECenter for Urban Resilience and Analytics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E) created the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/geo.gatech.edu\/coolroutes\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECool Routes app\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"School of City and Regional Planning Assistant Professor Rounaq Basu knows it, too. So he and his students (supported by the Center for Urban Resilience and Analytics) created the Cool Routes app"}],"uid":"27513","created_gmt":"2026-07-21 15:40:21","changed_gmt":"2026-07-21 19:31:26","author":"Walter Rich","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680635":{"id":"680635","type":"image","title":"Cool Routes","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECool Routes App. Photo: Wes McRae\/College of Design\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1784648226","gmt_created":"2026-07-21 15:37:06","changed":"1784648288","gmt_changed":"2026-07-21 15:38:08","alt":"Cool Routes App","file":{"fid":"264924","name":"feature.CoolRoutes.AndrewDowdy-1209.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/21\/feature.CoolRoutes.AndrewDowdy-1209.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/21\/feature.CoolRoutes.AndrewDowdy-1209.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":627485,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/21\/feature.CoolRoutes.AndrewDowdy-1209.jpg?itok=EzCMhNWr"}}},"media_ids":["680635"],"groups":[{"id":"69599","name":"IPaT"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"188084","name":"go-ipat"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691203":{"#nid":"691203","#data":{"type":"news","title":"AI Is Rewriting Cybersecurity\u0027s Rules","body":[{"value":"\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETop 3 Takeaways\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli class=\u0022ck-list-marker-bold\u0022 data-list-item-id=\u0022eeb89add9349ec415091fe31ebaa1343a\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAI is accelerating cyberattacks.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli class=\u0022ck-list-marker-bold\u0022 data-list-item-id=\u0022edd916d25ee1c6dac5bbbe6ebba43c535\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe same technology can strengthen defenses.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli class=\u0022ck-list-marker-bold\u0022 data-list-item-id=\u0022ec76b0f5b2756d385f2e78000e51dc367\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe biggest risk is falling behind.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArtificial intelligence is changing cybersecurity on both sides of the battlefield. The technology helping organizations improve efficiency also enables cybercriminals to identify vulnerabilities, develop exploits, and launch attacks at unprecedented speed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers in the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy (SCP) say the greatest concern is not that AI is creating entirely new forms of cyberattacks. Instead, it is accelerating activities that attackers already perform, making existing threats quicker, cheaper, and harder to stop.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022AI is dramatically speeding up cyberattacks,\u0022 said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/saltaformaggio.ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EBrendan Saltaformaggio\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor in the SCP and the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). \u0022AI can identify vulnerabilities far faster than humans and often in places humans wouldn\u0027t think to look.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHackers Are Moving Faster\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost cyberattacks include several stages: finding vulnerabilities, developing ways to exploit them, gaining access to systems, and pursuing a goal such as stealing information or disrupting operations. According to\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/people\/frank-li\u0022\u003EFrank Li\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor in the SCP and ECE, AI is having its biggest impact on the early phases of that process.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022AI can help attackers explore potential decisions and implement attacks faster than in the past, whether it\u0027s identifying software bugs or constructing social engineering hooks,\u0022 Li said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe pace of attacks has already changed dramatically.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/directory\/faculty\/swire\/index.html\u0022\u003EPeter Swire\u003C\/a\u003E, J.Z. Liang Chair in the SCP and professor of law and ethics in the Scheller College of Business, says attackers are moving from vulnerability discovery to exploitation much faster than in the past.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022The average time until an exploit is detected even a couple of years ago was measured in months,\u0022 Swire said. \u0022Now it is measured in hours.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat compressed timeline is forcing organizations to rethink how quickly they identify, prioritize, and patch vulnerabilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Risk Reaches Everyone\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHealthcare systems, critical infrastructure providers, government agencies, and small businesses remain attractive targets because they often manage sensitive information or essential services while relying on legacy technology. But experts emphasize that no organization is immune.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Unfortunately, everyone is at risk,\u0022 Saltaformaggio said. \u0022AI is not creating new victims; AI is making attackers faster and more effective at targeting the same organizations they have always pursued.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrganizations with outdated systems or limited cybersecurity resources face particular challenges because AI allows attackers to identify weaknesses in less time and at lower cost than ever before.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFighting AI With AI\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECybersecurity defenders also have access to the same technology.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EExperts say AI can strengthen defenses before, during, and after a cyberattack. Defenders can use AI to identify and patch vulnerabilities more quickly, reducing opportunities for attackers to gain access. AI can also detect subtle signs of intrusion by correlating activity across networks and recognizing patterns that would be difficult for humans to spot in real time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnce an attack occurs, AI can support rapid investigation and response by analyzing how the compromise happened, identifying root causes, and helping deploy targeted protections.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022AI can help defenders in every step of stopping a cyberattack,\u0022 Saltaformaggio said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at Georgia Tech are already demonstrating AI\u0027s defensive potential. Saltaformaggio pointed to Georgia Tech\u0027s recent success in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency\u2019s (DARPA)\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/08\/11\/georgia-tech-makes-history-wins-darpa-challenge\u0022\u003EArtificial Intelligence Cyber Challenge\u003C\/a\u003E, which highlighted how AI systems can autonomously discover and reason about software vulnerabilities at large scale. Swire also noted that a Georgia Tech team led by Professor Taesoo Kim won a $4 million DARPA prize for developing advanced AI-based cybersecurity defenses.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESpeed Is the New Defense\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite the promise of AI-powered security, significant challenges remain. Security teams need AI tools they can trust, ones that explain how they reached conclusions and provide evidence that analysts can verify. Attackers may also attempt to manipulate AI systems, creating new risks for organizations that rely heavily on automated tools.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELi says organizations cannot rely on traditional, human-paced security processes to keep up.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022AI\u0027s primary impact on cyberattacks is enhancing speed and scale,\u0022 Li said. \u0022Organizations need to adapt to more agile defenses and processes that account for this, in many cases relying on AI as well to help speed up defensive actions.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrganizations also need to rethink how they respond to vulnerabilities. Swire argues that traditional patch management is no longer fast enough in a world where exploits can emerge within hours.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022The entire process for patching systems will have to be re-engineered,\u0022 he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe cybersecurity landscape has always been an arms race between attackers and defenders. AI hasn\u0027t changed that reality. It has simply accelerated it. The organizations that will be best positioned are those that adopt AI as quickly as the adversaries they are trying to stop.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArtificial intelligence is reshaping cybersecurity by accelerating how quickly cybercriminals can identify vulnerabilities, develop exploits, and launch attacks. Georgia Tech cybersecurity experts warn that AI is not creating entirely new threats but making existing cyberattacks faster, cheaper, and more difficult to stop. At the same time, AI-powered cybersecurity tools can help organizations detect vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses, and respond to incidents in real time. As AI-driven cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations that adopt AI-based security strategies will be better positioned to protect critical systems, data, and infrastructure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"AI is giving cybercriminals new speed and scale, but researchers say the technology could also become one of cybersecurity\u2019s strongest defenses."}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2026-07-21 18:44:13","changed_gmt":"2026-07-21 19:04:11","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-21T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-21T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680638":{"id":"680638","type":"image","title":"Cybersecurity and AI","body":null,"created":"1784659059","gmt_created":"2026-07-21 18:37:39","changed":"1784659173","gmt_changed":"2026-07-21 18:39:33","alt":"man sitting at computer doing programming. ","file":{"fid":"264927","name":"AdobeStock_480884598.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/21\/AdobeStock_480884598.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/21\/AdobeStock_480884598.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":925220,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/21\/AdobeStock_480884598.jpeg?itok=U06hGV0R"}}},"media_ids":["680638"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2835","name":"ai"},{"id":"9641","name":"Cyber Threats"},{"id":"194393","name":"AI and Cybersecurity"},{"id":"1404","name":"Cybersecurity"},{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:aisles3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Media Relations Representative\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690901":{"#nid":"690901","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Turning Pulp Mills Into Next-Generation Biorefineries ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia\u2019s $41 billion forest products industry needs a transformation, and a Georgia Tech research team is reimagining how pulp mills use energy and what they can make from their byproduct streams.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor nearly a decade, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/sankar-nair\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESankar Nair\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and a longtime researcher with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/renewablebioproducts.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ERenewable Bioproducts Institute\u003C\/a\u003E (RBI), has led a collaborative effort to develop technologies that can radically improve the efficiency and profitability of kraft pulp mills.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhat began as a project to save energy in pulp production has grown into a much broader vision,\u201d Nair explains. \u201cWe\u2019re not just trying to make mills more efficient. We\u2019re working to turn the kraft pulp mill into a kraft-based biorefinery that produces multiple higher-value products.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Energy Savings to High-Value Products\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENair explains that traditional kraft mills use a highly energy-intensive \u201cchemical recovery loop\u201d to handle black liquor \u2014 the dark, viscous byproduct left after pulp is separated from wood chips. That loop relies on multistage evaporators and massive recovery boilers to remove water, burn the remaining organics for steam and electricity, and recycle inorganic chemicals back into the process.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe original desire from our industry partners was to save energy,\u201d Nair says. \u201cInstead of evaporating the water in black liquor, we asked whether membranes could take on most of the dewatering and potentially cut that energy use in half.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver time, the team realized the opportunity went well beyond efficiency. \u201cWe use these membranes in such a way that they actually fractionate the black liquor, not just dewater it,\u201d Nair says. \u201cOne stream is rich in lignin; another is rich in organic acids. From those, we can recover and purify components and turn them into entirely new products.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELignin is a complex organic polymer and one of the most abundant biological materials on Earth. It acts as nature\u2019s \u201cglue,\u201d providing plants with structural rigidity and resistance to decay.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom lignin-rich fractions, the team has already demonstrated carbon materials that can be tailored for battery anodes and porous adsorbents used in environmental remediation and separations \u2014 today mostly made from fossil-based carbons. These lignin-derived carbons are of particular interest as a domestic alternative to graphite, a critical battery material that is currently dominated by overseas production.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn the organic acid side, Nair and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/christopher-jones\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristopher Jones\u003C\/a\u003E, a Georgia Tech\u202fcatalysis and reaction engineering expert, have gone a step further, converting those acids into mixtures of much heavier molecules that could become high-performance industrial lubricants and additives.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s exciting to do a new cascade of reactions to make products that we haven\u2019t really made before,\u201d says Jones, the John F. Brock III School Chair and professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJones explains that green lubricants derived from non-fossil sources have \u201cboth high demand and high value.\u201d Georgia Tech has not yet compared the performance of these products to conventional lubricants, but the platform is in place to do so in the future.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe products we are pursuing from lignin and organic acids have bulk demand and also can command significantly higher prices than traditional pulp-based outputs,\u201d Nair notes. \u201cThat\u2019s essential if the forest products industry is going to be profitable and competitive over the long term.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe two researchers have collaborated on three papers, with two already published in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/full\/10.1021\/acssuschemeng.4c00212\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EACS Sustainable Chemistry \u0026amp; Engineering\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (June 2024) and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/10.1021\/acscatal.5c04841\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EACS Catalysis\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (February 2026).\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScaling Up: Continuous Manufacturing and Field Trials\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA key hurdle in moving from lab concept to mill reality is scalable manufacturing of the membranes themselves. That\u2019s where collaboration with Georgia Tech\u2019s advanced manufacturing community comes in.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn recent years, we\u2019ve really focused on how we can manufacture these membranes at low cost and in a continuous, scalable way,\u201d Nair says. \u201cThat\u2019s involved close collaboration with colleagues in materials science, mechanical engineering, and Georgia Tech\u2019s manufacturing institutes.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnother Georgia Tech collaborator, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/harris\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ETequila Harris\u003C\/a\u003E, a professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, is leading the effort to move the current small-scale batch process into a continuous, industry-ready, roll-to-roll system that can produce long sheets of reduced graphene oxide membranes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA key enabling step to shift from batch-mode production, says Harris, was integrating vacuum pressure into the manufacturing system to support high-throughput continuous production without the use of any volatile organic solvents that are commonly used in membrane production. Harris envisions \u201chigh-quality output at production speeds above 60 meters per minute,\u201d which will \u201cdramatically increase production volume while reducing solvent usage and waste, such as water,\u201d says Harris.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe technology is now mature enough for field testing. The team is preparing to deploy membrane modules at a major pulp and paper mill near Savannah operated by Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re assembling full membrane modules and installing them in a test skid that will run on real kraft black liquor from the mill,\u201d Nair says. \u201cWe\u2019ll collect long-term performance and reliability data that feeds into detailed models of how best to deploy these membranes in a working kraft mill.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERYAM leaders, including \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/larissafenn\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ELarissa Fenn\u003C\/a\u003E, Director of New Products and Chair of the External Advisory Board for Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/renewablebioproducts.gatech.edu\/research\/center-for-renewables-based-economy-from-wood\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECenter for a Renewables-Based Economy From Wood\u003C\/a\u003E (ReWOOD), help ensure that cutting-edge research remains connected to real-world industry challenges and opportunities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMuch of our internal research is focused on supporting current operations, customers, and product lines,\u201d Fenn says. \u201cPartnerships with universities allow us to look five to ten years ahead and engage in transformational research that can create entirely new opportunities for our business and the broader forest products industry.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe transition to more sustainable materials, chemicals, and fuels represents one of the greatest opportunities our industry has seen in decades,\u201d she adds. \u201cContinued innovation is essential not only for maintaining competitiveness, but also for creating new markets for renewable, wood-based resources and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the forestry sector.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFenn emphasized that the impact extends well beyond individual companies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe forestry economy is the backbone of many rural communities across Georgia and throughout the Southeast,\u201d she says. \u201cAdvancing technologies that create new value from renewable resources helps support landowners, manufacturers, and the communities that depend on this industry.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFenn works at RYAM\u2019s Jesup, Georgia facility, which employs more than 800 people and is the largest employer in the local community.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFacilities like ours are deeply connected to the communities we serve,\u201d Fenn says. \u201cWhen we invest in innovation, we are investing in the future of manufacturing, forestry, and economic opportunity in rural America.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EModular Pathways to a Bio-Based Future\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETransforming an operating mill into a full biorefinery isn\u2019t something that happens overnight, and Nair\u2019s group is designing with that reality in mind.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAll of these technologies are modular and designed to be fully integrated with the kraft process,\u201d he says. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to spend billions of dollars up front to build an entirely new plant. You can gradually integrate membrane-based fractionation and stream upgrading technologies for new product streams into the existing kraft process, and each mill can follow its own transition path.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat modular design also provides flexibility in how mills manage energy. Diverting black liquor into higher-value products means less organic material available as fuel for the recovery boiler. Still, the energy-efficiency gains from membrane dewatering reduce overall consumption, and mills can draw on grid electricity to make up the difference.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe goal is not to save energy for its own sake,\u201d Nair emphasizes. \u201cIt\u2019s to use that energy more productively to create value-added outputs that support jobs, rural communities, and a more innovative and resilient bio-based economy in Georgia.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe urgency of this work is underscored by the pressures facing the industry: Georgia\u2019s forestry sector has seen paper mill closures since the 1990s, due to digitization and shifts in demand, with three major mill closures in 2025. The Georgia Forestry Commission estimates that mill closures erased the market for 8.3 million tons of timber, and reduced lumber usage, import tariffs, and labor shortages compounded the crisis, according to the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/fieldreport.caes.uga.edu\/publications\/AP130-4-13\/2026-timber-forecast\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E2026 Georgia AG Forecast\u003C\/a\u003E. New revenue streams and efficiency gains may be essential for mills\u2019 survival.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeyond kraft mills, Georgia Tech researchers are already extending the membrane platform to agricultural biomass and municipal waste streams in collaboration with partners like the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Texas Tech University. They are also tapping into national initiatives, including the NSF \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.casfer.us\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECenter for Advancing Sustainable and Distributed Fertilizer Production (CASFER)\u003C\/a\u003Eand the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.bridgesengine.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EBiobased Rural Innovation for Domestic Growth and Economic Security (BRIDGES)\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELignin-Derived Materials for the Battery Supply Chain\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mse.gatech.edu\/people\/matthew-mcdowell\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMatthew McDowell\u003C\/a\u003E, co-director of the Georgia Tech Advanced Battery Center, sees many cross-sector applications for lignin-derived carbon materials, including batteries, which are increasingly foundational to strategic sectors such as mobility, the power grid, and defense.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELignin-derived carbons can serve as a domestic replacement for graphite in lithium-ion batteries \u2014 a critical material not widely produced in the U.S.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cConventional synthetic graphite is derived from crude oil and requires very high temperatures, making it energy-intensive and polluting,\u201d McDowell said, noting that their goal is to convert lignin and cellulose \u201cto high-value battery materials that could enable the growth of a new battery supply chain here in the United States.\u201d He envisions the work one day transitioning to the Advanced Battery Center, which is planning a new facility scheduled to open at the end of 2027 that will enable companies and academic researchers to \u201cbuild and test full-scale battery cells for translational R\u0026amp;D.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELife-cycle analysis carried out by the team has shown benefits in both lower costs and more efficient energy use when making these carbons from biomass sources.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToday,\u202fChina leads the world in battery production, with\u202fKorea and Japan\u202falso long-established leaders. The U.S. is building more domestic capability for national security and economic reasons.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at Georgia Tech on the front lines of this work also include Jones, who also collaborated on the lubricants research; \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/valerie-thomas\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EValerie Thomas\u003C\/a\u003E, Anderson Interface Chair of Natural Systems and professor in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy; and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mse.gatech.edu\/people\/meisha-shofner\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMeisha Shofner\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThomas is leading research on life-cycle and economic analyses of converting lignin to produce \u201ccarbonized lignin\u201d anodes that can replace petroleum\u2011based synthetic graphite in batteries. She says that lignin\u2011based graphite can displace petroleum\u2011derived synthetic graphite, delivering 84% lower energy use, 92% lower greenhouse gas emissions, and lower emissions of other pollutants.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis work establishes a supply chain for making batteries, which has really broader impacts throughout Georgia,\u201d says Thomas, who believes lignin-based battery materials will lead to a stronger forest products economy and a more resilient battery supply chain in Georgia.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMcDowell agrees. \u201cMarrying the forest products industry and the battery industry makes a lot of sense for Georgia, because both of those industries are really big,\u201d he says, and both are \u201ckey employers in the state.\u201d In his view, innovations could benefit both simultaneously.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/scott-sinquefield\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EScott Sinquefield\u003C\/a\u003E, senior research engineer in RBI, sees the graphene-oxide membrane work as squarely within its charge to modernize the forest products sector that anchors Georgia\u2019s rural economy.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cPart of our mission is to support this industry and advance it. This falls right under our umbrella,\u201d he said, noting that RBI has been providing scientific support to mills for nearly a century, dating back to its origins as the Institute of Paper Chemistry in 1929.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Tech team\u2019s vision is clear, as Nair explains: \u201cIf we can do this right, kraft mills don\u2019t just survive. They become hubs of advanced biomanufacturing that anchor a more resilient and sustainable forest-based economy for the state.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech infuses innovation into the forest products industry, converting waste streams into high-value products, from high-performance automotive lubricants to batteries.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech infuses innovation into the forest products industry, converting waste streams into high-value products, from high-performance automotive lubricants to batteries. "}],"uid":"36757","created_gmt":"2026-06-24 17:10:56","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 18:36:13","author":"ychernet3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-24T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-24T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680506":{"id":"680506","type":"image","title":"sankar--1-.JPG","body":null,"created":"1782321076","gmt_created":"2026-06-24 17:11:16","changed":"1782321076","gmt_changed":"2026-06-24 17:11:16","alt":"Headshot of Sankar Nair ","file":{"fid":"264779","name":"sankar--1-.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/sankar--1-.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/sankar--1-.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":20230,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/24\/sankar--1-.JPG?itok=8DC9uqPB"}}},"media_ids":["680506"],"groups":[{"id":"372221","name":"Renewable Bioproducts Institute (RBI)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"39491","name":"Renewable Bioproducts"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003ENews Contact\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWriter:\u003C\/strong\u003E Anne Wainscott-Sargent\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/strong\u003E Jennifer Martin | \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jennifer.martin@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ejennifer.martin@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690541":{"#nid":"690541","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Student Entrepreneurs Win Big in Klaus Startup Challenge Finale","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWith more than half a million dollars at stake, it\u2019s no surprise that nearly 160 student teams entered the College of Computing\u2019s sixth annual Klaus Startup Challenge.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe competition to win one of four $150,000 startup investments began in February and ended in April when 17 teams pitched their startup concepts to judges at a live Demo Day event held on April 22.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe Klaus Startup Challenge was a huge success, and we were thrilled with the level of participation and energy in the room,\u201d said \u003Cstrong\u003ETamar\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003EWilkins\u003C\/strong\u003E, event organizer and GT Computing academic program manager.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe added that the event showcases the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within the College of Computing community, and provides students with access to workshops, mentors, and networking opportunities with alumni, founders, and industry leaders.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe startup challenge is designed to help students move beyond the classroom to begin building real-world solutions through customer discovery, mentorship, pitch development, and startup storytelling.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom the arts to healthcare, this year\u2019s startup challenge highlighted a range of innovative ideas and technologies from student founders. The winning teams were:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e1b72b5bc2ca167b0b16a4013811c1127\u0022\u003EEnsemble \u2013 Co-founders \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jahnavi-bhansali\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJahnavi\u0026nbsp;Bhansali\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Cstrong\u003EJuhi\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003EBhatia\u003C\/strong\u003E created Ensemble to provide organizations with awareness of potential outcomes before decisions are made.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ec6f476f0332d1ab79d902d20150dc1aa\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/myobra.io\/\u0022\u003EMyObra\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 Developed by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/fernrey\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFernando\u0026nbsp;Reyes\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, MyObra is home-service management software that combines job scheduling, invoicing, estimates, digital signatures, and customer management into a single platform for contractors.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e050aafd7edd90d3b975088bd94e622fd\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/kairoshealth\/\u0022\u003EKairos Health\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 Co-founders \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/tanush-chintala.github.io\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETanushChintala\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/sanjana-kavula-710384236\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESanjana\u0026nbsp;Kavula\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/adhira-tippur\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdhira\u0026nbsp;Tippur\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E developed Kairos Health as an AI-powered patient intake and front-desk automation platform built for dental offices and clinics.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e8d2e82c0ffc88643faa8c8b6b775419d\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/sway-formations\/\u0022\u003ESway Formations\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013\u0026nbsp;Created by founder \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/arnav-chokshi\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EArnav\u0026nbsp;Chokshi\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and teammates \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/yash-shelar\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYash\u0026nbsp;Shelar\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/heettshahh\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeet\u0026nbsp;Shah\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Sway Formations is an AI-powered formation builder that enables dance teams, choreographers, production managers, and others to create, share, and teach complex group formations and movements.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEach winning team received $150,000 in funding support from Fusen World, a platform founded in 2022 by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/chklaus\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChristopher Klaus\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Fusen World CEO, GT alumnus, technology entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Fusen was launched to empower student founders worldwide to successfully launch and grow their startups.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlong with Klaus, the judges for this year\u2019s startup challenge were:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e01bdd85729deb073631fa1b110677626\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/joeuhl\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJoe Uhl\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 partner at Dogwood Ventures, GT Computing advisory board member\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ec23d13475d193f4bcabf764900bc54f7\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/margaretweniger\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMargaret Weniger\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 CREATE-X director of entrepreneurial programs\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e88766eff7727325ee0a47137c656291b\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/katrina-montinola\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKatrina Montinola\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013\u0026nbsp;fractional and interim CTO, CAIO with True Sage LLC and EV2X.AI, GT alumna (ICS 1988), GT Computing advisory board member\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo be eligible for the Klaus Startup Challenge, at least one co-founder for each team must be a current GT Computing student.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFrom the arts to healthcare, the 6th annual College of Computing Klaus Startup Challenge highlighted a range of innovative ideas and technologies from student startup founders. More than 160 student teams participated in the challenge, each vying for its share of more than half a million dollars in startup funding.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"From the arts to healthcare, this year\u2019s startup challenge highlighted a range of innovative ideas and technologies from student founders. "}],"uid":"32045","created_gmt":"2026-05-28 20:01:19","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 18:35:54","author":"Ben Snedeker","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-29T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-29T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680366":{"id":"680366","type":"image","title":"2026-Klaus-Startup-Challenge-Winners.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA group photo of the judges and winners from the 6th annual Klaus Startup Challenge at Georgia Tech\u0027s College of Computing.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1779998556","gmt_created":"2026-05-28 20:02:36","changed":"1779998556","gmt_changed":"2026-05-28 20:02:36","alt":"A group photo of the judges and winning teams from the 6th annual Klaus Startup Challenge at the College of Computing  ","file":{"fid":"264622","name":"2026-Klaus-Startup-Challenge-Winners.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/28\/2026-Klaus-Startup-Challenge-Winners.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/28\/2026-Klaus-Startup-Challenge-Winners.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":173208,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/28\/2026-Klaus-Startup-Challenge-Winners.jpg?itok=xOewhLum"}}},"media_ids":["680366"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"660374","name":"School of Computing Instruction"}],"categories":[{"id":"193158","name":"Student Competition Winners (academic, innovation, and research)"}],"keywords":[{"id":"3472","name":"entrepreneurship"},{"id":"194494","name":"Christopher W. Klaus"},{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBen Snedeker, Sr. Comms. Mgr.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech College of Computing\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003Ealbert.snedeker@cc.gatech.edu\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690376":{"#nid":"690376","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Online Age Checks Create a Pointless Privacy Risk","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen a bartender checks an ID, they quickly verify a customer\u2019s date of birth and identity before serving them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECompanies that employ online age verification claim their products function the same way on the web. That bartender analogy has, in part, justified laws passed in twenty-five US states \u2014 comprising more than 40% of Americans \u2014 mandating the use of digital age verification to gate access across social media and adult content online. Further regulation, targeting social media sites, is currently in process in a number of states.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mikespecter.com\/assets\/pdf\/AgeVerification.pdf\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Enew research\u003C\/a\u003E from Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) reveals that the reality of online age verification is far from ideal.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe study found that the vast majority of sites covered by these laws do not appear to enforce age verification at all. When sites \u003Cem\u003Edo \u003C\/em\u003Ecomply, they often route users through third party age verification services.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers found that one such third party, Yoti, a London-based company used by Meta, OnlyFans, Sony PlayStation, and TikTok, provides services for an estimated 60% of websites deploying age verification services.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDepending on the verification method, a verification attempt via Yoti may transmit a user\u2019s IP address and\/or OS and browser metadata sufficient to uniquely identify and track devices. Some of the IP, OS, and browser metadata may be sent to credit card companies and IP geolocation services, while ID information may be sent to a known \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/oag.ca.gov\/data-broker\/registration\/186885\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Edata broker\u003C\/a\u003E, or another verification service.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere have been laws passed and court cases settled on the promise that these companies are incentivized to keep users\u2019 data private,\u201d said Assistant Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mikespecter.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMichael A. Specter\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Cybersecurity and Privacy. \u201cWe found that reality is starkly different.\u201d\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAside from privacy concerns, researchers note that differing state policies could lead to what they call the \u201cBalkanization of the U.S. web.\u201d In other words, users may have access to different parts of the internet depending on the state they are in\u2014potentially limiting the free exchange of ideas and information.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to Assistant Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/hoppenheimer\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHarry Oppenheimer\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EJimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy\u003C\/a\u003E, users are already accustomed to experiencing the internet differently across countries. However, this may signal the beginning of similar fragmentation within the United States.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are going to start seeing comparable differences between U.S. states,\u201d said Oppenheimer. \u201cUsers in some states will now have to go through additional steps to access information. Close your laptop in New York before a flight to Dallas and try to load the same web page\u2014now you see two different results.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe also observed age verification deployed on websites accessed from New York, which has no law requiring verification,\u201d said Associate Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pearce.prof\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPaul Pearce\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003Eof UC Irvine\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cs.ics.uci.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDepartment of Computer Science\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cWe don\u2019t know why these sites are deploying such verification\u2014it could be a move to limit liability or simplify operations. Regardless, it points to an emerging threat for the open Internet where restrictive laws from some states could impact the entire country and beyond.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe study, \u003Cem\u003EPapers Please: A First Look at Age Verification on the Web,\u003C\/em\u003E was led by Georgia Tech Ph.D. student Shreyas Minocha, undergraduate Isaac Sheridan, and professors Oppenheimer, Pearce, and Specter. It is part of the proceedings of the 47th \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sp2026.ieee-security.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EIEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy\u003C\/a\u003E and was presented in San Francisco on May 20th, and featured in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Farstechnica.com%2Ftech-policy%2F2026%2F03%2Fafter-discord-fiasco-age-check-tech-promises-privacy-by-running-locally-does-it-work%2F\u0026amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjohn.popham%40cc.gatech.edu%7C9618dbf4c61140338f5508deb7673edd%7C482198bbae7b4b258b7a6d7f32faa083%7C1%7C0%7C639149851249813372%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C\u0026amp;sdata=WDS9aMmP8UCwjQdFIuZh73PMNG%2Be4Ks949IjaeUZv%2FI%3D\u0026amp;reserved=0\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EArs Technica\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECORRECTION: A previous version of this article, posted in error, included statements that were not part of the researchers\u2019 findings or intent. This version has been updated for clarity, and to reflect the research as published in IEEE S\u0026amp;P.\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENew cybersecurity research indicates that one of the world\u2019s leading age verification providers collects and shares highly sensitive personal data with third parties.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe research also reveals that most websites that require age verification don\u2019t enforce the policy.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"New cybersecurity research indicates that one of the world\u2019s leading age verification providers collects and shares highly sensitive personal data with third parties and in some cases don\u0027t even enforce the policy.."}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2026-05-19 15:01:23","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 18:35:39","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-19T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-19T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680309":{"id":"680309","type":"image","title":"Digital-ID.jpg","body":null,"created":"1779203176","gmt_created":"2026-05-19 15:06:16","changed":"1779203176","gmt_changed":"2026-05-19 15:06:16","alt":"A hand holds up a digital identification card. The card has the silhouette of a man wearing a suit and tie. ","file":{"fid":"264556","name":"Digital-ID.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/19\/Digital-ID.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/19\/Digital-ID.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1508599,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/19\/Digital-ID.jpg?itok=M-WXTSUO"}}},"media_ids":["680309"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"365","name":"Research"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"182941","name":"cc-research; ic-cybersecurity; ic-hcc"},{"id":"1404","name":"Cybersecurity"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jpopham3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJohn Popham\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECommunications Officer\u003Cbr\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690809":{"#nid":"690809","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Research Gets to the Core of AI Drone Crashes","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA drone powered by artificial intelligence crashes in a remote field, destroying its onboard computer and leaving investigators without the data needed to determine whether a cyberattack caused the failure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at Georgia Tech say they have developed a system to help answer that question.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKnown as FIRA, the tool analyzes drone crashes to determine whether they were caused by tampered machine-learning (ML) models. The team will present its findings at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usenix.org\/conference\/usenixsecurity26\u0022\u003E35th USENIX Security Symposium\u003C\/a\u003E in August.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe research addresses a growing safety challenge as drones are increasingly used for deliveries, infrastructure inspections, and agriculture.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs drones rely more on machine learning to navigate and make decisions, they also become vulnerable to model poisoning attacks. In these attacks, adversaries manipulate an AI system during its learning phase, embedding hidden triggers that can cause failures under specific conditions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMachine learning drones are making more decisions in flight, which makes ML a safety-critical component of these systems,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EYizhi Huang\u003C\/strong\u003E, Ph.D. student and lead researcher on the project.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen something goes wrong, investigators need a way to ask whether the model was responsible, but the model is the part of the system that no one can examine after a crash.\u0026nbsp;FIRA\u0026nbsp;gives investigators a way to investigate these cases by reconstructing what the model was doing during the crash. As more drones run with ML, this kind of forensic capability can help drones be used more effectively and safely.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen a drone crashes, investigators must determine whether the cause was malicious interference, weather, or mechanical failure. Without reliable forensic tools, accountability is difficult to establish, and safety standards are harder to enforce.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFIRA identifies how drone components interact with machine learning models and monitors those interactions in real time, even with limited bandwidth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe system functions like a flight recorder, capturing key system activity and reconstructing a timeline after a crash. It then analyzes the model\u2019s behavior to determine whether a malicious trigger was introduced via poisoned ML training data.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn tests across multiple drone platforms and crash scenarios, FIRA identified failure causes and distinguished cyberattacks from environmental or mechanical issues.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe system does not require access to a drone\u2019s source code, making it practical for real-world investigations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAs commercial drone use expands, tools like FIRA could help improve accountability and trust in AI-powered systems operating in public airspace,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;Huang.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usenix.org\/system\/files\/conference\/usenixsecurity26\/sec26_prepub_huang-yizhi.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EFIRA: Enabling Automatic Forensic Investigation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E was led by Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cyfi.ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECyber Forensics Innovation Lab\u003C\/a\u003E in cooperation with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/capcpsec\/\u0022\u003ECyber-Physical Security Lab\u003C\/a\u003E. These labs reside in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scp.cc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003C\/a\u003E and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computing Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA drone powered by artificial intelligence crashes in a remote field, destroying its onboard computer and leaving investigators without the data needed to determine whether a cyberattack caused the failure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at Georgia Tech say they have developed a system to help answer that question.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers at Georgia Tech say they have developed a system to determine whether a cyberattack caused drone crashes."}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2026-06-18 17:56:23","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 18:35:19","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"660599":{"id":"660599","type":"image","title":"CyFI Lab Sign","body":null,"created":"1661532564","gmt_created":"2022-08-26 16:49:24","changed":"1661532564","gmt_changed":"2022-08-26 16:49:24","alt":"Sign reading Cyber Forensics Innovation Laboratory The CyFI Lab","file":{"fid":"250302","name":"SCP August 2022-66.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/SCP%20August%202022-66.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/SCP%20August%202022-66.png","mime":"image\/png","size":9087261,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/images\/SCP%20August%202022-66.png?itok=7KS9Gbz_"}}},"media_ids":["660599"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660406","name":"School of Cybersecurity \u0026 Privacy"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jpopham3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJohn Popham\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECommunications Officer\u003Cbr\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690918":{"#nid":"690918","#data":{"type":"news","title":"World Cup Demand Highlights Georgia Tech Startup\u2019s Ticketing Solution ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs fans around the world search for tickets to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, a team of Georgia Tech students is working to make buying tickets to major events less stressful and more transparent.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDoorTix, a startup ticket-buying concierge founded by computer science major \u003Cstrong\u003EArayna Saxena\u003C\/strong\u003E, industrial engineering major \u003Cstrong\u003EShinhai Chen\u003C\/strong\u003E, and mechanical engineering major \u003Cstrong\u003EDhruv Narang\u003C\/strong\u003E, helps users navigate the increasingly complex world of event ticketing. Earlier this year, the startup earned \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/teams-cs-students-capture-2026-georgia-tech-inventure-prize-win-laurels-peoples-choice-award\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ethe People\u2019s Choice Award at Georgia Tech\u2019s InVenture Prize competition\u003C\/a\u003E for its approach to combating dynamic pricing and improving access to live events.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Problem\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether fans are trying to attend a sporting event or a concert, the team says that securing tickets often means navigating fluctuating prices, limited inventory, hidden fees, and the risk of scams.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBuying tickets today can feel like entering a maze with a timer running,\u201d Saxena said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cPrices change, listings disappear, fees show up late, and fans often feel like they need to be experts just to get into the event they care about.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow DoorTix Works\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDoorTix was built from that frustration. Instead of requiring users to constantly monitor multiple ticket marketplaces, the platform tracks listings across sites and automatically purchases tickets when they meet a user\u2019s target price.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe system is designed to respond to dynamic pricing and automated purchasing bots that can cause ticket costs to shift rapidly across platforms.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat gives fans fair and predictable access without the guesswork,\u201d Saxena said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe wanted to build something that brings the human side back into ticketing, something that feels less like fighting an algorithm and more like having someone in your corner.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe World Cup: A Global Test Case\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe World Cup tournament is a high-profile example of the problem DoorTix is designed to solve. With global demand and limited availability, the tournament reflects the same challenges seen across major live events.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen fans are trying to attend something as massive as the World Cup, the stakes are higher. The excitement is higher. The confusion is also higher,\u201d Saxena said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat is exactly where DoorTix can be useful. The World Cup gives us a real, high-pressure use case for what we are building.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Idea to Startup\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe idea for DoorTix began with a simple observation: buying tickets often creates more stress than excitement.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a computer science student, Saxena has helped translate that idea into a working product, balancing technical development with user experience design.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u201cA lot of the work is not just \u2018write code and ship it.\u2019 It\u2019s asking what the user needs, where they\u2019re confused, and how we can make a complex process feel simple.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s CREATE-X Startup Launch program\u003C\/a\u003E, the team has tested assumptions, gathered customer feedback, and refined its business model as it develops the product.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey\u2019ve already seen real customer demand, and now the focus is on improving the experience and making it more scalable. Long-term, the founders envision DoorTix continuing to be a trusted ticket-buying concierge for high-demand events.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re not just helping someone buy a seat. We\u2019re helping them get to a once-in-a-lifetime memory.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs fans around the world search for tickets to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, a team of Georgia Tech students is working to make buying tickets to major events less stressful and more transparent.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"As fans around the world search for tickets to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, a team of Georgia Tech students is working to make buying tickets to major events less stressful and more transparent. "}],"uid":"36613","created_gmt":"2026-06-25 18:20:42","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 18:34:53","author":"Emily Smith","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-25T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-25T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680519":{"id":"680519","type":"image","title":"doortix2.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1782487995","gmt_created":"2026-06-26 15:33:15","changed":"1782488019","gmt_changed":"2026-06-26 15:33:39","alt":"DoorTix","file":{"fid":"264792","name":"doortix2.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/26\/doortix2.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/26\/doortix2.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":373967,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/26\/doortix2.jpeg?itok=nrgX04gV"}},"680514":{"id":"680514","type":"image","title":"DoorTix-2026-InVenture-Prize-People-s-Choice.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe founders of DoorTix won the People\u0027s Choice Award at the Inventure Prize Competition for their approach to combating dynamic pricing and improving access to live events.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1782411656","gmt_created":"2026-06-25 18:20:56","changed":"1782411656","gmt_changed":"2026-06-25 18:20:56","alt":"DoorTix","file":{"fid":"264787","name":"DoorTix-2026-InVenture-Prize-People-s-Choice.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/DoorTix-2026-InVenture-Prize-People-s-Choice.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/DoorTix-2026-InVenture-Prize-People-s-Choice.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":89696,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/25\/DoorTix-2026-InVenture-Prize-People-s-Choice.jpg?itok=5T_boJ3j"}},"680515":{"id":"680515","type":"image","title":"Image-6-24-26-at-3.55-PM.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDoorTix founders attended the World Cup.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1782412104","gmt_created":"2026-06-25 18:28:24","changed":"1782412104","gmt_changed":"2026-06-25 18:28:24","alt":"DoorTix founders attended the World Cup.","file":{"fid":"264788","name":"Image-6-24-26-at-3.55-PM.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/Image-6-24-26-at-3.55-PM.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/Image-6-24-26-at-3.55-PM.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":607566,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/25\/Image-6-24-26-at-3.55-PM.jpeg?itok=jrzRm356"}},"680516":{"id":"680516","type":"image","title":"IMG_2335.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDoorTix founders attended the World Cup.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1782412104","gmt_created":"2026-06-25 18:28:24","changed":"1782412104","gmt_changed":"2026-06-25 18:28:24","alt":"DoorTix founders attended the World Cup.","file":{"fid":"264789","name":"IMG_2335.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/IMG_2335.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/IMG_2335.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":187431,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/25\/IMG_2335.jpeg?itok=FxyXoQhp"}}},"media_ids":["680519","680514","680515","680516"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"660374","name":"School of Computing Instruction"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"193158","name":"Student Competition Winners (academic, innovation, and research)"},{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"195155","name":"World Cup 2026"},{"id":"195177","name":"World Cup Atlanta"},{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"58331","name":"College of Engineering; school of mechanical engineering; engineering"},{"id":"1191","name":"industrial engineering"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:emily.smith@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EEmily Smith\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech College of Computing\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691044":{"#nid":"691044","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Use GeoGuessr Champion to Test Geolocation Accuracy in VLMs","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe house in the distance, with a red, hip-shaped roof and white walls, tells Radu Casapu that this place is probably somewhere in Spain or Portugal.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe surrounding trees resemble those of a eucalyptus forest, which could indicate northern Portugal or the Spanish region of Galicia.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s the signposts on the road that give it away. They are flat and wide, which is common in Spain but not in Portugal.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECasapu, a master\u2019s student in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of City and Regional Planning, correctly reasons that the picture of a road he\u2019s looking at is in Galicia.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGive Casapu a photo, and he will likely be able to tell you where it was taken.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI start with infrastructure clues that are specific to a country, region, state or province,\u201d Casapu said. \u201cThey include roads or electricity poles, which often remain consistent throughout a country. Once you narrow down the country, you can use more specific factors like vegetation, specific landscapes, or architecture, because these are very nuanced. It\u2019s a top-down approach.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is why Casapu is the reigning\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/09\/23\/georgia-tech-graduate-student-wins-geoguessr-world-championship\u0022\u003EGeoGussr World Champion\u003C\/a\u003E \u2014 and the ideal expert to test vision-language models (VLMs) on how good they are at geolocation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeoGuessr is a geography browser game launched in 2013 that invites players to guess the location of random Google Street View images. Casapu was already known as one of the top players in the world before he won the third annual GeoGussr World Championship in September.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the beginning of the spring 2025 semester, School of Interactive Computing professor James Hays reached out to Casapu and invited him to collaborate on a new project. Hays was looking to create a dataset to evaluate VLMs\u0027 geolocation ability and reasoning.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cVLMs are surprisingly good at geolocation right out of the box, even when they\u2019re not trained to be good at it,\u201d Hays said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHays and his colleagues, associate professors Alan Ritter and Wei Xu, took issue with many AI companies claiming that the VLMs they were releasing were not good at geolocation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen Open AI released GPT 4 Vision, there were privacy concerns about the model\u2019s ability to geolocate someone based on photos they\u2019ve shared on the internet,\u201d Ritter said. \u201cOpen AI said this wasn\u2019t a concern and claimed the model wasn\u2019t good at geolocation beyond being able to recognize a city or famous monument. We found that wasn\u2019t the case. These VLMs are state-of-the-art at image geolocation tasks.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShow Your Work\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHays and Ritter enlisted a team of some of the world\u2019s top geolocators. It consisted of Casapu, Joshua Diao, a master\u2019s student in computer science, and Tejas Santanam, a Ph.D. student in industrial engineering. They each received 500 images to geolocate.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam members recorded their reasons for each of their answers. The result was GeoRC, the first benchmark for VLM geolocation performance, consisting of 800 \u201cground truth\u201d reasoning chains.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHays and Ritter gave the same images to GPT 5, Gemini, Llama, and Qwen. The highest-performing model geolocated with 90% accuracy \u2014 not far off from the team\u2019s 96% score.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, a major distinction showed up in the reasoning chains. While Casapu and Diao provided clear explanations for how they deduce each location, the VLMs either couldn\u2019t provide reasoning for their guesses or were vague in their answers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe research community has been demanding explanations from these models,\u201d Hays said. \u201cFor example, how do they know the location is in Italy?\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHays has been researching this subject for almost 20 years. As a Ph.D. student at Carnegie Mellon University in 2008, he was the first researcher to take a machine learning approach to geolocation. He introduced a new algorithm that could estimate a geographic location from a single image.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen experts have audited these reasoning chains, we\u2019ve noted many suspicious or hallucinated attributes,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen they hallucinate a geographic property, why is it so often consistent with the correct guess?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI believe they\u2019re not revealing the true reasoning pathway that they used to determine the image was Italy. They\u2019re just implicitly recognizing that it was Italy for many reasons, then hunting for evidence to support that. Some of the things they say are true and supported by the image, and some are fabrications.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPractice Partner\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECasapu said there may be only a handful of GeoGuessr players who can currently outperform some top-tier VLMs in geolocation, and it may not be long before no one can.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI think it could be more difficult playing against these models than playing against another human because a human has the possibility of making mistakes at the top level,\u201d Casapu said. \u201cIf a well-trained model has that level of consistency, that is far beyond a normal person, and it would be much more difficult to beat.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe added that working with Hays and competing against a machine improved his skill level and provided valuable practice ahead of the world championship.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt helps to take a step back and see why you\u2019re making the guesses that you are,\u201d he said. \u201cSince then, I\u2019ve taken a more methodical approach to how I practice. Writing these things down is a great way to see what you know and see why you make the guesses that you do. It\u2019s been a great training tool.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECasapu will defend his title at the 2026 GeoGussr World Championship in September.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHays, Ritter, Xu, Casapu, Diao, and Santanm are all co-authors of a paper on GeoRC along with lead author Mohit Talrej and Ph.D. students Ethan Mendes and Jim Thannikary. The paper will be presented next week at the 64th Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics (ACL) in San Diego.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers James Hays, Alan Ritter, and Wei Xu partnered with reigning GeoGuessr World Champion Radu Casapu and other top players to build GeoRC, the first benchmark evaluating how well vision-language models (VLMs) can geolocate images. They found LLMS are almost as good at geolocation as the world\u0027s best players, but they struggle to explain their reasoning.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers have developed what they believe is the strongest benchmark dataset on measuring the geolocation accuracy of LLMs."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-07-06 17:43:39","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 18:30:54","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680557":{"id":"680557","type":"image","title":"_DSC7175.JPG","body":null,"created":"1783359838","gmt_created":"2026-07-06 17:43:58","changed":"1783359838","gmt_changed":"2026-07-06 17:43:58","alt":"Radu Casapu","file":{"fid":"264834","name":"_DSC7175.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/_DSC7175.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/_DSC7175.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":122620,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/06\/_DSC7175.JPG?itok=vNYr-PmK"}}},"media_ids":["680557"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"193158","name":"Student Competition Winners (academic, innovation, and research)"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"193556","name":"large language models"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:ndeen6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ENathan Deen\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Computing\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691128":{"#nid":"691128","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Receives Commitment to Launch New AI-Driven Health Innovation Center\u00a0 ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Institute of Technology today announced the creation of the Parker H. Petit Center for AI-Driven Health Innovation, a new research center that will use artificial intelligence (AI) to help predict, treat, and prevent disease.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Petit Center is made possible by a transformational commitment from technology entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Georgia Tech alumnus Parker H. \u0022Pete\u0022 Petit.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince 1980, Petit has provided significant philanthropic support across campus, including the naming of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.petitinstitute.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EParker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)\u003C\/a\u003E, one of Georgia Tech\u2019s 11 Interdisciplinary Research Institutes. IBB is an interdisciplinary hub for transforming biological discovery into real-world health impact, bringing together engineers, scientists, and clinicians to accelerate innovations in diagnostics, therapeutics, medical devices, and biomanufacturing. With more than 300 interdisciplinary faculty researchers, 13 research centers, and 1,300 trainees making unprecedented discoveries and generating innovative technologies, IBB is a catalyst for innovative bioengineering and bioscience research.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe success of IBB led Petit to make his latest investment, which will build on Georgia Tech\u2019s broader commitment to medical innovation: applying engineering, computing, AI, biosciences, and systems thinking to health challenges that require more than any one field can solve. The Petit Center\u2019s work will strengthen the tools, partnerships, and research pathways needed to help more discoveries move from the lab toward real-world patient care.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA key goal of the Petit Center will be to use AI to build more precise models of how disease works in the body. Its first research initiative will focus on creating virtual models of human cells. Led by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/jeff-skolnick\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EJeffrey Skolnick\u003C\/a\u003E, Regents\u2019 Professor and Mary and\u0026nbsp;Maisie Gibson Chair\u0026nbsp;and GRA Eminent Scholar in Computational Systems Biology\u0026nbsp;in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E, researchers will use those models to study how diseases progress and to identify treatments that may work best for individual patients.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy modeling disease at the cellular level, researchers can test ideas faster, uncover links among different diseases, and focus on therapies most likely to help patients based on their unique biology. The work could expedite the discovery of new therapies for some of the hardest-to-treat diseases, including pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMedical innovation is one of the fastest-growing areas in Georgia Tech\u2019s research, and Pete Petit\u2019s commitment will help us further shape the future of medicine,\u0022 said \u00c1ngel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. \u201cThis new research center will find new ways to harness the power of AI to accelerate critical medical discoveries and move them into clinical settings so patients can get the care they need. We\u2019re deeply grateful for Pete\u0027s support, and we\u2019re excited to get started.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Parker H. Petit Center for AI-Driven Health Innovation will operate under the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/data\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInstitute for Data Engineering and Science\u003C\/a\u003E (IDEaS) and bring together researchers from across Georgia Tech to advance AI-driven approaches to human health. Researchers affiliated with the Petit Center will work across fields and with clinical and healthcare organizations to help close the gap between discovery and practical use. Over time and with additional investments, the Petit Center\u2019s work will expand into areas such as cancer biomarker discovery, healthy aging, advanced cellular therapies, and AI-supported healthcare systems.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Georgia Tech has the expertise to redefine what is possible in healthcare through AI,\u0022 said Skolnick. \u0022By combining advanced computational methods with biological and medical insights, we can create powerful new approaches to predicting disease, identifying treatments, and improving patient outcomes.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPetit\u2019s commitment will support advanced computing infrastructure, graduate and postdoctoral fellowships, seed research grants, and annual programs that will bring together leading researchers from around the world working at the intersection of AI and health.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPetit hopes this investment will inspire others to support interdisciplinary research at the Institute. \u0022Georgia Tech has long demonstrated its ability to solve complex challenges,\u0022 said Petit. \u0022I believe artificial intelligence will fundamentally reshape healthcare, and I am excited to support a center that can help accelerate discoveries to improve and save lives.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis transformative commitment is included in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/transformingtomorrow.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ETransforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and is propelling the comprehensive campaign\u2019s success.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EAbout Georgia Tech\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the nation\u2019s leading public research universities, developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. Through education, research, and innovation, Georgia Tech creates solutions that improve lives and drive economic opportunity in Georgia and around the world.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EParker H. Petit\u2019s commitment will launch a research hub focused on using artificial intelligence to model diseases, identify treatment paths, and move discoveries closer to patient care.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Parker H. Petit\u2019s commitment will launch a research hub focused on using artificial intelligence to model diseases, identify treatment paths, and move discoveries closer to patient care. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-07-16 16:52:47","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 17:19:18","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-16T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-16T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680618":{"id":"680618","type":"image","title":"Jeffrey Skolnick","body":"\u003Cp\u003EJeffrey Skolnick will lead the first research initiative in the new Parker H. Petit Center for AI-Driven Health Innovation.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1784163552","gmt_created":"2026-07-16 00:59:12","changed":"1784163635","gmt_changed":"2026-07-16 01:00:35","alt":"Jeffrey Skolnick","file":{"fid":"264904","name":"skolnick-data_portrait_002.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/skolnick-data_portrait_002.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/skolnick-data_portrait_002.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":386791,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/15\/skolnick-data_portrait_002.jpg?itok=AL8IuxCW"}}},"media_ids":["680618"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"}],"keywords":[{"id":"351","name":"development"},{"id":"2096","name":"philanthropy"},{"id":"172458","name":"biological sciences"},{"id":"4449","name":"ideas"},{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"365","name":"Research"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"497","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:anne.stanford@dev.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAnne Stanford\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Communications\u003Cbr\u003EOffice of Development\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:media@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Emedia@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691125":{"#nid":"691125","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Graduate Apprentices Are Shaping Research While Building Their Future ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn the second floor of the Marcus Nanotechnology Building, Calib Lanier operates a rotary-bed reactor unlike any other at Georgia Tech. As the system begins its specialized operations, the doctoral student in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E watches closely, monitoring temperatures, pressure, and other critical metrics that could define the tool\u2019s success.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELanier isn\u2019t just using the equipment; he\u2019s helping bring it to life.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver the last year, he has worked with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matter-systems.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInstitute for Matter and Systems (IMS)\u003C\/a\u003E staff as part of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matter-systems.gatech.edu\/graduate-apprenticeship\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EIMS Graduate Apprenticeship Program\u003C\/a\u003E to install a newly designed powder-processing, rotary-bed system. While traditional coating tools are designed to deposit ultra-thin films onto flat surfaces (like silicon computer chips or glass), this tool continuously tumbles a bed of fine powder to ensure a uniform coating of 3D objects with microscopic grains of powder at an atomic scale\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe work has involved more than just running experiments. Lanier has developed operating procedures, established safety protocols, solved technical challenges, and documented processes that future tool users will rely on long after he graduates.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity to leave something behind for IMS,\u201d Lanier said. \u201cOnce I\u2019m gone, the documentation for this tool will still be there. It\u2019s giving IMS information that will be useful for following students.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis experience reflects the mission of the apprenticeship program. Launched to provide graduate students with hands-on experience in IMS\u2019s research facilities, the program places graduate students in core facilities with experts. This gives them opportunities to develop technical expertise, support facility operations, and gain professional skills that extend beyond the classroom.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe wanted to create an experience where everyone benefits,\u201d said Anna \u00d6sterholm, principal research scientist and IMS Graduate Apprenticeship Program coordinator. \u201cStudents gain technical training and professional experience while IMS gains talented and motivated contributors who help develop new capabilities, train users, and improve facility operations.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELanier was one of nine students in the inaugural cohort, which represented a wide range of disciplines and research experience. Matthew Kim, another member of the cohort and a master\u2019s student in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, came to the program with a mechanical background and a desire to gain hands-on semiconductor experience.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore the program, much of Kim\u2019s previous exposure to semiconductors and chip packaging came from videos and lectures. Through the apprenticeship, he gained practical experience in the cleanroom, where he taught lab sections for undergraduate integrated circuit fabrication classes. In that role, Kim guided students through the process of creating semiconductors \u2014 starting with a blank silicon wafer and ending with a finished product \u2014 featuring various designs and structures.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt was a new experience for me because I was teaching students while learning the material myself,\u201d Kim said. \u201cIt really pushed me to learn everything quickly, and I think that benefited me.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough the program, Kim both taught and participated in some of the semiconductor fabrication short courses offered by IMS throughout the year.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cA lot of what we learn in class is theory-based,\u201d Kim said. \u201cIf you want hands-on experience and want to see semiconductor fabrication with your own eyes, this program is a great way to learn.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBesides semiconductor design and creation, additional focus areas for the program include materials characterization operations. Kayla Chuong, a doctoral student in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mse.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Materials Science and Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, took her existing experience with materials characterization techniques and expanded it. \u0026nbsp;She entered the program as a user of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mcf.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMaterials Characterization Facility (MCF)\u003C\/a\u003E, having previously conducted research using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tools.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs part of the program, Chuong now trains campus and industry users on tools throughout the MCF. She conducts check-offs on training sessions and authorizes researchers to use instruments. She may spend an entire day conducting back-to-back instrument training, helping everyone from undergraduate researchers to industry professionals gain access to advanced microscopy tools.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022It\u0027s really cool that external users from industry come in and get trained, and I get to meet people from different backgrounds,\u0022 she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile the program provides students with access to advanced research tools and facilities, participants said some of the most valuable lessons happened outside of the lab.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKim found teaching an unexpected source of growth. As he guided students through cleanroom processes and semiconductor fabrication techniques, he found himself developing confidence as a researcher and as an instructor.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Chuong, the program expanded her professional network and her base knowledge of SEM beyond what she thought was possible.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELanier gained a different perspective through regular interactions with IMS staff. By participating in facility staff meetings and working closely with mentors, he was exposed to the challenges of managing complex research infrastructure and learned how experienced scientists approach troubleshooting and process optimization.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Being able to see how other people look at going about research and what they do to work through troubleshooting and optimization,\u0022 Lanier said, \u0022it\u0027s a really good learning experience for myself as well.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETogether, these experiences highlight one of the program\u0027s greatest strengths: its ability to immerse students in the broader research ecosystem. Beyond learning how to operate world-class instruments, apprentices gain experience communicating across disciplines, mentoring other researchers, solving complex technical challenges, and contributing to the shared resources that support research across Georgia Tech.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Chuong, Kim, and Lanier, the apprenticeship provided more than just access to equipment. It offered a chance to become contributors to Georgia Tech\u0027s research ecosystem \u2014 whether by teaching new users, supporting education, or helping bring new capabilities online. As the program prepares for future cohorts, their experiences illustrate how immersive, hands-on training can accelerate both research and professional growth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGraduate apprentices gain experience with advanced instrumentation, mentoring, and facility operations while supporting the research ecosystem that serves Georgia Tech and its partners.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Graduate apprentices gain experience with advanced instrumentation, mentoring, and facility operations while supporting the research ecosystem that serves Georgia Tech and its partners. "}],"uid":"35272","created_gmt":"2026-07-15 15:52:48","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 16:20:46","author":"aneumeister3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-15T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-15T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680611":{"id":"680611","type":"image","title":"graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMembers of the first IMS Graduate Apprentice cohort gather for a group photo at the program kickoff, including Matthew Kim (back row, second from left), Kayla Chuong (front row, third from left), and Calib Lanier (second row, fourth from right).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1784131585","gmt_created":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","changed":"1784131585","gmt_changed":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","alt":"A group of students, researchers, and staff stand together for a group photo outside a brick building beneath a covered walkway.","file":{"fid":"264895","name":"graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1096812,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/15\/graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG?itok=ecb3XQWe"}},"680610":{"id":"680610","type":"image","title":"Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECalib Lanier wears full cleanroom protective gear in the IMS gowning area before entering the cleanroom for research and training activities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1784131585","gmt_created":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","changed":"1784131585","gmt_changed":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","alt":"Calib Lanier wearing a full cleanroom suit, face mask, safety glasses, and gloves takes a mirror selfie in a gowning area lined with cleanroom garments and lockers.","file":{"fid":"264894","name":"Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":649455,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/15\/Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG?itok=UCHWKJ_j"}},"680612":{"id":"680612","type":"image","title":"Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis scanning electron microscope (SEM) image, captured by IMS Graduate Apprentice Kayla Chuong during training on the instrument, was selected as the cover image for \u003Cem\u003EMaterials Advances.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1784131585","gmt_created":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","changed":"1784131585","gmt_changed":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","alt":"color microscopic image showing a highly porous material with interconnected openings and a textured blue-to-purple surface.","file":{"fid":"264896","name":"Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":220171,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/15\/Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg?itok=830M0oTq"}}},"media_ids":["680611","680610","680612"],"groups":[{"id":"660369","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:amelia.neumeister@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAmelia Neumeister\u003C\/a\u003E | Communications Manager\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute for Matter and Systems\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["amelia.neumeister@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691056":{"#nid":"691056","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Startup Develops Defense Technology to Counter Emerging Drone Threats ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen Robbie van Zyl first started working with drones, it was not for defense. It started with curiosity.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a high school student, van Zyl spent summers in a Georgia Tech aerospace lab, where he was introduced to rotorcraft and autonomous systems. By the time he enrolled at Georgia Tech, that early exposure had grown into a deeper interest. He became a competitive drone racer, gaining hands-on experience with the technology.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut even then, he recognized a growing risk.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI was using this technology to have fun,\u201d said van Zyl, founder and CEO of Askari. \u201cBut I also recognized it could equally be used to do very malicious things.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat realization became the foundation for Askari, a counter-drone defense company developing systems designed to detect, track, and stop hostile drones.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Real-World Problem Comes Into Focus\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVan Zyl first pitched the idea for Askari as a first-year student through Georgia Tech\u2019s CREATE-X Startup Launch, an accelerator that empowers students to launch successful startups. \u0026nbsp;At the time, the concept of counter-drone defense was not widely seen as urgent. However, that perspective shifted as global conflicts began to demonstrate the impact of low-cost, unmanned systems.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe widespread use of drones in Ukraine revealed how inexpensive and accessible technologies could reshape modern warfare. Unmanned systems now account for a significant share of battlefield activity, exposing new vulnerabilities across defense and infrastructure.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat was the first moment I could point to and say this is real,\u201d van Zyl said. \u201cThis is not theoretical anymore.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Student Idea to Scalable Solution\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAskari is building autonomous systems that can identify and neutralize drone threats in real time. The company\u2019s technology is designed to distinguish among objects such as drones, people, and the surrounding environment, allowing it to respond with precision.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are building systems that can understand what they are looking at,\u201d van Zyl said. \u201cThey can tell the difference between a drone, a person, or a tree, and act accordingly.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnlike traditional defense systems that rely on expensive infrastructure, Askari is focused on developing solutions that are scalable and accessible to a wider range of users, including frontline operators and security teams. The goal is to provide a faster, more adaptable approach to this challenge.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe company has raised approximately $1.7 million in early funding and is already working with U.S. Department of Defense customers, with growing demand for counter-drone solutions. The team has expanded to 10 people and is scaling to meet that demand.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Role of CREATE-X and Georgia Tech\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s commercialization ecosystem played a critical role in Askari\u2019s development.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough CREATE-X, van Zyl was able to test and refine his idea while gaining exposure to the fundamentals of building a company. He also gained access to a community of founders, mentors, defense leaders, and builders who helped him navigate early-stage challenges. The experience provided an environment to pressure-test the concept and receive feedback, helping him better understand how it could function in real-world scenarios. At the time, the idea was still taking shape, but it helped clarify how it could evolve into a viable solution.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter gaining experience in the robotics and defense sectors, van Zyl reengaged with Georgia Tech, where the Institute\u2019s network of mentors, resources, and programs helped accelerate the company\u2019s growth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech has been instrumental,\u201d van Zyl said. \u201cWe would not be where we are today without it.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToday, Askari operates out of The Biltmore, home to CREATE-X and part of Georgia Tech\u2019s innovation ecosystem in Tech Square, placing the company back within the same environment where the idea first began.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAskari is a strong example of what we aim to do,\u201d said Rahul Saxena, CREATE-X director. \u201cStudents building companies that address real, emerging challenges. It reflects the kind of thinking we want to encourage early on, paired with the ability to continue developing an idea as the need becomes clearer. That progression is a critical part of how students move from concept to company.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReturning to Atlanta to Build\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter graduating, van Zyl gained experience working in robotics and autonomous systems, including in Silicon Valley. He also spent time building the company outside of Atlanta before ultimately returning.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe decision to come back was both strategic and mission-driven.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany of Askari\u2019s customers, including Department of Defense organizations, are based in the Southeast. Being in Atlanta allows the company to remain close to those partners while continuing to build within Georgia Tech\u2019s ecosystem. The company\u2019s return also reflects its deep ties to Georgia Tech\u2019s talent pipeline. van Zyl\u2019s co-founders include his younger brother, Marc van Zyl, a Georgia Tech computer science student, and Benjamin Airdo, a close friend and mechanical engineering graduate. Eight of the company\u2019s 10 team members are connected to the Institute as current students, graduates, or researchers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Broader Vision for Security\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile Askari\u2019s current focus is counter-drone technology, van Zyl sees the startup\u2019s mission as part of a larger shift in how modern warfare is evolving.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor the first time, autonomous systems powered by artificial intelligence are moving beyond the digital world into physical environments. That transition introduces new risks that extend beyond traditional defense scenarios.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis is not just a drone problem,\u201d van Zyl said. \u201cIt is the broader proliferation of robotics in real-world environments.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Campus to Impact\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAskari\u2019s trajectory reflects how Georgia Tech\u2019s commercialization ecosystem supports founders as they move from early ideas to companies.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom its start in CREATE-X to its return to The Biltmore, the company remains closely tied to the Institute while building technology focused on real-world deployment and impact.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe want to build systems that help protect people,\u201d van Zyl said.\u0026nbsp; As Askari continues to grow, that focus remains central to its mission.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAskari\u0027s journey from a first-year student idea to a growing defense technology company demonstrates how Georgia Tech\u0027s commercialization ecosystem helps founders transform emerging technologies into real-world solutions. Supported by CREATE-X and the Institute\u0027s innovation ecosystem, the company is developing autonomous counter-drone systems to address one of today\u0027s fastest-growing national security challenges.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"From a student startup idea to a growing defense technology company, Askari demonstrates how Georgia Tech\u0027s commercialization ecosystem helps founders transform emerging technologies into solutions addressing real-world challenges."}],"uid":"36434","created_gmt":"2026-07-06 20:31:08","changed_gmt":"2026-07-15 20:54:56","author":"lcameron30","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680562":{"id":"680562","type":"image","title":"Askari-056.JPG","body":null,"created":"1783369879","gmt_created":"2026-07-06 20:31:19","changed":"1783369879","gmt_changed":"2026-07-06 20:31:19","alt":"Askari Team","file":{"fid":"264840","name":"Askari-056.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/Askari-056.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/Askari-056.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2747369,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/06\/Askari-056.JPG?itok=jcTZ7qHA"}},"680563":{"id":"680563","type":"image","title":"Askari-030.JPG","body":null,"created":"1783369913","gmt_created":"2026-07-06 20:31:53","changed":"1783369913","gmt_changed":"2026-07-06 20:31:53","alt":"Askari  Founders","file":{"fid":"264841","name":"Askari-030.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/Askari-030.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/Askari-030.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2447871,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/06\/Askari-030.JPG?itok=EALr52LH"}}},"media_ids":["680562","680563"],"groups":[{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"},{"id":"39521","name":"Robotics"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELacey Cameron Lcameron30@gatech.edu\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690919":{"#nid":"690919","#data":{"type":"news","title":"UPDATE: Techwood Drive Full Road Closure Date Change:  July 6 \u2014 Aug. 7","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeginning July 6, Techwood Drive will be fully closed to vehicular traffic between Bobby Dodd Way and North Avenue to support utility work associated with the renovation of the Smith and Howell residence halls. The sidewalk next to Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field will be closed to pedestrians. The eastern sidewalk, in front of the residence halls, will be open on either side of the project entrance. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat to Expect:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e070fe1fc640673826edffcd477c03a93\u0022\u003EThe closure is scheduled to remain in place through Aug. 7; weather may affect the completion date.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ea4b244c236a632d95e30befc0d8787b6\u0022\u003EDetour routes and signage will be clearly marked.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e422f9d49bd55bac60c7a4d896bc210dc\u0022\u003EPolice-assisted traffic control will help maintain the safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles in the area. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis work is part of a broader renovation of the Smith and Howell residence halls, which includes upgrades to building systems, enhanced interior spaces, and improved ADA accessibility. The addition of a new connecting structure will link the two buildings and create a welcoming central entrance.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESee the attached logistics and detour map for further details. Thank you for your patience as we make improvements to our campus residence halls.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe closure is in support of the utility work associated with the renovation of the Smith and Howell residence halls.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The closure is in support of the utility work associated with the renovation of the Smith and Howell residence halls."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2026-06-25 19:51:35","changed_gmt":"2026-07-15 16:48:16","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-25T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-25T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680517":{"id":"680517","type":"image","title":"Techwood-Dr-Utility-Install-Full-St-Closure_Smith_Howell_reno.jpg","body":null,"created":"1782417301","gmt_created":"2026-06-25 19:55:01","changed":"1782417404","gmt_changed":"2026-06-25 19:56:44","alt":"image of logistics and detour map for Techwood Drive closure July 1 - Aug. 2","file":{"fid":"264790","name":"Techwood-Dr-Utility-Install-Full-St-Closure_Smith_Howell_reno.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/Techwood-Dr-Utility-Install-Full-St-Closure_Smith_Howell_reno.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/Techwood-Dr-Utility-Install-Full-St-Closure_Smith_Howell_reno.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":506637,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/25\/Techwood-Dr-Utility-Install-Full-St-Closure_Smith_Howell_reno.jpg?itok=Es4YlUxf"}}},"media_ids":["680517"],"groups":[{"id":"383831","name":"Infrastructure and Operations"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"188001","name":"Techwood Drive"},{"id":"61411","name":"Campus Construction"},{"id":"10969","name":"road closure"},{"id":"194735","name":"Smith and Howell Residence Halls"},{"id":"194097","name":"IS News"},{"id":"193671","name":"I\u0026S Construction Notices"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EChris Williams\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProject Manager\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPlanning, Design, and Construction\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["cbwilliams@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691039":{"#nid":"691039","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Soft Wearable Device Could Support At-Home Sleep Monitoring","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGood sleep is essential for brain health. During sleep and rest, the glymphatic system, the brain\u2019s waste clearing process, helps remove metabolic waste that accumulates during awake hours. This activity is linked to memory processing, cognitive function, and neural recovery. When sleep quality is poor, metabolic waste may accumulate, potentially disrupting cognitive function and memory formation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETraditional approaches to brain monitoring are often invasive, costly, and limited to clinical settings. New research from Georgia Tech points to a more accessible approach. A recent study published in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/sciadv.aed2056\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EScience Advances\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E shows that a soft, wireless wearable device could help enable home-based monitoring of physiological changes associated with sleep and brain health.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe research team, led by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/yeo\u0022\u003EW. Hong Yeo, Peterson Endowed Professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E and director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/wish\u0022\u003EWearable Intelligent Systems and Healthcare Center\u003C\/a\u003E and the Korea KIAT-Georgia Tech Semiconductor Electronics Center, developed a wearable device that uses light-based sensing and wireless communication to support natural sleep monitoring at home. The device is designed to collect data outside of a clinical environment, allowing researchers to study sleep in a more comfortable and realistic setting.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis paper introduces the first soft, wireless, and non-invasive wearable near-infrared spectroscopy system capable of continuously monitoring brain water and glymphatic clearance dynamics in a natural home sleep environment, overcoming the restrictive, costly, and invasive limitations of traditional methods like MRI and polysomnography,\u201d Yeo said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe device works by emitting LED light at specific wavelengths. That light interacts with tissue and fluid near the brain, and reflected signals are detected by a photodetector placed on the skin. The collected data is then transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth to a nearby device for analysis.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers note that the optical measurements can be influenced by factors beyond brain-related fluid changes. Breathing depth, slight shifts in forehead pressure, body position, motion, and temperature drift can all affect the signal.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor that reason, the team focused on changes and trends over time rather than claiming precise measurements of brain water content. They also emphasize that some of the measured signal may reflect effects from the skin, scalp, device pressure, or movement, in addition to changes associated with the brain.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy making sleep monitoring more comfortable and accessible, this soft wearable technology could help advance future studies of sleep, glymphatic activity, and brain health in real-world settings. The Wearable Intelligent Systems and Healthcare Center is supported by the \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/matter-systems.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EInstitute for Matter and Systems at Georgia Tech\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/sciadv.aed2056\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDOI: 10.1126\/sciadv.aed2056\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA new Georgia Tech study shows a wireless wearable device could enable home-based monitoring of physiological changes associated with sleep and brain health.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A new Georgia Tech study shows a wireless wearable device could enable home-based monitoring of physiological changes associated with sleep and brain health."}],"uid":"35272","created_gmt":"2026-07-06 14:49:19","changed_gmt":"2026-07-15 13:38:19","author":"aneumeister3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680551":{"id":"680551","type":"image","title":"Soft-NIRS-device_georgia-tech_web.png","body":null,"created":"1783349483","gmt_created":"2026-07-06 14:51:23","changed":"1783349483","gmt_changed":"2026-07-06 14:51:23","alt":"Close-up of a flexible white wearable sensor device held between two fingers, showing its curved shape against a plain light-gray background.","file":{"fid":"264827","name":"Soft-NIRS-device_georgia-tech_web.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/Soft-NIRS-device_georgia-tech_web.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/Soft-NIRS-device_georgia-tech_web.png","mime":"image\/png","size":2276274,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/06\/Soft-NIRS-device_georgia-tech_web.png?itok=trXe_Eus"}}},"media_ids":["680551"],"groups":[{"id":"660369","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"172970","name":"go-neuro"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"193656","name":"Neuro Next Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:amelia.neumeister@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAmelia Neumeister\u003C\/a\u003E | Communications Manager\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute for Matter and Systems\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["amelia.neumeister@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690883":{"#nid":"690883","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Alumni Making a Difference: Tara Stoinski","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAs a scientific advisor for the Netflix documentary\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\u201cA Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough,\u201d\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ETara Stoinski\u003C\/strong\u003E (Ph.D. Psychology 2000) helped translate decades of fieldwork into a poignant story of the historic Pablo gorilla family.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s a role she knows well.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFor more than 11 years, Stoinski has served as president, CEO, and chief scientific officer of the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gorillafund.org\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund\u003C\/a\u003E, leading efforts to help the world better understand and protect Rwanda\u2019s mountain gorillas \u2014 a species with only about 1,000 left in the wild.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAlthough she now oversees a multimillion-dollar budget and 400 employees worldwide, she never planned to be a CEO.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI\u2019m a scientist at my core,\u201d says Stoinski. \u201cDay to day, I function more as a leader and executive, but I still think of myself as a scientist first.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHer job covers a wide range of responsibilities, including fundraising, public speaking, budgeting, and strategy.\u0026nbsp;One week, she might find herself observing gorilla behavior in Rwanda; the next, she\u2019s back in the U.S., discussing conservation on\u0026nbsp;the popular\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EArmchair Expert\u003C\/em\u003E podcast.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI love my job,\u201d she says. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t feel like work; it\u2019s a passion.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Helluva Scientist\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EOne of the reasons Stoinski chose Georgia Tech for her Ph.D. was its connection to Zoo Atlanta.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHer doctoral advisor, the late Terry Maple, emeritus professor in the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/psychology.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;School of Psychological and Brain Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E, served as director of Zoo Atlanta, giving students rare access to conservation-focused research.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe zoo was our lab. I studied elephants, lemurs, gorillas, and golden lion tamarins, both in the zoo and in the wild in Brazil and Africa,\u201d says Stoinski.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe appreciates how Georgia Tech prepared her for the challenges of her career.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe rigor of a Georgia Tech education is something you need as a scientist,\u201d she says. \u201cI also had the opportunity to do a lot of public speaking and teaching, which are huge parts of my job now.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELeading Global Conservation Efforts\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAfter earning her Ph.D., Stoinski spent 14 years with Zoo Atlanta while also working with the Atlanta-based Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. She became CEO in 2014 and now oversees conservation and research programs in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EUnder her leadership, the Fossey Fund has expanded its footprint, including opening its Ellen DeGeneres Campus in 2022, a 12-acre research and education center in Rwanda.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe site includes labs, classrooms, and a restored landscape, where roughly 250,000 plants from 110 species have been planted to reestablish native ecosystems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe host hundreds of students \u2014 including groups from Georgia Tech, and support dozens of graduate and postdoctoral researchers, from countries all over the world including many from Africa,\u201d she explains. \u201cSeeing their excitement and commitment gives me lots of hope for the future.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScientific Storytelling\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EA Gorilla Story\u003C\/em\u003E follows the Pablo family of mountain gorillas living on the slopes of Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe Pablo group goes back to Dian Fossey\u2019s time,\u201d explains Stoinski. \u201cIt\u2019s the largest group of gorillas ever recorded, at one point reaching 65 individuals. An average gorilla family is about 10.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EDue to Rwandan regulations, filming could take place for just one hour each day. Filmmakers and scientists would often have to hike for five to six hours to reach the gorillas.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBecause Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund researchers have followed these gorilla families for decades, they were already familiar with the individual gorillas, including six generations of family history, which \u201cmakes the story incredibly rich,\u201d says Stoinski.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cYou see grief, relationships, alliances \u2014 all of it,\u201d she says. \u201cUltimately, I hope that connection leads people to care and to take action.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollaborative Conservation\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EStoinski\u2019s career is all about taking action \u2014 and inspiring others to do the same.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe need people on the ground doing this work, but we also need people outside of our field to support and be aware of what\u2019s happening to gorillas and the planet\u2019s biodiversity,\u201d she says.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe encourages Tech students to stay informed:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u201cEven if you\u2019re not going into conservation, take a class, listen, learn,\u201d she says. \u201cUnfortunately, there are real challenges facing the next generation.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe frequently points out that by helping gorillas, we\u2019re saving ourselves, sharing that gorillas live in the Congo Basin, one of the most important ecosystems on Earth. By dispersing seeds and maintaining forest structure, they help sustain environments critical for climate stability and planetary health.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cProtecting gorillas means\u0026nbsp;protecting\u0026nbsp;those ecosystems, which ultimately support human survival.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Lasting Georgia Tech Connection\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EStoinski maintains strong ties to Georgia Tech through research collaborations and student engagement. Projects over the years have included helping to establish the Center for Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing at the University of Rwanda, geospatial mapping, and architectural design and planning.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe invites alumni and students to engage with the work firsthand.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI encourage more Georgia Tech alumni and students to work with us or come see us. And if you want to meet with a Georgia Tech grad, I lead tours: we can put on our Tech gear and take a photo with the gorillas!\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWith a career rooted in science, alumna Tara Stoinski is shaping the future of wildlife conservation and gorilla preservation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"With a career rooted in science, alumna Tara Stoinski is shaping the future of wildlife conservation and gorilla preservation. "}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2026-06-24 13:55:41","changed_gmt":"2026-07-15 13:33:12","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-24T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-24T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680497":{"id":"680497","type":"image","title":"Tara Stoinksi","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETara Stoinksi\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1782309768","gmt_created":"2026-06-24 14:02:48","changed":"1782309863","gmt_changed":"2026-06-24 14:04:23","alt":"Headshot of a woman wearing a Dian Fossey gorilla fund ball cap","file":{"fid":"264770","name":"webheadshotTara-Stoinksi-copy.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/webheadshotTara-Stoinksi-copy.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/webheadshotTara-Stoinksi-copy.png","mime":"image\/png","size":3359387,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/24\/webheadshotTara-Stoinksi-copy.png?itok=pIBTHOOG"}},"680498":{"id":"680498","type":"image","title":"Stoinski has studied gorillas for more than three decades and is the author of over 200 scientific publications and books.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EStoinski has studied gorillas for more than three decades and is the author of over 200 scientific publications and books.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1782310646","gmt_created":"2026-06-24 14:17:26","changed":"1782311350","gmt_changed":"2026-06-24 14:29:10","alt":"A woman wearing a mask stands near a gorilla.","file":{"fid":"264771","name":"Tara-Hiwra-group-2024.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/Tara-Hiwra-group-2024.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/Tara-Hiwra-group-2024.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":561592,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/24\/Tara-Hiwra-group-2024.jpg?itok=vngR6B6J"}},"680499":{"id":"680499","type":"image","title":"As president, CEO, and chief scientific officer of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Stoinski splits her time between the Atlanta headquarters and Rwanda.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAs president, CEO, and chief scientific officer of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Stoinski splits her time between the Atlanta headquarters and Rwanda.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1782310961","gmt_created":"2026-06-24 14:22:41","changed":"1782312006","gmt_changed":"2026-06-24 14:40:06","alt":"A woman stands in the muddy jungle.","file":{"fid":"264772","name":"Tara-mud.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/Tara-mud.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/Tara-mud.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5853839,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/24\/Tara-mud.jpg?itok=q3MOOx6R"}}},"media_ids":["680497","680498","680499"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.gtalumni.org\/news\/2022\/gorilla-power.html","title":"Gorilla Power"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"443951","name":"School of Psychology"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"151","name":"Policy, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"783","name":"conservation"},{"id":"506","name":"alumni"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELaura Segraves Smith, writer\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["laura.smith@cos.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691073":{"#nid":"691073","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Data Centers Are Booming. Who Benefits?","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EArtificial intelligence is reshaping how businesses operate and driving a historic surge in data center construction across the United States. These sprawling facilities, sometimes spanning more than 1,000 acres, represent one of the largest waves of capital investment in American history.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor communities across the country, this growth hits close to home, and not without controversy. What do data centers actually deliver for the local economies that host them?\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/papers.ssrn.com\/sol3\/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6497238\u0022\u003ENew research\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/directory\/faculty\/yue\/index.html?_gl=1*22ff1a*_up*MQ..*_ga*NjU1MDU4NDM5LjE3ODM2MTc4Nzg.*_ga_8XJDVR2ZKP*czE3ODM2MTc4NzckbzEkZzEkdDE3ODM2MTc4ODEkajU2JGwwJGgxNzkwMjU1NjAy\u0022\u003EDaniel Yue\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor of Information Technology Management at Georgia Tech\u2019s Scheller College of Business, and his co-author,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/directory\/faculty\/zeng\/index.html?_gl=1*1771i5w*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTM1MDIxNjE3NC4xNzgzNjE4MTk5*_ga_8XJDVR2ZKP*czE3ODM2MTgxOTkkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODM2MTgxOTkkajYwJGwwJGgxMTY0MTA2MjA4\u0022\u003EYiyang Zeng\u003C\/a\u003E, examines how data center openings affect local jobs, wages, business activity, and electricity prices. Their findings suggest that geography plays a decisive role in whether communities see meaningful economic gains.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEnormous amounts of capital are flowing into specific communities, much of it tied to new construction, while rigorous evidence on the local benefits of these facilities has been thin,\u201d said Yue. \u201cCommunity pushback has organized rapidly across the country. Our paper begins to fill that gap by providing new evidence using detailed, facility-level data paired with county-level economic indicators.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Historic Investment Wave\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere are more than 2,500 data centers, either active or under construction, across the United States. Individual hyperscale facilities often cost more than $1 billion to construct and can consume as much electricity as a small city. Is it all worth it?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn average, Yue and Zeng found that when a data center opens, the host county sees a measurable lift: Employment rises by about 3.5%, wages by 5%, business establishments by nearly 5%, and household income by about 2%. Building permits also increase sharply, reflecting construction activity tied to new facilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese are real, economically meaningful gains. But Yue and Zeng discovered that these gains are much smaller than what might be expected from a large investment. And they\u2019re not evenly distributed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Metro Areas Benefit More\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers\u2019 clearest finding is that metropolitan areas capture most of the economic benefits from data centers, while rural areas see far fewer spillover effects. While metro counties saw increases in employment and new business growth, non-metro counties saw no measurable gains.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe reason comes down to what economists call \u201cagglomeration,\u201d or economic density.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EData centers don\u2019t operate in isolation. They rely on construction contractors, engineers, equipment suppliers, professional services, and a skilled workforce. Those connections are far easier to build in places that already have deep labor markets and established business networks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMetropolitan areas are well-positioned to absorb the indirect spending that data centers generate. High-wage technical employees support restaurants, retail, and local services. Suppliers and contractors can scale up quickly. These spillover effects amplify the impact of the initial investment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn rural areas, that amplification is much harder to achieve. Facilities tend to employ relatively few permanent workers \u2014 often fewer than 100 \u2014 and many specialized services are imported from outside the county. As a result, the broader economic ripple never materializes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat doesn\u2019t mean rural communities see no benefit at all. The research finds a small but real drop in unemployment rates in non-metro counties, and local governments may still gain tax revenue or infrastructure investments. But the sweeping job and wage growth often promised during local recruitment efforts will not likely arrive on its own.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cLocation, not facility size, determines whether the local benefits show up,\u201d Yue said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Hidden Cost: Electricity Prices\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYue and Zeng\u2019s research also uncovers an important trade-off. Data centers use a lot of electricity. A single large facility can use as much power as roughly 80,000 homes. In areas where the researchers can cleanly measure price effects, electricity prices rise by about 5% after a data center enters.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen the benefits to communities are small, even downsides like higher electricity prices that strain infrastructure will be felt by locals,\u201d Yue shared.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWho pays for the increased cost of electricity isn\u2019t straightforward. Yue and Zeng\u2019s research suggests communities should ask specific questions about who pays for new infrastructure and how those costs will be distributed. Local utility companies divide costs differently among homeowners, businesses, and large industrial users, including data centers. Because cost-sharing systems vary by state, each data center development is unique.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat Communities Should Consider\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs states and cities work to attract or push back against data center construction, Yue and Zeng hope their research will encourage more evidence-based decision-making.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor metro areas with strong labor markets and dense business ecosystems, data centers can deliver meaningful, though not transformative, economic gains. For rural communities, the positive impact is more complicated.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn 10 years, communities will likely wish they had pressed harder on the quality of the decision itself, including whether the debate was evidence-based, whether their local economy was equipped to capture the gains, and whether the fine print aligned with residents\u0027 long-term interests,\u201d Yue said. \u201cIt\u2019s vital that communities look past flashy, headline incentive packages and focus on the details: tax abatement structures, electricity tariff arrangements, and who ultimately pays for infrastructure upgrades.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs data centers continue to dot the American landscape, understanding where they create shared value \u2014 and where they don\u2019t \u2014 will be critical for community leaders and policymakers alike.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/papers.ssrn.com\/sol3\/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6497238\u0022\u003ERead More: The Local Economic Effects of Data Center Entry\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs data centers expand across the U.S., new research by Daniel Yue, assistant professor of IT management, and his co-author, Yiyang Zeng, reveals that their economic benefits are real but uneven, shaped largely by local economic conditions and geography.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Data centers continue to expand across the U.S. Do the communities nearby really benefit?"}],"uid":"36730","created_gmt":"2026-07-09 17:25:59","changed_gmt":"2026-07-15 13:27:47","author":"klowe36","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680584":{"id":"680584","type":"image","title":"The economic impact of data centers","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELead story image for Scheller News story \u0022Data Centers Are Booming. Who Benefits?\u0022 A hazy photo of an electronic board, possibly an internal image of a data center.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1783617674","gmt_created":"2026-07-09 17:21:14","changed":"1783617834","gmt_changed":"2026-07-09 17:23:54","alt":"A hazy photo of an electronic board, possibly an internal image of a data center.","file":{"fid":"264862","name":"data-center.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/09\/data-center.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/09\/data-center.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":117567,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/09\/data-center.jpg?itok=hj8qj4-z"}}},"media_ids":["680584"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/data-centers-are-booming-who-benefits.html?_gl=1*3nsm4t*_up*MQ..*_ga*NjU1MDU4NDM5LjE3ODM2MTc4Nzg.*_ga_8XJDVR2ZKP*czE3ODM2MTc4NzckbzEkZzEkdDE3ODM2MTc4ODAkajU3JGwwJGgxNzkwMjU1NjAy","title":"Read More"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"168537","name":"Data Center"},{"id":"110561","name":"data centers"},{"id":"336","name":"information technology"},{"id":"602","name":"economics"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["kristin.lowe@scheller.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691105":{"#nid":"691105","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Lightning Mapping Array Helps Protect World Cup Visitors","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs soccer enthusiasts from around the globe made their way to World Cup matches and visited outdoor FIFA Fan Festival events in Atlanta, a lightning tracking system operated by the Severe Storms Research Center (SSRC) at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) was providing weather forecasters information that could help protect the fans.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe North Georgia Lightning Mapping Array (NGLMA) uses specialized detection equipment to generate detailed maps of the lightning that occurs in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Through a collaboration between GTRI and the National Weather Service (NWS), the array provided continuous lightning information to agencies responsible for visitor safety.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe North Georgia Lightning Mapping Array is providing decision-support information to agencies responsible for protecting events in Atlanta related to the World Cup,\u201d said Michael Peterson, director of the GTRI Severe Storms Research Center (SSRC). \u201cThe system has been up and running and gave us excellent measurements of the thunderstorms that occurred in mid-June. It complements the other sources of weather information that the agencies have available.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gtri.gatech.edu\/newsroom\/georgia-tech-lightning-mapping-array-helps-protect-world-cup-visitors\u0022\u003ERead the full article\u003C\/a\u003E on the Georgia Tech Research Institute news page\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"The Severe Storms Research Center provides early warning of approaching storms"}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs soccer enthusiasts from around the globe made their way to World Cup matches and events in Atlanta, a lightning tracking system operated by the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) was providing weather forecasters information that could help protect the fans.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A Georgia Tech lightning mapping array is helping authorities protect World Cup visitors from severe weather."}],"uid":"27303","created_gmt":"2026-07-13 18:31:56","changed_gmt":"2026-07-13 18:35:10","author":"John Toon","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680601":{"id":"680601","type":"image","title":"Setting up a lightning mapping array unit near Atlanta","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGTRI researchers set up a lightning mapping array unit at a location near Atlanta.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1783966872","gmt_created":"2026-07-13 18:21:12","changed":"1783967144","gmt_changed":"2026-07-13 18:25:44","alt":"Researchers set up a lightning mapping array unit at a location near Atlanta","file":{"fid":"264884","name":"weather-monitoring-lg.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/13\/weather-monitoring-lg.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/13\/weather-monitoring-lg.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5455243,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/13\/weather-monitoring-lg.jpg?itok=kZf_h_cy"}}},"media_ids":["680601"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"154","name":"Environment"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["john.toon@gtri.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691104":{"#nid":"691104","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Student Helps Perfect the Pitch at the World Cup ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore fans fill the stadiums and World Cup moments are made on match days, grounds crews are hard at work inside the 16 stadiums hosting the global tournament, preparing the pitch that will serve as the canvas for the art that is the beautiful game. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAiden Holland is a third-year Georgia Tech undergraduate and Georgia Tech Athletics Grounds Crew student assistant. His match days begin up to nine hours before kickoff as one of the crew members selected by FIFA to maintain the natural-grass surface at AT\u0026amp;T Stadium (temporarily renamed Dallas Stadium). \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter meticulously painting the end lines and stringing the goals, Holland tests the playing surface\u0027s moisture level and measures its firmness to ensure the ball will bounce and the players will get the same energy return as on any other World Cup pitch across North America.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDallas hosts its ninth and final match on Tuesday, July 14, and Holland has been in attendance for each one. But when Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history, or when Mikel Merino\u2019s extra-time goal gave Spain a dramatic win over Portugal, he was watching the grass under their feet.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTo see your work play out in front of you on a global stage is exciting,\u201d he said. \u201cAs someone who works on fields, I watch through the lens of seeing how the field reacts to the players on it. At no point in a match do you want a moment that makes you think the pitch caused a player to slip or a ball to take a bad bounce. You have the highest-level athletes in the world out there, and the last thing they need to worry about is whether the playing surface will be safe and reliable enough for them to play at the highest possible level.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHolland is one of three Yellow Jackets on the Dallas crew, joined by Assistant Athletics Director Chris May and Noonan Golf Facility groundskeeper Cody Brady. The crew of eight expands to 12 on match days to get the pitch ready for action, and days between matches consist of constant maintenance to keep it in pristine condition.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA double major in international affairs and business, Holland has been around field maintenance his entire life. His father, Eric, is the former lead groundskeeper at Tech and is now the owner of Precision Turf. For the past five summers, Holland has worked for the family business, installing pitches for international soccer matches in Atlanta, Houston, San Antonio, and more, including the 2024 Copa Am\u00e9rica tournament in Dallas. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHolland\u2019s interest in soccer took him around the world in 2025 in a study abroad program with Regents\u0027 Entrepreneur and Full Professor Kirk Bowman, examining the sport\u2019s intersection with geopolitics in Argentina and Uruguay. The Buford, Georgia, native conducted research to determine how pitch maintenance affected team performance, testing nine fields in Argentina\u2019s professional league, Liga Profesional de F\u00fatbol. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough his research and hands-on experience at the World Cup, Holland believes the skills and precision learned on the job will stay with him, regardless of his career path.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u0027s instilling a work ethic that asks you to strive toward perfection,\u201d he said. It takes a lot of work to make sure everything\u0027s perfected at all times, and that\u2019s somethingI\u2019ll take with me into my work in the classroom, my work with the Athletics Grounds Crew, and my roles within my student organizations. The World Cup is a global circus of sorts, and it provides this incredible opportunity to work with people from around the world, share experiences, and learn what type of collaboration it takes to create this type of event.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the conclusion of the World Cup, Holland will prepare for a new academic year and return to helping maintain the Institute\u2019s athletic facilities \u2014 primarily Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium and Shirley Clements Mewborn Field.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Aiden Holland is one of three Yellow Jackets in Dallas, keeping the pitch in pristine condition for the world\u2019s biggest sporting event. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAiden Holland is one of three Yellow Jackets in Dallas, keeping the pitch in pristine condition for the world\u2019s biggest sporting event.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Aiden Holland is one of three Yellow Jackets in Dallas, keeping the pitch in pristine condition for the world\u2019s biggest sporting event. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-07-13 17:51:41","changed_gmt":"2026-07-13 18:32:14","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680600":{"id":"680600","type":"image","title":"Aiden Holland","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAiden Holland, a third-year Georgia Tech undergraduate and Georgia Tech Athletics Grounds Crew student assistant, stands on the pitch inside Dallas Stadium prior to a match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Submitted photo.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1783965802","gmt_created":"2026-07-13 18:03:22","changed":"1783965802","gmt_changed":"2026-07-13 18:03:22","alt":"Aiden Holland","file":{"fid":"264883","name":"Screenshot-2026-07-13-at-2.02.40-PM.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/13\/Screenshot-2026-07-13-at-2.02.40-PM.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/13\/Screenshot-2026-07-13-at-2.02.40-PM.png","mime":"image\/png","size":4425827,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/13\/Screenshot-2026-07-13-at-2.02.40-PM.png?itok=07ceCxCC"}}},"media_ids":["680600"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2026\/06\/how-world-cup-reshaping-downtown-atlanta","title":"How the World Cup Is Reshaping Downtown Atlanta"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/06\/12\/atlantas-world-cup-beyond-hype","title":"Atlanta\u2019s World Cup Beyond the Hype"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"42901","name":"Community"}],"keywords":[{"id":"195155","name":"World Cup 2026"},{"id":"178599","name":"groundskeeper"},{"id":"26051","name":"georgia tech athletics"},{"id":"12144","name":"Georgia Tech Athletic Association"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/a\u003E \u2014\u0026nbsp;Institute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691102":{"#nid":"691102","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Hone AI Method to Track \u201cSmart\u201d Vapes with Digital Screens","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EE-cigarettes, also known as vapes, are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid that typically contains nicotine, an addictive substance. These devices are continually changing, with new flavors, novel device designs, and digital screens. Some of these e-cigarettes \u2014 sometimes called \u201csmart vapes\u201d\u2014 include built-in games and Bluetooth connectivity that have the potential to gamify the use of nicotine. Many of these devices are marketed online but cannot be easily monitored with existing data sources and methods. \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA new study published July 9 in the journal \u003Cem\u003ENicotine and Tobacco Research\u003C\/em\u003E demonstrates how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to automatically detect and classify new e-cigarette devices with screens. The study, led by Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) scientists, in collaboration with the CDC Foundation, analyzed publicly available product images from online tobacco retailers.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMonitoring online e-cigarette marketing is like a game of Whack-A-Mole, with so many new products and features popping up,\u201d said Kristy Marynak, PhD, Senior Director for Tobacco Control Initiatives at the CDC Foundation and a study author. \u201cThis study shows how machine learning techniques can shed light on the online e-cigarette marketplace and the vast quantities and types of e-cigarette products available.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gtri.gatech.edu\/newsroom\/researchers-hone-new-ai-method-track-smart-vapes-digital-screens\u0022\u003ERead the full article\u003C\/a\u003E on the Georgia Tech Research Institute news page\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"New approach helps researchers track emerging e-cigarette products "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA new study published July 9 in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research demonstrates how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to automatically detect and classify new e-cigarette devices with screens. The study, led by Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) scientists, in collaboration with the CDC Foundation, analyzed publicly available product images from online tobacco retailers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A new study shows how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to automatically detect and classify new e-cigarette devices."}],"uid":"27303","created_gmt":"2026-07-13 16:43:05","changed_gmt":"2026-07-13 16:49:28","author":"John Toon","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680599":{"id":"680599","type":"image","title":"Example of an e-cigarette device that includes screens","body":"\u003Cp\u003EImage shows an example of an e-cigarette device containing screens. (Credit: CDC Foundation)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1783960355","gmt_created":"2026-07-13 16:32:35","changed":"1783960642","gmt_changed":"2026-07-13 16:37:22","alt":"Sample e-cigarette device with a screen","file":{"fid":"264882","name":"a-20250617-IMG_5887-Edit.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/13\/a-20250617-IMG_5887-Edit.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/13\/a-20250617-IMG_5887-Edit.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":798726,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/13\/a-20250617-IMG_5887-Edit.jpg?itok=fxwp5uQa"}}},"media_ids":["680599"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["john.toon@gtri.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691066":{"#nid":"691066","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Creating Synthetic Life in a Lab? SpudCell Falls Short of the Goal, But Raises Even More Useful Questions","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENature is beautiful, powerful and essential. But nature is not always gentle. The same biological world that gives rise to forests, coral reefs and human life also produces infections, cancer, genetic disease, crop blights and toxins. Natural processes can heal, sustain and inspire, but they can also destroy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat dichotomy is part of what drives the field of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/synthetic-biology-promised-to-rewrite-life-with-the-death-of-its-pioneer-j-craig-venter-how-close-are-scientists-281963\u0022\u003Esynthetic biology\u003C\/a\u003E: where scientists apply engineering principles to learn from and carefully adapt nature\u2019s biological systems to address human problems. By understanding biological systems, scientists can carefully redirect them when natural processes cause harm.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis principle has shaped my work \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=Xe78w-wAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Eas a biomedical engineer\u003C\/a\u003E for over two decades. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/deanslab\/\u0022\u003EMy lab\u003C\/a\u003E studies how to program cells in order to better understand their behavior and ultimately use them as medicine. The goal is not to discard or replace nature, but to learn from biological principles and use that knowledge to responsibly help society.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers announced on July 2, 2026, that they had created the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.64898\/2026.07.01.735724\u0022\u003Efirst synthetic cell\u003C\/a\u003E built from purified, nonliving components.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe lab\u2019s cell-like system, dubbed SpudCell, raises key questions: What does it take to build a cell from scratch? If scientists assemble something that feeds, grows, copies genetic material and divides, have they created life?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow to Create Cells From Scratch\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENatural cells are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/cells-have-more-mini-organs-than-researchers-thought-unbound-by-membranes-these-rogue-organelles-challenge-biologys-fundamentals-239558\u0022\u003Eastonishingly complicated\u003C\/a\u003E. Researchers want to use synthetic cells to learn more about how life works, and they are doing this by rebuilding some of life\u2019s basic features in a simpler, more understandable form.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEarlier designs of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41586-023-06288-x\u0022\u003Eminimal cells\u003C\/a\u003E, used to test which components are necessary for lifelike behavior, began with existing living cells and reduced the size of their genomes. A minimal cell is useful because it is simple, but that simplicity comes at a cost. It may reveal which parts are needed for lifelike behavior, but it usually lacks the autonomy, resilience, metabolism and evolutionary capacity of natural cells.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstead, synthetic cells are built through a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/science.1211701\u0022\u003Ebottom-up engineering\u003C\/a\u003E approach. Scientists start with a simplified compartment \u2013 a kind of biological \u201cbox\u201d \u2013 and ask what must be added for it to behave more like a living cell. A membrane separates the inside from the outside. Genetic material stores instructions. Molecular machinery reads those instructions to make molecules. Energy sources power reactions. Other components can allow growth, division and adaptation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/746476\/original\/file-20260707-57-jrf0t9.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/746476\/original\/file-20260707-57-jrf0t9.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 alt=\u0022Diagram showing a few membrane-bound components of an animal cell and a eurakyotic cell\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA useful way to think about synthetic cells is to compare them with technologies society already depends on. The radio wasn\u2019t invented all at once. Engineers learned how to combine an antenna, tuner, amplifier, power source and speaker to convert invisible electromagnetic waves into sound. A car is not just a metal shell; it becomes transportation only when a frame is connected to wheels, brakes, steering, an engine, and transmission and control systems. A computer began with switches and strings of ones and zeros that could be assembled into circuits capable of storing and processing information.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESimilarly, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.64898\/2026.07.01.735724\u0022\u003ESpudCell was assembled\u003C\/a\u003E from the bottom up with purified, nonliving parts. Researchers used lipid molecules to create a cell-like membrane, DNA molecules to store genetic instructions, purified enzymes to copy and read those instructions, and other molecular machinery to help build proteins and other molecules from small chemical building blocks, such as amino acids and nucleotides.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpudCell is exciting scientists because it appears to bring several features of life together in one system. The researchers describe it as capable of feeding, growth, genome replication, genetically encoded division and something close to evolution. These features resemble a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK26869\/\u0022\u003Ebiological cell cycle\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EClose to Life, But Not Quite\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile SpudCell is an important milestone in the field, it \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/science.zwa8dvz\u0022\u003Estops short\u003C\/a\u003E of being a fully synthetic living cell. A membrane-bound compartment containing DNA is not automatically a living cell, just as a pile of car parts is not a car.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpudCell can carry out several life-like processes, but it is not independent. It still relies on carefully controlled laboratory conditions and on researchers to supply its molecular machinery. It doesn\u2019t reliably pass on its genetic material or spontaneously evolve the way natural cells do.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo approach life, a synthetic cell must coordinate many processes at once. NASA describes life as a \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/astrobiology.nasa.gov\/research\/life-detection\/about\/\u0022\u003Eself-sustaining chemical system\u003C\/a\u003E capable of Darwinian evolution,\u201d meaning it must independently use energy, copy information, grow, divide, respond to its surroundings and persist over time. Natural cells do this with extraordinary reliability because they are the products of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/rain-may-have-helped-form-the-first-cells-kick-starting-life-as-we-know-it-238291\u0022\u003Ebillions of years of evolution\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/746474\/original\/file-20260707-57-an09wq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/746474\/original\/file-20260707-57-an09wq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 alt=\u0022Microscopy image of a green sphere dividing into two\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpudCell still \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/science.zwa8dvz\u0022\u003Efalls short of that standard\u003C\/a\u003E. It depends on researchers to continuously supply it with the molecular machinery to function and to physically help it divide. It also cannot reproduce indefinitely outside a carefully controlled laboratory environment. In other words, SpudCell may have been built rather than born, but it is not yet autonomous life.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat limitation does not make the achievement unimportant. In fact, it is scientifically valuable precisely because it exposes what is still missing to create life. Which parts are essential? Which processes must be coordinated? How much complexity is necessary before chemistry begins to look like biology?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Create Synthetic Cells?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThose questions have practical importance. Answering them can help scientists and engineers design safer biological systems for a wide range of industries.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESynthetic cells allow scientists to more cleanly test how the surrounding membrane separates the inside of a cell from its environment, how genetic instructions are read, how energy is used, and how growth and division are coordinated. These cell-like systems could eventually become \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nist.gov\/blogs\/taking-measure\/promise-synthetic-cells-revolutionary-new-drugs-outer-space-explorers-and\u0022\u003Esimplified test beds\u003C\/a\u003E for studying biological circuits, disease mechanisms and the origins of life.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey could also help scientists \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nationalacademies.org\/projects\/DELS-BLS-22-12\u0022\u003Ebuild safer systems\u003C\/a\u003E for making medicines, fuels or materials, detecting environmental toxins, or delivering therapies without relying on fully living organisms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMore broadly, synthetic biology connects medicine and biotechnology: Viruses can be redesigned \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-the-puzzle-of-viral-vector-vaccines-was-solved-leading-to-todays-covid-19-shots-167341\u0022\u003Einto vaccines\u003C\/a\u003E or \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/gene-therapy-restores-hearing-in-toddlers-and-teenagers-born-with-congenital-deafness-new-research-258112\u0022\u003Egene therapy\u003C\/a\u003E, immune cells can be reprogrammed to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/anti-cancer-car-t-therapy-reengineers-t-cells-to-kill-tumors-and-researchers-are-expanding-the-limited-types-of-cancer-it-can-target-196471\u0022\u003Erecognize cancer\u003C\/a\u003E, and microbes can be engineered to make useful molecules, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/insulin-injections-could-one-day-be-replaced-with-rock-music-new-research-in-mice-216787\u0022\u003Esuch as insulin\u003C\/a\u003E, or \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/genetically-engineered-bacteria-make-living-materials-for-self-repairing-walls-and-cleaning-up-pollution-191411\u0022\u003Edetect pollutants\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESimilarly, researchers could use synthetic cells to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/biobots-arise-from-the-cells-of-dead-organisms-pushing-the-boundaries-of-life-death-and-medicine-238176\u0022\u003Edeliver a drug\u003C\/a\u003E only to diseased tissue, or create microbial systems that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s13036-023-00379-z\u0022\u003Edetect toxins or pathogens\u003C\/a\u003E in water. They can also act as simplified biological factories that can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/helping-cells-become-better-protein-factories-could-improve-gene-therapies-and-other-treatments-a-new-technique-shows-how-187515\u0022\u003Emake medicines\u003C\/a\u003E without requiring a fully living organism, or as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pone.0016292\u0022\u003Ebiosensors providing early warning\u003C\/a\u003E of dangerous threats, such as bioweapons.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECreating Life Responsibly\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe philosophical question \u201cIs SpudCell alive?\u201d may not have a simple yes or no answer.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDepending on whether your definition of life emphasizes metabolism, reproduction, evolution, autonomy or cellular organization, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/biobots-arise-from-the-cells-of-dead-organisms-pushing-the-boundaries-of-life-death-and-medicine-238176\u0022\u003Eboundary between living and nonliving\u003C\/a\u003E can look very different.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELife is not defined by one property alone. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-viruses-blur-the-boundaries-of-life-230802\u0022\u003EViruses\u003C\/a\u003E contain genetic information but depend on host cells to reproduce. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/mitochondria-can-sense-bacteria-and-trigger-your-immune-system-to-trap-them-revealing-new-ways-to-treat-infections-and-autoimmunity-255939\u0022\u003EMitochondria\u003C\/a\u003E perform essential metabolism but cannot live independently outside of cells. A \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/svalbard-global-seed-vault-evokes-epic-imagery-and-controversy-because-of-the-symbolic-value-of-seeds-240086\u0022\u003Eseed can remain dormant\u003C\/a\u003E for years before resuming growth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen synthetic biology is guided by a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/acssynbio.1c00129\u0022\u003Estrong sense of responsibility\u003C\/a\u003E, scientists can learn how to redirect harmful processes, build safer tools and help society. This requires not only asking whether biological systems can be built, but also whether their creation should be controlled, where they should function and what safeguards are needed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver the past two decades, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/nchembio.1979\u0022\u003Escientists have built\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.cell.2007.05.045\u0022\u003Emany kinds of\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41564-024-01913-5\u0022\u003Ebiological kill switches\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 that is, genetic circuits that can shut down engineered cells under specific conditions. Some researchers have made cells dependent on a specific nutrient. Others have created cells that can survive only in a particular environment or activate self-destructive pathways when conditions change.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKill switches are not magic off buttons and do not replace careful regulation, physical containment or public oversight. But they are an important example of synthetic biology\u2019s moral compass: to not only build useful biological tools, but to build them with safety, accountability and humility in mind.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/286762\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/creating-synthetic-life-in-a-lab-spudcell-falls-short-of-the-goal-but-raises-even-more-useful-questions-286762\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers announced on July 2, 2026, that they had created the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.64898\/2026.07.01.735724\u0022\u003Efirst synthetic cell\u003C\/a\u003E built from purified, nonliving components. The lab\u2019s cell-like system, dubbed SpudCell, raises key questions: What does it take to build a cell from scratch? If scientists assemble something that feeds, grows, copies genetic material and divides, have they created life?\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"While SpudCell is an important milestone in the field, it stops short of being a fully synthetic living cell."}],"uid":"36479","created_gmt":"2026-07-08 19:42:53","changed_gmt":"2026-07-13 16:12:48","author":"abowman41","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-08T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-08T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680580":{"id":"680580","type":"image","title":"spudcell.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1783539781","gmt_created":"2026-07-08 19:43:01","changed":"1783539781","gmt_changed":"2026-07-08 19:43:01","alt":"A rendering of transparent cells on a blue background","file":{"fid":"264858","name":"spudcell.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/08\/spudcell.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/08\/spudcell.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":4473489,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/08\/spudcell.jpeg?itok=ybyDU2tc"}}},"media_ids":["680580"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/creating-synthetic-life-in-a-lab-spudcell-falls-short-of-the-goal-but-raises-even-more-useful-questions-286762","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"188776","name":"go-research"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETara Deans, associate professor, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690920":{"#nid":"690920","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Earns Top-10 Rankings in Innovation Commercialization","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech continues to strengthen its position as one of the nation\u2019s leaders in research commercialization, earning top-10 rankings among U.S. higher education institutions in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/autm.net\/surveys-and-tools\/surveys\/licensing-survey\/2025-licensing-survey\u0022\u003E2025 AUTM Licensing Activity Survey.\u003C\/a\u003E In two key measures of innovation performance, Georgia Tech came in at No. six for invention disclosures with 454 total disclosures, as well as No. 8 in new patent applications with 230 filings. Additionally, Georgia Tech came in No. 12 in the number of issued U.S. patents with 124 granted. The annual AUTM survey is widely regarded as the leading benchmark for academic technology transfer and commercialization activity in the U.S.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe latest rankings build on a record year for Georgia Tech commercialization. In 2025, the Institute \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/georgia-tech-advances-500-technologies-toward-market-real-world-impact\u0022\u003Ereported\u003C\/a\u003E advancing hundreds of technologies toward the marketplace, while achieving record levels of invention disclosures, issued patents, and licensed technologies. Those milestones underscore Georgia Tech\u2019s expanding role in transforming research discoveries into products, companies, and partnerships that create economic and societal value.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe strong performance reflects a commercialization strategy focused not only on protecting IP, but also on helping researchers translate discoveries into practical applications,\u201d said Raghupathy \u201cSiva\u201d Sivakumar, chief commercialization officer at Georgia Tech. \u201cWhether through licensing technologies, launching startups, or partnering with industry, we are building pathways that help researchers transform discoveries into real-world solutions.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom advanced health technologies to environmental monitoring tools and next-generation aerospace ventures, Georgia Tech innovations are reaching users and markets in increasingly diverse ways. One example is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/2026\/05\/11\/kinemo-turning-small-movements-new-possibilities\u0022\u003EKinemo\u003C\/a\u003E, a startup developed through Georgia Tech research that is helping people with limited mobility regain independence through wearable assistive technology. Founded by researchers from the College of Engineering, Kinemo uses physiological sensing and small intentional movements to enable users to control digital devices. The company works closely with clinicians and patients at Shepherd Center to refine the technology and expand accessibility for individuals living with spinal cord injuries and mobility limitations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnother example is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/2026\/02\/02\/georgia-tech-researchers-commercialize-new-technology-faster-water-and-environmental\u0022\u003ESkopii\u003C\/a\u003E, a startup launched from research in the lab of environmental engineering professor Ameet Pinto. The company is commercializing portable imaging and artificial intelligence technology that enables users to rapidly analyze microorganisms in water and environmental systems, eliminating the need for lengthy laboratory testing. The technology has the potential to improve decision-making for water utilities, food production systems, and environmental monitoring efforts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs research institutions face increasing pressure to demonstrate impact beyond publications and laboratory discoveries, Georgia Tech continues to show how world-class research can translate into technologies, startups, jobs, and solutions that improve lives. The latest AUTM rankings provide another measure of that success, highlighting an innovation ecosystem that consistently moves ideas from the lab to the marketplace.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStartups such as Kinemo and Skopii illustrate the broader commercialization approach reflected in Georgia Tech\u0027s AUTM rankings.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech earns top-10 rankings among U.S. higher education institutions in two key measures of innovation performance in the 2025 AUTM Licensing Activity Survey.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech continues to strengthen its position as one of the nation\u2019s leaders in research commercialization"}],"uid":"34602","created_gmt":"2026-06-24 17:24:53","changed_gmt":"2026-07-01 19:44:19","author":"Georgia Parmelee","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-25T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-25T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680518":{"id":"680518","type":"image","title":"Kinemo co-founders Nordine Sebkhi and Arpan Bhavsar work with Wendell Odom during an assistive technology session using the Kinemo device to support independent computer and device control.","body":null,"created":"1782417464","gmt_created":"2026-06-25 19:57:44","changed":"1782417464","gmt_changed":"2026-06-25 19:57:44","alt":"Two researchers and a patient using the Kinemo technology. ","file":{"fid":"264791","name":"Kinemo-020.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/Kinemo-020.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/Kinemo-020.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2571708,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/25\/Kinemo-020.JPG?itok=oJVLRVqN"}}},"media_ids":["680518"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"193593","name":"gt-commercialization"},{"id":"192930","name":"gt-commercializationnews"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Parmelee\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["georgia.parmelee@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690989":{"#nid":"690989","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Joyner Appointed Interim Vice Provost for AI in Education ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech has appointed\u202fthe College of Computing\u2019s David Joyner as interim vice provost for AI in Education, effective July 1. In this role, Joyner will lead implementation of the Institute\u2019s academic artificial intelligence (AI) strategy. He will coordinate efforts across Colleges and administrative units and seek to expand access to resources, partnerships, and opportunities that support AI fluency, faculty innovation, and student success.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cDavid has been an important contributor to Georgia Tech\u2019s academic AI strategy from the beginning,\u201d said Raheem Beyah, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. \u201cWith expertise in AI use in the classroom, a commitment to instructional innovation, and a deep appreciation for and understanding of faculty perspectives, David is exceptionally well-positioned to lead this work.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoyner\u2019s appointment kicks off the next phase of the academic AI strategy, which was developed with input from faculty, staff, students, and academic leaders from across the Institute. The strategy is organized around three goals: advancing AI-driven teaching and learning, equipping faculty and students to build and integrate AI tools effectively and responsibly, and strengthening Georgia Tech\u2019s impact and leadership through responsible AI innovation and engagement.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs interim vice provost for AI in Education, Joyner will work closely with faculty governance leaders, academic leadership, and campus partners to coordinate implementation efforts, support strategic initiatives, expand access to AI resources, and help align activities across the Institute.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoyner currently serves in the College of Computing as associate dean for Off-Campus and Special Initiatives and executive director of Online Education and the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program. He will continue to serve as executive director of OMSCS while stepping down from his associate dean responsibilities to assume the role of interim vice provost for AI Strategy.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoyner is a recognized leader in online learning, educational technology, and AI-enabled education. His research focuses on learning at scale, online instruction, and the use of AI to support student success and teaching innovation. Through his leadership of OMSCS and his work as a researcher and instructor, he has helped shape how Georgia Tech and higher education approach technology-enhanced learning.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cI am thrilled to take on this role at such a pivotal time for AI and education,\u201d said Joyner. \u201cGeorgia Tech\u2019s faculty, staff, and students are already making incredible strides in this area, and I can\u2019t wait to highlight and empower what they\u2019re doing while helping us all articulate how we both use and address AI responsibly, in every sense of the word.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EFaculty expertise and shared governance will remain central to the implementation of the academic AI strategy. Faculty interested in contributing to pilot projects, sharing effective practices, or helping inform future AI initiatives will have opportunities to participate as the work continues.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"The new leadership role will guide the implementation of Georgia Tech\u2019s academic AI strategy and support faculty-led AI innovation across the Institute. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe new leadership role will guide the implementation of Georgia Tech\u2019s academic AI strategy and support faculty-led AI innovation across the Institute.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The new leadership role will guide the implementation of Georgia Tech\u2019s academic AI strategy and support faculty-led AI innovation across the Institute. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-07-01 11:41:33","changed_gmt":"2026-07-01 13:36:30","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-01T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-01T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680540":{"id":"680540","type":"image","title":"David Joyner","body":null,"created":"1782906519","gmt_created":"2026-07-01 11:48:39","changed":"1782906519","gmt_changed":"2026-07-01 11:48:39","alt":"David Joyner","file":{"fid":"264814","name":"David_Joyner_Headshot.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/01\/David_Joyner_Headshot.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/01\/David_Joyner_Headshot.png","mime":"image\/png","size":216147,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/01\/David_Joyner_Headshot.png?itok=GFdarpoW"}}},"media_ids":["680540"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"132","name":"Institute Leadership"}],"keywords":[{"id":"193860","name":"Artifical Intelligence"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:julian.hills@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJulian Hills\u003C\/a\u003E, Executive Communications Specialist, Sr., Institute Communications\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"684913":{"#nid":"684913","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Meet the Microbes: What a Warming Wetland Reveals About Earth\u2019s Carbon Future","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBetween a third and half of all soil carbon on Earth is stored in peatlands, says\u0026nbsp;Tom and Marie Patton Distinguished Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/people\/joel-kostka\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJoel Kostka\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. These wetlands \u2014 formed from layers and layers of decaying plant matter \u2014 span from the Arctic to the tropics, supporting biodiversity and regulating global climate.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cPeatlands are essential carbon stores, but as temperatures warm, this carbon is in danger of being released as carbon dioxide and methane,\u201d says Kostka, who is also the\u0026nbsp;associate chair for Research in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E and the director of\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2024\/12\/04\/college-sciences-launches-new-center-georgia-tech-georgias-tomorrow\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech for Georgia\u2019s Tomorrow\u003C\/a\u003E. Understanding the ratio of carbon dioxide to methane is critical, he adds, because while both are greenhouse gasses, methane is significantly more potent.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EKostka is the corresponding author of a new study unearthing how and why peatlands are producing carbon dioxide and methane.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe research, \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41467-025-61664-7\u0022\u003ENorthern peatland microbial communities exhibit resistance to warming and acquire electron acceptors from soil organic matter\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d was published this summer in\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003ENature Communications\u003C\/em\u003E, and was led by co-first authors\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EBorja Aldeguer-Riquelme,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ea\u0026nbsp;postdoctoral research associate in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/enve-omics.gatech.edu\/people\/\u0022\u003EEnvironmental Microbial Genomics Laboratory,\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eand\u003Cstrong\u003E Katherine Duchesneau\u003C\/strong\u003E, a\u0026nbsp;Ph.D. student in the School of Biological Sciences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe study builds on a decade of research at the Oak Ridge National Lab\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mnspruce.ornl.gov\/\u0022\u003ESpruce and Peatland Responses Under Changing Environments (SPRUCE) experiment\u003C\/a\u003E, a long-term research project in Minnesota that allows researchers to warm whole sections of wetland from tree top to bog bottom.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cOver the past 10 years, we\u2019ve shown that warming in this large-scale climate experiment increases greenhouse gas production,\u201d Kostka says. \u201cBut while warming makes the bog produce more methane, we still observe a lot more CO2 production than methane. In this paper, we take a critical step towards discovering why \u2014 and describing the mechanisms that determine which gases are released and in what amounts.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMethane mystery\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe subdued methane production in peatlands has been a long-standing mystery. In water-saturated wetlands, oxygen is scarce, but microbes still need to respire \u2014 a type of \u2018breathing\u2019 that allows them to produce energy for metabolic function. Without oxygen, microbes use nitrate, sulfate, or metals to respire \u2014 still releasing carbon dioxide in the process. However, if these ingredients aren\u2019t present, microbes \u2018breathe\u2019 in a way that releases methane.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESince nitrate, sulfate, and metals are relatively rare in peatlands, methane production should be the most likely pathway, but surprisingly, observations show the opposite. \u201cIn both fieldwork and lab experiments, peatlands produce much more carbon dioxide than methane,\u201d Kostka explains. \u201cIt\u2019s puzzling because the soil conditions should help methane production dominate.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETo solve this mystery, the team leveraged a suite of cutting-edge genetic tools called \u201comics\u201d \u2014\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;metagenomics (studying DNA), metatranscriptomics (studying RNA), and metabolomics (a technique used to study the \u201cleftovers\u201d of metabolism), providing a detailed look under the hood of the microbial \u201cengine\u201d that cycles organic matter in wetlands. It also gave a new window into the diversity of soil microbes in wetlands: 80 percent of the organisms identified in the study were new at the genus level.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u2018Omics\u2019 innovations\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EOver the course of several years, the team collected samples from a peatland enclosed in an experimental chamber that was slowly warmed, then analyzed the samples using omics to see how they changed. Initially, they hypothesized that warming the soil would cause microbial communities to change quickly. \u201cMicrobes can evolve and grow rapidly,\u201d Kostka says. \u201cBut that didn\u2019t happen.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe DNA-based methods showed that while the microbial communities stayed largely stable, the bog did release more greenhouse gasses as it warmed. To assess the metabolic potential of the microbes, Duchesneau and Aldeguer-Riquelme constructed microbial genomes, investigating how they were decomposing the organic matter in peatlands and cycling carbon.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe found that microbial activity increases with warming, but the growth response of microbial communities lags behind these changes in physiological or metabolic activity,\u201d Kostka says.\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EHe cautions that this doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that wetland communities won\u2019t change as climates warm\u0026nbsp;\u2014 just that these shifts might come behind metabolic ones.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA diversity of discoveries\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAnd the methane? The team believes that microbes may be breaking down organic matter to access the key ingredients for producing carbon dioxide \u2014 nitrate, sulfate, and metals \u2014 though more research is currently underway to investigate this.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cDoing this type of integrated omics research in soil systems is still incredibly difficult,\u201d Kostka says. The challenge is multifaceted: the research leverages years of experiments, long-term datasets, advanced laboratory techniques, and fieldwork innovations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAt SPRUCE, experimental chambers are about 1,000 square feet. While it\u2019s an impressive experimental setup, researchers still must be careful: \u201cWe need to take soil samples for many years, so if we take too many, there\u2019d be no soil left!\u201d Kostka explains. \u201cPart of our research involves developing better, non-destructive sampling techniques.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe other challenge lies in what makes these peatlands so unique: it\u2019s very hard to detect small changes because of the sheer diversity of organisms present. \u201cEvery time we conduct this type of research, we learn more about these incredible systems,\u201d he says. \u201cThere\u2019s always something new.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDOI: \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-025-61664-7\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-025-61664-7\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EFunding: The Office of Biological and Environmental Research, Terrestrial Ecosystem Science Program and Genomic Science programs, under the US Department of Energy (DOE); the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE Office of Science User Facility sponsored by the Biological and Environmental Research program. The SPRUCE experiment is funded by the Biological and Environmental Research program in the U.S. Department of Energy\u2019s Office of Science.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBetween a third and half of all soil carbon on Earth is stored in peatlands, but as temperatures warm, this carbon is in danger of being released. A new study is unearthing the ratio of carbon dioxide to methane released \u2014 because while both are greenhouse gasses, methane is significantly more potent.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A new study is unearthing how and why peatlands are producing carbon dioxide and methane.\u00a0"}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2025-09-16 16:55:49","changed_gmt":"2026-06-30 17:57:42","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-09-16T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-09-16T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678030":{"id":"678030","type":"image","title":"An aerial photo of the SPRUCE experiment.","body":"An arial photo of the SPRUCE experiment.","created":"1758051069","gmt_created":"2025-09-16 19:31:09","changed":"1758054915","gmt_changed":"2025-09-16 20:35:15","alt":"An aerial photo of the SPRUCE experiment.","file":{"fid":"262002","name":"SPRUCE-aerial.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/16\/SPRUCE-aerial.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/16\/SPRUCE-aerial.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":191796,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/16\/SPRUCE-aerial.jpg?itok=KXVV0CD8"}},"678031":{"id":"678031","type":"image","title":"Postdoctoral Researchers Caitlin Petro and Borja Aldeguer-Riquelme inside a SPRUCE chamber in 2023.","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPostdoctoral Researchers Caitlin Petro and Borja Aldeguer-Riquelme inside a SPRUCE chamber in 2023.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1758051865","gmt_created":"2025-09-16 19:44:25","changed":"1758051865","gmt_changed":"2025-09-16 19:44:25","alt":"Postdoctoral Researchers Caitlin Petro and Borja Aldeguer-Riquelme inside a SPRUCE chamber in 2023.","file":{"fid":"262008","name":"Caitlin_Borja_chamber_23.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/16\/Caitlin_Borja_chamber_23.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/16\/Caitlin_Borja_chamber_23.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":37221,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/16\/Caitlin_Borja_chamber_23.jpg?itok=o_Yq6q6C"}},"678026":{"id":"678026","type":"image","title":"Ph.D. student Katherine Duchesneau sampling porewater inside an experimental SPRUCE chamber.","body":"Ph.D. student Katherine Duchesneau sampling porewater inside an experimental SPRUCE chamber.","created":"1758051069","gmt_created":"2025-09-16 19:31:09","changed":"1758051069","gmt_changed":"2025-09-16 19:31:09","alt":"Ph.D. student Katherine Duchesneau sampling porewater inside an experimental SPRUCE chamber.","file":{"fid":"261998","name":"IMG_6736.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/16\/IMG_6736.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/16\/IMG_6736.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":12526125,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/16\/IMG_6736.jpeg?itok=Fp_7PhLg"}},"678027":{"id":"678027","type":"image","title":"Postdoctoral Researcher Caitlin Petro, Ph.D. student Katherine Duchesneau, and undergraduate student Sekou Noble-Kuchera in a SPRUCE chamber.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPostdoctoral Researcher Caitlin Petro, Ph.D. student Katherine Duchesneau, and undergraduate student Sekou Noble-Kuchera in a SPRUCE chamber.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1758051069","gmt_created":"2025-09-16 19:31:09","changed":"1758055106","gmt_changed":"2025-09-16 20:38:26","alt":"Postdoctoral Researcher Caitlin Petro, Ph.D. student Katherine Duchesneau, and undergraduate student Sekou Noble-Kuchera in a SPRUCE chamber.","file":{"fid":"261999","name":"IMG_6748.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/16\/IMG_6748.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/16\/IMG_6748.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":8678062,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/16\/IMG_6748.jpg?itok=DoMRfPfd"}},"678028":{"id":"678028","type":"image","title":"Joel Kostka at the SPRUCE experiment.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EJoel Kostka at the SPRUCE experiment.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1758051069","gmt_created":"2025-09-16 19:31:09","changed":"1758055048","gmt_changed":"2025-09-16 20:37:28","alt":"Joel Kostka at the SPRUCE experiment.","file":{"fid":"262000","name":"Joel-Kostka.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/16\/Joel-Kostka.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/16\/Joel-Kostka.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1324030,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/16\/Joel-Kostka.jpg?itok=eUOwhCkK"}}},"media_ids":["678030","678031","678026","678027","678028"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"192254","name":"cos-climate"},{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWritten by \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto: sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685297":{"#nid":"685297","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Decades in the Making: Seeing the Full Impact From Air Pollution Reductions","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at Georgia Tech have analyzed the seasonal differences of sulfate aerosols \u2014 a major pollutant in the United States \u2014 to examine the long-term impact from sulfur dioxide (SO\u2082) emission reductions since the enactment of the Clean Air Act amendments in 1990.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EYuhang Wang\u003C\/strong\u003E and his team studied the factors affecting SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;and sulfate concentrations during winter and summer in the \u201cRust Belt\u201d \u2014 from New York through the Midwest \u2014 and the Southeast regions of the U.S. over two decades (2004 to 2023). Supported by the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/\u0022\u003ENational Science Foundation\u003C\/a\u003E and Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/sustainability\u0022\u003EBrook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems\u003C\/a\u003E, the team also developed an ensemble machine learning approach to project seasonal patterns until 2050.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cPower plants, particularly those burning coal and oil, are a major source of SO\u2082 emissions in these regions,\u201d says Wang, who co-authored, with Ph.D. students \u003Cstrong\u003EFanghe Zhao\u003C\/strong\u003E and \u003Cstrong\u003EShengjun Xi\u003C\/strong\u003E, the study recently published in\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/full\/10.1021\/acs.estlett.5c00731\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EEnvironmental Science \u0026amp; Technology Letters\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESeasonal differences in atmospheric chemistry\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the U.S., the chemistry in the atmosphere varies among the seasons. During summer, solar radiation from ample sunlight activates oxidant reactions that produce hydrogen peroxide (H\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003EO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E) in the atmosphere. The supply of H\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003EO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E is determined by the amount of emitted air pollution, and once in the atmosphere, H\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003EO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E can oxidize SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;quickly into sulfate aerosols in the aqueous phase.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESulfate aerosols from the oxidation of SO\u2082 contribute to the formation of particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5). Particulate sulfate poses significant environmental and public health risks, including air pollution, acid rain, and circulatory and respiratory issues.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe supply of H\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003EO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;in summer is eight times greater than in winter \u2014 a huge difference \u2014 which means sulfate concentrations are generally higher in summer and a reduction in SO\u2082 emissions leads to a proportional decrease in sulfate concentrations,\u201d explains Wang. \u201cWhen SO\u2082 emissions exceed the available supply of H\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003EO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E in winter, the reduction in sulfate concentrations can be much smaller because of a \u2018chemical damping\u2019 effect that causes sulfate levels to decline more slowly than SO\u2082 emissions.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENarrowing the disparities between seasonal sulfate levels\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe study\u2019s two-decade observations revealed distinct patterns in the reduction of SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;emissions and sulfate concentrations during winter and summer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;emissions significantly decreased in both seasons\u00ad over time \u2014 primarily from the Clean Air Act and more power plants transitioning from coal to natural gas \u2014 the reduction of sulfate concentrations initially showed large seasonal differences. However, over the past decade, the disparity between winter and summer sulfate levels narrowed as SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;emissions decreased.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to Wang, the seasonal disparity of sulfate was caused by changing chemical regimes in winter over time. Although the lower supply of H\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003EO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E remained stable in winter, SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;wintertime emissions were higher from 2004 to 2013, then dropped below the level of H\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003EO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;after 2013 \u2014 reaching parity with the levels of reduced SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;emissions in the summer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen you have this complexity of atmospheric chemistry, there is a non-linear effect in winter \u2014 as SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;emissions decreased, sulfate aerosol production efficiency increased until 2013, then flattened as of today. The reduction in sulfate aerosols initially lagged behind the decrease in SO\u2082 emissions but eventually caught up as a result of sustained air quality control efforts,\u201d says Wang. \u201cConversely, there is a simple, linear effect in summer \u2014 the more SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;emissions, the more sulfate aerosols in the atmosphere \u2014 and if you reduce one, the other is reduced by the same proportion.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDecades-long full impact\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom now until 2050, the researchers\u2019 machine learning projections indicate a continuing decrease of winter and summer sulfate levels, which are currently around 20 percent, as SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;emission controls achieve comparable efficacy across the seasons.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re now seeing the full impact from the Clean Air Act,\u201d concludes Wang, \u201cand the nation\u2019s sustained effort in pollution reduction is key to improving air quality and health outcomes.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers analyze seasonal differences of SO\u2082 and sulfate concentrations in the atmosphere over decades to determine the long-term impact of sustained air quality control efforts.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers analyze seasonal differences of SO\u2082 and sulfate concentrations in the atmosphere over decades to determine the long-term impact of sustained air quality control efforts."}],"uid":"27465","created_gmt":"2025-09-25 21:44:42","changed_gmt":"2026-06-30 16:45:09","author":"Annette Filliat","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-09-26T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-09-26T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678151":{"id":"678151","type":"image","title":"NOAA Iridescent Clouds","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIridescent clouds before sunset \/ Source: NOAA\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1758842239","gmt_created":"2025-09-25 23:17:19","changed":"1758842239","gmt_changed":"2025-09-25 23:17:19","alt":"NOAA Iridescent Clouds","file":{"fid":"262138","name":"NOAA-North-Carolina-Clouds.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/NOAA-North-Carolina-Clouds.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/NOAA-North-Carolina-Clouds.png","mime":"image\/png","size":3019658,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/25\/NOAA-North-Carolina-Clouds.png?itok=aC8m6MF-"}},"678152":{"id":"678152","type":"image","title":"Yuhang Wang ","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Professor Yuhang Wang and his team co-authored the study, \u201cChemically Induced Decline in Wintertime SO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;Emission Control Efficacy,\u201d which was published in \u003Cem\u003EEnvironmental Science \u0026amp; Technology Letters\u003C\/em\u003E.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1758842459","gmt_created":"2025-09-25 23:20:59","changed":"1758842459","gmt_changed":"2025-09-25 23:20:59","alt":"Yuhang Wang ","file":{"fid":"262139","name":"GT-CoS-Yuhang-Wang-Headshot.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Yuhang-Wang-Headshot.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Yuhang-Wang-Headshot.png","mime":"image\/png","size":6600933,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Yuhang-Wang-Headshot.png?itok=Wga0XlvH"}},"678153":{"id":"678153","type":"image","title":"Fanghe Zhao","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPh.D. student Fanghe Zhao\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1758843155","gmt_created":"2025-09-25 23:32:35","changed":"1758843155","gmt_changed":"2025-09-25 23:32:35","alt":"Fanghe Zhao","file":{"fid":"262141","name":"GT-CoS-Fanghe-Zhao-Headshot.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Fanghe-Zhao-Headshot_0.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Fanghe-Zhao-Headshot_0.png","mime":"image\/png","size":10158591,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Fanghe-Zhao-Headshot_0.png?itok=rmCNXJa_"}},"678154":{"id":"678154","type":"image","title":"Shengjun Xi","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003EPh.D. student Shengjun Xi\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1758843283","gmt_created":"2025-09-25 23:34:43","changed":"1758843283","gmt_changed":"2025-09-25 23:34:43","alt":"Shengjun Xi","file":{"fid":"262142","name":"GT-CoS-Shengjun-Xi-Headshot.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Shengjun-Xi-Headshot.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Shengjun-Xi-Headshot.png","mime":"image\/png","size":3927326,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Shengjun-Xi-Headshot.png?itok=ut8CDG5t"}}},"media_ids":["678151","678152","678153","678154"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/study-reveals-wintertime-formation-large-pollution-particles-chinas-skies","title":"Study Reveals Wintertime Formation of Large Pollution Particles in China\u2019s Skies"},{"url":"https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/everlasting-african-wildfires-fueled-aerosol-feedback","title":"Everlasting African Wildfires Fueled by Aerosol Feedback"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"192254","name":"cos-climate"},{"id":"194631","name":"cos-georgia"},{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"},{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"},{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jess@cos.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJess Hunt-Ralston\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Communications\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences at Georgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWriter: Annette Filliat\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEditor: Lindsay Vidal\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jess@cos.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690972":{"#nid":"690972","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Celebrating Independence Day Around Atlanta  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute will close on Friday, July 3, ahead of the United States\u2019 250th anniversary on July 4. Students also get a break from classes on Thursday, July 2. Celebrate the holiday weekend by exploring the city and everything it has to offer.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/stonemountainpark.com\/activities\/events\/atlanta-4th-of-july-fireworks-at-stone-mountain-park\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EStone Mountain Fantastic Fourth Celebration\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: July 1 \u2013 6, 9:30 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: Stone Mountain Park\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe nightly show features 250 choreographed drones, laser projections, and 4K imagery displayed on Stone Mountain; flame cannons and atmospheric effects for a fully immersive experience; and a grand fireworks finale. Visitors can purchase tickets for the show specifically, or it is included with an attraction pass.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/stonemountainpark.com\/activities\/events\/atlanta-4th-of-july-fireworks-at-stone-mountain-park\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.atlantahistorycenter.com\/event\/welcome-to-atlanta\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWelcome to Atlanta Party\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Friday, July 3, 6:30 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EWhere: Margaret Mitchell House\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHosted by the Atlanta History Center, this event showcases Atlanta\u0027s role in the American story, and \u201cwhere we think the city should go for the next 250 years.\u201d The event will feature music, community resources from across the city, books, and trivia with prizes.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.atlantahistorycenter.com\/event\/welcome-to-atlanta\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/beltline.org\/events\/6a0774ae170f05754eb11088\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESkate Jam\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Friday, July 3, 6:30 \u2013 7:30 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: Washington Park\/Westside Beltline\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBring your roller skates and learn group routines with timing, control, and confidence while skating with others. This event is part of the ongoing Beltline Free Fitness series.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/beltline.org\/events\/6a0774ae170f05754eb11088\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/braves\/tickets\/promotions\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBraves vs. Mets\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: July 3 \u2013 6 \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EWhere: Truist Park\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Atlanta Braves host the division rival New York Mets for a weekend series. In addition to postgame fireworks, Friday night\u2019s game will feature music and memories celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Summer Olympics. Saturday, a Braves Block Party begins the festivities ahead of the Fourth of July celebration.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/braves\/tickets\/promotions\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.atlantatrackclub.org\/\u0022\u003ENorthside Hospital \u003Cstrong\u003EPeachtree Road Race\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Saturday, July 4, 6 a.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EWhere: Starting Line \u2013\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003ELenox Square Mall. Finish Line \u2013 Piedmont Park.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore the world\u2019s largest 10K gets underway on Saturday, July 4, Darryl \u201cDMC\u201d McDaniels will put on a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.runningusa.org\/industry-news\/dmc-of-run-dmc-to-perform-july-3-ahead-of-thenorthside-hospital-peachtree-road-race\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Especial performance\u003C\/a\u003E for registered participants at Lenox Square on Friday, July 3. On race day, more than 50,000 runners will make their way from the starting line at Lenox to Piedmont Park, and spectators can cheer them on along the way with entertainment areas lining the route.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.atlantatrackclub.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atlantabg.org\/calendar\/frog-feeding\/2026-07-04\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrog Feeding\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: July 4, 10 a.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EWhere: Atlanta Botanical Garden\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKick off the holiday with an amphibian specialist at the Fuqua Conservatory lobby to observe the frogs\u2019 feeding habits and learn fun facts about different species at the botanical garden \u2014 poison frogs, fringed leaf frogs, and more.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atlantabg.org\/calendar\/frog-feeding\/2026-07-04\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov\/events\/84099\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFourth of July Family Day\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. \u2013 4 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EWhere: Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECelebrate America\u0027s 250th anniversary with free admission and family-friendly activities at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. The event will also feature a conversation with Denise Kiernan, who will discuss her new book, \u003Cem\u003EObstinate Daughters: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution.\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov\/events\/84099\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocal Fireworks Shows\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e70b9886d5f8aed2233df3775780b13ca\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.kennesaw-ga.gov\/kennesaw-event\/salute-to-america\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EKennesaw\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 July 3\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022edb3332d0aecc2ce104b7b23578277aa0\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.alpharetta.ga.us\/498\/July-4th-Fireworks-at-Wills-Park\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAlpharetta\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 July 3 and 4\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ead999c625ad59c7dc23a139939a4b66e\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chambleega.com\/calendar.php?view=day\u0026amp;month=07\u0026amp;day=04\u0026amp;year=2026\u0026amp;calendar=\u0026amp;id=455\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChamblee\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 July 4\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e11a8d9c5c462066e6295dfc6ef216cb3\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sandyspringsga.gov\/events\/fireworks\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESandy Springs\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 July 4\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ed1ab71cb7aa2f040d9d53395704fed66\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.decaturga.com\/community\/page\/pied-piper-parade-concert-fireworks\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDecatur\u003C\/a\u003E - July 4\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/discoveratlanta.com\/blog\/15-places-to-watch-fireworks-in-metro-atlanta\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore fireworks shows in metro Atlanta\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/fernbankmuseum.org\/experiences\/3d-giant-screen-movies\/fernbank-celebrates-the-usa\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFernbank Celebrates the USA\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Through July 5\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EWhere: Fernbank Museum of Natural History \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EThrough a selection of special film sessions, the Fernbank will honor America\u2019s 250th birthday with films that celebrate our country\u2019s natural wonders, national parks, and musical traditions. \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/fernbankmuseum.org\/experiences\/3d-giant-screen-movies\/fernbank-celebrates-the-usa\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"There are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday and long weekend around Atlanta. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThere are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday and long weekend around Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"There are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday and long weekend around Atlanta. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-06-30 12:04:17","changed_gmt":"2026-06-30 12:11:16","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-30T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-30T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"671065":{"id":"671065","type":"image","title":"Fourth of July fireworks seen from Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech. ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFourth of July fireworks seen from Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech. Photo credit: Danny Karnik\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n","created":"1687986776","gmt_created":"2023-06-28 21:12:56","changed":"1687986776","gmt_changed":"2023-06-28 21:12:56","alt":"Fourth of July fireworks seen from Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech. ","file":{"fid":"254063","name":"12C2003-P26-001.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2023\/06\/28\/12C2003-P26-001.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2023\/06\/28\/12C2003-P26-001.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":8843414,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2023\/06\/28\/12C2003-P26-001.jpg?itok=aSGbGh-o"}}},"media_ids":["671065"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"181600","name":"fourth of july"},{"id":"97021","name":"independence day"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:Steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 Institute Communications\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690950":{"#nid":"690950","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Apply for Education Assistance Through July 15","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019ve been thinking about starting a program or continuing your education this fall, you have until July 15 to apply for education assistance.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPrograms Available for Eligible Faculty and Staff\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ebe96b67059d232dcd5768a3b35e41364\u0022\u003EThe \u003Cstrong\u003ETuition Assistance Program (TAP) \u003C\/strong\u003Eprovides a tuition waiver to full-time, benefits-eligible employees who have worked for at least six months within the University of System of Georgia. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ol\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Col start=\u00222\u0022\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e15b73f5a1211b9fb1d3671ac569e1d21\u0022\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EThe \u003Cstrong\u003EStaff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Program (STRAP)\u003C\/strong\u003E provides partial tuition reimbursement at any accredited private institution. Employees are eligible for STRAP if they have worked at Georgia Tech for at least 12 months. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ol\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003ENote: Time worked in a temporary position \u003Cem\u003Edoes not\u003C\/em\u003E count toward the eligibility requirement for either program. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow to Apply\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ede05303a0bb36d8c45727a0b10a7a716\u0022\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EApply to your chosen institution through its admissions office.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ea8e9e76014428135cd5bb7be26827461\u0022\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOpen a TAP or STRAP application in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.service-now.com\/asc\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAdministrative Services\u003C\/a\u003E portal.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022efcf41fd626cd8d0ce6237cff5ceb900a\u0022\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EList your intended courses. If you are unsure, make your best guess. You can request to change it later via your application.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e54d563cdbc9ddb97df3557abda07a5e7\u0022\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESubmit your application and it will automatically route for approval.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ef40c41b9ca1e8148860c910e3fd53e47\u0022\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERegister for classes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ol\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAll TAP and STRAP applications must be submitted and approved by\u003Cstrong\u003E Wednesday, July 15 at 5 p.m\u003C\/strong\u003E. Late applications \u003Cstrong\u003Ecannot be accepted.\u003C\/strong\u003E A new application is required each semester.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EQuestions?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EContact the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.service-now.com\/asc\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAdministrative Services Center\u003C\/a\u003E for assistance:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ec7fb8ff4ec0d372f500b8faf7eb1b1d4\u0022\u003ECall 404.385.1111\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022eedb358da81228560036024aa19584a78\u0022\u003EEmail support@asc.gatech.edu\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ee94030af949c49cfe27ad467003cd919\u0022\u003ESubmit a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.service-now.com\/hr?id=sc_cat_item\u0026amp;sys_id=dcaaa4161bbdc950a8622f4b234bcbd6\u0026amp;referrer=popular_items\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Egeneral HR request\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEligible Georgia Tech employees can apply for fall semester tuition assistance through Wednesday, July 15. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Eligible Georgia Tech employees can apply for tuition assistance through July 15. "}],"uid":"36515","created_gmt":"2026-06-26 18:28:05","changed_gmt":"2026-06-29 19:50:10","author":"agauker6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680520":{"id":"680520","type":"image","title":"25-R10502-P3-027.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1782498621","gmt_created":"2026-06-26 18:30:21","changed":"1782498621","gmt_changed":"2026-06-26 18:30:21","alt":"Group of three Georgia Tech students at commencement ceremony with flowers.","file":{"fid":"264793","name":"25-R10502-P3-027.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/26\/25-R10502-P3-027.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/26\/25-R10502-P3-027.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2418186,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/26\/25-R10502-P3-027.jpeg?itok=Wyhkjy7l"}}},"media_ids":["680520"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/benefits.hr.gatech.edu\/education-assistance\/","title":"Education Assistance Webpage"},{"url":"https:\/\/gatech.service-now.com\/asc?id=sc_category","title":"Apply for Education Assistance (TAP or STRAP)"},{"url":"https:\/\/mediaspace.gatech.edu\/playlist\/dedicated\/1_nq4gfnea\/1_9gv5p1yz","title":"Education Assistance Recordings"}],"groups":[{"id":"660358","name":"Administrative Services Center"}],"categories":[{"id":"42911","name":"Education"}],"keywords":[{"id":"193133","name":"educational assistance"},{"id":"67881","name":"Tuition Assistance Program"},{"id":"171275","name":"Staff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Program"},{"id":"8254","name":"Administration and Finance"},{"id":"190282","name":"administrative Services center"},{"id":"192222","name":"GT Georgia Tech Human Resources"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAlicia Gauker\u003Cbr\u003EAdministrative Services Center\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["agauker6@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690866":{"#nid":"690866","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Unified ERP Program Moves Forward Through the Architect and Configure Phase","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usg.edu\/unified-erp\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EUniversity System of Georgia\u2019s (USG) Unified Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Program\u003C\/a\u003E team continues to make steady progress through the Architect and Configure phase, which will continue through the calendar year.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProgress at a Glance\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe formal \u003Cstrong\u003EFunctional Design Sessions\u003C\/strong\u003E were completed in early May. These sessions gathered input from institutions across the USG on business processes, system configurations, data integrations, reporting needs, change impacts, and potential policies and practices that may necessitate further review.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition, the \u003Cstrong\u003EInstitutional Design Review (IDR) Sessions\u003C\/strong\u003E recently concluded. During these sessions, Georgia Tech, along with other USG institutions, reviewed initial systemwide design decisions from each of the workstreams in Finance and Human Capital Management. Potential operational impacts to campuses were shared, in addition to other feedback that would help shape Prototype 1 (P1) \u2014 the first of several working test environments \u2014 also known as \u201cTenants\u201d in the new Workday system. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EP1 will serve as an initial, baseline configuration in the new Unified ERP system, using copies of institutions\u2019 data to assess how data is integrated and flowing within the system. Testing throughout the Architect and Configure phase will be iterative with a design-build-review approach. Two additional prototypes are planned for 2027. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EQuestions about the Unified ERP Program can be submitted to \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:erp@gatech.edu\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eerp@gatech.edu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWorkday Resources and Engagement Opportunities\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeginning in July, Georgia Tech\u2019s Unified ERP team will begin hosting monthly office hours \u2014 \u003Cstrong\u003E\u201cInside the Build\u201d\u003C\/strong\u003E \u2014 to help answer questions and provide insights on this transformative project. These virtual Teams sessions will be conducted on the third Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon, with the first session planned for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/calendar.gatech.edu\/event\/2026\/07\/16\/unified-erp-inside-build\u0022\u003EThursday, July 16\u003C\/a\u003E. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe USG is also hosting \u003Cstrong\u003EWorkday Wednesdays\u003C\/strong\u003E beginning in July. These live webinar demonstrations will focus on Workday and are intended to give all affected end users an opportunity to get comfortable with Workday, gradually covering one topic at a time and building familiarity and vocabulary leading up to the go-live date in July 2028. Staff, managers, and leadership at any role or level are welcome. No previous Workday knowledge or experience is required. Sessions will be held on the last Wednesday of each month, and each session runs approximately \u003Cstrong\u003E15 to 20 minutes\u003C\/strong\u003E, with time for questions at the end.\u0026nbsp; The first Workday Wednesday is planned for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/calendar.gatech.edu\/event\/2026\/07\/29\/workday-wednesday-workday-101\u0022\u003EWednesday, July 29\u003C\/a\u003E, from 2 to 2:45 p.m.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe University System of Georgia\u2019s Unified Enterprise Resource Planning Program team continues to make steady progress through the Architect and Configure phase.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The University System of Georgia\u2019s Unified Enterprise Resource Planning Program team continues to make steady progress through the Architect and Configure phase. "}],"uid":"27164","created_gmt":"2026-06-22 18:56:24","changed_gmt":"2026-06-24 19:40:17","author":"Rachael Pocklington","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-22T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-22T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680491":{"id":"680491","type":"image","title":"BOR_logo_blue--Converted-.png","body":null,"created":"1782159886","gmt_created":"2026-06-22 20:24:46","changed":"1782159886","gmt_changed":"2026-06-22 20:24:46","alt":"University System of Georgia Logo","file":{"fid":"264761","name":"BOR_logo_blue--Converted-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/22\/BOR_logo_blue--Converted-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/22\/BOR_logo_blue--Converted-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":148308,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/22\/BOR_logo_blue--Converted-.png?itok=eZ3t-3sZ"}}},"media_ids":["680491"],"groups":[{"id":"64319","name":"Administration and Finance"},{"id":"220261","name":"Finance and Planning"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"193812","name":"Unified ERP"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERachael Pocklington\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["rpocklington@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690825":{"#nid":"690825","#data":{"type":"news","title":"When Art Meets Instruction ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMalena Bisanti\u2019s work and life mirror each other. She calls herself a \u201clifetime learner\u201d by practice. She works with faculty to design the visual presentation of online graduate courses while spending her free time constructing layered works of art. Somewhere between the classroom and the studio, her philosophy, career, and creativity have come together into a real-life collage.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019ve been in teaching and learning spaces for a long time, and I\u2019ve always been curious about what makes something click for someone. That\u2019s the part of the work I love most,\u201d Bisanti said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBisanti is an instructional designer in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/lifetimelearning.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECollege of Lifetime Learning\u003C\/a\u003E, where she helps shape the design and presentation of online courses. Her role involves taking academic material \u2014 slides, scripts, and outlines \u2014 and organizing it into clear, structured courses that support how people learn in an online environment. She applies both learning science and visual design to make complex material easier to follow, ensuring that courses remain accessible.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom start to finish, building a course can take six to nine months. The work requires steady planning and a deep understanding of how learners absorb information over time. While instructors remain the content experts, Bisanti brings expertise in learning science and visual design, drawing on her artistic background to structure, pace, and present material in ways that support understanding and growth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen I\u2019m working on a course, I\u2019m constantly asking how I can break something down and build it back up in a way that makes sense for the learner,\u201d Bisanti said. \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of structuring and layering, making sure each piece connects and supports the next.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMuch of this work connects to Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/omscs.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EOnline Master of Science in Computer Science\u003C\/a\u003E, which serves learners balancing coursework with full-time careers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore coming to Georgia Tech, Bisanti worked across teaching and learning roles, including positions in public libraries, K-12 classrooms, and curriculum-focused environments \u2014 experience that continues to shape how she approaches instructional design today.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOutside of work, Bisanti is a mixed media artist who has been making art since childhood, beginning with paper dolls and handmade clay. Over time, her interests expanded to include photography, printmaking, ceramics, mosaics, and collage. Today, she focuses primarily on mixed media collage, which combines elements such as paper, paint, and drawing into a single composition.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cArt is something I have to do,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s not about producing something. It\u2019s about the process and what it gives me, and how it balances the more structured side of my work.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBisanti\u2019s connection to the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arts.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Earts at Georgia Tech\u003C\/a\u003E became more visible when she led a mixed media collage workshop during \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arts.gatech.edu\/hg\/news\/2026\/04\/20\/tech-arts-fest-2026-showcases-creativity-across-campus\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ETech Arts Fest\u003C\/a\u003E. The session invited students to experiment and create \u2014many for the first time \u2014 using layered paper, paint, and texture, reinforcing her belief that creativity has an important place in learning environments.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI had one student who was there just for a short time, but when he was leaving, he said, \u2018I was having a really bad day, and I\u2019m glad this workshop was here for me.\u2019 That made my day. That\u2019s why I do art.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough that work, she also discovered Georgia Tech\u2019s broader arts community. After attending an arts salon meeting, she encountered artists, designers, and creative practitioners working across disciplines throughout the Institute. Finding that community was both energizing and affirming.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI didn\u2019t expect to find such a strong arts community here, and that surprised me, in a good way,\u201d Bisanti said. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot more happening in the arts than people realize, and it\u2019s becoming a real part of how students experience learning here.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat experience revealed a side of Georgia Tech aligned with the Institute\u2019s broader commitment to innovation and exploration, including the launch of a new \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/creativetech.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eundergraduate program in Arts, Entertainment, and Creative Technologies\u003C\/a\u003E this fall.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI think people don\u2019t always expect the arts to be part of the experience here, but they are,\u201d Bisanti said. \u201cThe more you look, the more you see how much creativity is built into how people learn and work across campus.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe same patience, curiosity, and openness that guide her in the studio shape how she approaches learning design. Whether refining a course structure or adding a final layer to a piece of art, she grounds her work in respect for how ideas take shape over time.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe more I learn, the more intentional my work becomes, whether I\u2019m designing a course or making art,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn connecting her work, her art, and her sense of belonging on campus, Bisanti embodies the idea that learning is never static.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"For Malena Bisanti, designing courses and making art are inseparable. As an instructional designer in the College of Lifetime Learning and a mixed media artist, she brings the same curiosity and love of learning to both.   "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Malena Bisanti, designing courses and making art are inseparable. As an instructional designer in the College of Lifetime Learning and a mixed media artist, she brings the same curiosity and love of learning to both.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"For Malena Bisanti, designing courses and making art are inseparable. As an instructional designer in the College of Lifetime Learning and a mixed media artist, she brings the same curiosity and love of learning to both.   "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-06-18 20:25:53","changed_gmt":"2026-06-22 18:40:41","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680481":{"id":"680481","type":"video","title":" The Artist Behind the Role - Jackets of all Trades : Malena Bisanti","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIn this episode of Jackets of All Trades, we meet Malena Bisanti, a creative professional in Georgia Tech\u2019s College of Lifetime Learning. Blending her artistic perspective with her work in higher education, Malena shares how her experiences shape her approach\u2014connecting creativity, purpose, and impact at the Institute.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1781814333","gmt_created":"2026-06-18 20:25:33","changed":"1781814333","gmt_changed":"2026-06-18 20:25:33","video":{"youtube_id":"1AWnWlGjPqg","video_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1AWnWlGjPqg\u0026t=1s"}},"680482":{"id":"680482","type":"image","title":"Malena-Youtube-thumbnail-template-copy.jpg","body":null,"created":"1781814755","gmt_created":"2026-06-18 20:32:35","changed":"1781814775","gmt_changed":"2026-06-18 20:32:55","alt":"Malena Bisanti","file":{"fid":"264751","name":"Malena-Youtube-thumbnail-template-copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/18\/Malena-Youtube-thumbnail-template-copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/18\/Malena-Youtube-thumbnail-template-copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":159599,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/18\/Malena-Youtube-thumbnail-template-copy.jpg?itok=sBaVxpVq"}}},"media_ids":["680481","680482"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2021\/08\/staff-stories","title":"More Jackets of All Trades"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"42891","name":"Georgia Tech Arts"}],"keywords":[{"id":"183499","name":"georgia tech arts"},{"id":"13005","name":"arts at georgia tech"},{"id":"193940","name":"college of lifetime learning"},{"id":"2002","name":"Tech Square"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EStory Produced by\u202f\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:meavenson@gatech.edu\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMicah Eavenson\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u202f\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:julian.hills@gatech.edu\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJulian Hills\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690799":{"#nid":"690799","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Info-Tech Resource Available to Students and Faculty to Support Teaching, Learning, and IT Strategy","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn June 17, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.oit.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EOffice of Information Technology\u003C\/a\u003E will add \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.infotech.com\/browse\/new\u0022\u003EInfo-Tech\u003C\/a\u003E to its catalog of IT learning and development resources offered to the Georgia Tech community.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Info-Tech learning portal provides a comprehensive library of downloadable IT research reports, tools, templates, and playbooks to assist faculty and students in the preparation of project, program and action plans as well as strategic frameworks rooted in more than 450 industry research reports and methodologies. The platform also includes software evaluation resources, industry trend analysis, and an online training library with certification opportunities. The platform is owned by Info-Tech Research Group, an international information technology research and advisory company,\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis is an exciting step forward in expanding access to high-quality resources that support both teaching, learning, research and decision-making,\u201d said Leo Howell, vice president for information technology and chief information officer. \u201cInfo-Tech will equip faculty and students with research and reporting grounded in technology insights to ultimately help guide the work they do.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe service\u2019s introduction supports Georgia Tech\u2019s commitment to innovation and experiential learning by connecting academic coursework with real-world IT practices. Faculty can integrate Info-Tech material into their courses, using industry-developed frameworks, case studies, and tools to enhance instruction. Students gain exposure to professional-grade resources commonly used across the technology sector, helping bridge the gap between theory and practice.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe platform also offers value beyond the classroom: IT professionals and administrative staff can utilize Info-Tech to inform strategic planning, evaluate technology solutions, and strengthen governance practices. Access to benchmarking data and peer insights allows campus units to make more informed decisions and align with best practices across higher education.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfo-Tech is available through Georgia Tech Single Sign-On, giving users seamless access its full range of resources. Once logged in, users can search for topics, explore research areas, and navigate curated tools based on their specific needs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor more information and to access Info-Tech, visit \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.infotech.com\/browse\/new\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Einfotech.com\/sso\/gatech\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Office of Information Technology has added Info-Tech to its catalog of IT learning and development services for Georgia Tech students and faculty. The addition supports the Institute\u0027s commitment to innovation and experiential learning.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Office of Information Technology has added Info-Tech to its catalog of IT learning and development services for Georgia Tech students and faculty."}],"uid":"34932","created_gmt":"2026-06-17 16:21:01","changed_gmt":"2026-06-18 15:06:02","author":"Courtney Hill","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-16T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-16T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680476":{"id":"680476","type":"image","title":"Info-Tech-Homepage-Call-Out-Image","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Info-Tech learning portal provides a comprehensive library of downloadable IT research reports, tools, templates, and playbooks across more than 450 industry research reports and methodologies.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1781723902","gmt_created":"2026-06-17 19:18:22","changed":"1781724104","gmt_changed":"2026-06-17 19:21:44","alt":"Info-Tech research site displaying Georgia Tech SSO screen on laptop graphic surrounded by hexagon shapes","file":{"fid":"264745","name":"Info-Tech-Homepage-Call-Out-Image--2---2-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/17\/Info-Tech-Homepage-Call-Out-Image--2---2-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/17\/Info-Tech-Homepage-Call-Out-Image--2---2-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":17484,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/17\/Info-Tech-Homepage-Call-Out-Image--2---2-.png?itok=njB9qdb9"}}},"media_ids":["680476"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.infotech.com\/browse\/new","title":"Info-Tech (Georgia Tech users)"}],"groups":[{"id":"47240","name":"Georgia Tech Library"},{"id":"174291","name":"OIT"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"195178","name":"InfoTech"},{"id":"365","name":"Research"},{"id":"4112","name":"oit"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["courtney.hill@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690708":{"#nid":"690708","#data":{"type":"news","title":"EH\u0026S Supports New Lab and Workplace Safety Certificate Program With Industry\u2011Based Learning Experience ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech Environmental Health and Safety (EH\u0026amp;S) is helping prepare the next generation of safety leaders through a newly launched Lab and Workplace Safety Certificate Program, a yearlong initiative designed to strengthen laboratory safety culture and promote proactive, people\u2011centered approaches to risk management.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs part of the pilot program, Georgia Tech graduate students Megan Yutthasaksunthorn, Calib Lanier, and Youngsu Shin recently took a behind\u2011the\u2011scenes tour of Georgia Aquarium, gaining insight into how safety principles are applied in complex operational environments. The experience highlighted best practices in water quality monitoring, laboratory and workplace safety, and, most importantly, the role of a strong safety culture. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Program Rooted in Industry Best Practices\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Lab and Workplace Safety Certificate Program was developed in collaboration with ExxonMobil\u2019s laboratory safety program in Houston, Texas, bringing industry\u2011tested practices into an academic framework. Georgia Tech is participating alongside peer institutions, including Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Florida, and the University of Texas, reflecting a growing, cross-institutional commitment to advancing lab safety education.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe certificate is designed primarily for graduate students pursuing careers with a focus on chemical and process safety, though qualified undergraduate students may also be considered. Over the course of the year, participants complete both online and hands-on learning components, blending foundational knowledge with applied experience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe goal of the program is twofold: to develop safer laboratory practices and to equip participants with the skills to train and influence others\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003Ein lab settings. Rather than focusing solely on compliance, the program emphasizes leadership, communication, and systems thinking \u2014 key elements of a sustainable safety culture.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHands\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2011\u003Cstrong\u003EOn Learning Beyond the Campus Lab\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Aquarium visit was part of the program\u2019s experiential component and offered a powerful example of safety in action beyond the traditional academic laboratory. Through a detailed presentation and tour, students learned how safety principles translate into daily operations in an environment where human performance, high\u2011risk activities, and complex systems intersect.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe visit was facilitated by EH\u0026amp;S Lab and Chemical Safety Officer Alicia Wood-Jones, who coordinated with an assistant dive manager of operations at the aquarium. The session included an in\u2011depth discussion on human factors and safety, an approach that asks a critical question: How do we design systems so mistakes don\u2019t lead to injury? \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis perspective resonated with students and reinforced one of the program\u2019s central themes: Effective safety programs anticipate human error and build layers of protection through planning, communication, and shared responsibility.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuilding Leadership and Safety Culture\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThroughout the certificate program, participants engage in activities that strengthen both technical understanding and leadership capability. Hands-on components include:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e5a1352ffb3d2a1af572346c528a762d4\u0022\u003EDelivering safety talks.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ed34acde232d72b383d3b5172e6031499\u0022\u003ELearning about safety culture in both academic and private industry settings.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e3a868d1fcce1323048849624d5c1b509\u0022\u003EConducting peer lab inspections.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ed8e4e064fa7a1e487ed303b5a5c9bb3f\u0022\u003EEngaging in dialogue around real-world safety challenges.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy examining safety culture across different environments, students gain a broader understanding of how values, behaviors, and systems come together to support safe work practices.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEH\u0026amp;S Leadership and Support\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEH\u0026amp;S plays a pivotal role in supporting the certificate program and ensuring students have access to meaningful learning experiences that align with campus safety priorities. The initiative was spearheaded by Rebecca Graham, EH\u0026amp;S laboratory and chemical safety specialist, whose leadership and coordination helped bring the program and field experience to fruition. \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to help lead this program and bring industry-informed practices, including those shaped through ExxonMobil\u2019s safety framework, into an academic setting,\u201d she said. \u201cOur goal is to equip students not only with technical knowledge, but with the leadership skills needed to build and sustain a proactive safety culture wherever their careers take them.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough programs like this, EH\u0026amp;S continues its mission of fostering a culture where safety is proactive, collaborative, and embedded in everything we do. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor additional information about the certificate program, contact Laboratory and Chemical Safety Specialist \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:rebecca.graham@ehs.gatech.com\u0022\u003ERebecca Graham.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech Environmental Health and Safety (EH\u0026amp;S) is helping prepare the next generation of safety leaders through a new certificate program.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech Environmental Health and Safety (EH\u0026S) is helping prepare the next generation of safety leaders through a new certificate program."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2026-06-09 14:41:46","changed_gmt":"2026-06-17 15:29:16","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680446":{"id":"680446","type":"image","title":"aquarium_ehs_graham_.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E(L-R): Georgia Aquarium Dive Operator Jonathan Langham, student Megan Yutthasaksunthorn, student Youngsu Shin, EH\u0026amp;S Lab and Chemical Safety Specialist Taylor Porterfield, student Calib Lanier, EH\u0026amp;S Lab and Chemical Safety Specialist Rebecca Graham, and Georgia Aquarium Assistant Dive Operator Kristen Binz.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1781123402","gmt_created":"2026-06-10 20:30:02","changed":"1781196507","gmt_changed":"2026-06-11 16:48:27","alt":"EH\u0026S certificate program participants at the Georgia Aquarium","file":{"fid":"264706","name":"aquarium_ehs_graham_.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/10\/aquarium_ehs_graham_.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/10\/aquarium_ehs_graham_.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":647112,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/10\/aquarium_ehs_graham_.jpeg?itok=7EbF6Pw7"}}},"media_ids":["680446"],"groups":[{"id":"383831","name":"Infrastructure and Operations"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"10135","name":"environmental health and safety"},{"id":"195170","name":"workplace safety"},{"id":"12942","name":"georgia aquarium"},{"id":"193728","name":"I\u0026S News"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECathy Brim\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Officer II\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfrastructure and Operations | Planning, Design, and Construction | Office of Sustainability\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["cathy.brim@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690735":{"#nid":"690735","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Atlanta\u2019s World Cup Beyond the Hype","body":[{"value":"\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe four things to know:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e92b51cd2ec612499b756351e5480bb27\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIt\u2019s not about exposure anymore.\u003C\/strong\u003E Atlanta is already a global city, so the focus is on whether the World Cup delivers lasting value for residents.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e95a356753ccab3041b43cd0aee75e0c5\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEconomic impact is uneven.\u003C\/strong\u003E Big headline numbers do not show who actually benefits, and much of the spending may not reach local communities.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e192ee39142326916d971c3083b6337b3\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInfrastructure will be tested.\u003C\/strong\u003E Transportation and downtown systems will face heavy strain, raising concerns about what improvements last beyond the event.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ec674ae8213efc1dbf5cad605f912e402\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe hidden story is food and logistics.\u003C\/strong\u003E Behind the scenes, Georgia Tech researchers are working to reduce food waste and strengthen systems that could outlast the tournament.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ol\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESee a curated list of Georgia Tech experts available to comment on the World Cup \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/world-cup-experts\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Global Stage and Familiar Promises\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs Atlanta welcomes the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the promises are familiar: millions of visitors, global attention, economic growth, and a chance to showcase the city on one of the biggest stages in sports.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut Georgia Tech experts say the real question is not whether the tournament will generate activity \u2014 it is who benefits from it and what remains after the final match is played.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Visibility to Value\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMega-events have long been sold as catalysts for transformation. The 1996 Olympics reshaped Atlanta\u2019s physical landscape and helped position the city as a global destination. Thirty years later, the World Cup arrives at a very different moment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are similarities,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/planning.gatech.edu\/people\/emily-barrett\u0022\u003EEmily Barrett\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor in the School of City and Regional Planning. \u201cLike the Olympics, the World Cup is an accelerator for infrastructure upgrades and public and private investment alike.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAtlanta is seeing significant public investment in transportation improvements and billions of dollars in private development downtown. But today\u2019s Atlanta is very different from Atlanta in the 1990s.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAtlanta is no longer a city seeking recognition on the world stage,\u201d Barrett said. \u201cWe are a thriving and growing city.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat shifts the conversation from visibility to value.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe open question is whether hosting mega-events makes the city work better for the people who live here,\u201d Barrett added.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Economics Behind the Headlines\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAssessing that value becomes more complicated when economic forecasts enter the conversation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELarge projections often dominate headlines, but\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/hsoc.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/8e6ac738-7497-5f94-ab1a-0c3fd32d15a7\u0022\u003EDeclan Abernethy\u003C\/a\u003E, lecturer in the School of History and Sociology, cautions that economic impact estimates rarely tell the whole story.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt is far easier to put out an economic impact projection compared to the difficulty of measuring impact,\u201d Abernethy said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile visitors will spend money on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and entertainment, he notes that much of that spending may not reach the community.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen we look closely at that spending, we can see that much of the profit will be taken in by large corporations or FIFA in the immediate vicinity of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and not as much by Atlanta residents or small businesses,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to Barrett, economic studies often overlook a critical question: What could alternative investments have accomplished?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEconomic studies rarely account for displacement costs, or whether the same public dollars could have generated similar or better outcomes if invested elsewhere,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPressure Points Across the City\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe World Cup\u2019s impact extends beyond economics; it will also test Atlanta\u2019s infrastructure at a scale few events can match.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ce.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/michael-p-hunter\u0022\u003EMichael Hunter\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, says the biggest challenge may be the volume of people moving through the city.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere will be a number of pressure points. However, one of the most significant will be just the number of people,\u201d Hunter said. \u201cThis event will attract significant crowds.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAtlanta\u2019s transportation agencies have spent years preparing, drawing on lessons learned from events including the Super Bowl, World Series, and major concerts. Still, capacity limits are unavoidable.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere is only so much traffic that MARTA or any transit agency can handle,\u201d Hunter said. \u201cPeople need to understand that there will be congestion and longer wait times. The key is to be patient.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe concern is whether those investments result in lasting improvements or merely support a few weeks of activity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAbernethy argues that the World Cup should be viewed as part of a broader vision for Atlanta rather than a standalone catalyst.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are seeing the World Cup as a part of a longer-running and more cohesive vision for sport and economic development downtown,\u201d he said. \u201cAtlanta may not be repeating the same cycle nor cracking downtown\u2019s development problem with the World Cup itself.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBehind the Scenes: Food and Logistics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfrastructure challenges extend beyond transportation. Feeding hundreds of thousands of visitors while minimizing waste requires its own network of logistics, coordination, and planning.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/nicole-kennard\u0022\u003ENicole Kennard\u003C\/a\u003E, a research scientist at Georgia Tech\u2019s Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems, views the tournament as an opportunity to strengthen how food moves throughout the city.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThese large events are a really big opportunity for us to coordinate and test our infrastructure,\u201d Kennard said. \u201cWe have to think critically about how to improve the infrastructure and ensure its resilience and efficiency.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWorking with organizations such as Second Helpings Atlanta,\u0026nbsp;the official food rescue partner for the World Cup, Georgia Tech researchers\u0026nbsp;are building technologies and tools to improve coordination among food rescue groups.\u0026nbsp;The effort aims to\u0026nbsp;keep surplus food out of landfills by quickly moving it from stadiums and vendors to local food organizations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s really a logistics problem, a data problem, and a coordination problem,\u201d Kennard said. \u201cThe faster you can move food from the point of surplus directly to a pantry, the more likely it is to reach people who need it.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat Legacy Looks Like\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUltimately, Atlanta\u2019s World Cup legacy may not be measured by attendance figures or visitor spending alone.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHow we evaluate success depends on what we choose to measure, and too often we focus on headline numbers instead of who actually benefits,\u201d said Abernethy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKennard sees the tournament as a chance to build systems that outlast the event itself. \u201cWhat we build for the World Cup could become critical infrastructure for future emergencies and disasters,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAtlanta already knows how to host a global event. Whether the investments, partnerships, and infrastructure created for the World Cup leave the city stronger after the crowds leave remains to be seen.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAtlanta already has global credibility, so the real question surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not exposure but lasting impact. Georgia Tech experts warn that big economic projections often obscure who actually benefits, with much of the revenue likely flowing to large corporations and FIFA rather than local businesses and residents. Transportation infrastructure will face significant strain, and whether World Cup investments produce permanent improvements or simply support a few weeks of activity remains uncertain. One bright spot is a Georgia Tech partnership with Second Helpings Atlanta to build food rescue systems that could outlast the tournament and serve the city for years to come.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech experts say the 2026 World Cup will bring global attention and economic activity, but the real measure of success is who benefits and what lasting impact the tournament leaves behind."}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2026-06-12 00:15:09","changed_gmt":"2026-06-15 19:24:31","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-12T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-12T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680455":{"id":"680455","type":"image","title":"World Cup in Atlanta","body":null,"created":"1781232926","gmt_created":"2026-06-12 02:55:26","changed":"1781233217","gmt_changed":"2026-06-12 03:00:17","alt":"Drone photo of FIFA decorated Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Georgia","file":{"fid":"264717","name":"AdobeStock_2038968132_Editorial_Use_Only.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/11\/AdobeStock_2038968132_Editorial_Use_Only.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/11\/AdobeStock_2038968132_Editorial_Use_Only.png","mime":"image\/png","size":29696386,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/11\/AdobeStock_2038968132_Editorial_Use_Only.png?itok=PGdi97nU"}}},"media_ids":["680455"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/world-cup-experts","title":"World Cup Experts"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2026\/06\/how-world-cup-reshaping-downtown-atlanta","title":"Generating Buzz: How the World Cup Is Reshaping Downtown Atlanta"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2026\/05\/world-cup-puts-atlanta-back-global-spotlight","title":"Generating Buzz: World Cup Puts Atlanta Back in Global Spotlight"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"142","name":"City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth"},{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"}],"keywords":[{"id":"195176","name":"World Cup economic impact"},{"id":"195177","name":"World Cup Atlanta"},{"id":"174223","name":"food waste"},{"id":"172","name":"infrastructure"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:aisles3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ESenior Media Relations Representative\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690751":{"#nid":"690751","#data":{"type":"news","title":"President \u00c1ngel Cabrera Named President and CEO of the Aspen Institute","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter leading Georgia Tech through one of the most successful periods in its history, President \u00c1ngel Cabrera has been selected to serve as the next president and CEO of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.aspeninstitute.org\/\u0022\u003EAspen Institute\u003C\/a\u003E, one of the world\u2019s foremost nonprofit organizations dedicated to leadership, dialogue, and addressing society\u2019s most pressing challenges.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Aspen Institute\u2019s Board of Trustees voted today to appoint Cabrera to the role, recognizing a career dedicated to education, innovation, leadership, and service.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince becoming Georgia Tech\u2019s 12th president in 2019, Cabrera has overseen record growth across enrollment, research, innovation, and philanthropy. Under his leadership, Georgia Tech has grown to enroll more than 56,000 students annually, an increase of 55%, while becoming one of the nation\u2019s most sought-after public universities. The Institute has achieved record levels of student applications, enrollment, graduation rates, research funding, startup formation, invention disclosures, and philanthropic support.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech transformed my life, first as a student and later as president,\u0022 Cabrera said. \u201cLeading this extraordinary institution has been the honor of a lifetime. I leave with immense gratitude for the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters who have made our shared progress possible and with tremendous confidence that Georgia Tech\u2019s best days are still ahead.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWorking alongside more than 5,700 faculty and staff, Cabrera led the creation of \u003Cem\u003EProgress and Service for All\u003C\/em\u003E, Georgia Tech\u2019s strategic plan for expanding opportunity, advancing discovery, and increasing the Institute\u2019s impact in Georgia and around the world.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring his tenure, annual sponsored research awards have surpassed $1.4 billion, helping propel Georgia Tech to No. 1 nationally in research expenditures among universities without a medical school and No. 2 nationally in federal research funding, while expanding the Institute\u2019s leadership in artificial intelligence, neuroscience, space research, and entrepreneurship. Georgia Tech also expanded and modernized its campus significantly and advanced the development of three innovation districts in Atlanta: Tech Square, Science Square, and Creative Quarter.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThroughout his presidency, Cabrera has remained focused on delivering exceptional value for students and families. Georgia Tech has consistently been recognized as one of the nation\u0027s best investments in higher education and among the strongest returns on investment in the country.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cPresident Cabrera\u2019s true impact on Georgia Tech goes well beyond the numbers,\u201d\u202fsaid Sonny Perdue, chancellor of the University System of Georgia. \u201cSince rejoining his alma mater, he\u2019s brought energy, warmth, and engagement to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the entire Tech community. He\u2019s been a constant, visible force, listening to stakeholders at every level, cheering on their success, and solidifying Georgia Tech\u2019s reputation as a world-class, global research institution. That personal touch has made a profound difference everywhere from Science Square to the new Fanning Center.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe scale of what \u00c1ngel achieved is clear,\u201d Chancellor Perdue continued. \u201cUnder his leadership, Georgia Tech enrolled more in-state undergraduates than ever while raising graduation rates and pushing total enrollment to the highest in the state. Tech\u2019s annual economic impact on Georgia grew to $5.8 billion \u2014 a quarter of the entire university system\u2019s total output. The university\u2019s federal research expenditures climbed to more than $1.2 billion, ranking it second in the nation. The Tech community likes to say, \u2018We can do that,\u2019 and \u00c1ngel has done it, which means we have our work cut out for us to maintain this momentum when he leaves. The system is grateful for his leadership, and we wish him and Beth the very best.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech celebrates Cabrera\u2019s selection to this important national leadership role and the lasting impact of his presidency on the Institute. Cabrera plans to remain at Georgia Tech until November to support a smooth transition. The University System of Georgia will announce plans for Georgia Tech\u2019s next leadership chapter at a later date.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAfter leading Georgia Tech through one of the most successful periods in its history, President \u00c1ngel Cabrera has been selected to serve as the next president and CEO of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.aspeninstitute.org\/\u0022\u003EAspen Institute\u003C\/a\u003E, one of the world\u2019s foremost nonprofit organizations dedicated to leadership, dialogue, and addressing society\u2019s most pressing challenges.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"After leading Georgia Tech through one of the most successful periods in its history, President \u00c1ngel Cabrera has been selected to serve as the next president and CEO of the Aspen Institute."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-06-15 14:56:02","changed_gmt":"2026-06-15 16:06:17","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-15T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-15T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680461":{"id":"680461","type":"image","title":"President \u00c1ngel Cabrera","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPresident \u00c1ngel Cabrera\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1781535281","gmt_created":"2026-06-15 14:54:41","changed":"1781535313","gmt_changed":"2026-06-15 14:55:13","alt":"President \u00c1ngel Cabrera","file":{"fid":"264726","name":"3-FG-LI-X-IG_3.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/15\/3-FG-LI-X-IG_3.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/15\/3-FG-LI-X-IG_3.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3245075,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/15\/3-FG-LI-X-IG_3.jpg?itok=sMHQJC3v"}}},"media_ids":["680461"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.aspeninstitute.org\/","title":"Aspen Institute"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"62300","name":"Office of the President"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"1271","name":"President"},{"id":"288","name":"Leadership"},{"id":"182236","name":"President \u00c1ngel Cabrera"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:media@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Emedia@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690320":{"#nid":"690320","#data":{"type":"news","title":" How the Global Energy Crisis Is Affecting Americans","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EEscalating Middle East tensions are rattling global oil markets, and the effects are already showing up in American wallets, affecting everything from travel to food prices. Georgia Tech economists and public policy experts break down what Americans need to know right now.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. You\u2019re paying more at the pump, and it\u2019s not going away anytime soon.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGas prices are the most visible sign of the crisis, and the increases are already significant. National average retail gasoline prices are more than $1.20 higher than they were in February, before the conflict escalated.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEven though U.S. petroleum production often exceeds our consumption, we are not insulated from disruptions in global oil supply because oil is a globally traded commodity,\u201d says director of the Energy Policy and Innovation Center,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/econ.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/laura-taylor\u0022\u003ELaura Taylor\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cIf supply is restricted anywhere in the world, prices will rise everywhere, including in the U.S.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMarkets expect some relief by fall, with future prices pointing lower than today\u2019s levels. But\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/tony-harding\u0022\u003ETony Harding\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy, cautions, \u201cPrices are likely to remain above pre-conflict levels for the foreseeable future, and temporary relief measures, such as Georgia\u2019s motor fuel tax suspension, will not last forever.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETaylor puts it plainly: \u201cWages are not rising faster than prices, so people are feeling the pinch and will continue to do so.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2\u003C\/strong\u003E. \u003Cstrong\u003EYour summer plans just got more expensive.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe impact does not stop at the gas station. For Americans planning summer travel, the timing of this conflict could not be worse.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/econ.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/matthew-oliver\u0022\u003EMatthew Oliver\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor in the School of Economics, points to commercial air travel as one of the most exposed sectors.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cJet fuel prices have roughly doubled in the wake of the current oil price spike, putting immediate upward pressure on airfares,\u201d says Oliver.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe ripple effects extend far beyond travel.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOil is an input into the supply chain of nearly every good at some point,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/econ.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/889222ee-d2fd-599b-9140-79d7dc30afeb\u0022\u003EBobby Harris\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor in the School of Economics. \u201cWhen input costs go up, prices go up.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Expect to pay more at the grocery store.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe connection between Middle East tensions and the American dinner table is more direct than many realize, because petrochemicals are a key feedstock for fertilizer production.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHigher oil prices lead to higher fertilizer prices, which lead to higher food prices,\u201d says Oliver.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECombined with existing tariff pressures and tight supply chains, the strain on household budgets is coming from multiple directions at once.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf the crisis persists, there will be upward pressure on the prices of nearly every physical good,\u201d Oliver adds.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4. The government\u2019s options are limited, and the clock is ticking.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWashington has tools to respond, but none are silver bullets. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve currently holds around 400 million barrels and can release about 4 million barrels per day, roughly 20% of U.S. daily demand.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI see the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as a tool to buy time during a crisis,\u201d says public policy professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/daniel-matisoff\u0022\u003EDan Matisoff\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cBut if the conflict drags on, we will ultimately be in a more vulnerable position.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EQuick fixes like price caps or demand subsidies carry trade-offs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSubsidies can mitigate the impact of price shocks, but they can also mask important market signals that help balance supply and demand,\u201d says Harding, using Europe\u2019s 2022 energy crisis as a cautionary example.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E5. The smartest thing Americans can do right now is think about efficiency.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cPeople in general tend to undervalue energy efficiency,\u201d says Matisoff. \u201cThink of energy efficiency investments as a sort of hedge or insurance against volatile energy prices.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat means considering fuel efficiency when buying a car, and looking at heat pumps, electric vehicles, and home energy upgrades when the time is right.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHigher energy prices increase the value of investing in energy efficiency upgrades to your home and adopting technologies that are less dependent on fossil fuels,\u201d says Harding.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor families navigating uncertainty, both economists and policy experts point to the same practical advice: Reduce your exposure to fossil fuel price swings before the next crisis hits.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EEscalating tensions in the Middle East are fueling global oil price volatility and driving up costs for U.S. consumers, from gas and airfare to groceries. Georgia Tech experts explain that because oil is traded globally, supply disruptions anywhere raise prices everywhere, keeping fuel costs elevated above pre-conflict levels. Higher oil prices are also increasing transportation and supply chain expenses, while rising fertilizer costs are pushing food prices higher. Although the federal government can deploy short-term measures such as tapping reserves, experts note these solutions are limited and temporary. As uncertainty continues in energy markets, households are encouraged to reduce long-term costs by improving energy efficiency and lowering reliance on fossil fuels.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Experts break down five things to know about how global oil disruptions are already hitting American households."}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2026-05-18 15:28:36","changed_gmt":"2026-06-11 00:01:34","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680298":{"id":"680298","type":"image","title":"How the Global Energy Crisis Is Affecting Americans","body":null,"created":"1779115821","gmt_created":"2026-05-18 14:50:21","changed":"1779115944","gmt_changed":"2026-05-18 14:52:24","alt":"Hand of the man putting money into the opening gas tank of his car. Refueling car with gasoline at gas stations. ","file":{"fid":"264545","name":"AdobeStock_519017170.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/18\/AdobeStock_519017170.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/18\/AdobeStock_519017170.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":4443863,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/18\/AdobeStock_519017170.jpeg?itok=a__vbUHh"}}},"media_ids":["680298"],"related_files":{"264054":{"fid":null,"name":"Strait of Hormuz","file_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/Strait-Of-Hormuz.jpeg","file_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/Strait-Of-Hormuz.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":255785,"description":null}},"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"213","name":"energy"},{"id":"195138","name":"global oil disruptions"},{"id":"194980","name":"iran conflict"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/aisles3@gatech.edu \u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"666822":{"#nid":"666822","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Tech Beautification Day Kicks Off Earth Month","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOrganized by the undergraduate Student Government Association in collaboration with Greek Week, Tech Beautification Day returns in full force this Saturday, April 1. The event was scaled back in recent years due to the pandemic, but this year, plans are on track to offer a full slate of projects focused on improving the campus landscape \u2014 and the campus community is invited to participate. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Landscape Services collaborates with student leaders to develop projects that have a big impact yet are easily completed in a few hours. This year\u2019s opportunities range from planting wildflowers, shrubs, and trees to laying sod, pulling weeds, and spreading pine straw. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe event begins with breakfast and a welcome by student leaders. Groups of eight to 10 volunteers are then given tools and gloves and directed to the various worksites across campus. One ambitious goal this year is to plant 200 native azaleas. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur department enjoys working with the students not only because we are able to get a lot of work done in a short amount of time, but it also gives students a small window into the hard work our teams do daily,\u201d says Interim Associate Director of Landscape Services Neil Fuller. \u201cStudents also gain a sense of pride when they can look at a completed job and say they did it. \u0026nbsp;And it gives the students a chance to make their mark on campus and be able to come back and point out a specific plant or tree and tell their family how they planted it years ago.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETech Beautification Day has a long history of engaging students, faculty, staff, and family members on a spring Saturday. Campus archives reveal that during one event more than 1,000 volunteers worked together to beautify campus. Additionally, photographs from 2012 show the entire football team, along with coaches and families, participating. Organizers are working toward increasing participation to pre-pandemic numbers, and this year is just the beginning. Sign up now to spend a morning making the Georgia Tech campus even more beautiful than it already is. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EApril 1, 2023 Schedule:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E8:30 a.m. \u2013 Breakfast, check in, and welcome at The Kendeda Building\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E9 a.m. \u2013 noon: Volunteer projects\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E12:30 p.m. \u2013 Clean up, return tools, closing remarks\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.campuslabs.com\/engage\/event\/8940850\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe campus community is invited to participate in this kick-off event for Earth Month.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The campus community is invited to participate in this kick-off event for Earth Month."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2023-03-27 15:41:11","changed_gmt":"2026-06-10 18:14:03","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2023-03-27T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2023-03-27T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"670303":{"id":"670303","type":"image","title":"azalea_bee.jpg","body":null,"created":"1679933969","gmt_created":"2023-03-27 16:19:29","changed":"1679933969","gmt_changed":"2023-03-27 16:19:29","alt":"azalea_bee","file":{"fid":"253137","name":"azalea_bee.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2023\/03\/27\/azalea_bee_0.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2023\/03\/27\/azalea_bee_0.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":238921,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2023\/03\/27\/azalea_bee_0.jpg?itok=_Vxi8_qV"}}},"media_ids":["670303"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"},{"id":"1279","name":"School of Mathematics"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"},{"id":"443951","name":"School of Psychology"},{"id":"402381","name":"Urban Honey Bee Project"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"35921","name":"Facilities Management"},{"id":"192134","name":"earth month"},{"id":"1045","name":"Tech Beautification Day"},{"id":"192409","name":"Campus landscape"},{"id":"192410","name":"student organized event"},{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"192259","name":"cos-students"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGrace Pietkiewicz\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESGA Joint VP of Infrastructure and Sustainability\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["gracepz@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690638":{"#nid":"690638","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Awaits the World Cup ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe streets have been paved. The grass has been mowed. Projects across the city have rushed to completion in anticipation of Atlanta hosting eight World Cup matches in June and July. Georgia Tech\u2019s campus will join in the excitement, and the campus community is ready.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019m excited for people from all over the world to experience how much Atlanta has embraced soccer,\u201d said Alex Duncan, senior director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/omscs.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EOnline Master of Science in Computer Science\u003C\/a\u003E program.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuncan, originally from Plano, Texas, began following the World Cup in 1998. He traveled to Berlin for the 2006 tournament and has enjoyed seeing the world\u2019s game come closer to home with the addition of Atlanta United, U.S. Soccer\u2019s training headquarters, and the upcoming launch of a women\u2019s professional team in the city.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEven if you don\u2019t go to any games, the atmosphere and energy are palpable during the tournament, and it\u2019s one of those rare events that unites people all over the world,\u201d he said. \u201cTo have all of this happening effectively in my backyard is a dream come true.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor many students, the World Cup arriving in Atlanta represents more than a sporting event. It is a chance to connect with pieces of their identity or homes outside of Atlanta, or even outside of the United States.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESindhu Belki, an aerospace engineering student from Doha, Qatar, was in the U.S. when the World Cup was hosted in her home country. Now, she finds herself in the right place at the right time.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe excitement of entering a stadium decked in the colors and gear of your favorite team, joining hundreds of people supporting some of your favorite players, seeing little kids imitate Messi or Ronaldo, watching the players walk onto the pitch amid thunderous applause, the nail-biting anticipation with every pass of the ball, and the sheer joy of clinching the winning goal in a penalty shootout \u2014 what can be more thrilling and adventurous?\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIrene Jacob, a city and regional planning student from Maryland, is also thrilled to be living in a host city. She has followed the World Cup since 2014.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhat makes the World Cup especially unique is the atmosphere around it and how it brings people together from all over the world in a way that few other sporting events can,\u201d she said. \u201c2014-me would be so excited to know that 12 years later, the city I\u2019d be living in during the summer would actually be hosting the World Cup.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether you\u2019re a diehard soccer fan or simply interested in experiencing the spectacle, there will be plenty of activities on and around campus to enjoy. Georgia Tech will host \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.w1.calendar.oit.gatech.edu\/event\/2026\/06\/10\/club-and-country-colors-day-world-cup-celebration\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EClub and Country Colors Day\u003C\/a\u003E on June 10, and Georgia Tech and Georgia State University are teaming up for a watch party at Georgia State\u2019s Convocation Center on July 1 \u2013 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/calendar.gsu.edu\/event\/round-of-32-gsu-campus-watch-party\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eregister for a free ticket\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESee more campus events at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/world-cup-2026\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Egatech.edu\/world-cup-2026\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs Atlanta prepares to host eight FIFA World Cup matches this summer, Georgia Tech\u2019s campus will be at the center of the excitement.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"As Atlanta prepares to host eight FIFA World Cup matches this summer, Georgia Tech\u2019s campus will be at the center of the excitement. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-06-07 13:26:51","changed_gmt":"2026-06-09 13:26:34","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-07T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-07T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680424":{"id":"680424","type":"image","title":"Excitement for the World Cup","body":"\u003Cp\u003E(L-R): Sindhu Belki, Irene Jacob, and Alex Duncan show off a Georgia Tech soccer scarf.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1780879734","gmt_created":"2026-06-08 00:48:54","changed":"1780879987","gmt_changed":"2026-06-08 00:53:07","alt":"(L-R): Sindhu Belki, Irene Jacob, and Alex Duncan","file":{"fid":"264681","name":"World-Cup-People-Day-002-web.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-002-web.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-002-web.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1740801,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-002-web.jpg?itok=hkc1_qao"}},"680427":{"id":"680427","type":"image","title":"Alex Duncan","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAlex Duncan, senior director of OMSCS, wears a France jersey. Photo by Allison Carter.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1780880237","gmt_created":"2026-06-08 00:57:17","changed":"1780880319","gmt_changed":"2026-06-08 00:58:39","alt":"Alex Duncan","file":{"fid":"264684","name":"World-Cup-People-Day-014-web.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-014-web.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-014-web.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1405321,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-014-web.jpg?itok=KuRowBJ9"}},"680426":{"id":"680426","type":"image","title":"Irene Jacob","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIrene Jacob, a city and regional planning student, wears an Argentina jersey from the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Photo by Allison Carter.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1780880134","gmt_created":"2026-06-08 00:55:34","changed":"1780880229","gmt_changed":"2026-06-08 00:57:09","alt":"Irene Jacob","file":{"fid":"264683","name":"World-Cup-People-Day-017-web.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-017-web.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-017-web.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1522945,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-017-web.jpg?itok=UYYnaQo5"}},"680425":{"id":"680425","type":"image","title":"Sindhu Belki","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESindhu Belki, an aerospace engineering student, wears a shirt from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where her father was a volunteer.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1780880017","gmt_created":"2026-06-08 00:53:37","changed":"1780880102","gmt_changed":"2026-06-08 00:55:02","alt":"Sindhu Belki","file":{"fid":"264682","name":"World-Cup-People-Day-019.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-019.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-019.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1671653,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-019.JPG?itok=GnHoX93m"}}},"media_ids":["680424","680427","680426","680425"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/world-cup-2026","title":"Georgia Tech World Cup Events"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2026\/05\/world-cup-puts-atlanta-back-global-spotlight","title":"Generating Buzz: World Cup Puts Atlanta Back in Global Spotlight"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/12\/01\/womens-soccer-sets-sights-atlanta","title":"Women\u2019s Soccer Sets Sights on Atlanta "},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2023\/10\/10\/atlanta-primed-become-us-soccer-capital-ahead-2026-world-cup","title":"Atlanta Primed to Become U.S. Soccer Capital Ahead of 2026 World Cup "}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:kristen.bailey@comm.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EKristen Bailey\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688961":{"#nid":"688961","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Honorees Announced for Campus Installation","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOne year after the opening of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/celebratingwomen.alumni.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPathway of Progress: Celebrating Georgia Tech Women\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, the newest honorees have been selected for the permanent campus installation. \u003Cem\u003EPathway of Progress\u003C\/em\u003E recognizes alumnae, students, faculty, and staff\u202fwho have made significant contributions to campus, their chosen fields, and their communities. Following a nomination and selection process, individuals will continue to be added to this living installation each year.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPathway of Progress\u003C\/em\u003E was made possible by significant philanthropic support from Andrea Laliberte, IE 1982, M.S. IE 1984, HON Ph.D. 2025, and designed by Merica May Jensen, MGT 2008, M. ARCH 2011. The 2026 honorees embody the Institute\u2019s motto of Progress and Service and have made a lasting impact on the world around them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2026 \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPathway of Progress\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E Honorees\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENiesha Alice Butler, INTA 2016,\u003C\/strong\u003E is the founder and CEO of S.T.E.A.M. CHAMPS.\u0026nbsp;Her multifaceted career has included serving as a software engineer and computer science instructor. She has founded multiple companies focused on teaching coding, robotics, and engineering to underserved communities. While a student at Georgia Tech, she played basketball and was named ACC Rookie of the Year in 1999.\u202f\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMary\u0026nbsp;Ann Gordon, EE 1981,\u003C\/strong\u003E is a retired vice president of quality compliance at Altria Group. Her work in engineering and manufacturing\u0026nbsp;has influenced industry standards and operational excellence. A leader in her community, she also serves the Institute through her involvement on multiple boards, including the College of Engineering Advisory Board and the Georgia Tech Foundation Board of Trustees. She has given back to Georgia Tech through her support of undergraduate scholarships and Roll Call, among other areas of interest.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMargie Ann Morse, NE 1979,\u003C\/strong\u003E is\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ea pioneer in the field of nuclear engineering. She co-founded the engineering firm Parallax in 1992 and grew it into a multimillion-dollar\u0026nbsp;nuclear\u0026nbsp;logistics\u0026nbsp;service company.\u0026nbsp;She has remained involved with the Institute and served on the Georgia Tech Advisory Board.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeather Smith Rocker, IE 1998,\u003C\/strong\u003E is the CEO of Women in Technology, an organization dedicated to creating more opportunities for women and girls to explore, pursue, persist, and lead in technology. She has served with organizations focused on advancing Georgia through STEM-focused education, workplace development, and leadership development, and was a member of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Board of Trustees.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMarilyn Jones Smith, AE 1982, M.S. AE 1985, Ph.D. AE 1994,\u003C\/strong\u003E is the David S. Lewis Professor in the Daniel\u0026nbsp;Guggenheim\u0026nbsp;School of Aerospace Engineering and director of the Vertical Lift Research Center of Excellence. She is a pioneer in the aerospace industry and leads award-winning research teams focused on critical aeromechanics issues. In addition to mentoring hundreds of students, she serves as a caregiver to the many cats who call the Georgia Tech campus home.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERidhi\u0026nbsp;Tariyal, IE 2002,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eis the co-founder and CEO of NextGen Jane. A leader in health science, she developed a method for using menstrual fluid for diagnostic testing, advancing the science of women\u2019s health and making testing more accessible.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELiz\u0026nbsp;Harriss\u0026nbsp;York, ARCH 1990, M. ARCH 1995,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eis a managing principal at HDR. A recognized leader in sustainability, architecture, and public health, she\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ewas the first chief sustainability officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She has demonstrated her commitment to Georgia Tech through her volunteer leadership and service on the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Board of Trustees, \u0026nbsp;as well as through her philanthropic support across campus.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOne year after the opening of \u003Cem\u003EPathway of Progress: Celebrating Georgia Tech Women\u003C\/em\u003E, the newest honorees have been selected for the permanent campus installation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"One year after the opening of Pathway of Progress: Celebrating Georgia Tech Women, the newest honorees have been selected for the permanent campus installation. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-03-18 11:13:26","changed_gmt":"2026-06-08 18:45:02","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679652":{"id":"679652","type":"image","title":"pathway_honorees_2026.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPathway of Progress\u003C\/em\u003E 2026 Honorees. (L-R): Niesha Alice Butler, Mary\u0026nbsp;Ann Gordon, Margie Ann Morse, Heather Smith Rocker, Marilyn Jones Smith, Ridhi\u0026nbsp;Tariyal, Liz\u0026nbsp;Harriss\u0026nbsp;York\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773753953","gmt_created":"2026-03-17 13:25:53","changed":"1773840419","gmt_changed":"2026-03-18 13:26:59","alt":"Pathway of Progress 2026 Honorees","file":{"fid":"263852","name":"pathway_honorees_2026.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/pathway_honorees_2026.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/pathway_honorees_2026.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1089094,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/18\/pathway_honorees_2026.jpg?itok=Gpj4_EkO"}}},"media_ids":["679652"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/celebratingwomen.alumni.gatech.edu\/","title":"Pathway of Progress: Celebrating Georgia Tech Women"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2025\/02\/pathway-progress-open-march-8","title":"Pathway of Progress Opening"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1262","name":"Office of Development"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:janet.kinard@alumni.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJanet Kinard\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EVice President of Engagement\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech Alumni Association\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690637":{"#nid":"690637","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Students Lead Effort to Strengthen Campus Emergency Preparedness","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe first week of June marks \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cpr.heart.org\/en\/training-programs\/cpr-and-aed-awareness\/cpr-and-aed-awareness-week\u0022\u003ENational CPR and AED Awareness Week\u003C\/a\u003E, but year-round, Georgia Tech students are helping equip the campus community with lifesaving skills.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/emsat\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EEmergency Medical Services at Tech (EMSaT)\u003C\/a\u003E, the student organization recognized last year with a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/04\/17\/student-ems-group-earns-national-designation\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Enational EMS-Ready Campus designation\u003C\/a\u003E, has expanded access to CPR and AED training through a partnership with Georgia Tech \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ehs.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EEnvironmental Health and Safety\u003C\/a\u003E. The free courses are available to students, faculty, and staff and are taught by a team of 11 undergraduate students who hold CPR instructor certifications and volunteer their time to serve the campus community.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCPR and AED use are some of the easiest ways for everyday people to make a real difference in the event of cardiac arrest,\u201d said Esther Lee, a biomedical engineering major and outreach director for EMSaT. \u201cIf more people know what to do and feel comfortable stepping in, we can make the Georgia Tech community safer and better prepared.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring the past year, EMSaT instructors trained 472 members of the Georgia Tech community in CPR and AED use. This spring alone, the organization certified 311 participants.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe training initiative builds on EMSaT\u2019s broader mission to strengthen emergency preparedness at Georgia Tech. Founded in 2019, the group works with campus and community partners to improve emergency response, provide first aid education, and create hands-on opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare and emergency medicine.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe impact of that work can be seen in the experiences of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/01\/26\/students-making-difference-emts-juggle-schoolwork-and-emergency-medicine\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech student EMTs\u003C\/a\u003E, who balance rigorous academic schedules with jobs in hospitals and ambulance services.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe group will continue offering training sessions this fall at the Campus Recreation Center. More information will be available soon \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/emsat\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eat the EMSaT site\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe first week of June marks National CPR and AED Awareness Week, but year-round, Georgia Tech students are helping equip the campus community with lifesaving skills.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The first week of June marks National CPR and AED Awareness Week, but year-round, Georgia Tech students are helping equip the campus community with lifesaving skills. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-06-04 13:20:35","changed_gmt":"2026-06-04 19:54:14","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-04T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-04T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680415":{"id":"680415","type":"image","title":"EMSaT Students at AMSA Conference","body":"\u003Cp\u003EStudents at the 2026 American Medical Student Association Annual Pre-Health Conference, where EMSaT ran a CPR demonstration. (L-R): Aryan Singh, Shivanuja Gokarakonda, Frederick Kane, Krishna Monroe, Esther Lee.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1780579522","gmt_created":"2026-06-04 13:25:22","changed":"1780585187","gmt_changed":"2026-06-04 14:59:47","alt":"EMSaT Students at AMSA Conference","file":{"fid":"264672","name":"image2-amsa-conference.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/04\/image2-amsa-conference.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/04\/image2-amsa-conference.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1475738,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/04\/image2-amsa-conference.jpg?itok=cs3mgqFN"}},"680418":{"id":"680418","type":"image","title":"Student CPR instructors","body":"\u003Cp\u003EStudent CPR instructors. (L-R): Esther Lee, Frederick Kane, Brandon Brigner, Krishna Monroe, Julian Allen, Imani Adenuga, Savannah Spires. Other instructors include Siddarth Pejavara, Lydia Keifer, Maggie Cong, and Ira Agarwal.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1780602781","gmt_created":"2026-06-04 19:53:01","changed":"1780602832","gmt_changed":"2026-06-04 19:53:52","alt":"Student CPR instructors","file":{"fid":"264675","name":"image1_cpr-instructors.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/04\/image1_cpr-instructors.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/04\/image1_cpr-instructors.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2763640,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/04\/image1_cpr-instructors.jpg?itok=B2pH70tJ"}}},"media_ids":["680415","680418"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/04\/17\/student-ems-group-earns-national-designation","title":"Student EMS Group Earns National Designation "},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/01\/26\/students-making-difference-emts-juggle-schoolwork-and-emergency-medicine","title":"Students Making a Difference: EMTs Juggle Schoolwork and Emergency Medicine "}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:kristen.bailey@comm.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EKristen Bailey\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690188":{"#nid":"690188","#data":{"type":"news","title":"What\u2019s in the Price of a Gallon of Gas?","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe U.S. Energy Information Administration expects nationwide retail gasoline prices to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/outlooks\/steo\/\u0022\u003Eaverage near $4.30 a gallon\u003C\/a\u003E for April 2026 \u2013 the highest monthly average of the year. The political response has been familiar. Georgia has \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.multistate.us\/insider\/2026\/4\/6\/lawmakers-push-fuel-tax-relief-amid-rising-gas-costs\u0022\u003Esuspended its state gas tax\u003C\/a\u003E, other states are weighing their own tax holidays, and the White House has issued a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.marketplace.org\/story\/2026\/03\/19\/waiving-the-jones-act-will-boost-the-number-of-ships-available-to-transport-oil-in-the-us\u0022\u003Etemporary waiver of a law known as the Jones Act\u003C\/a\u003E in hopes of moving more domestic fuel to East Coast ports.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=jjvorcAAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0026amp;oi=ao\u0022\u003Eenergy economist\u003C\/a\u003E, I am often asked about what contributes to gas prices and what different policies can do to affect them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe price of a retail gallon of gas is the sum of four things: the cost of crude oil, refining, distribution and marketing, and taxes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn nationwide figures from January 2026, crude oil accounted for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/petroleum\/gasdiesel\/\u0022\u003Eabout 51% of the pump price\u003C\/a\u003E, refining roughly 20%, distribution and marketing about 11% and taxes about 18%. That mix shifts with conditions: When crude oil prices spike, that can drive more than 60% of the price; when the price drops, taxes and logistics are larger shares of the cost.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECrude Oil is the Biggest Ingredient\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBecause the price of crude oil is the largest element, most of the price at the pump is derived from the global oil market.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/policies.google.com\/privacy\u0022\u003EPrivacy Policy\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/policies.google.com\/terms\u0022\u003ETerms of Service\u003C\/a\u003E apply.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsually, \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/doi.org\/10.1257\/aer.99.3.1053\u0022\u003Ebig swings in crude prices\u003C\/a\u003E come mainly from shifts in global demand and expectations \u2013 not from supply disruptions, according to widely cited research in 2009 by the economist Lutz Kilian.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut what is happening in early 2026 with the war in Iran is one of the exceptions: a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/us-is-less-prone-to-oil-price-shocks-than-in-past-decades-277709\u0022\u003Eclassic supply shock\u003C\/a\u003E. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/oil-market-report-april-2026\u0022\u003ESevere disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz\u003C\/a\u003E and attacks on Middle East oil infrastructure have taken millions of barrels a day off the global market.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost drivers generally can\u2019t quickly reduce how much they drive or how much gas they use when prices rise, so \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.dallasfed.org\/research\/economics\/2020\/0616\u0022\u003Egasoline demand doesn\u2019t change much in the short run\u003C\/a\u003E. That means a jump in crude costs tends to result in people paying more rather than driving less.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERefining, Regulations, and the California Puzzle\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERefining turns crude into gasoline at industrial scale. The U.S. doesn\u2019t have a single gasoline market, though. Roughly \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/gasoline-standards\/reformulated-gasoline\u0022\u003Ea quarter of U.S. gasoline\u003C\/a\u003E is a cleaner-burning blend of petroleum-derived chemicals called \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/gasoline-standards\/reformulated-gasoline\u0022\u003Ereformulated gasoline\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d which is required in urban areas across 17 states and the District of Columbia to reduce smog.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECalifornia uses an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ww2.arb.ca.gov\/our-work\/programs\/fuels-enforcment-program\/california-reformulated-gasoline\u0022\u003Eeven stricter formulation\u003C\/a\u003E that few out-of-state refineries make. California is also geographically isolated: No pipelines bring gasoline in from other U.S. refining regions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECalifornia\u2019s gasoline prices have long run above the national average, explained in part by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/todayinenergy\/detail.php?id=65184\u0022\u003Ehigher state taxes\u003C\/a\u003E and stricter environmental rules. But since a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.csb.gov\/exxonmobil-torrance-refinery-explosion-\/\u0022\u003Erefinery fire in Torrance, California, in 2015\u003C\/a\u003E reduced production capacity, the state\u2019s prices have been \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/haas.berkeley.edu\/energy-institute\/about\/in-the-media\/mystery-gasoline-surcharge\/\u0022\u003Eabout 20 to 30 cents a gallon\u003C\/a\u003E higher than what those factors would indicate.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEnergy economist and University of California, Berkeley, professor Severin Borenstein has called this the \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/haas.berkeley.edu\/energy-institute\/about\/in-the-media\/mystery-gasoline-surcharge\/\u0022\u003Emystery gasoline surcharge\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d and attributes it to the fact that there isn\u2019t as much competition between refineries or gas stations in California as in other states. California\u2019s own Division of Petroleum Market Oversight says the surcharge cost the state\u2019s drivers \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.ca.gov\/publications\/2025\/division-petroleum-market-oversight-2024-annual-report\u0022\u003Eabout $59 billion from 2015 to 2024\u003C\/a\u003E. It\u2019s not exactly clear who is getting that money, but it could be \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/energyathaas.wordpress.com\/2023\/01\/09\/whats-the-matter-with-californias-gasoline-prices\/\u0022\u003Egas stations themselves or refineries\u003C\/a\u003E, through complex contracts with gas stations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGetting the Gas Into Your Car\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe distribution and marketing category covers the costs of everything involved in getting the gasoline from the refinery gate to your tank.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGasoline moves by pipeline, ship, rail and truck to wholesale terminals, and then by local delivery truck to service stations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the retailer\u2019s end, the key factors are station rent and labor, the cost to buy gasoline in bulk to be able to sell it, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/credit-cards\/learn\/what-are-credit-card-interchange-fees\u0022\u003Ecredit card fees\u003C\/a\u003E of as much as 6 to 10 cents a gallon at current prices, and franchise fees paid to the national brand, such as Sunoco or ExxonMobil, for permission to put their branding on the gas station.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost gas station operators net \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.convenience.org\/Media\/conveniencecorner\/Who-Makes-Money-Selling-Gas\u0022\u003Eonly a few cents per gallon\u003C\/a\u003E on fuel itself \u2013 which is why many gas stations are really convenience stores with pumps out front. Borenstein and some of his collaborators have also documented that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1162\/003355397555118\u0022\u003Eretail gas prices rise quickly\u003C\/a\u003E when wholesale costs climb but fall slowly when wholesale costs drop.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Question of Gas Tax Holidays\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe federal government charges a tax on fuel, of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/tools\/faqs\/faq.php?id=10\u0026amp;t=5\u0022\u003E18.4 cents a gallon for gasoline\u003C\/a\u003E and 24.3 cents a gallon for diesel. States charge their own taxes, ranging from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/taxfoundation.org\/data\/all\/state\/gas-taxes-state\/\u0022\u003E70.9 cents a gallon for gas\u003C\/a\u003E in California to 8.95 cents in Alaska.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen gas prices rise, many politicians start talking about temporarily suspending their state\u2019s gas tax. That does reduce prices, but not as much as politicians \u2013 or consumers \u2013 might hope. Research on past gas tax holidays has found that consumers get \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu\/issues\/2022\/6\/15\/effects-of-a-state-gasoline-tax-holiday\u0022\u003Eabout 79% of the reduction\u003C\/a\u003E in gas taxes. That means oil companies and fuel retailers keep about one-fifth of the tax cut for themselves rather than passing that savings to the public.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGas tax holidays also reduce funding for what the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/blog.turbotax.intuit.com\/tax-deductions-and-credits-2\/the-highs-and-lows-of-gasoline-tax-15098\/\u0022\u003Etaxes are designed to pay for\u003C\/a\u003E, typically roads and bridges. That pushes road and bridge upkeep costs onto future drivers and general taxpayers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere is an additional problem, too: Taxes on gasoline are supposed to charge drivers for some of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nber.org\/papers\/w14685\u0022\u003Ecosts their driving imposes on everyone else\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 carbon emissions, local air pollution, congestion and crashes. But Borenstein has found that U.S. fuel tax levels are already \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/energyathaas.wordpress.com\/2022\/02\/28\/cut-the-electricity-tax-not-the-gas-tax\/\u0022\u003Efar below the true cost to society\u003C\/a\u003E. Removing the tax on drivers effectively raises the costs for everyone else.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Jones Act: A Small Number That Adds Up\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/soaring-gas-prices-prompt-trump-to-ease-oil-tanker-rules-how-waiving-the-jones-act-affects-what-you-pay-at-the-pump-278387\u0022\u003E1920 Jones Act\u003C\/a\u003E is a federal law that requires cargo moving between U.S. ports to travel on vessels built and registered in the U.S., owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed primarily by U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Of the world\u2019s 7,500 oil tankers, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/opinions\/2026\/03\/18\/jones-act-suspended-shipping-oil\/\u0022\u003Eonly 54 meet this requirement\u003C\/a\u003E. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cato.org\/blog\/jones-act-forces-us-gasoline-take-long-way-home\u0022\u003EOnly 43 of these\u003C\/a\u003E can transport refined fuels such as gasoline.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo, despite significant refining capacity on the Gulf Coast, some U.S. gasoline is exported overseas even as the Northeast imports fuel, in part reflecting the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/analysis\/transportationfuels\/padd1n3\/\u0022\u003Erelatively high cost of moving fuel\u003C\/a\u003E between U.S. ports.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEconomists Ryan Kellogg and Rich Sweeney estimate that the law \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nber.org\/papers\/w31938\u0022\u003Eraises East Coast gasoline prices by about a penny and a half per gallon\u003C\/a\u003E on average, costing drivers roughly $770 million a year. In light of the war\u2019s effect on gas prices, the Trump administration has \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/soaring-gas-prices-prompt-trump-to-ease-oil-tanker-rules-how-waiving-the-jones-act-affects-what-you-pay-at-the-pump-278387\u0022\u003Etemporarily suspended the Jones Act requirements\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 an action more commonly taken when \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.dhs.gov\/publication\/september-2017-jones-act-waivers\u0022\u003Ehurricanes knock out Gulf Coast refineries and pipeline networks\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat Moves the Number\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe result of all these factors is that the price that drivers see at the pump mostly reflects the global price of crude, plus a stack of domestic costs, only some of which are inefficient.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETax holidays give a partial, short-lived rebate. Jones Act waivers trim pennies, though permanent repeal may cause more fundamental changes, such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cato.org\/publications\/policy-analysis\/jones-act-burden-america-can-no-longer-bear\u0022\u003Ereduced rail and truck transport of all goods\u003C\/a\u003E, which could lower costs, emissions and infrastructure damage associated with cargo transportation. Harmonizing fuel blends across states and seasons may lower prices somewhat, but likely at the expense of increased emissions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUltimately, the best protection against oil price shocks is a more efficient gas-burning vehicle, or \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2026\/04\/02\/evs-autos-energy-oil-iran-war-electric-transport-fossil-fuels.html\u0022\u003Eone that doesn\u2019t burn gasoline\u003C\/a\u003E at all. In the meantime, the best I can offer as an economist is clarity about what that $4.30 actually buys.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/whats-in-the-price-of-a-gallon-of-gas-281494\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech energy economist Bobby Harris said U.S. gasoline prices are driven mainly by crude oil costs, with refining, distribution and taxes accounting for a smaller and shifting share of what consumers pay at the pump.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech energy economist Bobby Harris said U.S. gasoline prices are driven mainly by crude oil costs, with refining, distribution and taxes accounting for a smaller and shifting share of what consumers pay at the pump. "}],"uid":"36413","created_gmt":"2026-05-07 13:46:11","changed_gmt":"2026-06-01 14:59:37","author":"pdevarajan3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-01T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-01T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680213":{"id":"680213","type":"image","title":"What-s-inthepriceofagallonofgas.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGas prices were well over $4 a gallon on April 28, 2026, in Brooklyn, N.Y. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/fuel-prices-are-displayed-at-a-brooklyn-gas-station-on-news-photo\/2273575764\u0022\u003ESpencer Platt\/Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1778162898","gmt_created":"2026-05-07 14:08:18","changed":"1778162898","gmt_changed":"2026-05-07 14:08:18","alt":"A person filling gas in his car with the gas prices shown in the foreground","file":{"fid":"264457","name":"What-s-inthepriceofagallonofgas.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/07\/What-s-inthepriceofagallonofgas.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/07\/What-s-inthepriceofagallonofgas.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":243115,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/07\/What-s-inthepriceofagallonofgas.jpeg?itok=ROlYqpjU"}},"680212":{"id":"680212","type":"image","title":"the-cost-of-crude-oil-is-a-key-driver-of-gas-and-diesel-prices.png","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAs of January 2026.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EChart: The Conversation, CC-BY-ND Source: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/petroleum\/gasdiesel\/\u0022 rel=\u0022nofollow noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EU.S. Energy Information Administration\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022javascript:void(0)\u0022 target=\u0022_self\u0022\u003EGet the data\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/CnmrT\/1\/#embed\u0022\u003EEmbed\u003C\/a\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/CnmrT\/full.png\u0022\u003EDownload image\u003C\/a\u003E Created with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.datawrapper.de\/_\/CnmrT\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDatawrapper\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1778162088","gmt_created":"2026-05-07 13:54:48","changed":"1778162088","gmt_changed":"2026-05-07 13:54:48","alt":"Chart showing cost distribution of crude oil, refining, marketing and distribution and taxes for gas and diesel","file":{"fid":"264456","name":"the-cost-of-crude-oil-is-a-key-driver-of-gas-and-diesel-prices.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/07\/the-cost-of-crude-oil-is-a-key-driver-of-gas-and-diesel-prices_0.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/07\/the-cost-of-crude-oil-is-a-key-driver-of-gas-and-diesel-prices_0.png","mime":"image\/png","size":81655,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/07\/the-cost-of-crude-oil-is-a-key-driver-of-gas-and-diesel-prices_0.png?itok=p_-8Gzh1"}},"680210":{"id":"680210","type":"image","title":"BobbyHarris-file-20260429-57-ux2drz.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA tanker truck delivers fuel to a gas station. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/newsroom.ap.org\/detail\/IranUSOil\/aa65c07d8aa34344acfa1aa5bcfda39c\/photo\u0022\u003EAP Photo\/Erin Hooley\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1778161952","gmt_created":"2026-05-07 13:52:32","changed":"1778161952","gmt_changed":"2026-05-07 13:52:32","alt":"A tanker truck delivers fuel to a gas station. AP Photo\/Erin Hooley","file":{"fid":"264454","name":"BobbyHarris-file-20260429-57-ux2drz.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/07\/BobbyHarris-file-20260429-57-ux2drz.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/07\/BobbyHarris-file-20260429-57-ux2drz.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":101295,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/07\/BobbyHarris-file-20260429-57-ux2drz.jpeg?itok=SkqSopUw"}},"680211":{"id":"680211","type":"image","title":"BobbyHarris-file-20260318-71-tw0cca.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESuspending the Jones Act allows foreign-based oil tankers to sail between U.S. ports. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/newsroom.ap.org\/detail\/OilPrices\/773825116ccd4cf8943c40836038be54\/photo?vs=false\u0026amp;currentItemNo=25\u0026amp;startingItemNo=0\u0022\u003EAP Photo\/Eric Gay\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1778161998","gmt_created":"2026-05-07 13:53:18","changed":"1778161998","gmt_changed":"2026-05-07 13:53:18","alt":"An oil tanker ship with the sun in the background and a man with a cap with a fishing poll in the foreground","file":{"fid":"264455","name":"BobbyHarris-file-20260318-71-tw0cca.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/07\/BobbyHarris-file-20260318-71-tw0cca.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/07\/BobbyHarris-file-20260318-71-tw0cca.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":127210,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/07\/BobbyHarris-file-20260318-71-tw0cca.jpeg?itok=1ZUJVvv4"}}},"media_ids":["680213","680212","680210","680211"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/whats-in-the-price-of-a-gallon-of-gas-281494","title":"Original Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"367481","name":"SEI Energy"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"},{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"151","name":"Policy, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"39511","name":"Public Service, Leadership, and Policy"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/robert-i-harris-2669057\u0022 rel=\u0022author\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERobert I. Harris\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAssistant Professor of Economics, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Research Communications\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690539":{"#nid":"690539","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Takes First Place at the EcoCAR EV Challenge  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter days of testing at General Motors\u2019 Milford Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan, Georgia Tech won first place in the final year of the current EcoCAR EV Challenge cycle. Tech students competed against 13 universities over four years, applying emerging technologies to create intelligent mobility solutions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring the four-year cycle, more than 250 undergraduate and graduate students from six of Georgia Tech\u2019s Colleges worked to reengineer a Cadillac LYRIQ EV, adding a new front motor, a new clutch-enabled rear motor, and automated driving features. In the Motor City, Tech earned 867 out of 1,000 points, outperforming its competitors across technical, vehicle, and connected automation challenges. The team stood out in the Connected Driving Evaluation, developed by Argonne National Laboratory, to measure how effectively teams integrate vehicle connectivity with automated driving features. The GT team also excelled in lateral automation with strong lane-centering and automatic parking performance.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile meeting all design targets, Tech\u2019s car delivered the competition\u2019s most impressive acceleration, and the team was the only group to successfully demonstrate automatic parking.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeams were tested at the end of each year of the competition cycle, with Tech securing multiple top-three finishes in years past. As the Yellow Jackets were crowned the winners of year four at the final awards ceremony, faculty advisor Antonia Antoniou says the elation and relief felt among the team members were a testament to the group\u2019s resilience. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThey really are the best of Georgia Tech. There were hurdles along the way where they faced major setbacks, including catastrophic equipment failures that could\u2019ve discouraged them, but they were relentless in their pursuit of perfection,\u201d Antoniou, a professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProject manager Eric Gustafson has been with the team since day one, and the victory is something he dreamed of and hopes every team member during the last four years can revel in.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt was surreal,\u201d he said. \u201cA single moment validating every all-nighter and difficult gauntlet our team worked through to compete against teams with budgets two and sometimes three times larger than ours. To win this challenge, at this Institute, speaks to the tenacity and sheer resilience that Tech students have. To actually execute, almost flawlessly, over a four-year span with different students coming into the program at different times, is a \u2018helluva\u2019 achievement.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition to the first-place overall finish, the team also earned victories in 11 of the competition\u2019s engineering awards and two communications awards.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETechnical Presentations\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFirst Place System Design and Integration Presentation\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFirst Place Connected and Automated Vehicle Systems Presentation\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVehicle Events\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFirst Place Connected Driving Evaluation \u2013 Sponsored by dSPACE\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFirst Place Energy Consumption\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFirst Place Consumer Acceptability\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EStay in Your Lane\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFirst Place Vehicle Drivability Evaluation\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFirst Place CARB CAV Energy Consumption\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFirst Place Vehicle Technical Specifications: Georgia Tech; Ohio State University and Wilberforce University\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFirst Place Combined Longitudinal Acceleration\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFirst Place Thermal Control Excellence - Sponsored by TCCI: Georgia Tech and the University of Alabama \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommunications\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFirst Place Communications Program: Georgia Tech and McMaster University\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFirst Place Impact Video\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EA New Cycle Begins\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith the conclusion of the current cycle, Antoniou and her fellow faculty advisor, David Taylor, a professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, will now lead recruitment for the team\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/14\/georgia-tech-selected-upcoming-ecocar-challenge\u0022\u003Enext competition cycle\u003C\/a\u003E, alongside new faculty advisors, Associate Professors Sam Coogan (ECE) and Shuman Xia (ME), as well as communications mentor Jill Fennell, Frank K. Webb Academic Professional Chair in Communication Skills in the Woodruff School. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe new team will have big shoes to fill,\u201d Antoniou said. We are lucky to have the chance to work with the students at Georgia Tech, and they have a tremendous opportunity to \u2018learn by doing\u2019 and connect with industry partners in the process. I encourage anyone interested to apply because EcoCAR can open so many doors, and it\u2019s a joy for us to watch these students become the leaders they are meant to be.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn April, Tech was selected to compete in the competition for the fourth consecutive cycle. Participation in the EcoCAR Challenge is paired with coursework through Georgia Tech\u2019s Vertically Integrated Projects program, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while earning academic credit.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor application information, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/ecocar\/recruitment-info\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Evisit the EcoCAR VIP\u2019s website.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Georgia Tech completed the four-year EcoCAR EV Challenge cycle with a victory at the final competition. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech completed the four-year EcoCAR EV Challenge cycle with a victory at the final competition.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech completed the four-year EcoCAR EV Challenge cycle with a victory at the final competition. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-05-28 14:26:44","changed_gmt":"2026-05-29 12:13:20","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-29T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-29T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680367":{"id":"680367","type":"image","title":"EcoCAR Team ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMembers of the Georgia Tech EcoCAR EV Challenge team, joined by Doug Williams, interim dean of the College of Engineering, and Ed Argalas, an advanced vehicle development lead engineer at General Motors. Photo courtesy of EcoCAR EV Challenge.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1780055931","gmt_created":"2026-05-29 11:58:51","changed":"1780056413","gmt_changed":"2026-05-29 12:06:53","alt":"EcoCAR Team ","file":{"fid":"264623","name":"55278373673_36f4cbcaa2_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/29\/55278373673_36f4cbcaa2_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/29\/55278373673_36f4cbcaa2_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1744689,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/29\/55278373673_36f4cbcaa2_o.jpg?itok=FNGwbfnO"}}},"media_ids":["680367"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/07\/strong-year-three-finish-sets-ecocar-team-final-push","title":"Strong Year Three Finish Sets Up EcoCAR Team for Final Push"},{"url":"https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/ecocar\/recruitment-info\/","title":"EcoCAR Team Website"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"}],"keywords":[{"id":"190476","name":"EcoCAR Challenge"},{"id":"190699","name":"EcoCAR Mobility Challenge"},{"id":"167585","name":"student competition"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:Steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"641905":{"#nid":"641905","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Hydrogel Could Open New Path for Glaucoma Treatment Without Drugs or Surgery","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers have developed a potential new treatment for the eye disease glaucoma that could replace daily eyedrops and surgery with a twice-a-year injection to control the buildup of pressure in the eye. The researchers envision the injection being done as an office procedure that could be part of regular patient visits.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe possible treatment, which could become the first non-drug, non-surgical, long-acting therapy for glaucoma, uses the injection of a natural and biodegradable material to create a viscous hydrogel \u2014 a water-absorbing crosslinked polymer structure \u2014 that opens an alternate pathway for excess fluid to leave the eye.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe holy grail for glaucoma is an efficient way to lower the pressure that doesn\u2019t rely on the patient putting drops in their eyes every day, doesn\u2019t require a complicated surgery, has minimal side effects, and has a good safety profile,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.bme.gatech.edu\/bme\/faculty\/C.%20Ross-Ethier\u0022\u003ERoss Ethier\u003C\/a\u003E, professor and Georgia Research Alliance Lawrence L. Gellerstedt Jr. Eminent Scholar in Bioengineering in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.bme.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EWallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech and Emory University. \u201cI am excited about this technique, which could be a game-changer for the treatment of glaucoma.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe research, which was supported by the National Eye Institute and the \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.gra.org\u0022\u003EGeorgia Research Alliance\u003C\/a\u003E, was published Dec. 7 in the journal \u003Cem\u003EAdvanced Science\u003C\/em\u003E. The research was conducted in animals, and shows that the approach significantly lowered the intraocular pressure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs many as 75 million people worldwide have glaucoma, which is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Glaucoma damage is caused by excess pressure in the eye that injures the optic nerve. Current treatments attempt to reduce this intraocular pressure through the daily application of eyedrops, or through surgery or implantation of medical devices, but these treatments are often unsuccessful.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo provide an alternative, Ethier teamed up with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/people\/mark-r-prausnitz\u0022\u003EMark Prausnitz\u003C\/a\u003E, professor and J. Erskine Love Jr. Chair in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech, to use a tiny hollow needle to inject a polymer preparation into a structure just below the surface of the eye called the suprachoroidal space (SCS). Inside the eye, the material chemically crosslinks to form the hydrogel, which holds open a channel in the SCS that allows aqueous humor from within the eye to drain out of the eye through the alternative pathway.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere are normally two pathways for the aqueous humor fluid to leave the eye. The dominant path is through a structure known as the trabecular meshwork, which is located at the front of the eye. The lesser pathway is through the SCS, which normally has only a very small gap. In glaucoma, the dominant pathway is blocked, so to lessen pressure, treatments are created to open the lesser pathway enough to let the aqueous humor flow out.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn this research, the hydrogel props open the SCS path. A hollow microneedle less than a millimeter long is used to inject a droplet (about 50 microliters) of the hydrogel-precursor material. That gel structure can keep the SCS pathway open for a period of months.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe inject a viscous material and keep it at the site of the injection at the interface between the back of the eye and the front of the eye where the suprachoroidal space begins,\u201d Prausnitz said. \u201cBy opening up that space, we tap a pathway that would not otherwise be utilized efficiently to remove liquid from the eye.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe injection would take just a few minutes, and would involve a doctor making a small injection just below the surface of the eye in combination with numbing and cleaning the injection site. In the study, the researchers, including veterinary ophthalmologist and first author J. Jeremy Chae, did not observe significant inflammation resulting from the procedure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe pressure reduction was sustained for four months. The researchers are now working to extend that time by modifying the polymer material \u2014 hyaluronic acid \u2014 with a goal of providing treatment benefits for at least six months. That would coincide with the office visit schedule of many patients.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf we can get to a twice-a-year treatment, we would not disrupt the current clinical process,\u201d Prausnitz said. \u201cWe believe the injection could be done as an office procedure during routine exams that the patients are already getting. Patients may not need to do anything to treat their glaucoma until their next office visit.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeyond extending the time between treatments, the researchers will need to demonstrate that the injection can be repeated without harming the eye. The procedure will also have to be tested in other animals before moving into human trials.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe idea of having a \u2018one-and-done\u2019 treatment that lasts for six months would be particularly helpful for those whose access to healthcare is non-optimal,\u201d Ethier said. \u201cHaving a long-acting therapy would have an additional advantage during times of pandemic or other disruption when access to healthcare is more difficult.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis research was supported by a grant from the National Eye Institute (R01 EY025286) and by the Georgia Research Alliance. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding agencies.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EMark Prausnitz serves as a consultant to companies, is a founding shareholder of companies, and is an inventor on patents licensed to companies developing microneedle-based products (Clearside Biomedical). These potential conflicts of interest have been disclosed and are being managed by Georgia Tech. J. Jeremy Chae, Jae Hwan Jung, Ethier, and Prausnitz are listed as co-inventors on an IP filing related to this study.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECITATION\u003C\/strong\u003E: J. Jeremy Chae, et al., \u201cDrug-free, Non-surgical Reduction of Intraocular Pressure for Four Months After Suprachoroidal Injection of Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel.\u201d (\u003Cem\u003EAdvanced Science\u003C\/em\u003E, 2020) \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/advs.202001908\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/advs.202001908\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResearch News\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E177 North Avenue\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAtlanta, Georgia\u0026nbsp; 30332-0181\u0026nbsp; USA\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMedia Relations Contact\u003C\/strong\u003E: John Toon (404-894-6986) (jtoon@gatech.edu)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWriter\u003C\/strong\u003E: John Toon\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers have developed a potential new treatment for the eye disease glaucoma that could replace daily eyedrops and surgery with a twice-a-year injection to control the buildup of pressure in the eye. The researchers envision the injection being done as an office procedure that could be part of regular patient visits.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers have developed a potential new treatment for the eye disease glaucoma that could replace daily eye drops and surgery."}],"uid":"27303","created_gmt":"2020-12-07 19:27:05","changed_gmt":"2026-05-28 15:33:38","author":"John Toon","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2020-12-07T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2020-12-07T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"641902":{"id":"641902","type":"image","title":"Close-up of Eye","body":null,"created":"1607368440","gmt_created":"2020-12-07 19:14:00","changed":"1607368440","gmt_changed":"2020-12-07 19:14:00","alt":"Close-up of eye","file":{"fid":"243879","name":"Eye-001 v2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/Eye-001%20v2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/Eye-001%20v2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":943053,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/images\/Eye-001%20v2.jpg?itok=c_XJn_hN"}},"641903":{"id":"641903","type":"image","title":"Microneedle and eye","body":null,"created":"1607368518","gmt_created":"2020-12-07 19:15:18","changed":"1607368518","gmt_changed":"2020-12-07 19:15:18","alt":"Microneedle and eye","file":{"fid":"243880","name":"ocular_needle_with_eye2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/ocular_needle_with_eye2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/ocular_needle_with_eye2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":792430,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/images\/ocular_needle_with_eye2.jpg?itok=ybkImfTo"}}},"media_ids":["641902","641903"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"141","name":"Chemistry and Chemical Engineering"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"17401","name":"Glaucoma"},{"id":"1915","name":"eye"},{"id":"3356","name":"hydrogel"},{"id":"495","name":"Mark Prausnitz"},{"id":"38581","name":"eye disease"},{"id":"126571","name":"go-PetitInstitute"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"39471","name":"Materials"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"},{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJohn Toon\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearch News\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E(404) 894-6986\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jtoon@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690432":{"#nid":"690432","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Students and Alumni Awarded Prestigious NSF Fellowships ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESeventy-five Georgia Tech students and alumni have been awarded Graduate Research Fellowships from the National Science Foundation. The fellowships, valued at $159,000, include funding for three years of graduate study and tuition for graduate students pursuing full-time, research-based master\u2019s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or STEM education.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Yellow Jacket recipients of the fellowship, which has supported over 70,000 students since its inception in 1952, were selected from a pool of more than 14,000 applicants nationwide. Fellowships are awarded to students \u201cwho have demonstrated potential for significant achievements in research.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlumni:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e6726806c7648787b4d74ac8404ab5c6c\u0022\u003ESophia Nicolette Anderson \u2013 Materials Science and Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e79e75cc5541d4db150ca85e5f36a966d\u0022\u003EAleksandar Blaine Boskovic \u2013 Biomedical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e9036184dafff34ba279aba9dcff34334\u0022\u003ESasha Bronovitskiy \u2013 Bioengineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ec463ec1696500a465c0e9955e6f9cd7d\u0022\u003EJoshua Brown \u2013 Chemical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e2763b8fae962f9bce596610b17f5706f\u0022\u003EMariah Castillo \u2013 Chemical Catalysis\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022efde46838e6f699433071b74a5b84aac4\u0022\u003EBrandon Choi \u2013 Physics and Astronomy - Artificial Intelligence\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e2128ce655ae4d095223d329bb1546a85\u0022\u003ELincoln Crowe \u2013 Materials Science and Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e9d993da8fa435b61ec6b338f4209697c\u0022\u003ESaachi Gautam Dalvi \u2013 Chemical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ecca07f7565c8ef8c3df0d5fbf599c575\u0022\u003EEthan Damiani \u2013 Mechanical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e87ca75ddad9daeeaa9fc1ded121c23ea\u0022\u003EMehul Dhoot \u2013 Materials Science and Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022eac57721853cef72c386dfd81dcebafa1\u0022\u003EKeyes Matthews Eames \u2013 Materials Research - Photonic Materials\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e186d3cb752ced2562e81057eb41cfbe6\u0022\u003EHebah Faddl Fadah \u2013 Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ecbfbafed883bd2e5b74cca342a70960f\u0022\u003EMatthew Fernandez \u2013 Mechanical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e80504bad754f8cdd7870dfb9be56137f\u0022\u003EGianna Fiduccia \u2013 Chemical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ec37e1795333fad9ef05dcd458d24ae71\u0022\u003EMarielle Frooman \u2013 Chemistry \u2013 Chemical Synthesis\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ec52f242c3dc125d7fcbcddd855713c5d\u0022\u003EHaasa Gaddipati \u2013 Materials Research \u2013 Electronic Materials\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e633322e007e19668ce58515580be09c3\u0022\u003EKush Gandhi \u2013 Physics and Astronomy - Quantum Information Science\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e37908578b4984db2095e1cfd4c6badb0\u0022\u003EDiya Godavarti \u2013 Chemical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e708fcae18cdf3771a833aa5275df30ac\u0022\u003ERisha Goel \u2013 Chemical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ea728864294d37f3ac4c9ffcea2a61040\u0022\u003EAbigail Holberton \u2013 Bioengineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e97725f8d6a6e1ed9680a169b9c617359\u0022\u003ESara Hunihan \u2013 Biomedical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e3127e069c17052bf45531c59b3f9b067\u0022\u003EDivya Iyer \u2013 Materials Research - Chemistry of Materials\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e20fd3acabeb41cef46053d6b6902aec7\u0022\u003EShreya Jha \u2013 Comp\/IS\/Eng - Scientific Computing\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e343cc36ab560d16212f0e8ce7c83f949\u0022\u003EJanie Johnson \u2013 Mechanical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e9b7a661658a2ba7791c61192e07c1b90\u0022\u003ESara Mishal Kapasi \u2013 Bioengineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e890a4f2b0f5e1a3dcd710a2d57635ea5\u0022\u003EGrace Chaeyeong Kim \u2013 Comp\/IS\/Eng - Machine Learning\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e406be2fbc31a8684f69b5f7130557e09\u0022\u003EAndrea Li \u2013 Bioengineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ed07fd55b7de8085043965835294fd96e\u0022\u003ELauren Rose Mellinger \u2013 Chemical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e1b3db87a09f290fe77eb0e657b1fcd0d\u0022\u003EElizabeth Mone \u2013 Physics and Astronomy - Astronomy and Astrophysics\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e928dc2619277fab22512a9531552a263\u0022\u003EAkash Narayanan \u2013 Mathematical Sciences \u2013 Topology\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022eff12a6f0a6623b7d4a2100fc91be18eb\u0022\u003EThomas Neuman \u2013 Biomedical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022efb3089c1d25740e92390bd194f3e05c9\u0022\u003EAnna Park \u2013 Industrial Engineering and Operations Research\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e8e74ca44e890810cd32080bd917102a7\u0022\u003EViresh Chandra Pati \u2013 Comp\/IS\/Eng - Formal Methods, Verification, and Programming Languages\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ea54b623eb7605e6fee179f3af0aeab14\u0022\u003EMatthew Rohan \u2013 Materials Research - Chemistry of Materials\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ecef9c07b1e0dd1b605a6ae1f61b268da\u0022\u003EAanya Sawhney \u2013 Mechanical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e03bb988dfe2bb86aac3dcc746752c963\u0022\u003EAustin Clark Shoemaker \u2013 Materials Research - Chemistry of Materials\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ec08bbeccc30e82b8242048650e1105bc\u0022\u003EAastha Singh \u2013 Mechanical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ea2ed02bdd8459e852151155491102106\u0022\u003EIsaac Sipp-Alpers \u2013 Geosciences \u2013 Paleoceanography\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e4aaa9ddc3b9bfc81de6a61828ceef369\u0022\u003EAnirudh Sriram \u2013 Biomedical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e1278578748e7e3fa30e2df912bc73529\u0022\u003ENicholas Stojanovic \u2013 Engineering - Materials Science and Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ebdcbc286fcccf6c5f7644c3b96d7d454\u0022\u003EElijah Orion Tarr \u2013 Comp\/IS\/Eng - Quantum Information Science\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e0d8257670be4d5d451faa1e77a2ef2f3\u0022\u003ESkylar Taylor \u2013 Life Sciences \u2013 Organismal Biology\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022eef88060d310eb4fedd0db1db4ac117c0\u0022\u003EOlivia Trask \u2013 Chemical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ed3cbb648ccc5451190fceb6a82f905c1\u0022\u003ETarun Vinodkumar \u2013 Mechanical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e1524db0097d6472a9197f25376648f87\u0022\u003EAlexander Vlasov \u2013 Industrial Engineering and Operations Research\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e9c0158ea545ac894d1e260f5dbee68db\u0022\u003EConnor Douglas White \u2013 Electrical and Electronic Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGraduate Students:\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e82d9aa9218d38b86b7133488c00f9cac\u0022\u003EAvi Balakirsky \u2013 Engineering - Robotics, Control, Automation\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e70528d4a089c9e1a9538ee05eb1f8a36\u0022\u003EAidan Hahn Billings \u2013 Mechanical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ef0df72c3340f04031438dbf702867a9e\u0022\u003ESierra Paige Bornheim \u2013 Life Sciences\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e028ad2989ae28d4d40f715e74366666c\u0022\u003EAlison Lynne Brei \u2013 Engineering - Robotics, Control, Automation\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ee2a4b0811a9da1b4d4c7238220dd85a6\u0022\u003EBertila Bruka \u2013 Biomedical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e4b6ffdf774f2dcc9c5a096fdbf7f2a4e\u0022\u003EAdam Casselman \u2013 Engineering - Robotics, Control, Automation\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e491382de690880c8a81167dea2fd8875\u0022\u003EVanessa Chen \u2013 Engineering - Materials Science and Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ebca862e4a17d608e92a9714a38bf75d4\u0022\u003EJason Chin \u2013 Bioengineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e9d7b6dd07b5d40c4fba6dbb64cf7b32c\u0022\u003EBrice Bradley Edelman \u2013 Comp\/IS\/Eng - Artificial Intelligence\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022efe5732361ac118016928b0b381c760ad\u0022\u003EEmmett Freeman \u2013 Mechanical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e2c02229956f5e68e3bb1cc7c29426210\u0022\u003EAbir Haque \u2013 Comp\/IS\/Eng - Scientific Computing\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e3a9d7dc9ad3cbae49d3908f7636e5b09\u0022\u003ECameron Hubbard \u2013 Chemical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e00d7b2386bb57866766d48fc94aff15c\u0022\u003ESophia Ella Klessel \u2013 Biomedical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e29d28853299848ba9b237cde8478dea9\u0022\u003EFrederick Laudati \u2013 Comp\/IS\/Eng - Electronic Design Automation and Design of Micro and Nano Computing\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e9f0fcaafe94b0782d6b228aca5c60330\u0022\u003EDara Oseyemi \u2013 Engineering - Computer Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e3946d50348cfa81ee6567a7f366de8cb\u0022\u003EPayal Patel \u2013 Engineering - Robotics, Control, Automation\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e06e61c988ade648fc437cf7e9578ecea\u0022\u003EZahria Patrick \u2013 Chemistry \u2013 Chemical Synthesis\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e0616e1234e0d6510f26d5f8f1fe2a376\u0022\u003EIoannis Polyzos \u2013 Engineering - Robotics, Control, Automation\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e6e3e155a858228a21b8d79b4259bdfe8\u0022\u003ESadah Schell \u2013 Chemical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ebce8f42602d3031d3ce36285b37f9b8a\u0022\u003ERachel Schenck \u2013 Materials Science and Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ecc1a72862c0e99c579d471b3b92f49a1\u0022\u003EBrendan Michael Shrader \u2013 Mathematical Sciences - Mathematical Biology\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ec90c8daef4234140304178538b348707\u0022\u003EJulian Skifstad \u2013 Engineering - Machine Learning\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e79c05865746dae706dcaf614a7229a60\u0022\u003EGary Song \u2013 Comp\/IS\/Eng - Computer Security and Privacy\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e6db91675b1e0a1b5eeb9f12b4984b576\u0022\u003EIan Tidwell \u2013 Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022efc20d939697b69a22db0394422b940c4\u0022\u003ESonika Vuyyuru \u2013 Comp\/IS\/Eng - Machine Learning\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e02cdcc1642887609ef0c71cee86f641a\u0022\u003EKaleb Washington \u2013 Mechanical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e88d68737eb6acab9a71722edcca45c80\u0022\u003ELouisa Wood \u2013 Engineering - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ede082b61279d5c07ded948510434a410\u0022\u003EYufei Xiao \u2013 Physics and Astronomy - Physics of Living Systems\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e08dee8af023715b35fd12c087a4ccf8b\u0022\u003EJennifer Xiao \u2013 Materials Research - Artificial Intelligence\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship supports \u201coutstanding students with exceptional potential for leadership in STEM.\u201d "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe NSF\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003EGraduate Research Fellowship supports \u201coutstanding students with exceptional potential for leadership in STEM.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship supports \u201coutstanding students with exceptional potential for leadership in STEM.\u201d "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-05-21 19:20:09","changed_gmt":"2026-05-27 20:01:57","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-21T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-21T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680330":{"id":"680330","type":"image","title":"Researcher in Lab","body":null,"created":"1779391476","gmt_created":"2026-05-21 19:24:36","changed":"1779391476","gmt_changed":"2026-05-21 19:24:36","alt":"Researcher in Lab","file":{"fid":"264577","name":"25-5006-P1-013.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/21\/25-5006-P1-013.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/21\/25-5006-P1-013.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1915407,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/21\/25-5006-P1-013.jpg?itok=LxDSYdF9"}}},"media_ids":["680330"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/qbios.gatech.edu\/qbios-students-win-2026-nsf-graduate-research-fellowship-program-awards","title":"QBioS Students Win 2026 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Awards"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"}],"keywords":[{"id":"174240","name":"NSF graduate fellowship"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:Steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690490":{"#nid":"690490","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Mitchell L.R. Walker II Named Dean of Georgia Tech\u2019s College of Engineering","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFollowing a national search, Georgia Tech has appointed Mitchell L.R. Walker II as the next dean and Southern Company Chair of the College of Engineering, effective June 15. Walker currently serves as the William R.T. Oakes Jr. School Chair in the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWalker has been a member of the Guggenheim School faculty since 2005 and has held several leadership positions, including associate chair for graduate studies. Prior to his appointment as chair, he served in the dean\u2019s office as the College\u2019s associate dean for academic affairs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMitchell\u2019s leadership and achievements reflect the excellence and innovation that define Georgia Tech,\u201d said Raheem Beyah, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. \u201cAs a longtime member of our faculty, he brings a deep understanding of the Institute\u2019s values and aspirations to this new role. I am confident he will build on the College of Engineering\u2019s extraordinary legacy and elevate its global impact.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWalker is known for his ability to bring together expertise and partners across schools and colleges to develop high-impact programming, including the interdisciplinary \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/catalog.gatech.edu\/programs\/minor-artificial-intelligence-machine-learning\/\u0022\u003EMinor in Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe played a pivotal role in advancing the sustained advocacy that led to Georgia Tech securing $88 million in state funding for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/03\/state-invest-88m-new-georgia-tech-aerospace-building\u0022\u003Ea new Aerospace Engineering Building\u003C\/a\u003E. Under his leadership, the nation\u2019s top-ranked public aerospace program built a compelling case through years of coordinated effort among faculty, staff, alumni, advisory board members, and past leaders. This momentum reflects Walker\u2019s contributions to aligning academic excellence with strategic institutional advocacy to achieve a landmark investment for the Institute.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech\u2019s College of Engineering represents the very best in innovation, impact, and collaboration,\u201d Walker said. \u201cI am honored to lead such an accomplished community of faculty, staff, and students and look forward to building on its strong foundation. Together, we will continue to advance research, education, and partnerships that address the world\u2019s most pressing challenges and improve lives.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWalker is a respected leader in advanced propulsion research, focusing on experimental and theoretical studies of plasma propulsion concepts for spacecraft, including Hall thrusters, gridded ion engines, and vacuum facility effects. He directs Georgia Tech\u2019s High-Power-Electric Propulsion Laboratory and is principal investigator and director of the $15 million Joint Advanced Propulsion Institute (JANUS), a multi-university NASA Space Technology Research Institute. JANUS develops strategies to overcome limitations in ground testing of high-power electric propulsion systems, enabling and expanding their use in flight.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWalker is a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and serves as a member of the organization\u2019s Electric Propulsion Technical Committee. He is also an associate editor of the Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets and serves on the editorial boards of Frontiers in Physics and Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences \u2013 Plasma Physics. In addition, he has delivered expert witness testimony to the Space Subcommittee of the House of Representatives to help guide national investments in space propulsion technology.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Program Award, the AIAA Lawrence Sperry Award, the AIAA Sustained Service Award, and the Georgia Power Professor of Excellence Award.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs dean, Walker will lead the College\u2019s academic and research enterprise, which includes more than 21,000 students, 50 degree tracks, and nearly 500 faculty members. Its undergraduate program is ranked No. 3 in the nation by U.S. News \u0026amp; World Report, and the graduate program is No. 4. All 11 of its programs are consistently ranked in the top 10.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWalker succeeds Beyah, who began his term as provost last November.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI would like to thank Doug Williams for his steady leadership and service as interim dean during this important transition,\u201d Beyah said. \u201cSince November, he has provided critical stability for the College, and we are deeply grateful for his support of our faculty, staff, and students. I would also like to thank the search committee and their chair, Dean Vivek Sarkar. Vivek and the committee brought world-class candidates forward during this process, and their work has resulted in an exceptional new dean.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EWriter: Brittany Aiello, Faculty Communications Program Manager, Executive Communications, Institute Communications\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFollowing a national search, Georgia Tech has appointed Mitchell L.R. Walker II as the next dean and Southern Company Chair of the College of Engineering, effective June 15. Walker currently serves as the William R.T. Oakes Jr. School Chair in the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Following a national search, Georgia Tech has appointed Mitchell L.R. Walker II as the next dean and Southern Company Chair of the College of Engineering, effective June 15. "}],"uid":"36640","created_gmt":"2026-05-27 12:48:19","changed_gmt":"2026-05-27 13:21:55","author":"kconley9","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-27T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-27T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680357":{"id":"680357","type":"image","title":"mitchel-walker-1.jpg","body":null,"created":"1779886864","gmt_created":"2026-05-27 13:01:04","changed":"1779887854","gmt_changed":"2026-05-27 13:17:34","alt":"Mitchell Walker ","file":{"fid":"264613","name":"mitchel-walker-1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/27\/mitchel-walker-1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/27\/mitchel-walker-1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2759086,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/27\/mitchel-walker-1.jpg?itok=dn5245Xl"}}},"media_ids":["680357"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/","title":"Learn more about the College of Engineering"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"131901","name":"Provost"}],"categories":[{"id":"132","name":"Institute Leadership"}],"keywords":[{"id":"594","name":"college of engineering"},{"id":"2474","name":"Mitchell Walker"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOffice of the Provost\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["provostsoffice@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690443":{"#nid":"690443","#data":{"type":"news","title":"LOOP Launches in Atlanta\u2019s Creative Quarter ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/loopatl.space\/\u0022\u003ELOOP\u003C\/a\u003E, powered by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.thegoatfarm.info\/\u0022\u003EGoat Farm\u003C\/a\u003E, will launch at 665 Marietta St. NW, activating a key site within Atlanta\u2019s emerging \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arts.gatech.edu\/creative-quarter\u0022\u003ECreative Quarter\u003C\/a\u003E. With Georgia Tech Arts, the initiative advances the Institute\u2019s broader commitment to arts, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELOOP will hold a public opening from 6 \u2013 9 p.m. Saturday, June 6, featuring work by Tech students and faculty alongside artists represented by Wolfgang Gallery. Featured installations include \u003Cem\u003EVulnerable Value\u003C\/em\u003E, presented by the Georgia Institute of Technology and Wolfgang Gallery, and \u003Cem\u003EWormhole\u003C\/em\u003E by Ishaan Jagyasi, Kyle Smith, Devon Green, and Ryan Baker. Artists and innovators from across Atlanta will also begin moving into LOOP\u2019s studio spaces this summer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELocated near Georgia Tech\u2019s\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003EFerst Center for the Arts and within a growing Westside ecosystem for the arts and creative industries, LOOP reflects the continued growth of Georgia Tech Arts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cLOOP represents a transformational moment for the Creative Quarter and for Georgia Tech\u2019s commitment to the arts and innovation,\u201d said Jason Freeman, associate vice provost for Arts. \u201cIt creates new opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff to engage with artists, creatives, and the broader community and demonstrates that the arts are central to our mission to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cLOOP was conceived as a space where experimentation is not only supported but expected,\u201d said Allie Bashuk, design director for Goat Farm. \u201cAs artists move into the studios and public programming begins, LOOP invites audiences into work that is unfolding in real time.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELOOP brings together artists, students, and the broader community. Anchored by artist studios and flexible exhibition and event space, the site is designed to foster new connections among art, technology, research, and community engagement.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELOOP will host public programs throughout the year, including exhibitions, performances, and festivals. For information about upcoming programming, visit \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/loopatl.space\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eloopatl.space\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, follow \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/loop.atl\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E@loop.atl\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E on social media, or subscribe to the LOOP mailing list. LOOP also accepts proposals for arts programming and requests for private event rentals on a rolling basis.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOpening Details\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOpening event\/exhibition\u003Cstrong\u003E:\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Cem\u003EVulnerable Value\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EDate and time\u003Cstrong\u003E:\u003C\/strong\u003E June 6, 6 \u2013 9 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFeatured installations:\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u2022 \u003Cem\u003EVulnerable Value\u003C\/em\u003E, presented by the Georgia Institute of Technology and Wolfgang Gallery.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u2022 \u003Cem\u003EWormhole\u003C\/em\u003E, by Ishaan Jagyasi, Kyle Smith, Devon Green, and Ryan Baker.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELocation: 665 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30313\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPublic access: Entry is available during designated events and scheduled programming.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEvent information: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/loopatl.space\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eloopatl.space\u003C\/a\u003E and Instagram \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/loop.atl\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E@loop.atl\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParking and directions: Pedestrian access is available via Tech Parkway and State Street, adjacent to PATH Parkway bicycle access and near the John Lewis Student Center\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELOOP, powered by Goat Farm, opens June 6, creating a new hub for interdisciplinary arts, experimentation, and community engagement in Atlanta\u2019s Creative Quarter.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"LOOP, powered by Goat Farm, is launching at 665 Marietta Street, activating a key site within Atlanta\u2019s emerging Creative Quarter and advancing Georgia Tech\u2019s broader commitment to arts, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration."}],"uid":"36758","created_gmt":"2026-05-22 14:22:33","changed_gmt":"2026-05-24 01:19:54","author":"LaKenya Norris","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-22T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-22T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680335":{"id":"680335","type":"image","title":"LOOP-at-Creative-Quarter01.jpg","body":null,"created":"1779460139","gmt_created":"2026-05-22 14:28:59","changed":"1779460139","gmt_changed":"2026-05-22 14:28:59","alt":"LOOP-at-Creative-Quarter01.jpg","file":{"fid":"264583","name":"LOOP-at-Creative-Quarter01.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/22\/LOOP-at-Creative-Quarter01.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/22\/LOOP-at-Creative-Quarter01.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":17922567,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/22\/LOOP-at-Creative-Quarter01.jpg?itok=V90jKb3B"}}},"media_ids":["680335"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/loopatl.space\/","title":"LOOP"},{"url":"https:\/\/arts.gatech.edu\/","title":"Georgia Tech Arts"}],"groups":[{"id":"145331","name":"Georgia Tech Arts"},{"id":"660380","name":"GT Arts"}],"categories":[{"id":"42891","name":"Georgia Tech Arts"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMedia Contacts\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELOOP \/ Goat Farm\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAllie Bashuk\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EDesign Director\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:allie@thegoatfarm.info\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eallie@thegoatfarm.info\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Tech Arts\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAngela Barajas Prendiville\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Media Relations, Georgia Tech\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:media@gatech.edu\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Emedia@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690228":{"#nid":"690228","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Advancing Innovation: Tech Ready Grants Support Faculty Commercialization Efforts ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Office of Technology Licensing has announced the latest recipients of the Tech Ready Grants, an initiative that helps Georgia Tech faculty advance their innovations toward market readiness. Providing early momentum for promising technologies, the grants help move research toward real-world impact.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTech Ready Grants are designed to help researchers take critical steps toward commercialization by supporting early validation and development,\u201d said Mary Albertson, director of Technology Licensing. \u201cThese projects represent strong potential for real-world impact across a range of industries.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis year\u2019s selected projects span areas including advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, medical devices, sustainability, and software systems.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAwardees\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Christos Athanasiou\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EAssistant Professor, Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProject: A Scalable In-Situ Durability Platform for Rapid Polymer Qualification\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EAthanasiou is developing a platform to assess material durability under real-world conditions, helping accelerate validation timelines for high-performance applications.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cWhat began as a lab-based fracture testing instrument became a way to observe failure under real conditions,\u201d Athanasiou said. \u201cNow, we are working to share that capability beyond a single lab.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESteve Diggle\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EProfessor, School of Biological Sciences\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProject: TAILSTRIKE Platform: Modular Chimeric Tailocin Engineering for Programmable Precision Antibacterials\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EDiggle is developing a programmable antibacterial platform using engineered protein nanomachines to precisely target harmful bacteria. The approach aims to address antibiotic resistance while enabling more targeted therapeutic applications.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cThis grant will support the development of the TAILSTRIKE platform, a modular engineering system that repurposes protein nanomachines which bacteria use in warfare against each other, to create next-generation programmable, precision antibacterials,\u201d Diggle said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEllen Yi Chen Mazumdar\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EAssistant Professor and Woodruff Faculty Fellow, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProject: High-Efficiency, Fully 3D-Printed Electric Motors\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EMazumdar is developing fully 3D-printed electric motors designed for high efficiency and flexible manufacturing across a range of applications.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cThe Tech Ready Grant is an exciting opportunity for us to advance our research toward something that can be commercialized as a real product,\u201d Mazumdar said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENathan Meraz\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EResearch Engineer, Georgia Tech Research Institute\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProject: SCHORTY Technical Document and Market Analysis\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EMeraz is advancing Scheimpflug Optical Ranging Technology (SCHORTY), a platform that delivers LiDAR-class 3D sensing in a camera-native form factor. The project focuses on identifying high-value commercial applications and validating market opportunities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cOur platform delivers performance that scales with advances in imaging technology,\u201d Meraz said. \u201cThe Tech Ready Grant will support the transition from technical validation to market discovery.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECarson Meredith\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EProfessor and James Preston Harris Faculty Fellow, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Executive Director, Renewable Bioproducts Institute\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProject: Commercialization of Renewable Oxygen and Water Barrier Biodegradable Packaging\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EMeredith is advancing biodegradable packaging materials that provide strong oxygen and moisture barriers, addressing a key challenge in sustainable packaging.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cMy lab carries out research in future packaging materials that can replace problematic single-use plastics,\u201d Meredith said. \u201cThis funding will help us translate Georgia Tech developments into practice through prototyping and applied testing.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWilliam Singhose\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EProfessor, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProject: Cable Angle Sensing and Control for Improved Crane Safety\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003ESinghose\u2019s team is advancing sensing and control technologies to improve crane safety by monitoring and stabilizing cable angles in real time. The work aims to reduce load swing and enhance operational safety across construction and industrial environments.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cThe cable-angle sensing technology we have developed allows crane control systems to detect the early onset of dangerous lifting conditions,\u201d Singhose said. \u201cBy identifying when a hoisting cable begins to deviate from vertical, we can take corrective action before uncontrolled swing leads to serious injury or damage.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EXiaojuan \u201cJudy\u201d Song\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Research Engineer, Georgia Tech Research Institute\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProject: Smart Dressing for Wound Monitoring\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003ESong is advancing a wearable smart dressing that enables continuous, on-patient monitoring of wound healing progress without disturbing the site. The technology is designed for use in chronic wound care, including diabetic foot ulcers and battlefield applications.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cTech Ready funding will help advance the technology toward real-world application and define a commercialization pathway,\u201d Song said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShuichi Takayama\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EProfessor, GRA Eminent Scholar, and Price Gilbert Jr. Chair in Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProject: Organoid Alternative to Interstitial Lung Disease Toxicity Testing\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003ETakayama\u2019s team is using lab-grown human lung tissue models to evaluate drug toxicity, offering a more accurate and scalable alternative to traditional primate models.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cThis system fills a critical gap where species differences limit the use of traditional models,\u201d Takayama said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJun Xu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EProfessor, School of Computer Science\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProject: Research Into Applications and API for METTLE\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EXu is advancing METTLE, a novel streaming erasure code designed for high-speed networking systems, with a focus on improving data reliability and efficiency.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cThis funding will support the commercialization readiness of METTLE,\u201d Xu said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout Tech Ready Grants\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETech Ready Grants is an Office of Technology Licensing program that provides early-stage funding to faculty to support prototype development, validation, and market assessment. The program helps position technologies for licensing, startup formation, and industry partnerships.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy supporting these critical early steps, Tech Ready Grants strengthens the pathway from research to real-world impact across Georgia Tech\u2019s innovation ecosystem.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Office of Technology Licensing has named the latest Tech Ready Grant awardees, recognizing faculty-led projects spanning advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, medical devices, sustainability, and software systems. The grants provide early-stage funding to support prototype development, validation, and commercialization readiness, helping move promising research closer to industry application and market impact.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Office of Technology Licensing announced the latest recipients of the Tech Ready Grants, supporting Georgia Tech faculty as they advance innovative technologies toward commercialization and real-world impact."}],"uid":"36434","created_gmt":"2026-05-11 16:23:34","changed_gmt":"2026-05-21 21:11:25","author":"lcameron30","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-21T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-21T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680287":{"id":"680287","type":"image","title":"Tech-Ready-Grants-Header-05.15.26.jpg","body":null,"created":"1778859711","gmt_created":"2026-05-15 15:41:51","changed":"1778859711","gmt_changed":"2026-05-15 15:41:51","alt":"Tech Ready Grants Recipients ","file":{"fid":"264534","name":"Tech-Ready-Grants-Header-05.15.26.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/15\/Tech-Ready-Grants-Header-05.15.26.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/15\/Tech-Ready-Grants-Header-05.15.26.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5242912,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/15\/Tech-Ready-Grants-Header-05.15.26.jpg?itok=TI9HEYn5"}}},"media_ids":["680287"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"192930","name":"gt-commercializationnews"},{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELacey Cameron\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003Elcameron30@gatech.edu\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690379":{"#nid":"690379","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Scholarship Brunch Highlights Different Journeys, Shared Opportunities","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAt this year\u0027s Scholarship Brunch held Feb. 14 at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center, scholarship donors saw firsthand the transformative impact their giving has on students\u2019 lives. Attendees heard from alumni donors Jocelyn Stargel, IE 1982, M.S. IE 1986, and Bob Stargel Jr., EE 1983, and three students whose lives have been shaped by need-based scholarship support.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGiuli Capparelli Sanabria, a third\u2011year biology major, described her dream to become a veterinarian, which requires both undergraduate and graduate school. Receiving the G. Wayne Clough Tech Promise Scholarship has allowed her to attend Tech without incurring student loan debt and keep veterinary school an option.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EColin Fravel, a fourth\u2011year industrial engineering student from Massachusetts was prepared to take on significant debt to finish his Tech degree. Before his second year, he opened his tuition bill to find a surprise: a scholarship funded by the Lizanne and Robert A. Milton Scholarship Endowment. \u201cI cried while showing my parents,\u201d Fravel said. \u201cI was able to eat food on the weekends that wasn\u2019t peanut butter and jelly, and I could travel home more than once a semester.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAndr\u00e9s Robles Sotomayor, a fifth\u2011year aerospace engineering student and native of Puerto Rico, shared how Hurricane Maria left his family homeless in 2017, prompting their relocation to Georgia. When he was accepted to Tech, his mother asked, \u201cHow are you going to pay for it?\u201d The answer came in the form of the G. Wayne Clough Tech Promise Scholarship. Robles Sotomayor has interned at Northrop Grumman, Gulfstream Aerospace, and Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney, and will join Lockheed Martin\u2019s Advanced Development Program after he graduates.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA recap video of the event is available \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/youtu.be\/1Oe5AzGh5-0\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. Plans are already underway for next year\u0027s celebration.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAt the 2026 Scholarship Brunch, scholarship donors saw firsthand the transformative impact their giving has on students\u2019 lives. Attendees heard from alumni donors Jocelyn Stargel, IE 1982, M.S. IE 1986, and Bob Stargel Jr., EE 1983, and three students whose lives have been shaped by need-based scholarship support.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"At this year\u0027s Scholarship Brunch, scholarship donors saw firsthand the transformative impact their giving has on students\u2019 lives."}],"uid":"36555","created_gmt":"2026-05-19 17:22:30","changed_gmt":"2026-05-21 14:03:15","author":"bsylvester30","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680310":{"id":"680310","type":"image","title":"GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6367.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EStudents laughing with donors and staff\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1779211450","gmt_created":"2026-05-19 17:24:10","changed":"1779216420","gmt_changed":"2026-05-19 18:47:00","alt":"Students laughing at a table","file":{"fid":"264557","name":"GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6367.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6367.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6367.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":16510658,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6367.jpg?itok=NG6Ikcx-"}},"680314":{"id":"680314","type":"image","title":"GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6869.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EStudent scholarship recipients with their scholarship donors\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1779211450","gmt_created":"2026-05-19 17:24:10","changed":"1779216465","gmt_changed":"2026-05-19 18:47:45","alt":"Students and donors posing for a photo, smiling","file":{"fid":"264561","name":"GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6869.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6869.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6869.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":20412440,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6869.jpg?itok=yMit9l3n"}},"680313":{"id":"680313","type":"image","title":"GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6715.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EStudent scholarship recipient with scholarship donors\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1779211450","gmt_created":"2026-05-19 17:24:10","changed":"1779216495","gmt_changed":"2026-05-19 18:48:15","alt":"Student clapping in the foreground at a table with donors sitting behind him","file":{"fid":"264560","name":"GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6715.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6715.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6715.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":22380727,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6715.jpg?itok=pC1Oe3-l"}},"680312":{"id":"680312","type":"image","title":"GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6703.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAlumni donors Jocelyn Stargel, IE 1982, M.S. IE 1986, and Bob Stargel Jr., EE 1983, speak at the 2026 Scholarship Brunch\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1779211450","gmt_created":"2026-05-19 17:24:10","changed":"1779216650","gmt_changed":"2026-05-19 18:50:50","alt":"Alumni donors Jocelyn and Bob Stargel speaking at a podium","file":{"fid":"264559","name":"GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6703.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6703.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6703.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":19352385,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6703.jpg?itok=mpplgpLJ"}},"680311":{"id":"680311","type":"image","title":"GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6545.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EStudent Andr\u00e9s Robles Sotomayor speaks at the 2026 Scholarship Brunch\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1779211450","gmt_created":"2026-05-19 17:24:10","changed":"1779216588","gmt_changed":"2026-05-19 18:49:48","alt":"Student Andr\u00e9s Robles Sotomayor speaking at a podium","file":{"fid":"264558","name":"GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6545.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6545.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6545.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":18504997,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/19\/GATech_ScholarshipBrunch_GD1A6545.jpg?itok=8_KIhj4o"}}},"media_ids":["680310","680314","680313","680312","680311"],"groups":[{"id":"1262","name":"Office of Development"}],"categories":[{"id":"193234","name":"Campaign Stories"}],"keywords":[{"id":"167132","name":"Scholarships"},{"id":"195145","name":"need-based scholarships"},{"id":"3824","name":"event"},{"id":"9906","name":"donors"},{"id":"166847","name":"students"},{"id":"351","name":"development"},{"id":"14992","name":"Office of Development"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690403":{"#nid":"690403","#data":{"type":"news","title":"A Father-Daughter Double Jacket Duo  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherman Lofton Jr. has been a Yellow Jacket for more than 40 years, as a student, alumnus, and employee, currently serving as the senior director of cybersecurity operations. He arrived on campus in 1984 and earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in management in 1990, and he never imagined that decades later he\u2019d be graduating with a master\u2019s degree from Tech on the same day as his daughter.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherman hadn\u2019t considered that any of his four daughters would follow in his footsteps at Tech, but when the youngest, Shaina, expressed interest in architecture, he was elated to learn that she planned on applying to his alma mater. The day she received her acceptance letter is one that Sherman ranks among his favorite Tech-related memories. Now, the pair will share another unforgettable memory at Commencement as Shaina \u2014 who graduated with a bachelor\u2019s degree in 2024 \u2014 earns her master\u2019s degree in architecture, and Sherman graduates with his MBA.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne factor that brought Shaina back to Tech for graduate school was the chance to share a campus with her father. Sherman knew he\u2019d have to take on extra hours to make sure they graduated at the same time. As the day nears, he sees the hard work paying off.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt was hard, but I always knew it was going to be worth it to share this moment of becoming a Double Jacket with Shaina,\u201d Sherman said. \u201cMy heart is so full. I\u2019m just so proud of her and everything she has accomplished, and to be able to share this spotlight with her \u2014 I couldn\u0027t have written that script any better.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShaina calls her family\u2019s emphasis on education a blessing and says their support and stories of the life lessons learned at Tech led her here.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI knew how great a school Georgia Tech was through my dad, my mom, and my aunt. They all wore Georgia Tech with pride, and going to Tech games and meeting their friends was such a huge part of my childhood. My sisters and I are all very academically motivated, and I wanted to go to an institution that was innovative and world-renowned because I felt like I was going to finally be challenged,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGrowing up, Shaina recalls her dad helping her with her math homework and always being there when she needed help with an essay. During graduate school, the two supported one another with texts before finals and presentations, and they frequently talked about their course load at family gatherings.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EFamily Legacy\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherman was the first Lofton to enroll at Tech, but the family\u2019s history with the Institute began when his father, Sherman Lofton Sr., applied for admission before the school\u2019s desegregation in 1961.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI regret that my dad didn\u2019t get the chance to attend Tech. He was the best mathematician I ever knew, but he knew that Shaina was here and that I was starting my program, and he was excited. I wish he, as well as my stepfather, were here to see us, but this day means so much for our family,\u201d Sherman said. \u201cI got to Tech when I was 18 and could never have anticipated that it would be such an integral part of my life, and to think that gets passed down to another generation brings me so much joy.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe death of her grandfathers is something that Shaina carried with her throughout her educational journey.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMy dad lost two of his father figures, and I lost two grandpas, and that hit our family hard, but I think it really motivated us to get through graduate school and finish together and do this not only for us and each other, but for our family too,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter Commencement, Shaina will begin working with HDR, an architecture firm in Midtown, where she\u2019ll work on the design of hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. While her time as a student at Tech is ending, Shaina knows that she\u2019ll share the same lifelong love for the Institute that her father has shared with her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI grew up with my \u2018aunts\u2019 and \u2018uncles\u2019 that my parents went to school with, and my favorite moments at Tech were realizing that I was meeting the people who will become those same figures in my kids\u0027 lives in the future. It\u2019s amazing to know that this cycle that started with my parents will continue,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Loftons are happy to celebrate graduation season, but Shaina knows there is more excitement on the horizon.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cComing from a family that values education so much, and one that supports each other and encourages each other constantly, this is a moment that may feel like a finish line, but I know Loftons \u2014 we always keep running,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd I can\u2019t wait for the great things to come after this.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Nearly four decades after graduating with his bachelor\u2019s degree from Georgia Tech, Sherman Lofton Jr. will become a Double Jacket on the same day as his daughter.  "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENearly four decades after graduating with his bachelor\u2019s degree from Georgia Tech, Sherman Lofton Jr. will become a Double Jacket on the same day as his daughter.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Nearly four decades after graduating with his bachelor\u2019s degree from Georgia Tech, Sherman Lofton Jr. will become a Double Jacket on the same day as his daughter.  "}],"uid":"34932","created_gmt":"2026-05-21 13:20:47","changed_gmt":"2026-05-21 13:20:47","author":"Courtney Hill","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-05T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-05T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680174":{"id":"680174","type":"image","title":"Sherman and Shaina Lofton ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFather and daughter, Sherman and Shaina Lofton, will each graduate with a master\u0027s degree this spring. Submitted photo.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1778004689","gmt_created":"2026-05-05 18:11:29","changed":"1778004689","gmt_changed":"2026-05-05 18:11:29","alt":"Sherman and Shaina Lofton ","file":{"fid":"264416","name":"loftons_720.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/05\/loftons_720.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/05\/loftons_720.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":277285,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/05\/loftons_720.jpg?itok=T0Nk-RBb"}}},"media_ids":["680174"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu","title":"Spring Commencement Information "}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"}],"keywords":[{"id":"167101","name":"Spring Commencement"},{"id":"26981","name":"masters degree"},{"id":"67881","name":"Tuition Assistance Program"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690402":{"#nid":"690402","#data":{"type":"news","title":"A Father-Daughter Double Jacket Duo  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherman Lofton Jr. has been a Yellow Jacket for more than 40 years, as a student, alumnus, and employee, currently serving as the senior director of cybersecurity operations. He arrived on campus in 1984 and earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in management in 1990, and he never imagined that decades later he\u2019d be graduating with a master\u2019s degree from Tech on the same day as his daughter.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherman hadn\u2019t considered that any of his four daughters would follow in his footsteps at Tech, but when the youngest, Shaina, expressed interest in architecture, he was elated to learn that she planned on applying to his alma mater. The day she received her acceptance letter is one that Sherman ranks among his favorite Tech-related memories. Now, the pair will share another unforgettable memory at Commencement as Shaina \u2014 who graduated with a bachelor\u2019s degree in 2024 \u2014 earns her master\u2019s degree in architecture, and Sherman graduates with his MBA.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne factor that brought Shaina back to Tech for graduate school was the chance to share a campus with her father. Sherman knew he\u2019d have to take on extra hours to make sure they graduated at the same time. As the day nears, he sees the hard work paying off.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt was hard, but I always knew it was going to be worth it to share this moment of becoming a Double Jacket with Shaina,\u201d Sherman said. \u201cMy heart is so full. I\u2019m just so proud of her and everything she has accomplished, and to be able to share this spotlight with her \u2014 I couldn\u0027t have written that script any better.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShaina calls her family\u2019s emphasis on education a blessing and says their support and stories of the life lessons learned at Tech led her here.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI knew how great a school Georgia Tech was through my dad, my mom, and my aunt. They all wore Georgia Tech with pride, and going to Tech games and meeting their friends was such a huge part of my childhood. My sisters and I are all very academically motivated, and I wanted to go to an institution that was innovative and world-renowned because I felt like I was going to finally be challenged,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGrowing up, Shaina recalls her dad helping her with her math homework and always being there when she needed help with an essay. During graduate school, the two supported one another with texts before finals and presentations, and they frequently talked about their course load at family gatherings.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EFamily Legacy\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherman was the first Lofton to enroll at Tech, but the family\u2019s history with the Institute began when his father, Sherman Lofton Sr., applied for admission before the school\u2019s desegregation in 1961.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI regret that my dad didn\u2019t get the chance to attend Tech. He was the best mathematician I ever knew, but he knew that Shaina was here and that I was starting my program, and he was excited. I wish he, as well as my stepfather, were here to see us, but this day means so much for our family,\u201d Sherman said. \u201cI got to Tech when I was 18 and could never have anticipated that it would be such an integral part of my life, and to think that gets passed down to another generation brings me so much joy.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe death of her grandfathers is something that Shaina carried with her throughout her educational journey.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMy dad lost two of his father figures, and I lost two grandpas, and that hit our family hard, but I think it really motivated us to get through graduate school and finish together and do this not only for us and each other, but for our family too,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter Commencement, Shaina will begin working with HDR, an architecture firm in Midtown, where she\u2019ll work on the design of hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. While her time as a student at Tech is ending, Shaina knows that she\u2019ll share the same lifelong love for the Institute that her father has shared with her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI grew up with my \u2018aunts\u2019 and \u2018uncles\u2019 that my parents went to school with, and my favorite moments at Tech were realizing that I was meeting the people who will become those same figures in my kids\u0027 lives in the future. It\u2019s amazing to know that this cycle that started with my parents will continue,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Loftons are happy to celebrate graduation season, but Shaina knows there is more excitement on the horizon.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cComing from a family that values education so much, and one that supports each other and encourages each other constantly, this is a moment that may feel like a finish line, but I know Loftons \u2014 we always keep running,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd I can\u2019t wait for the great things to come after this.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Nearly four decades after graduating with his bachelor\u2019s degree from Georgia Tech, Sherman Lofton Jr. will become a Double Jacket on the same day as his daughter.  "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENearly four decades after graduating with his bachelor\u2019s degree from Georgia Tech, Sherman Lofton Jr. will become a Double Jacket on the same day as his daughter.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Nearly four decades after graduating with his bachelor\u2019s degree from Georgia Tech, Sherman Lofton Jr. will become a Double Jacket on the same day as his daughter.  "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-05-21 13:19:37","changed_gmt":"2026-05-21 13:19:37","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-05T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-05T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680174":{"id":"680174","type":"image","title":"Sherman and Shaina Lofton ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFather and daughter, Sherman and Shaina Lofton, will each graduate with a master\u0027s degree this spring. Submitted photo.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1778004689","gmt_created":"2026-05-05 18:11:29","changed":"1778004689","gmt_changed":"2026-05-05 18:11:29","alt":"Sherman and Shaina Lofton ","file":{"fid":"264416","name":"loftons_720.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/05\/loftons_720.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/05\/loftons_720.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":277285,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/05\/loftons_720.jpg?itok=T0Nk-RBb"}}},"media_ids":["680174"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu","title":"Spring Commencement Information "}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"}],"keywords":[{"id":"167101","name":"Spring Commencement"},{"id":"26981","name":"masters degree"},{"id":"67881","name":"Tuition Assistance Program"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690400":{"#nid":"690400","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Memorial Day Events Around Atlanta  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether you are in Atlanta for an internship, taking summer classes, or simply hanging around, there are lots of events taking place around town during Memorial Day weekend.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/zooatlanta.org\/event\/brew-at-the-zoo\/?utm_source=google\u0026amp;utm_medium=cpc\u0026amp;utm_campaign=Brew+at+the+Zoo\u0026amp;utm_content=Brand-Events-BrewAtTheZoo\u0026amp;utm_term=brew%20at%20the%20zoo\u0026amp;gad_source=1\u0026amp;gad_campaignid=21155294396\u0026amp;gbraid=0AAAAApYHoEDQVbfUsNtfFwF6uOY7-_FT5\u0026amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwlLDQBhDjARIsAPlIefGvqqdL4DhjsHs7uWxGlD4FNUuYOwtybvqaA4NeufcTrJGMcqtEm4AaAh4oEALw_wcB\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBrew at the Zoo\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Saturday, May 23, 5:30 \u2013 9 p.m. \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EWhere: Zoo Atlanta \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZoo Atlanta\u2019s Brew at the Zoo event offers after-hours access to the facility with beer and wine samples from 30 different breweries for those age 21 and up, live music throughout the exhibits, discussions with zookeepers, and yard games. General admission and VIP tickets are available, with proceeds benefiting the zoo\u2019s conservation efforts. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/zooatlanta.org\/event\/brew-at-the-zoo\/?utm_source=google\u0026amp;utm_medium=cpc\u0026amp;utm_campaign=Brew+at+the+Zoo\u0026amp;utm_content=Brand-Events-BrewAtTheZoo\u0026amp;utm_term=brew%20at%20the%20zoo\u0026amp;gad_source=1\u0026amp;gad_campaignid=21155294396\u0026amp;gbraid=0AAAAApYHoEDQVbfUsNtfFwF6uOY7-_FT5\u0026amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwlLDQBhDjARIsAPlIefGvqqdL4DhjsHs7uWxGlD4FNUuYOwtybvqaA4NeufcTrJGMcqtEm4AaAh4oEALw_wcB\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information.\u003C\/a\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atljazzfest.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAtlanta Jazz Festival\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: May 23 \u2013 25\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: Piedmont Park\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Atlanta Jazz Festival has been a staple Memorial Day weekend event for almost 50 years. Free to all, it features a talented lineup of jazz musicians, as well as artists and vendors. Visitors can sign up for free educational workshops that cover topics such as the business of jazz. Registration is required for the workshops.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atljazzfest.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information.\u003C\/a\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/lyftd-clothing-co-presents-yoga-in-the-park-cabbagetown-park-tickets-1989330995559\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYoga in the Park\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m. \u2013 12:30 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: Cabbagetown Park \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re trying to prioritize mindfulness this summer, this free yoga class is a great opportunity to get started. Connect with your body, mind, and nature at a local park. If you can\u2019t make it to this class, it\u2019s hosted on a variety of dates during the summer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/lyftd-clothing-co-presents-yoga-in-the-park-cabbagetown-park-tickets-1989330995559\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information.\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/memorial-day-skate-tickets-1988522969732\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMemorial Day Skate Night\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Monday, May 25, 6 \u2013 9 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: Cascade Skating\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERoll through Memorial Day with a skate night. Whether you have never put on roller skates before or if this is your thousandth time, it\u2019s an exciting event for all. Bring your own skates or rent a pair for $5. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/memorial-day-skate-tickets-1988522969732\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information.\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mondaynightbrewing.com\/location\/atlanta-the-grove\/#eca-event=space-puzzle-night\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESpace Puzzle Night\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Monday, May 25, 6 \u2013 9 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: Monday Night Brewing - The Grove\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe summer semester is just starting up, but you can still take a night off to do some space-themed puzzles with friends. While it may be more relaxing for you to take it slow, the first three teams to complete the puzzle will win prizes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mondaynightbrewing.com\/location\/atlanta-the-grove\/#eca-event=space-puzzle-night\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information.\u003C\/a\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.alpharettasymphony.org\/let-freedom-ring\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELet Freedom Ring\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: May 25, 7:30 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: Brooke Street Park \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Alpharetta Symphony will play a free concert at Brooke Street Park, featuring a variety of patriotic tunes. Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket and chairs to enjoy the show.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.alpharettasymphony.org\/let-freedom-ring\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGo Swimming\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Hours vary\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: City of Atlanta Public Pools \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELooking for a chance to cool off? Atlanta\u2019s public pools are now open for the summer. With locations across the city, they provide a perfect opportunity to take a dip, hang out with friends, and kick off your summer.\u0026nbsp;Admission is typically around $5 but the fee varies by pool.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.atlantaga.gov\/government\/departments\/department-parks-recreation\/office-of-recreation\/aquatics\/pools-indoor-outdoor\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information.\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESee the Sights\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether you are an Atlanta native, longtime resident, or new to the city, there are plenty of attractions for you to explore this Memorial Day weekend.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.georgiaaquarium.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Aquarium\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.worldofcoca-cola.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EWorld of Coca-Cola\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/zooatlanta.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EZoo Atlanta\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cfbhall.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECollege Football Hall of Fame\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/high.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EHigh Museum of Art\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/malu\/index.htm\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMartin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EJimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atlantabg.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAtlanta Botanical Garden\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.fernbankmuseum.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EFernbank Museum of Natural History\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Campus will be closed on Monday, May 25, in honor of Memorial Day."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECampus will be closed on Monday, May 25, in honor of Memorial Day.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Campus will be closed on Monday, May 25, in honor of Memorial Day."}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-05-20 20:28:28","changed_gmt":"2026-05-20 20:39:39","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-20T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-20T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"662999":{"id":"662999","type":"image","title":"American flag at Veterans Walk of Honor","body":null,"created":"1667918453","gmt_created":"2022-11-08 14:40:53","changed":"1667918485","gmt_changed":"2022-11-08 14:41:25","alt":"flag pole in the reflection area of the Veterans Walk of Honor","file":{"fid":"251012","name":"new flag pole.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/new%20flag%20pole.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/new%20flag%20pole.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":269586,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/images\/new%20flag%20pole.jpg?itok=uqDUPXjk"}}},"media_ids":["662999"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"66041","name":"memorial day"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:stucomm@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EEllie Jenkins\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690028":{"#nid":"690028","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Bird Flu Vaccine Project Lands $2M From USDA ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe United States Department of Agriculture\u0026nbsp;(USDA) has awarded $2 million to a team of Georgia Tech and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gtri.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Research Institute\u003C\/a\u003E (GTRI) researchers to develop a first-of-its-kind vaccine pill for bird flu.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor decades, bird flu was uncommon in the U.S., but that has changed. In the past several years, epidemics have threatened poultry and dairy cattle operations across the country. Higher egg prices, driven largely by bird flu-related supply disruptions, have cost American consumers \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/aaes.uada.edu\/news\/bird-flu-analysis\/\u0022\u003Ebillions of dollars\u003C\/a\u003E in losses.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe H5N1 strain of the bird flu, which has driven recent and current outbreaks, is a highly lethal virus that kills domestic chickens and other bird species in droves,\u201d said David Pattie, GTRI research scientist and branch chief. \u201cIt can easily jump from birds to other animal species \u2014 and sometimes to humans.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe research team will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to design and test a probiotic avian flu vaccine that, if successful, could be served to chickens in their feed. Currently, vaccinating a flock means individually injecting every bird.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re focusing on\u0026nbsp;live bacterial vaccines, which means the vaccine comes from living bacteria you swallow, instead of an injection,\u201d said Mike Farrell, GTRI principal research scientist and the project\u2019s lead investigator.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThese probiotic vaccines would help protect birds and livestock from flu-like infections and lower the risk of those viruses spreading to humans,\u201d he added.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition to Farrell and Pattie, the team includes researchers from an array of disciplines across the Institute: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/directory\/faramarz-fekri\u0022\u003EFaramarz Fekri\u003C\/a\u003E, professor and John Pippin Chair in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E; \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/jc-gumbart\u0022\u003EJC Gumbart\u003C\/a\u003E, Dunn Family Professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E; \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/people\/brian-hammer\u0022\u003EBrian Hammer\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of\u0026nbsp; Biological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E; and Anton Bryksin, director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/bio\/research\/core-facilities\/molecular-evolution-core\u0022\u003EMolecular Evolution Core\u003C\/a\u003E at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/bio\u0022\u003EParker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuilding on Human Influenza Research\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe project builds on Farrell\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gtri.gatech.edu\/newsroom\/common-probiotic-bacteria-could-help-boost-protection-against-influenza\u0022\u003Eongoing research\u003C\/a\u003E into developing probiotic vaccine adjuvants for human influenza. The goal is to use\u0026nbsp;probiotic bacteria \u2014 the \u201cgood bacteria\u201d found in foods like yogurt \u2014 to help create immunity for the flu vaccine.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf the researchers can get probiotic bacteria to display pieces of the flu virus (called antigens) on their surface, then they could be swallowed like a normal probiotic pill.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe gut is a great place for building immunity. When these bacteria reach the gut, your body would recognize the virus pieces on the bacteria and start building flu antibodies,\u201d Farrell explained. \u201cThat way, when the chickens get exposed to flu, their immune system would already be prepared to fight it.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPutting AI to the Test\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe idea behind this oral bird flu vaccine is to leverage artificial intelligence and the vast historical database for H5N1 available to us, because it\u0027s a very well-studied virus,\u201d Farrell said. \u201cThere is a ton of structural data out there.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGumbart is an expert in protein modeling and simulation. Part of his role is figuring out the best design for a\u0026nbsp;viral protein piece (antigen)\u0026nbsp;\u2014 one that looks and behaves like the real virus protein, so it triggers the right immune response. To do this, he will combine Fekri\u2019s AI-generated predictions with computer modeling.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat\u2019s where my team adds real value,\u201d Gumbart said. \u201cWe use simulations to test how stable and realistic these protein designs are, which allows us to choose the best ones for lab experiments.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI has already identified new medicines and antibiotics by studying chemical databases. If the team can use AI to help design virus proteins for vaccines, it could transform how vaccines are made.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPattie says that any viral infectious disease with a high mortality rate has the potential to become a national security threat. \u201cAt that point, developing countermeasures becomes exceedingly important from a national security perspective,\u201d he said. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is the first time several of the team members are working on poultry research. For Gumbart, the project is a full-circle moment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI grew up in rural Illinois, and as a kid, one of my daily chores was to take care of chickens, and I kind of hated it,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is some sort of universal irony that I am back to taking care of chickens again.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EUsing artificial intelligence, the team is developing an edible vaccine that could protect birds from bird flu and reduce its spread to livestock and humans.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Using artificial intelligence, the team is developing an edible vaccine that could protect birds from bird flu and reduce its spread to livestock and humans."}],"uid":"36123","created_gmt":"2026-04-28 15:07:39","changed_gmt":"2026-05-20 17:50:54","author":"Catherine Barzler","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-28T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-28T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680081":{"id":"680081","type":"image","title":"AdobeStock_272613329.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers are working on an oral bird flu vaccine that could transform poultry vaccination. (Credit: Adobe Stock)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1777391209","gmt_created":"2026-04-28 15:46:49","changed":"1777391209","gmt_changed":"2026-04-28 15:46:49","alt":"A man wearing a surgical mask and white coat examines a black and white chicken.","file":{"fid":"264320","name":"AdobeStock_272613329.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/28\/AdobeStock_272613329.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/28\/AdobeStock_272613329.png","mime":"image\/png","size":2273404,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/28\/AdobeStock_272613329.png?itok=SRCBIVZN"}}},"media_ids":["680081"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECatherine Barzler, Senior Research Writer\/Editor\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:catherine.barzler@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ecatherine.barzler@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["catherine.barzler@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690342":{"#nid":"690342","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Traffic Advisory: APS Graduation Ceremonies at McCamish Pavilion","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMcCamish Pavilion will host Atlanta Public Schools (APS) graduation ceremonies throughout the week, bringing additional traffic to the Georgia Tech campus.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom Tuesday, May 19, to Friday, May 22, the Georgia Tech Police Department will close Fowler Street between 10th and 8th Streets daily, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., to accommodate graduates and guests. Due to congestion on the east side of campus, drivers are encouraged to seek alternative routes during the road closures.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EADA parking will be available for graduation\u0026nbsp;attendees on Fowler Street and W23 North Deck at 939 State St. NW. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAll other guest parking for the graduation ceremonies is available at the following campus locations:\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EER66 Family Housing\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EW23 North Deck\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EW22 Dalney Deck\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EE40 Klaus Deck\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EE52 Peters Parking Deck\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EArea 3\/4 \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor a map of parking locations, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com\/sites.gatech.edu\/dist\/9\/2756\/files\/2024\/09\/Georgia-Tech-Parking-Map-2024.pdf\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eclick here\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. Attendees must have a ticket to enter each graduation ceremony, and guests must adhere to McCamish Pavilion\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramblinwreck.com\/clearbag\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eclear bag policy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and are subject to venue policies regarding \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramblinwreck.com\/clearbag\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Epermitted and prohibited items\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E For additional information and a full schedule of events, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.atlantapublicschools.us\/gradnation\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eclick here\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Motorists should plan to use alternate routes around McCamish Pavilion this week due to road closures for APS graduation ceremonies."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EMotorists should plan to use alternate routes around McCamish Pavilion this week due to road closures for APS graduation ceremonies.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Motorists should plan to use alternate routes around McCamish Pavilion this week due to road closures for APS graduation ceremonies."}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-05-18 16:58:11","changed_gmt":"2026-05-18 17:26:23","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680304":{"id":"680304","type":"image","title":"McCamish Pavilion","body":null,"created":"1779125143","gmt_created":"2026-05-18 17:25:43","changed":"1779125143","gmt_changed":"2026-05-18 17:25:43","alt":"McCamish Pavilion","file":{"fid":"264551","name":"13C4114-P1-011.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/18\/13C4114-P1-011.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/18\/13C4114-P1-011.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1717788,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/18\/13C4114-P1-011.jpg?itok=eG4WRhEI"}}},"media_ids":["680304"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.atlantapublicschools.us\/students\/gradnation","title":"APS Graduation Schedule and Information"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"3208","name":"APS"},{"id":"99221","name":"Atlanta Public Schools"},{"id":"2543","name":"GTPD"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:Steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690316":{"#nid":"690316","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Why Georgia\u2019s Severe Weather Season Has Been Unusually Quiet","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe peak of the severe weather season is nearing its end, but in Georgia, it\u0027s been a quieter period than residents have become accustomed to in years past, devoid of the flurry of tornado warnings, heavy rain bands, and thunderstorms. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/handlos.eas.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EZachary Handlos\u003C\/a\u003E, director of the B.S. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences degree program, explains that the region lacked a major component of the severe weather formula. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor an active season, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/youtu.be\/pcZn3dGWQ-U?si=dz8s_PXnW44Eq8_l\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Efour key ingredients typically exist\u003C\/a\u003E:\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E1. Moisture\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E2. A mechanism to lift air upward\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E3. Instability\u003Cbr\u003E4. Wind Shear\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/droughtmonitor.unl.edu\/CurrentMap\/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?GA\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Edrought conditions\u003C\/a\u003E persisting throughout the state, there is sufficient moisture in the air, carried by warm air from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, to create favorable conditions for severe weather. Instability is created as the air warms, and wind shear is created by the changing direction and speed of the wind. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to Handlos, what was missing this season was a consistent lifting mechanism.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022We\u0027ve been stuck with high-pressure systems for most of the season. The air in these systems spirals clockwise instead of counterclockwise and spins away from the center, causing the air above it to sink, which in turn suppresses or shuts off any cloud or precipitation formation. So, even if all the other factors aligned, there would\u0027ve been nothing to lift that air into creating those storms,\u0022 he said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EThe lingering high-pressure systems over Georgia are the result of the state\u2019s location relative to the jet stream, which Handlos describes as an interstate highway for storms. The jet stream is a fast current of air above the Earth\u0027s surface that brings storm activity with its movement. This season, the stream moved through the Midwest, resulting in record precipitation in the region, while a drought rages on in the Southeast. As of May 4, Illinois had confirmed \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.accuweather.com\/en\/severe-weather\/this-state-leads-the-nation-for-tornado-reports-in-2026\/1887912\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E119 tornadoes\u003C\/a\u003E in 2026, which began with a historically busy early season.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022If you didn\u0027t pay attention to any other part of the country (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/jan\/2026tornadoinfo\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eoutside of Mississippi recently\u003C\/a\u003E), you\u0027d think it was the most boring severe weather season because there was very little activity in Georgia.But if you live along that jet stream line between Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, and southern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and southern Michigan, that has been the active area of severe weather.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile it has been a uniquely quiet season in Georgia, Handlos says that as it ends, the region can expect a typical summer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022No matter if it\u0027s an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.climate.gov\/media\/14483\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EEl Ni\u00f1o or La Ni\u00f1a\u003C\/a\u003E or neither, the quintessential Atlanta summer is one where, most days, you wake up, and it\u0027s warm and humid out in the morning with clear skies. Then, it\u0027s hot and just awful in the afternoon before you start to see the puffy cumulonimbus clouds pop up, and sometimes you get hit with a thunderstorm. For what feels like about three straight months, if you live here, you don\u0027t even need to look at the weather forecast to know what the weather will be like outside here until we get to the fall,\u201d he said. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA quiet spring season could be a precursor to a brewing \u201csuper El Ni\u00f1o\u201d at summer\u0027s end, experts predict. The potential pattern could cause a drastic rise in sea temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, and the disruption of weather systems could increase the likelihood of precipitation and severe weather in the Southeast. The increased precipitation could be a welcome sight for the region, lessening drought concerns and reducing the likelihood of wildfires. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"A missing component of the severe weather formula led to quiet season in the Southeast. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA missing component of the severe weather formula led to quiet season in the Southeast.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A missing component of the severe weather formula led to quiet season in the Southeast. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-05-15 16:32:19","changed_gmt":"2026-05-15 19:10:27","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-15T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-15T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680292":{"id":"680292","type":"image","title":"Radar Image Over Georgia","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA 2010 storm system moving eastward, which brought severe weather to the Atlanta region. Image credit: NOAA NESDIS Environmental Visualization Laboratory; NOAA GOES-13 Satellite\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1778871863","gmt_created":"2026-05-15 19:04:23","changed":"1778871863","gmt_changed":"2026-05-15 19:04:23","alt":"Weather Radar","file":{"fid":"264539","name":"pl23_spac0590.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/15\/pl23_spac0590.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/15\/pl23_spac0590.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1014121,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/15\/pl23_spac0590.jpg?itok=ZPLGa4DP"}}},"media_ids":["680292"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"154","name":"Environment"}],"keywords":[{"id":"169297","name":"severe weather"},{"id":"2621","name":"radar"},{"id":"61541","name":"Earth and Atmospheric Sciences"},{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:Steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690248":{"#nid":"690248","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Faculty and Researchers Recognized With 2026 Regents\u2019 Awards","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENineteen Georgia Tech faculty and researchers were honored by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) with 2026 Regents\u2019 Awards. These distinctions, awards, and reappointments recognize excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the USG.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe recipients of this year\u2019s Regents\u2019 Awards reflect the extraordinary depth of talent and commitment to excellence that exists at Georgia Tech,\u201d said \u003Cstrong\u003ERaheem Beyah\u003C\/strong\u003E, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. \u201cThrough groundbreaking research and transformative teaching, Georgia Tech faculty and researchers advance the Institute\u2019s impact throughout the state of Georgia and around the world.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe recipients were approved during the University System of Georgia\u2019s 2026 awards cycle, recognizing individuals whose sustained contributions have made a significant impact on their fields, their students, and the broader research and education community.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2026 Regents\u2019 Award Recipients and First Renewals\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollege of Engineering:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERafael L. Bras\u003C\/strong\u003E, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (Regents\u2019 Professor Renewal)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECraig Forest\u003C\/strong\u003E, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering (Regents\u2019 Entrepreneur)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHang Lu\u003C\/strong\u003E, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (Regents\u2019 Professor)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollege of Sciences:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERandall Engle\u003C\/strong\u003E, School of Psychology (Regents\u2019 Professor)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThomas Orlando\u003C\/strong\u003E, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry (Regents\u2019 Professor Renewal)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollege of Computing:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESrinivas Aluru\u003C\/strong\u003E, School of Computational Science and Engineering (Regents\u2019 Professor Renewal)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESantosh Vempala\u003C\/strong\u003E, School of Computer Science (Regents\u2019 Professor)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollege of Design:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGil Weinberg\u003C\/strong\u003E, School of Music (Regents\u2019 Professor)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScheller College of Business:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESudheer Chava\u003C\/strong\u003E, Scheller College of Business (Regents\u2019 Professor)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrank Rothaermel\u003C\/strong\u003E, Scheller College of Business (Regents\u2019 Professor Renewal)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOffice of the EVPR:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMaribeth Coleman\u003C\/strong\u003E, Institute for People and Technology (Regents\u2019 Researcher Renewal)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYong Ding\u003C\/strong\u003E, Materials Characterization Facility (Regents\u2019 Researcher)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGTRI:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDouglas Britton\u003C\/strong\u003E, Intelligent Sustainable Technologies (Regents\u2019 Researcher)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJon Duke\u003C\/strong\u003E, Health Emerging and Advanced Technologies (Regents\u2019 Researcher)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELinda Viney\u003C\/strong\u003E, Applied Systems Laboratory (Regents\u2019 Researcher Renewal)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe following second renewals were approved by Georgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJeffrey Skolnick\u003C\/strong\u003E, College of Sciences, School of Biological Sciences\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVigor Yang\u003C\/strong\u003E, College of Engineering, Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELisa Yaszek\u003C\/strong\u003E, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, School of Literature, Media, and Communication\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEllen Zegura\u003C\/strong\u003E, College of Computing, School of Computer Science\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout the Regents\u2019 Awards\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Regents\u2019 Awards are among the University System of Georgia\u2019s highest honors, recognizing sustained excellence, national distinction, and long-term impact by faculty and researchers across the state\u2019s public institutions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EWriter: Brittany Aiello, Faculty Communications Program Manager, Institute Communications\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThese distinctions, awards, and reappointments recognize excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the USG.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Nineteen recipients were approved during the University System of Georgia\u2019s 2026 awards cycle."}],"uid":"27998","created_gmt":"2026-05-13 11:58:25","changed_gmt":"2026-05-15 13:12:21","author":"Brittany Aiello","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680262":{"id":"680262","type":"image","title":"DSC00118-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide--1-.jpg","body":null,"created":"1778675519","gmt_created":"2026-05-13 12:31:59","changed":"1778675519","gmt_changed":"2026-05-13 12:31:59","alt":"Flowers in front of Georgia Tech\u0027s Tech Tower","file":{"fid":"264508","name":"DSC00118-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide--1-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/13\/DSC00118-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide--1-.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/13\/DSC00118-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide--1-.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":301006,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/13\/DSC00118-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide--1-.jpg?itok=fiA8YRYK"}}},"media_ids":["680262"],"groups":[{"id":"660365","name":"Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty"},{"id":"131901","name":"Provost"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"1966","name":"usg"},{"id":"728","name":"Board of Regents"},{"id":"40061","name":"Regents\u0027 Professors"},{"id":"193664","name":"Regents\u0027 Entrepreneurs"},{"id":"193663","name":"Regents\u0027 Innovators"},{"id":"193665","name":"Regents\u0027 Researchers"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39511","name":"Public Service, Leadership, and Policy"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOffice of the Provost\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["provostsoffice@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689830":{"#nid":"689830","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Graduate\u2019s Work Lights Up Atlanta Airport","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ESamuel Thurman, a double master\u2019s graduate in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arch.gatech.edu\/master-architecture\u0022\u003Earchitecture\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arch.gatech.edu\/master-science-urban-design\u0022\u003Eurban design\u003C\/a\u003E, uses his skills to design, model, and digitally fabricate works of art. His most recent pieces are on display in Concourse F at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for the next year, welcoming international travelers and introducing them to the extraordinary innovation, technological expertise, and creativity of Georgia Tech\u2019s students and alumni.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ESamuel Thurman, a double master\u2019s graduate in architecture and urban design, uses his many skills to design, model, and digitally fabricate works of art.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Samuel Thurman, a double master\u2019s graduate in architecture and urban design, uses his many skills to design, model, and digitally fabricate works of art. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-04-28 15:41:17","changed_gmt":"2026-05-14 12:40:17","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-28T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-28T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679989":{"id":"679989","type":"video","title":" Samuel Thurman Art Installation ATL Airport ","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESamuel Thurman Art Installation ATL Airport\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776440466","gmt_created":"2026-04-17 15:41:06","changed":"1776440466","gmt_changed":"2026-04-17 15:41:06","video":{"youtube_id":"uHDgtrPNwQU","video_url":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/uHDgtrPNwQU"}},"680063":{"id":"680063","type":"image","title":"Samuel Thurman installs digitally designed and fabricated lamps in the Atlanta airport. Photo by Rob Felt","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESamuel Thurman installs digitally designed and fabricated lamps in the Atlanta airport. Photo by Rob Felt\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1777056218","gmt_created":"2026-04-24 18:43:38","changed":"1777056218","gmt_changed":"2026-04-24 18:43:38","alt":"Samuel Thurman installs digitally designed and fabricated lamps in the Atlanta airport","file":{"fid":"264299","name":"26-R10410-P97-007.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/24\/26-R10410-P97-007.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/24\/26-R10410-P97-007.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":525683,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/24\/26-R10410-P97-007.jpg?itok=s79gSUUi"}},"680064":{"id":"680064","type":"image","title":"Samuel Thurman installs digitally designed and fabricated lamps in the Atlanta airport. Photo by Rob Felt","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESamuel Thurman installs digitally designed and fabricated lamps in the Atlanta airport. Photo by Rob Felt\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1777056272","gmt_created":"2026-04-24 18:44:32","changed":"1777056272","gmt_changed":"2026-04-24 18:44:32","alt":"Samuel Thurman installs digitally designed and fabricated lamps in the Atlanta airport","file":{"fid":"264300","name":"26-R10410-P97-016.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/24\/26-R10410-P97-016.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/24\/26-R10410-P97-016.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":469465,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/24\/26-R10410-P97-016.jpg?itok=Md__W5dO"}}},"media_ids":["679989","680063","680064"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/design.gatech.edu\/","title":"Georgia Tech College of Design"}],"groups":[{"id":"1221","name":"College of Design"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"48996","name":"School of Architecture"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:stacy.braukman@comm.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EStacy Braukman\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690209":{"#nid":"690209","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Celebrate National Bike Month With Cycling Resources, Events ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMay is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bikeleague.org\/events\/bike-month\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENational Bike Month\u003C\/a\u003E, and spring weather makes it an ideal time to explore cycling options on and around campus.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech is a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2024\/10\/24\/georgia-tech-named-gold-bicycle-friendly-university-league-american-bicyclists\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGold-Level Bicycle Friendly University\u003C\/a\u003E, and the Institute offers a wide range of amenities for those who want to ride.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Tech employees, switching to a bike or another alternative mode of transportation can also pay off. Cash incentives are available through \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gacommuteoptions.com\/commuters\/ways-to-earn-cash\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Commute Options\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut whether you\u2019re a student or an employee, if you\u2019re new to biking on campus, you\u2019re joining a well-established community of bike enthusiasts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf You\u2019re New to Cycling on Campus\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGeorgia Tech has more than 4,000 bike parking spaces, including three secure parking areas in the Dalney Building, the Student Center Parking Deck, and the Tech Square Hotel Parking Deck.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAll campus cyclists are encouraged to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.office.com\/Pages\/ResponsePage.aspx?id=u5ghSHuuJUuLem1_MvqggzPIdouR6wVBmeqKaXXcZjpUQTZBM1FDR0EyWFhUWjFPNkZWSzYyQ05GTy4u\u0026amp;wdLOR=cC8321DCA-CF1E-7544-9DA9-4E92AEFF8A7D\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eregister their bikes\u003C\/a\u003E with the Georgia Tech Police Department, which can assist with recovery in the event of theft. Scooter owners can register their scooters through the same system.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EParking and Transportation Services offers a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.bike.gatech.edu\/safety-2\/#ridesmart\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Evirtual bike and scooter safety class\u003C\/a\u003E that covers bike care tips and rules of the road. Participants who complete the class receive a free helmet.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHappening This Month\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.lovetoride.net\/atlanta?locale=en-US\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ELove to Ride Bike Month Challenge:\u003C\/a\u003E Log your rides and compete for prizes from May 1 \u2013 31.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bikeleague.org\/events\/bike-month\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENational Bike to Work Week\u003C\/a\u003E runs May 11 \u2013 17, with Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 15.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.atlantacyclingfestival.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAtlanta Cycling Festival\u003C\/a\u003E features events and rides across the city, May 9 \u2013 16.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.atlantastreetsalive.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAtlanta Streets Alive\u003C\/a\u003E returns May 31, closing a stretch of Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard from West End to Grant Park for walking, biking, and rolling.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERecent Campus Improvements and Accolades\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe Campus Cycle Track was named among the Best New U.S. Bike Lanes of 2025 by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.peopleforbikes.org\/news\/best-new-bike-lanes-2025\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EPeopleForBikes\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.letspropelatl.org\/2025_blinkie_awards_meet_the_winners\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EPropel ATL\u003C\/a\u003E awarded Georgia Tech the 2025 Institutional Leadership in Mobility Award.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGeorgia Tech was recognized by Georgia Commute Options as one of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gacommuteoptions.com\/flexwork\/redefining-the-commute-5-metro-atlanta-organizations-win-2026-best-workplaces-for-commuters\/?utm_source=Businesses\u0026amp;utm_campaign=ffc386b1b3-B2B+Newsletter%2C+June+2022_COPY_01\u0026amp;utm_medium=email\u0026amp;utm_term=0_78c87c69f5-ffc386b1b3-434952870\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMetro Atlanta\u2019s top five best workplaces for commuters\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFor the fifth consecutive year, Georgia Tech won Love to Ride\u2019s Atlanta Bicycle Biketober Challenge, with employees cycling 22,132 miles in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pts.gatech.edu\/2025\/12\/04\/georgia-tech-places-first-in-atlanta-bicycle-challenge\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EOctober 2025.\u003C\/a\u003E \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIn 2025, a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/10\/16\/bike-shop-opens-crc-serve-campus-community?fbclid=IwY2xjawNjReNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFScW1XVVhTYUxMZnJNcmZmAR75qXvBZ3zljwL_RuS0INwT_XQrZyjWq2-bsLKW2nhpY3zhOgkOYasuWx84Jg_aem_OZ_sw8gueSRSC6Cf_VVvvQ\u0022\u003Ebike shop\u003C\/a\u003E opened inside the Campus Recreation Center to serve the campus cycling community, offering a range of services, from shifter adjustments to 10-speed chain replacements.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/10\/georgia-tech-recognized-leader-sustainable-transportation\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ERead more about recent sustainable transportation news.\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFollow campus construction plans and progress at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/facilities.gatech.edu\/exterior-projects\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Efacilities.gatech.edu\/exterior-projects\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERelated Links:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pts.gatech.edu\/2025\/10\/30\/new-bike-room-in-w02-student-center-parking-deck\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/www.pts.gatech.edu\/2025\/10\/30\/new-bike-room-in-w02-student-center-parking-deck\/\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pts.gatech.edu\/commute\/commute-options\/bicycling-pmds\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/www.pts.gatech.edu\/commute\/commute-options\/bicycling-pmds\/\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENational Bike Month presents the opportunity to highlight Georgia Tech\u2019s cycling resources, incentives, and events that support safe, sustainable transportation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"National Bike Month presents the opportunity to highlight Georgia Tech\u2019s cycling resources, incentives, and events that support safe, sustainable transportation. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-05-11 12:39:53","changed_gmt":"2026-05-13 20:16:52","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-11T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-11T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680243":{"id":"680243","type":"image","title":"Cycling on campus","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECycling on campus along Ferst Drive.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1778503476","gmt_created":"2026-05-11 12:44:36","changed":"1778503476","gmt_changed":"2026-05-11 12:44:36","alt":"Cycling on campus","file":{"fid":"264487","name":"26-R10410-P15-022.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/11\/26-R10410-P15-022.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/11\/26-R10410-P15-022.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1559157,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/11\/26-R10410-P15-022.jpg?itok=qPxJc_7t"}}},"media_ids":["680243"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.pts.gatech.edu\/2025\/10\/30\/new-bike-room-in-w02-student-center-parking-deck\/","title":"New Bike Room in Student Center Parking Deck"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.pts.gatech.edu\/commute\/commute-options\/bicycling-pmds\/","title":"Bicycling and Personal Mobility Devices"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"503491","name":"Parking and Transportation Services"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:kristen.bailey@comm.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EKristen Bailey\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690069":{"#nid":"690069","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Inside CREATE\u2011X Startup Lab: A Foundation for Entrepreneurial Thinking","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EYou don\u2019t need an idea to begin. You don\u2019t need a co\u2011founder, a pitch deck, or a perfect plan. What you need is curiosity, a willingness to talk to real people, and a place where it\u2019s safe to learn by doing. That\u2019s exactly what CREATE\u2011X Startup Lab delivers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOmar Garcia Urdiales, CREATE\u2011X\u2019s associate director of Learn, brings a global entrepreneurial experience to Georgia Tech: founder and CEO of a startup operating in the AWS Accelerator Loft, longtime startup coach in Europe\u2019s major innovation hubs, lecturer across multiple universities, and an external doctoral researcher in entrepreneurship and digitalization. He brings this background to his teaching of Startup Lab\u2019s latest iteration \u2013 a significant redesign developed by VentureLab\u2019s Director Keith McGreggor. McGreggor created the course and has evolved it over many years, building on its initial success. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis new iteration of Startup Lab allows us to meet students exactly where they are,\u201d said McGreggor. \u201cBy doing this, we give them the strongest foundation possible, providing them with the tools to grapple with uncertainty and build their confidence.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStartup Lab has long anchored the Institute\u2019s entrepreneurial pathway with clearer structure, a unified language, and a deeper focus on reflective growth, so more Georgia Tech students can discover (and trust) their own entrepreneurial judgment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStartup Lab is expanding responsibly, with six sections in Atlanta and additional global sections in France and Asia-Pacific taught by faculty trained in the curriculum. Students here benefit from a program that\u2019s learning across borders and bringing that learning back to campus.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cStartup Lab is not about becoming an entrepreneur, but about engaging in the unknown and adopting entrepreneurial behavior, which can be applied to all career paths,\u201d Urdiales said. \u201cStudents become better equipped to identify problem spaces and solve them through evidence-based building.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EStart Where You Are\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUrdiales emphasized that Startup Lab is built for students who are still exploring, uncertain, or are simply curious.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMany students tell us they\u2019re curious about entrepreneurship but feel not ready,\u201d he said. \u201cThey worry they\u2019re too introverted for customer interviews or assume Startup Lab is only for people with fully formed ideas. In fact, those are the most common misconceptions.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe course\u2019s first few weeks focus on training students to see struggles and patterns in the world. Then, they apply those skills on a team, exploring, designing, and testing a concept with real people. The nonnegotiable outcome isn\u2019t the best idea; it\u2019s a more confident, evidence-driven version of you.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cStartup Lab is strengthening that self-awareness. All of us who are entrepreneurs, we don\u2019t grow linearly. We have various iterations of how we see things,\u201d\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EUrdiales said. \u201cThis ability to see patterns or to see problems with customer discovery, it\u2019s a learning process and a growth process.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EBuilding Muscle Memory\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUrdiales said that students won\u2019t have a passive experience in the lab.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTo become an entrepreneur, you need to do it. You need to engage with customers. You need to get out of the building,\u201d he said. \u201cIt gives you the ability to incorporate theoretical frameworks into practical solutions and then understand these more practical outcomes.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAligning with CREATE-X\u2019s culture of continuous iteration, Startup Lab is tightening the hands-on core of the course around four simple, repeatable tools so that entrepreneurial thinking becomes muscle memory, not a one-off assignment. The new iteration of the curriculum, developed by McGreggor, helps students learn to:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EElicit grounded problem stories\u003C\/strong\u003E from real people (and separate observations from interpretations).\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMake explicit strategic decisions\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2014 who you serve, what you offer, how you deliver, how you get paid \u2014 and back them with discovery evidence.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExternalize your logic\u003C\/strong\u003E with clear Business Model Canvas snapshots (hypotheses \u2260 decisions \u2260 open questions).\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDesign minimum viable experiments (MVEs)\u003C\/strong\u003E that can \u003Cem\u003Efalsify\u003C\/em\u003E assumptions, not just confirm them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhat we have is a frontier model in entrepreneurial education,\u201d said McGreggor. \u201cThe result is a course that teaches sound decision making and builds entrepreneurial confidence that rewards authentic discovery and iteration over performative polish. It creates a more solid foundation for entrepreneurial thinking and sets students up to engage more deeply with everything that follows in their CREATE-X pathway.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EReflection as a Feature\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a part of Startup Lab, instructors integrate reflection throughout the semester, which helps students notice patterns of work, make small experiments, and adjust based on what\u2019s learned. Students often worry they\u2019re not the founder type or that their introversion will hold them back; Startup Lab reframes those worries as raw material for growth, including communication skill building and one-on-one interactions you won\u2019t always get in higher-level courses.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStartup Lab integrates HaradaLite \u2014 McGreggor\u0027s adaptation of the Japanese Harada Method \u2014 as a weekly reflection practice in which students keep a reflection log, helping them notice patterns of work, run small experiments, and adjust based on what\u0027s learned. With this approach, educators are able to measure the growth of entrepreneurial confidence by self-report, leading to a more quantitative approach to teaching.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA Common Language Across CREATE\u2011X\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere\u2019s no mandated order for CREATE-X courses. Startup Lab simply makes the next steps clearer by providing a shared language and milestone structure across sections and instructors, so whatever comes next (I2P, Capstone, Launch, or an internship), you can carry forward a coherent, evidence- aware story of your work.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAll CREATE\u2011X Learn sections will work with the same milestone objectives,\u201d Urdiales said. \u201cStudents trained in Startup Lab are already trained in the muscles of entrepreneurship. They\u2019re more equipped to go into Make and Launch or be a leader within their industry.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EBuilt To Be Inclusive Across Disciplines and Needs\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStartup Lab is about becoming the kind of person who can see opportunities, reason from evidence, and make better decisions when the path isn\u2019t obvious.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou do not need an idea or a pre\u2011built team\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2014 curiosity is enough.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou do not need special permits to enroll\u003C\/strong\u003E. Startup Lab is open to anyone ready to explore.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou can benefit from the course before \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eor\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E after I2P or Capstone\u003C\/strong\u003E, since there\u2019s no fixed order to the CREATE\u2011X pathway.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIntroverts are welcome\u003C\/strong\u003E. The course intentionally builds communication skills through structured, low-pressure interviews and guided interaction.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cStartup Lab helps students see the world\u2019s problems and fill the gaps with fresh ideas, teaching them to see and understand the important difference between evidence and inference,\u201d said McGreggor. \u201cThis lays the foundation that leads to good founders, and builds the entrepreneurial confidence needed to succeed.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat You\u2019ll Actually Do\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudents in Startup Lab can expect a workshop-heavy, conversation-rich semester with weekly artifacts, scenario-based decision prompts, startup reports, and quizzes that keep you honest about what you\u2019re learning. You\u2019ll assemble a Continuity Pack near the end: a compact bundle of your best discovery evidence, decisions, MVEs, economics, and final story slides so your future self (or your I2P\/Launch application) can pick up right where you left off.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe course also sets norms for modern tool use. AI is welcomed as a coach and organizer, after your own baseline thinking and research, and as an enhancement of the real conversations you have. That matters because Startup Lab\u2019s promise is that you build solid judgment under the test of uncertainty, critical to the world of today and the future that is being built.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EJump Into Startup Lab\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou don\u2019t have to have it all figured out. If you\u2019re a first-year student still exploring, a junior craving real-world projects, or a senior looking to stand out in interviews, Startup Lab is for you.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESeats fill quickly across all sections \u2014 and for good reason.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThis course gives you the clearest, most supportive on\u2011ramp into CREATE\u2011X, with a global methodology, a unified curriculum, and instructors who believe deeply in your potential to grow. Learn how to think entrepreneurially. See the world differently. Build the confidence that will follow you long after the semester ends.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/learn\/startup-lab\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERegister for Startup Lab for Fall 2026\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECREATE\u2011X Startup Lab serves as the foundation of Georgia Tech\u2019s entrepreneurial pathway, giving students a structured but low\u2011pressure environment to explore the unknown and develop entrepreneurial thinking. Recently updated curriculum provides clearer structure, shared language, and hands\u2011on tools that emphasize real\u2011world discovery, iteration, and reflection over polished pitches. Students learn by engaging directly with people, testing assumptions through minimum viable experiments, and documenting evidence\u2011based decisions they can carry into future courses or careers. By welcoming students from all disciplines, experience levels, and personality types, Startup Lab equips learners with confidence and transferable skills that extend far beyond entrepreneurship.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"CREATE\u2011X Startup Lab helps students build entrepreneurial confidence by learning how to navigate uncertainty, test assumptions, and develop sound judgment."}],"uid":"36436","created_gmt":"2026-04-30 13:39:04","changed_gmt":"2026-05-13 14:49:34","author":"bdurham31","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-30T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-30T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680124":{"id":"680124","type":"image","title":"Omar Garcia","body":"\u003Cp\u003EOmar Garcia, associate director of CREATE-X Learn, teaches Startup Lab.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1777554943","gmt_created":"2026-04-30 13:15:43","changed":"1777555243","gmt_changed":"2026-04-30 13:20:43","alt":"Omar Garcia gives a lecture in Startup Lab","file":{"fid":"264364","name":"image--7---1-.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/30\/image--7---1-.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/30\/image--7---1-.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":45834,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/30\/image--7---1-.jpeg?itok=JD38L1JD"}}},"media_ids":["680124"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/learn\/startup-lab","title":"Register for Startup Lab for Fall 2026."},{"url":"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/spring-startup-launch-showcase-tickets-1984784570078?aff=article","title":"Register for Startup Launch Showcase"}],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBreanna Durham\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMarketing Strategist\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["breanna.durham@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690127":{"#nid":"690127","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Double Major Graduate to Take Her STEM and Intercultural Skills to Spain as Fulbright Scholar ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBiology major Sonali Kaluri is a STEM expert. Spanish major Sonali Kaluri is a language and culture expert.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPut the two together and you have a sharply educated researcher with a passion for healthcare. Kaluri is headed to Barcelona after graduation this Spring as a Fulbright Scholar to study the health of migrant workers under\u0026nbsp;the digital platform economy. She plans to later embark on a career in medicine.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s something she says she couldn\u2019t have done without her experiences at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts.\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cYou need to have a deep understanding of people and the systems that surround us to be able to effectively and ethically help people as a physician,\u201d said Kaluri, who attended Georgia Tech as a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/stampsps.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EStamps President\u0027s Scholar\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKaluri\u2019s Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies degree from the School of Modern Languages helped shape that understanding, including through classes studying Spanish literature.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cLiterature is such an important window into the lives of people different from you,\u201d Kaluri said. \u201cStudying another language\u2019s great works is an excellent way to understand the experiences of different people and build that empathy, which translates to real life for me in being able to better connect with the people I meet.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKaluri, who was fluent in her parents\u2019 languages of Telugu and Kannada before arriving at Georgia Tech, had always wanted to combine language training with her work in healthcare.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEarly in high school and college, I would shadow doctors, and if they had a patient that couldn\u2019t speak English, I\u2019d be able to follow along with the conversation even without an interpreter using my knowledge from high school Spanish classes,\u201d Kaluri said. \u201cI figured that one day as a doctor, it would be cool to be able to talk directly to a larger number of patients without needing an interpreter and to be able to build greater rapport with patients. That was the spark for why I wanted to pursue more rigorous study of Spanish.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHer interest in medicine derives from seeing how cultural norms around gender and caregiving can shape and even sideline women\u2019s own healthcare needs.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI realized that was a big part of why I wanted to pursue medicine \u2014 to advocate for people on a deeper level, to try to bridge these gaps that I\u0027ve noticed in research, in the clinic, et cetera,\u201d Kaluri said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKelly Comfort, one of Kaluri\u2019s Spanish professors, said Kaluri\u2019s success shows what\u2019s possible with a combined STEM and liberal arts education.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSonali is the kind of student who proves that the humanities are not separate from science and medicine \u2014 they strengthen them. Her ability to think critically about culture, identity, and social systems through her ALIS major has shaped her into a more thoughtful future healthcare professional,\u201d Comfort said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cShe is not only highly skilled in pre-health and pre-medicine fields, but she is also multilingual, interculturally competent, empathetic, reflective, and prepared to improve the human condition across cultures, languages, and borders,\u201d Comfort said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBiology and Spanish major Sonali Kaluri is headed to Barcelona after graduation this Spring as a Fulbright Scholar to study the health of migrant workers under the digital platform economy.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Biology and Spanish major Sonali Kaluri is headed to Barcelona after graduation this Spring as a Fulbright Scholar to study the health of migrant workers under the digital platform economy."}],"uid":"35766","created_gmt":"2026-05-04 19:28:11","changed_gmt":"2026-05-11 19:56:47","author":"dminardi3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-04T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-04T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680167":{"id":"680167","type":"image","title":"MERCURY--2-.jpg","body":null,"created":"1777923045","gmt_created":"2026-05-04 19:30:45","changed":"1777923045","gmt_changed":"2026-05-04 19:30:45","alt":"Sonali Kaluri","file":{"fid":"264409","name":"MERCURY--2-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/04\/MERCURY--2-.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/04\/MERCURY--2-.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":166993,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/04\/MERCURY--2-.jpg?itok=zvQJc3fG"}}},"media_ids":["680167"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1283","name":"School of Literature, Media, and Communication"},{"id":"1284","name":"School of Modern Languages"}],"categories":[{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMichael Pearson\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:michael.pearson@iac.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Emichael.pearson@iac.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690221":{"#nid":"690221","#data":{"type":"news","title":"From Classroom Concept to Sports Technology Startup: How VETTEX Grew Through Georgia Tech\u2019s Commercialization Ecosystem ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe idea behind\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.vettexsports.com \u0022\u003E VETTEX\u003C\/a\u003E began with a problem Mike Pullen remembered from his own days playing football: Arm sleeves protected players from turf burns, but they could also make the ball harder to secure. As a high school receiver, Pullen saw firsthand how athletes were often forced to choose between protection and performance.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYears later, while studying biomedical engineering at Georgia Tech, that problem resurfaced in an unexpected place: a classroom.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPullen was enrolled in Materials Science and Engineering of Sports, a course taught by materials researcher Jud Ready, that explored how engineering principles and materials influence athletic performance. For the course Capstone project, students were challenged to design a novel, rules-compliant piece of sports equipment.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPullen immediately returned to the problem he had experienced on the field.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWorking with his co-founder, Mat Quon, another Georgia Tech biomedical engineering student, he began developing a grip-enhancing arm sleeve designed to help football players maintain ball security while still protecting their arms from turf abrasion.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the time, starting a company wasn\u2019t on his radar.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI had absolutely no desire to ever be an entrepreneur,\u201d said Pullen, founder of VETTEX and a 2020 Georgia Tech graduate. \u201cI kind of just fell backwards into it.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEncouraged by Ready to continue developing the concept beyond the classroom, Pullen and Quon began exploring whether the idea could extend beyond a class project. That encouragement led them to CREATE-X, a Georgia Tech program that helps students launch startups through its accelerator, Startup Launch.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuilding the Company Through CREATE-X\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Pullen, CREATE-X became the entry point to build a company and learn how to operate as a founder. \u201cCREATE-X opened the door to just being an entrepreneur in general,\u201d he said. \u201cIt gave us the foundation and support to actually figure out how to build something real.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough the program, Pullen and Quon received hands-on support in business strategy, customer discovery, fundraising, and pitch development. CREATE-X also connected them with mentors, coaches, and investors who helped them begin transforming their class project into a viable business.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s not like they give you a couple of PowerPoint presentations and send you on your way,\u201d Pullen said. \u201cIt\u2019s true hands-on coaching and assistance, which is immensely valuable.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the years after CREATE-X, the team focused on refining the product, securing manufacturing partners, and getting the equipment into athletes\u2019 hands for feedback.\u0026nbsp;In 2021, the company raised its first round of funding, supported largely through connections within the Georgia Tech ecosystem, including an investment from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ventures.commercialization.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGTF Ventures\u003C\/a\u003E and various alumni funding.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScaling Through ATDC\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs the company entered this next phase of growth, Pullen was introduced to the Advanced Technology Development Center (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atdc.org\/\u0022\u003EATDC\u003C\/a\u003E), Georgia Tech\u2019s statewide startup accelerator.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPullen said ATDC became a natural continuation of the support system he first experienced through CREATE-X. \u201cATDC has been a really valuable support system for us as we\u2019ve continued to grow. They\u2019ve helped us refine our approach, strengthen how we present the business, and connect with the right partners.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough ATDC, VETTEX has received support to refine investor materials, review company financials, and build connections with industry partners and potential investors.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExpanding the Vision\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOriginally launched as LZRD Tech, the company began with a football-specific product. Over time, however, Pullen and his team saw an opportunity to expand beyond a single sport.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe company recently rebranded as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.vettexsports.com \u0022\u003EVETTEX,\u003C\/a\u003E reflecting a broader pivot into sports and technology applications, including a partnership with Markwort Sporting Goods, a company with Georgia Tech alumni ties.\u0026nbsp;Today, VETTEX is expanding into baseball and basketball while continuing to explore how advanced materials and product design can improve performance, protection, and recovery for athletes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELooking Ahead\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of the most valuable aspects of Georgia Tech\u2019s commercialization ecosystem for Pullen has been the long-term support it provides founders. Years after first entering CREATE-X, he still sees both CREATE-X and ATDC as active parts of the company\u2019s journey.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCREATE-X doesn\u2019t just spit you out into the world,\u201d Pullen said. \u201cThey\u2019re always there to help you. Same thing with ATDC.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough Georgia Tech\u2019s broader entrepreneurship ecosystem, startups like VETTEX demonstrate how ideas that begin in the classroom can grow through mentorship, funding, and community support as they move toward commercialization.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe experience has reshaped how Pullen thinks about taking risks and building something of his own. \u201cI\u2019d always wonder what would have happened if I didn\u2019t try,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYears later, that decision continues to shape the company\u2019s growth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFounded by Georgia Tech biomedical engineering graduates Mike Pullen and Mat Quon, VETTEX grew from a classroom project into a sports technology startup through support from CREATE-X, ATDC, mentors, and alumni investors. The company now develops performance-focused athletic products for football, baseball, and basketball athletes.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"VETTEX showcases how Georgia Tech\u2019s commercialization ecosystem helps transform student ideas into growing startups."}],"uid":"36434","created_gmt":"2026-05-11 14:47:49","changed_gmt":"2026-05-11 14:54:29","author":"lcameron30","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-11T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-11T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680246":{"id":"680246","type":"image","title":"Vettex-Football-Sleeve-12.jpg","body":null,"created":"1778510879","gmt_created":"2026-05-11 14:47:59","changed":"1778510879","gmt_changed":"2026-05-11 14:47:59","alt":"Football player holding a football while wearing a white VETTEX performance arm sleeve on an outdoor field.","file":{"fid":"264490","name":"Vettex-Football-Sleeve-12.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/11\/Vettex-Football-Sleeve-12.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/11\/Vettex-Football-Sleeve-12.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":7139609,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/11\/Vettex-Football-Sleeve-12.jpg?itok=YwW2z7FK"}},"680247":{"id":"680247","type":"image","title":"Mike Pullen.png","body":null,"created":"1778510990","gmt_created":"2026-05-11 14:49:50","changed":"1778510990","gmt_changed":"2026-05-11 14:49:50","alt":"Mike Pullen, founder of VETTEX and Georgia Tech biomedical engineering graduate.","file":{"fid":"264491","name":"Headshot.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/11\/Headshot.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/11\/Headshot.png","mime":"image\/png","size":10545203,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/11\/Headshot.png?itok=-foe4Y_z"}}},"media_ids":["680246","680247"],"groups":[{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELacey Cameron\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003Elcameron30@gatech.edu\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690204":{"#nid":"690204","#data":{"type":"news","title":"What It\u2019s Like to Be the Human in Mosquito Research ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EChristopher Zuo never thought of himself as someone mosquitoes singled out. They bit him from time to time, he said, but no more than anyone else who spent a lot of time outdoors.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI don\u2019t know if I would say I\u2019m prone,\u201d Zuo said. \u201cI do get bitten, but I also think that\u2019s partly because I\u2019m just outside a lot more.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, that assumption did not hold up once he stepped inside a sealed mosquito chamber as part of a Georgia Tech research study.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZuo, a Georgia Tech alum and co-author on \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/sciadv.adz7063\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ethe study\u003C\/a\u003E, worked alongside Georgia Tech faculty member \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/hu\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDavid Hu\u003C\/a\u003E and researchers in Hu\u2019s fluid dynamics lab \u2014 and co-authors Chenyi Fei, Alex Cohen, Jorn Dunkel from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology \u2014 on a multi-year effort to understand how mosquitoes locate people. Using high-speed cameras, careful controls, and mathematical modeling, the research examined how mosquitoes respond to carbon dioxide and visual cues. To confirm whether the data reflected real-world behavior, the team needed a human subject.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZuo volunteered.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore entering the chamber, he knew the mosquitoes were safe. They had been raised in a laboratory environment and were carefully controlled, making the experiment safer than being outdoors during peak mosquito activity.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe knew exactly how all of these mosquitoes were reared, so we knew they\u2019re disease-free,\u201d he said. \u201cHonestly, even if I got bitten 100 plus times, the actual danger that I was in was very little.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWearing a mesh suit, Zuo stood nearly motionless inside the chamber while mosquitoes were released and flew freely around him. Any movement could disrupt the data, so remaining still was critical even as mosquitoes gathered close to his face and upper body.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe response was immediate.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cYou release the mosquitoes, and they\u2019re already on top of you,\u201d Zuo said. \u201cAlmost felt like it was instant.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat surprised him most was not the bites but the sound.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI didn\u2019t realize how loud they were,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen they\u2019re flying around your head, it\u2019s that annoying buzzing sound. I didn\u2019t realize how annoying it can get with just enough mosquitoes flying around.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe experience was not limited to a single trial. Zuo entered the chamber multiple times as the research progressed, testing different variables including posture, clothing, and body positioning. In some experiments, he was required to hold his arms extended so cameras could capture a consistent silhouette.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt felt more like an exercise at the gym,\u201d Zuo said. \u201cI was very much more focused on keeping my arms up and being as still as possible.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcross those repeated interactions, patterns emerged that closely matched what the data predicted. Mosquitoes found him quickly, clustered in specific areas, and lingered only when certain conditions aligned.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAnd once the conditions were right,\u201d Zuo said, \u201cthey stayed.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZuo\u2019s role helped bridge the gap between abstract modeling and human experience. It also challenged common assumptions about mosquito behavior that many people take for granted.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat follows are some of the most common mosquito myths, and what the Georgia Tech research and Zuo\u2019s firsthand experience actually showed.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMosquito Myths vs. Reality\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMyth: Mosquitoes swarm because they are following each other.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReality:\u003C\/strong\u003E Mosquitoes respond independently to the same cues, which creates the appearance of swarming.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETrajectory data collected during the experiments showed no evidence that mosquitoes were coordinating or communicating with one another. Zuo explained that what people often describe as swarming is the result of multiple mosquitoes responding simultaneously to the same environmental signals. When carbon dioxide and a clear visual target are present, many mosquitoes converge on the same area independently. Zuo compared it to people arriving separately at the same crowded place because something there is attractive, not because they are following the crowd.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMyth: Mosquitoes randomly target different parts of the body.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReality:\u003C\/strong\u003E In this study, mosquitoes concentrated near the head and shoulders, but only for the species observed, which is present in parts of the Southeast.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Tech experiments focused on \u003Cem\u003EAedes aegypti \u003C\/em\u003E(dengue or yellow fever mosquito), a species found in parts of Georgia and other areas of the southeastern United States. Within that species, both trajectory data and Zuo\u2019s experience inside the chamber showed mosquitoes repeatedly clustering near the head and shoulders rather than distributing evenly across the body. Zuo observed this pattern while standing still in the mesh suit, as mosquitoes returned again and again to his upper body. The study also confirmed previous biting studies showing that \u003Cem\u003EAedes aegypti\u003C\/em\u003E mosquitoes target the upper body, while other mosquitoes might focus on other areas. Researchers linked the behavior to carbon dioxide released through breathing near the mouth and nose, paired with a strong visual target. Zuo emphasized that other mosquito species behave differently and that these findings should not be applied to all mosquitoes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMyth: Carbon dioxide alone explains why mosquitoes find people.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReality:\u003C\/strong\u003E Carbon dioxide and visual cues work together, and neither is enough on its own.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZuo described experiments that isolated carbon dioxide using inanimate objects before introducing a human subject. Carbon dioxide alone helped mosquitoes locate the general area of a target but did not consistently keep them there. Visual cues alone helped mosquitoes recognize an object but did not hold their attention. When both signals were combined, mosquito behavior changed significantly. The research showed the response was nonlinear, meaning the combined effect was stronger than simply adding the two cues together.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMyth: Once mosquitoes find a target, they always stay nearby.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReality:\u003C\/strong\u003E Mosquitoes do not linger unless conditions align.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe data showed that mosquitoes often passed by targets unless both carbon dioxide and visual signals were present at the same time. Zuo observed that once those conditions aligned during the mesh suit experiments, mosquitoes stayed close and returned repeatedly to the same areas. Without the full set of cues, they were less likely to remain focused on a target.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMyth: All mosquitoes behave the same way.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReality:\u003C\/strong\u003E Mosquito behavior varies by species and environmental conditions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAedes aegypti\u003C\/em\u003E, Zuo described, are capable of feeding in well-lit conditions rather than relying solely on dusk. He contrasted this with \u003Cem\u003EAnopheles\u003C\/em\u003E (marsh) mosquitoes, which require darker conditions and are closely tied to light and dark cycles during experiments. Zuo emphasized that the findings reflect the behavior of a single species and that different mosquito species respond to different cues.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat the CDC Recommends During Mosquito Season\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile the Georgia Tech research explains how mosquitoes locate people, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mosquitoes\/prevention\/index.html\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECenters for Disease Control and Prevention\u003C\/a\u003E (CDC) outlines steps people can take during mosquito season to reduce the risk of bites.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe CDC recommends using \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/insect-repellents\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EEnvironmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents\u003C\/a\u003E on exposed skin and wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Clothing and gear can also be treated with permethrin, which is designed for use on fabrics and not directly on skin. The agency also advises controlling mosquitoes indoors and outdoors by eliminating standing water and keeping window and door screens in good repair. The CDC notes that mosquitoes can bite during the day or night, depending on the species, and encourages precautions whenever mosquitoes are active.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EStanding still inside a sealed mosquito chamber, Georgia Tech student and alum Christopher Zuo became the human test subject behind the science, offering a firsthand look at how mosquitoes find and fixate on people when breath and visual cues collide.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The science behind the buzz, as told by the guy who stood still. "}],"uid":"35797","created_gmt":"2026-05-08 17:48:26","changed_gmt":"2026-05-08 18:04:23","author":"Siobhan Rodriguez","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-08T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-08T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680238":{"id":"680238","type":"image","title":"IMG_1500.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1778262537","gmt_created":"2026-05-08 17:48:57","changed":"1778262537","gmt_changed":"2026-05-08 17:48:57","alt":"image of Chris Zuo in a mesh mosquito suit","file":{"fid":"264482","name":"IMG_1500.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/08\/IMG_1500.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/08\/IMG_1500.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1836258,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/08\/IMG_1500.jpeg?itok=o87xp0fP"}},"680239":{"id":"680239","type":"image","title":"file-20260316-57-8quhxt.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESome of Chris Zuo\u2019s itchy results after his session with the mosquitoes.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1778262756","gmt_created":"2026-05-08 17:52:36","changed":"1778262756","gmt_changed":"2026-05-08 17:52:36","alt":"Image of Chris Zuo\u0027s arm after an experiment","file":{"fid":"264483","name":"file-20260316-57-8quhxt.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/08\/file-20260316-57-8quhxt.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/08\/file-20260316-57-8quhxt.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":159199,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/08\/file-20260316-57-8quhxt.jpg?itok=2Jo2IT7K"}},"680240":{"id":"680240","type":"image","title":"file-20260317-57-gbcbz7.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe team visualized the mosquito trajectories as they flew around Zuo.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1778262869","gmt_created":"2026-05-08 17:54:29","changed":"1778262869","gmt_changed":"2026-05-08 17:54:29","alt":"mosquito trajectory around Chris Zuo","file":{"fid":"264484","name":"file-20260317-57-gbcbz7.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/08\/file-20260317-57-gbcbz7.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/08\/file-20260317-57-gbcbz7.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":987262,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/08\/file-20260317-57-gbcbz7.jpg?itok=rEqOpCxG"}}},"media_ids":["680238","680239","680240"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/why-mosquitoes-swarm-your-head-theyre-following-signals-not-each-other","title":"Why Mosquitoes Swarm Your Head: They\u2019re Following Signals, Not Each Other"},{"url":"https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/hundreds-hungry-mosquitoes-student-volunteer-and-mesh-suit","title":"Hundreds of Hungry Mosquitoes, a Student Volunteer and a Mesh Suit"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"195108","name":"mosquito research"},{"id":"109","name":"Georgia Tech"},{"id":"193225","name":"student researcher"},{"id":"28201","name":"Alum"},{"id":"195109","name":"human test subject"},{"id":"195110","name":"mosquito chamber experiment"},{"id":"195111","name":"mosquito behavior"},{"id":"195112","name":"carbon dioxide cues"},{"id":"195113","name":"visual cues"},{"id":"195114","name":"breathing signals"},{"id":"195115","name":"mosquito attraction"},{"id":"195116","name":"Aedes aegypti"},{"id":"195117","name":"Southeast United States mosquitoes"},{"id":"195118","name":"fluid dynamics research"},{"id":"195119","name":"applied physics"},{"id":"249","name":"Biomedical Engineering"},{"id":"195120","name":"high-speed imaging"},{"id":"10825","name":"Mathematical Modeling"},{"id":"195121","name":"trajectory data"},{"id":"195122","name":"mosquito myths"},{"id":"195123","name":"mosquito swarming myth"},{"id":"195124","name":"mosquito targeting patterns"},{"id":"195125","name":"head and shoulder targeting"},{"id":"195126","name":"disease-free lab mosquitoes"},{"id":"195127","name":"controlled laboratory environment"},{"id":"195128","name":"firsthand research experience"},{"id":"195129","name":"student-led science storytelling"},{"id":"195130","name":"experiential research"},{"id":"195131","name":"vector science"},{"id":"195132","name":"public health relevance"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ESiobhan Rodriguez\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstitute Communications\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["media@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690183":{"#nid":"690183","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Adds Gemini and Notebook LM to AI Service Offerings","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Office of Information Technology (OIT) continues to accelerate access to enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) tools with the recent addition of Google Gemini and NotebookLM, now available to faculty and staff.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGemini is a versatile generative AI assistant that supports a range of activities such as brainstorming, drafting communications, summarizing complex materials, and generating code. NotebookLM functions as a research-focused assistant, which allows users to upload documents and receive responses grounded in their own provided data, complete with citations and contextual insights.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFaculty and staff can access Gemini and NotebookLM through Georgia Tech-managed environments using their standard credentials, ensuring that they are operating within the Institute\u2019s data protection guidelines. Employees who work with sensitive data, specifically GTRI employees and other campus researchers, are encouraged to review\u0026nbsp;OIT\u2019s new \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/oit.gatech.edu\/ai\/tools\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInstitutional AI Register\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;for guidance on permissible data usage with these services before using them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFaculty and staff access to Gemini is available at:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgemini.g.gatech.edu%2F\u0026amp;data=05%7C02%7Cit%40gatech.edu%7Cb74e18d948bc4e34092708dea6e821fe%7C482198bbae7b4b258b7a6d7f32faa083%7C1%7C0%7C639131713079118759%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C\u0026amp;sdata=fpaK6nR879%2Bh7WeHrom64pWZ4UfYXwY5pvm3KtVti1c%3D\u0026amp;reserved=0\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgemini.g.gatech.edu%2F\u0026amp;data=05%7C02%7Cit%40gatech.edu%7Cb74e18d948bc4e34092708dea6e821fe%7C482198bbae7b4b258b7a6d7f32faa083%7C1%7C0%7C639131713079118759%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1h\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/gemini.g.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFaculty and staff access to NotebookLM is available at:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnotebooklm.g.gatech.edu%2F\u0026amp;data=05%7C02%7Cit%40gatech.edu%7Cb74e18d948bc4e34092708dea6e821fe%7C482198bbae7b4b258b7a6d7f32faa083%7C1%7C0%7C639131713079141567%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C\u0026amp;sdata=bNHgLv2hgE%2FnOoQ5lYy1kRncwBPm4FH%2FSfRhTK%2BnMJU%3D\u0026amp;reserved=0\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnotebooklm.g.gatech.edu%2F\u0026amp;data=05%7C02%7Cit%40gatech.edu%7Cb74e18d948bc4e34092708dea6e821fe%7C482198bbae7b4b258b7a6d7f32faa083%7C1%7C0%7C639131713079141567%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/notebooklm.g.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStudents, affiliates, and temporary employees must\u0026nbsp;request access to a Google for Education license through the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/accesspackages.m.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMyAccess Packages portal\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, as these licenses are limited.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur goal is to provide the campus community with the tools they need to move faster and think bigger,\u201d said Leo Howell, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer. \u201cEqually important is building the infrastructure, governance, and guidance that ensures we are doing so responsibly.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis rollout is part of a larger, ongoing effort to build a comprehensive and transparent AI ecosystem at Georgia Tech. OIT recently enhanced its\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/oit.gatech.edu\/ai\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAI website\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;with new resources designed to improve visibility and streamline access to tools, including:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EA dynamic institutional register of AI tools, which provides a real-time inventory of the tools that are approved for use and what types of data they support, as well as where other tools are in the institutional review process.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EA centralized intake form for AI tools, enabling faculty and staff to request evaluation of new technologies not currently included in the Institute\u2019s portfolio.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAn invitation to participate in OIT\u2019s AI Smart Pass program, which provides temporary access to Copilot for Microsoft 365 and OpenAI ChatGPT Edu licenses for faculty and staff.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAll AI tools undergo a comprehensive review process before approval. This includes third-party security assessments, data privacy and risk analysis, contractual and compliance review, and alignment with Institute and University System of Georgia (USG) policies. These steps ensure that tools can be safely used with Georgia Tech systems and data, particularly when protected or regulated information is involved.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the coming weeks, Georgia Tech will introduce its first formal AI policy, aligning with USG requirements and establishing a foundation of governance, expectations, and leading practices for AI use across the Institute.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo explore available tools or review guidance, visit\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/oit.gatech.edu\/ai\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehttps:\/\/oit.gatech.edu\/ai\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Office of Information Technology (OIT) continues to accelerate access to enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) tools with the recent addition of Google Gemini and NotebookLM, now available to faculty and staff.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech\u2019s Office of Information Technology (OIT) continues to accelerate access to enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) tools with the recent addition of Google Gemini and NotebookLM, now available to faculty and staff. "}],"uid":"34822","created_gmt":"2026-05-06 18:59:37","changed_gmt":"2026-05-06 19:15:49","author":"Malynda Dorsey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-06T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-06T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"673487":{"id":"673487","type":"image","title":"Artificial Intelligence","body":null,"created":"1711413686","gmt_created":"2024-03-26 00:41:26","changed":"1711413762","gmt_changed":"2024-03-26 00:42:42","alt":"Articificial Intelligence Thumbnail","file":{"fid":"256886","name":"header-image.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/03\/25\/header-image.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/03\/25\/header-image.png","mime":"image\/png","size":1554874,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/03\/25\/header-image.png?itok=YMSCjZ8B"}}},"media_ids":["673487"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/oit.gatech.edu\/ai","title":"Artificial Intelligence Resources at Georgia Tech"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"174291","name":"OIT"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"183656","name":"oit feature"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMalynda Dorsey Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:malynda@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Emalynda@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690141":{"#nid":"690141","#data":{"type":"news","title":"A Father-Daughter Double Jacket Duo  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherman Lofton Jr. has been a Yellow Jacket for more than 40 years, as a student, alumnus, and employee, currently serving as the senior director of cybersecurity operations. He arrived on campus in 1984 and earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in management in 1990, and he never imagined that decades later he\u2019d be graduating with a master\u2019s degree from Tech on the same day as his daughter.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherman hadn\u2019t considered that any of his four daughters would follow in his footsteps at Tech, but when the youngest, Shaina, expressed interest in architecture, he was elated to learn that she planned on applying to his alma mater. The day she received her acceptance letter is one that Sherman ranks among his favorite Tech-related memories. Now, the pair will share another unforgettable memory at Commencement as Shaina \u2014 who graduated with a bachelor\u2019s degree in 2024 \u2014 earns her master\u2019s degree in architecture, and Sherman graduates with his MBA.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne factor that brought Shaina back to Tech for graduate school was the chance to share a campus with her father. Sherman knew he\u2019d have to take on extra hours to make sure they graduated at the same time. As the day nears, he sees the hard work paying off.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt was hard, but I always knew it was going to be worth it to share this moment of becoming a Double Jacket with Shaina,\u201d Sherman said. \u201cMy heart is so full. I\u2019m just so proud of her and everything she has accomplished, and to be able to share this spotlight with her \u2014 I couldn\u0027t have written that script any better.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShaina calls her family\u2019s emphasis on education a blessing and says their support and stories of the life lessons learned at Tech led her here.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI knew how great a school Georgia Tech was through my dad, my mom, and my aunt. They all wore Georgia Tech with pride, and going to Tech games and meeting their friends was such a huge part of my childhood. My sisters and I are all very academically motivated, and I wanted to go to an institution that was innovative and world-renowned because I felt like I was going to finally be challenged,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGrowing up, Shaina recalls her dad helping her with her math homework and always being there when she needed help with an essay. During graduate school, the two supported one another with texts before finals and presentations, and they frequently talked about their course load at family gatherings.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EFamily Legacy\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherman was the first Lofton to enroll at Tech, but the family\u2019s history with the Institute began when his father, Sherman Lofton Sr., applied for admission before the school\u2019s desegregation in 1961.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI regret that my dad didn\u2019t get the chance to attend Tech. He was the best mathematician I ever knew, but he knew that Shaina was here and that I was starting my program, and he was excited. I wish he, as well as my stepfather, were here to see us, but this day means so much for our family,\u201d Sherman said. \u201cI got to Tech when I was 18 and could never have anticipated that it would be such an integral part of my life, and to think that gets passed down to another generation brings me so much joy.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe death of her grandfathers is something that Shaina carried with her throughout her educational journey.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMy dad lost two of his father figures, and I lost two grandpas, and that hit our family hard, but I think it really motivated us to get through graduate school and finish together and do this not only for us and each other, but for our family too,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter Commencement, Shaina will begin working with HDR, an architecture firm in Midtown, where she\u2019ll work on the design of hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. While her time as a student at Tech is ending, Shaina knows that she\u2019ll share the same lifelong love for the Institute that her father has shared with her.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI grew up with my \u2018aunts\u2019 and \u2018uncles\u2019 that my parents went to school with, and my favorite moments at Tech were realizing that I was meeting the people who will become those same figures in my kids\u0027 lives in the future. It\u2019s amazing to know that this cycle that started with my parents will continue,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Loftons are happy to celebrate graduation season, but Shaina knows there is more excitement on the horizon.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cComing from a family that values education so much, and one that supports each other and encourages each other constantly, this is a moment that may feel like a finish line, but I know Loftons \u2014 we always keep running,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd I can\u2019t wait for the great things to come after this.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Nearly four decades after graduating with his bachelor\u2019s degree from Georgia Tech, Sherman Lofton Jr. will become a Double Jacket on the same day as his daughter.  "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENearly four decades after graduating with his bachelor\u2019s degree from Georgia Tech, Sherman Lofton Jr. will become a Double Jacket on the same day as his daughter.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Nearly four decades after graduating with his bachelor\u2019s degree from Georgia Tech, Sherman Lofton Jr. will become a Double Jacket on the same day as his daughter.  "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-05-05 18:06:08","changed_gmt":"2026-05-05 18:17:25","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-05T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-05T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680174":{"id":"680174","type":"image","title":"Sherman and Shaina Lofton ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFather and daughter, Sherman and Shaina Lofton, will each graduate with a master\u0027s degree this spring. Submitted photo.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1778004689","gmt_created":"2026-05-05 18:11:29","changed":"1778004689","gmt_changed":"2026-05-05 18:11:29","alt":"Sherman and Shaina Lofton ","file":{"fid":"264416","name":"loftons_720.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/05\/loftons_720.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/05\/loftons_720.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":277285,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/05\/loftons_720.jpg?itok=T0Nk-RBb"}}},"media_ids":["680174"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu","title":"Spring Commencement Information "}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"}],"keywords":[{"id":"167101","name":"Spring Commencement"},{"id":"26981","name":"masters degree"},{"id":"67881","name":"Tuition Assistance Program"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690083":{"#nid":"690083","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Learn More About Education Assistance Programs for Employees","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEligible full-time faculty and staff are encouraged to apply for education assistance through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Staff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Program (STRAP). These programs are designed to support your professional development and help you achieve your educational goals by providing tuition and mandatory fee waivers or reimbursements.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParticipating in TAP and STRAP enhances your skills and knowledge and demonstrates the Institute\u0027s commitment to your growth and success. By investing in your education, you contribute to the overall excellence and innovation within our community.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe application period for the Fall 2026 semester is June 15 \u2013 July 15.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Administrative Services Center has compiled comprehensive resources to guide you through the application and approval process. We invite you to join an upcoming information session to learn more about how to apply for TAP or STRAP and how to approve applications as a manager.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EClick the links below to register for an upcoming session. Additional information on this employee benefit can be found \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/benefits.hr.gatech.edu\/education-assistance\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEducation Assistance Info Session: Applying for TAP and STRAP\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETuesday, May 19, 10 \u2013 11 a.m. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/events.teams.microsoft.com\/event\/479a5b0a-2319-40c2-b02c-a587dd8ce438@482198bb-ae7b-4b25-8b7a-6d7f32faa083\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E(Register Here)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThursday, May 21, 11 a.m. \u2013 noon \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/events.teams.microsoft.com\/event\/1fba629f-75a3-41ee-b7c5-73f851298452@482198bb-ae7b-4b25-8b7a-6d7f32faa083\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E(Register Here)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEducation Assistance: Approving TAP and STRAP (managers and supervisors)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWednesday, May 27, 11 a.m. \u2013 noon \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/events.teams.microsoft.com\/event\/ceabc3fa-eacf-4e20-b212-4eea39d734fc@482198bb-ae7b-4b25-8b7a-6d7f32faa083\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E(Register Here)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EEligible full-time faculty and staff are encouraged to apply for education assistance through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and Staff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Program (STRAP) beginning June 15.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Join the Administrative Services Center for educational assistance information sessions this summer."}],"uid":"36515","created_gmt":"2026-04-30 18:21:22","changed_gmt":"2026-05-05 17:58:06","author":"agauker6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-11T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-11T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680172":{"id":"680172","type":"image","title":"26-R10410-P81-064.jpg","body":null,"created":"1778000316","gmt_created":"2026-05-05 16:58:36","changed":"1778000316","gmt_changed":"2026-05-05 16:58:36","alt":"Group of Georgia Tech students at commencement ceremony.","file":{"fid":"264414","name":"26-R10410-P81-064.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/05\/26-R10410-P81-064.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/05\/26-R10410-P81-064.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2492375,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/05\/26-R10410-P81-064.jpg?itok=8u3ObvrG"}}},"media_ids":["680172"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/benefits.hr.gatech.edu\/education-assistance\/","title":"Education Assistance Webpage"}],"groups":[{"id":"64319","name":"Administration and Finance"},{"id":"660358","name":"Administrative Services Center"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"42911","name":"Education"}],"keywords":[{"id":"193133","name":"educational assistance"},{"id":"67881","name":"Tuition Assistance Program"},{"id":"171275","name":"Staff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Program"},{"id":"8254","name":"Administration and Finance"},{"id":"190282","name":"administrative Services center"},{"id":"192222","name":"GT Georgia Tech Human Resources"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAlicia Gauker\u003Cbr\u003Eagauker6@gatech.edu\u003Cbr\u003EAdministrative Services Center\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["agauker6@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690131":{"#nid":"690131","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Meet the Spring Commencement Reflection Speakers ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the five Spring Commencement ceremonies, student speakers will share what they have learned during their time at Tech, as well as inspiring words of advice to their fellow graduates.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe speakers will be Anant Girdhar, Ph.D., aerospace engineering; Diya Patel, M.S., analytics;\u0026nbsp; Esha Venkat, B.S., public policy; Kayla Carneal, B.S., chemical and biomedical engineering; and Blake Reid, B.S., aerospace engineering. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnant Girdhar, Ph.D. Ceremony\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile many would say their favorite memories of Tech were at large-scale, loud events, Girdhar says otherwise. In those quiet mornings and late nights on campus, he says, \u201cIt sometimes feels like I\u0027m unlocking a crypt of my campus experience as I recall specific memories while walking around.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt is the things he learned from those memories that he hopes to convey in his speech. Only 2% of Americans have earned a Ph.D. and, beyond the new title, Girdhar believes that getting the degree is rewarding for the strong character traits it instills: curiosity, perseverance, and sacrifice. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring his 11 years at Tech, he has also learned to be grateful for the \u201csupporting cast\u201d of his \u201cmomentous production.\u201d Earning a Ph.D. is no small feat, and it is never done alone. While it feels strange to move on from a place where he\u2019s spent so much time, Girdhar reminds everyone of one thing: \u201cNo matter where you go, or what life throws your way, you will always be a Yellow Jacket.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter graduation, he will move to Chicago to begin work as an associate at McKinsey \u0026amp; Company.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDiya Patel, Master\u2019s Ceremony\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs Patel prepares for her Commencement speech, she is reflecting on the constant encouragement she\u2019s received from her parents. Though they never had the opportunity to attend college, \u201cthe opportunity to end my college career as the Commencement reflection speaker is an ode to their years of hard work,\u201d she said. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany graduates have their own definition of success. Patel wants her speech to be a reminder to students that their lives don\u2019t have to look like everyone else\u2019s. \u201cThe most successful people have lived life off the cookie-cutter path,\u201d she explained. \u201cTaking a unique path to reach your dream, whether you intended to or not, puts you in the same group as many of the most successful people we know today.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPatel has worked as a part-time flight instructor for the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport since her first year and will soon transition to being a full-time employee. After finishing up her remaining flight time, she is looking forward to flying a jet.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEsha Venkat, Bachelor\u2019s Ceremony, Thursday Afternoon\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo Venkat, being a Yellow Jacket is more than a title \u2014 it represents a commitment to the world beyond the college campus. Her speech strives to remind graduates that Tech has given them the tools to solve problems, but it is their responsibility to decide who they solve them for and whose voices they are elevating.\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAs we move forward, I hope we carry a sense of collective responsibility with us, challenging the systems we enter, shaping them with intention, and building communities that are more thoughtful, more inclusive, and more just for everyone, everywhere,\u201d she said. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA public policy major, Venkat is the only speaker from the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. She sees that distinction as something particularly meaningful, and she hopes to show students that the humanities are important in helping to shape the way graduates look at problems and find solutions. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommencement may mark the end of Venkat\u2019s undergraduate chapter, but it is not the end of her time at Georgia Tech. Part of the B.S.\/M.S. program in public policy, she will be staying one more year to get her master\u2019s degree. After that, she is looking forward to expanding her nonprofit, NEST4US, which mobilizes volunteers worldwide, and celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKayla Carneal, Bachelor\u2019s Ceremony, Friday Morning\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFail early and fail often\u201d is a mindset Carneal spent her undergraduate years learning to follow. For Techstudents, it\u2019s easy to feel as though everyone has it all figured out, and every time you fail, you\u2019re the only one who has made mistakes. When Carneal wrote her reflection speech, she wanted to focus on that feeling and encourage students to see failure not as a setback, but a necessary part of growth. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt took me a very long time to feel at peace with failure and the aspects of learning that come along with it,\u201d she said. \u201cI connected well with my NASA mentor, who encouraged me to iterate, try new things, and never fear moving forward, despite being uncertain.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECarneal is looking forward to an exciting summer traveling to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean with her family. Then she will start as an engineer at NASA, working at the Marshall Space Flight Center on the Environmental Controls and Life Support Systems team.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBlake Reid, Bachelor\u2019s Ceremony, Friday Afternoon\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWalk into the Library during finals season, and you will see a lot of tired, stressed students. Yet, to Reid, he sees it as a positive \u2014 at least you are all facing it together. Throughout his five years at Tech, this is the greatest lesson he has learned. \u201cI want to remind everyone that we didn\u2019t get through Tech alone \u2014 it was the people around us who made it possible.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis camaraderie is a kind of experience that Reid believes can only exist at a place like Georgia Tech. \u201cThere\u2019s something special about being in a place where everyone is working just as hard as you are,\u201d he said. Aside from academics, Reid has also been a member of the Georgia Tech cheerleading team and other campus organizations. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019ve spent the last five years trying to contribute to the culture and spirit of this campus in a unique way,\u201d he said, \u201cso getting to take the mic and share what I\u2019ve learned about the Tech family before we all head out is the perfect way to close this chapter.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EReid will be moving back to his home state of Texas to begin his career with SpaceX at their Starbase location. He\u2019s looking forward to finding more time to work on his golf skills when he\u2019s not at the launch site.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Five students will share words of wisdom with their fellow graduates at Commencement.  "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFive students will share words of wisdom with their fellow graduates at Commencement.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Five students will share words of wisdom with their fellow graduates at Commencement.  "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-05-04 21:41:13","changed_gmt":"2026-05-05 15:29:17","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-04T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-04T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680169":{"id":"680169","type":"image","title":"Georgia Tech Spring 2026 Commencement Reflection Speakers","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech Spring 2026 Commencement Reflection Speakers: (From Left) Anant Girdhar, Diya Patel, Esha Venkat, Kayla Carneal, and Blake Reid.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1777931248","gmt_created":"2026-05-04 21:47:28","changed":"1777931301","gmt_changed":"2026-05-04 21:48:21","alt":"Georgia Tech Spring 2026 Commencement Reflection Speakers","file":{"fid":"264411","name":"Screenshot-2026-05-04-at-5.36.56-PM.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/04\/Screenshot-2026-05-04-at-5.36.56-PM.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/04\/Screenshot-2026-05-04-at-5.36.56-PM.png","mime":"image\/png","size":2519704,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/04\/Screenshot-2026-05-04-at-5.36.56-PM.png?itok=czAwPU6w"}}},"media_ids":["680169"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu\/","title":"Commencement Schedule and More Information"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"}],"keywords":[{"id":"167101","name":"Spring Commencement"},{"id":"190493","name":"Reflection speakers"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:stucomm@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EEllie Jenkins\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689985":{"#nid":"689985","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia\u0027s Tomorrow and Bald Head Island Conservancy Launch Research Fund, Partnership","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENorth Carolina\u0027s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bhic.org\/\u0022\u003EBald Head Island Conservancy (BHIC)\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/georgias-tomorrow\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech for Georgia\u2019s Tomorrow (GT\u00b2)\u003C\/a\u003E are pleased to announce a formal research fund and partnership between BHIC\u2019s Johnston Center for Coastal Sustainability and GT\u00b2.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGT\u00b2\u0026nbsp;is a newly established research initiative at Georgia Tech that focuses on discovery science, engineering innovation, and AI-enabled decision tools to address urgent challenges at the intersection of environmental and community resilience in the Southeast. The initiative fosters research in direct service to regional communities through public-private partnerships, and it provides opportunities for graduate student engagement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe BHIC-GT\u00b2 research fund and partnership will pursue shared initiatives in the fields of coastal sustainability, ecosystem health, and environmental resilience. By combining BHIC\u2019s applied, field-based conservation work with Georgia Tech\u2019s expertise in technological innovation and data analysis, new opportunities for impactful research will be created through graduate student projects and community engagement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout the Partnership\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ELike the GT\u00b2 initiative, BHIC\u2019s Johnston Center for Coastal Sustainability was created to translate research into real-world impact. BHIC established the Johnston Center as a research partnership and education hub for sustainability initiatives on Bald Head Island, with the broader goal of advancing coastal sustainability across the Southeast. Seed funding for the Center was provided in 2021 by \u003Cstrong\u003EDick and Pat Johnston\u003C\/strong\u003E, longtime supporters of BHIC.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EDick, a Georgia Tech IM 1962 alumnus, and Pat Johnston shared their enthusiasm for the BHIC and Georgia Tech collaboration, noting:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe are delighted to see our two favorite institutions come together through this partnership. It brings additional resources, expertise, and leadership to our shared focus on keeping the historic tagline \u2018Living in Harmony with Nature\u2019 in the hearts of future generations.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJoel Kostka\u003C\/strong\u003E, Faculty Director of GT\u00b2 who also serves as Tom and Marie Patton Distinguished Professor and associate chair for Research in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E with a joint appointment in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech added:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe Bald Head Island Conservancy and its Johnston Center for Coastal Sustainability exemplify how place\u2011based conservation and rigorous science can work together to create real impact. The Bald Head Island Conservancy\u2019s long\u2011term stewardship, research infrastructure, and commitment to translating science into action make it an ideal partner for Georgia Tech for Georgia\u2019s Tomorrow as we advance collaborative research that strengthens coastal resilience across the Southeast.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThis partnership will focus on Georgia Tech graduate student research projects that use innovative technology and data analyses to directly support the conservation work of BHIC.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGraduate student research already plays an important role in BHIC\u2019s conservation efforts. \u003Cstrong\u003EGabie Krueger\u003C\/strong\u003E, a Georgia Tech Ph.D. student in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ocean.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EOcean Sciences and Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E and BHIC\u2019s 2025-26 Johnston Graduate Fellow in Coastal Sustainability, has been working with BHIC scientists on a salt marsh ecology project that examined how ribbed mussels and fiddler crabs influence the health of Bald Head Island\u2019s dominant salt marsh grass\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003ESpartina alterniflora\u003C\/em\u003E. These flora-fauna interactions serve as primary indicators of marsh health, so her research is important for understanding the resilience of Bald Head Island\u2019s salt marsh to environmental concerns such as sea-level rise and development.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThrough the BHIC-GT\u00b2 partnership, Georgia Tech student researchers who work with the Conservancy will also gain invaluable experience with local conservation efforts and community engagement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EG. Christopher Shank, Ph.D.\u003C\/strong\u003E, Executive Director of BHIC, commented:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe Bald Head Island Conservancy is thrilled about this opportunity to create a formal research partnership with Georgia Tech, one of the nation\u2019s most esteemed research universities. It is recognition of the quality of conservation studies we are currently pursuing at the Conservancy and it also augments the impact of our work for BHI and beyond because of the technological and data analysis talent that Georgia Tech for Georgia\u2019s Tomorrow will bring to this partnership.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy This Matters\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThis research fund and partnership represents an important step forward in strengthening connections between academic research and applied conservation institutions. Together, BHIC and GT\u00b2 aim to inform coastal management decisions, support resilience planning, engage students, and advance research that benefits coastal ecosystems and communities across the southeastern U.S.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELooking Ahead\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAdditional details about joint initiatives, research priorities, and collaborative opportunities will be shared in the coming months.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Bald Head Island Conservancy (BHIC) and Georgia Tech for Georgia\u2019s Tomorrow (GT\u00b2) are pleased to announce a formal research fund and partnership between BHIC\u2019s Johnston Center for Coastal Sustainability and the GT\u00b2 initiative.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Bald Head Island Conservancy and Georgia Tech for Georgia\u2019s Tomorrow are pleased to announce a formal research fund and partnership."}],"uid":"34528","created_gmt":"2026-04-23 21:00:49","changed_gmt":"2026-05-04 18:26:45","author":"jhunt7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-23T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-23T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680049":{"id":"680049","type":"image","title":"120259-bhiconservancy-b.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EVibrant \u0027Spartina alterniflora\u0027 salt marsh grass wraps the oxbow of a tidal waterway. (Credit: Bald Head Island Conservancy)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776978094","gmt_created":"2026-04-23 21:01:34","changed":"1776978094","gmt_changed":"2026-04-23 21:01:34","alt":"Vibrant \u0027Spartina alterniflora\u0027 salt marsh grass wraps the oxbow of a tidal waterway. (Credit: Bald Head Island Conservancy)","file":{"fid":"264283","name":"120259-bhiconservancy-b.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/23\/120259-bhiconservancy-b.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/23\/120259-bhiconservancy-b.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":164976,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/23\/120259-bhiconservancy-b.jpg?itok=XyoQqRZY"}}},"media_ids":["680049"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/georgias-tomorrow","title":"Georgia Tech for Georgia\u0027s Tomorrow"},{"url":"https:\/\/bhic.org\/","title":"Bald Head Island Conservancy (BHIC)"},{"url":"https:\/\/portcitydaily.com\/news-briefs\/2026\/04\/21\/bald-head-island-conservancy-announces-partnership-with-georgia-tech-for-coastal-resilience\/","title":"Port City Daily: Bald Head Island Conservancy announces partnership with Georgia Tech for coastal resilience"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wect.com\/2026\/04\/23\/bald-head-island-conservancy-georgia-tech-form-research-partnership\/","title":"WECT: Bald Head Island Conservancy, Georgia Tech form research partnership"}],"groups":[{"id":"244191","name":"Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems"},{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660398","name":"Sustainability Hub"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"195058","name":"Georgia\u0027s Tomorrow"},{"id":"194752","name":"transforming tomorrow"},{"id":"365","name":"Research"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJess Hunt-Ralston\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Communications\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences at Georgia Institute of Technology\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jess@cos.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ejess.hunt@cos.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChris Shank\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EExecutive Director\u003Cbr\u003EBald Head Island Conservancy\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shank@bhic.org\u0022\u003Eshank@bhic.org\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690109":{"#nid":"690109","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Just Say Hello ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJust saying hello to someone can make all the difference in the college experience. That\u2019s the message Lucas McCarty wants to pass on to the next generation of Yellow Jackets as he graduates with a master\u2019s degree in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/me.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Emechanical engineering\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe St. Louis, Missouri, native didn\u2019t know anyone on campus when he arrived as an undergraduate, but he knew that an introduction \u2014 be it in a lecture hall or at a campus event \u2014 could be the potential bridge between himself and a community ready to exchange new ideas and collaborate.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIntroduce yourself to the strangers you meet, because you never know. In a month, that stranger could be a teammate, and then a friend, and the next thing you know, you\u2019re shattering records and reshaping industries,\u201d he said. \u201cI couldn\u0027t imagine my college experience without the people I\u2019ve met this way.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFollowing his own advice, McCarty connected with a group that would create a new \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/robojackets.org\/teams\/battlebots\/\u0022\u003EBattleBots\u003C\/a\u003E team. That team, Anxieti, traveled the country and competed at three National Havoc Robot League world championships, becoming the first Tech team to qualify for the competition. As an undergraduate, he also participated in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/hytechracing.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EHyTech Racing\u003C\/a\u003E, Tech\u2019s student-run organization dedicated to furthering students\u0027 engineering experience through the development of Formula SAE electric vehicles.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdded to that, McCarty was a member of the Georgia Tech \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.campuslabs.com\/engage\/organization\/german-club\u0022\u003EGerman Club\u003C\/a\u003E for four years and served as the organization\u2019s president, establishing annual traditions like visits to local German restaurants and road trips to the German-themed town of Helen, Georgia.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETech\u2019s Collaborative Edge\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMcCarty says Tech\u0027s collaborative environment sets it apart from other institutions \u2014 both in terms of extracurricular and classroom activities.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEverything I\u2019ve achieved in my time at Tech would\u2019ve been impossible without the strong friendships and collaboration that we have here. While we are at a competitive school, students don\u2019t feel the need to push each other down. Instead, they kind of work together to raise everybody up, and that\u2019s something everyone can benefit from,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHelping others was at the root of McCarty\u0027s decision to come to Tech. His brother, Joshua, is wheelchair-bound due to cerebral palsy. Moved by his brother\u2019s situation \u2014 since the second grade \u2014 McCarty knew he wanted to become a mechanical engineer to make a difference. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u0027ve seen firsthand the impact core assistive technologies have on his life. His electric wheelchair gives him independence. We have a van with a ramp inside that allows us to transport the wheelchair. Without these things, every day would look completely different. Seeing the impact that engineering can have on somebody\u0027s life has pushed me to see what I can create, and my brother\u2019s perseverance and determination inspire me every day. He deals with unique challenges but never stops bringing light to others\u2019 lives,\u201d he said. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMcCarty applied and was accepted to many of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/09\/23\/georgia-tech-secures-multiple-no-1-rankings\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Etop 10 U.S. News \u0026amp; World Report engineering programs\u003C\/a\u003E. But he says it was the faculty, curriculum, and student resources, like the campus makerspaces and student organization offerings, that set Tech apart. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOftentimes in a lecture, there\u2019s a topic that a professor is teaching that\u0027s a mind-blowing, highly specialized topic, and they\u2019ll casually mention that they invented this 20 years ago. I think that\u2019s one of the special things about Tech. We have an unmatched innovative culture here, and there are always breakthroughs happening at this place where we get to work and spend our days,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince his second year as an undergraduate, McCarty has interned at Siemens. After Commencement, he will be a full-time engineer in their research and development department, working on new products for distributed energy resource management to improve grid reliability and the incorporation of renewable energy sources into homes and buildings.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMcCarty starts his full-time role the Monday after Commencement, but in the fall, he\u2019ll take a delayed celebratory trip to Greece and Italy. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Mechanical engineering graduate Lucas McCarty found that collaboration at Georgia Tech begins with a simple introduction. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMechanical engineering graduate Lucas McCarty found that collaboration at Georgia Tech begins with a simple introduction.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Mechanical engineering graduate Lucas McCarty found that collaboration at Georgia Tech begins with a simple introduction. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-05-01 20:03:13","changed_gmt":"2026-05-04 16:29:32","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-05-01T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-05-01T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680144":{"id":"680144","type":"image","title":"McCarty-Thumbnail.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELucas McCarty and his team on \u0027EV and the Grid\u0027 race day with Buzz. Submitted photo.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1777666347","gmt_created":"2026-05-01 20:12:27","changed":"1777666347","gmt_changed":"2026-05-01 20:12:27","alt":"Lucas McCarty","file":{"fid":"264385","name":"McCarty-Thumbnail.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/01\/McCarty-Thumbnail.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/01\/McCarty-Thumbnail.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":6211791,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/01\/McCarty-Thumbnail.jpeg?itok=6dYgmxYm"}}},"media_ids":["680144"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu","title":"Spring Commencement Information "}],"groups":[{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"108731","name":"School of Mechanical Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"}],"keywords":[{"id":"167101","name":"Spring Commencement"},{"id":"193483","name":"Engineering, graduate students"},{"id":"190256","name":"G.W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:Steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"672567":{"#nid":"672567","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Can Solar Geoengineering Save the World? ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe concept of solar geoengineering \u2014 blocking the sun\u0027s radiation to slow Earth\u0027s warming \u2014 is no longer just the realm of science fiction. In 2023, the U.S. government and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.unep.org\/news-and-stories\/story\/new-report-explores-issues-around-solar-radiation-modification\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EUN\u003C\/a\u003E released reports on the topic. Whether or not solar geoengineering can save the world is up for debate, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.anthonyharding.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ETony Harding\u003C\/a\u003E, an assistant professor in the School of Public Policy, is contributing to the conversation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHarding is an alumnus of the School of Economics and returned to Georgia Tech after a postdoc at Harvard University. He studies the impact of innovative technology on climate change policy and governance, focusing on solar geoengineering. In the eight years he\u0027s been researching it, Harding said it\u0027s the scale of the conversation that\u0027s changed the most: not what the researchers are speaking about, but who they\u0027re speaking to.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022A lot of people in the climate policy and academic realms were hesitant to talk about solar geoengineering, and I think that\u2019s starting to change,\u0022 Harding said. \u0022There\u0027s definitely wider acceptance of at least talking about it, and in that way, pathways to having spaces to talk about it and research funds are opening up.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs the idea of solar geoengineering picks up steam, Harding invites everyone to join the conversation, starting with learning about what it is, how it works, and whether or not this once-niche proposition really can save the world.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat is Solar Geoengineering?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe most commonly proposed method of solar geoengineering, which also goes by names such as solar radiation modification or climate intervention, uses sulfate aerosols. When injected into the Earth\u0027s stratosphere, they reflect a small amount of the sun\u0027s radiation \u2014 less than 1% \u2014 and reduce Earth\u0027s surface temperature. This option is the most popular, and the one Harding studies, because we have natural examples, he explained. Volcanoes release sulfates when they erupt, and the largest ones are strong enough to push them into the stratosphere.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022So we have evidence from the past that if sulfate aerosols make it up to the stratosphere, there\u0027s a cooling effect,\u0022 he said. \u0022This natural analog gives us a bit more belief that it\u0027s going to work at least in some of the ways we expect it to in the real world and not just on a computer.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe other two types of solar geoengineering researchers consider most seriously are marine cloud brightening to reflect incoming sunlight and Cirrus cloud thinning to let light escape more easily. Each one has pros and cons. For example, marine cloud brightening would only occur over the deepest and darkest parts of the ocean, Harding said, \u0022which would have a non-uniform cooling effect and could lead to certain adverse outcomes. \u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStratospheric aerosol injection has a more uniform distribution and cooling effect that better mimics the warming we\u0027re experiencing. However, it comes with its own concerns, one of which is that the cooling isn\u0027t permanent.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022If something happened to stop the deployment of the aerosols, whether it was for political or technological reasons, we would bounce right back and experience a rapid heating that we\u0027ve never experienced before, and could have catastrophic impacts,\u0022 Harding said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat are the Costs and Benefits of Solar Geoengineering?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis question is where Harding\u0027s research makes the most impact. As an economist, he examines the costs and benefits of solar geoengineering to highlight the tradeoffs involved. Harding has published articles on how solar geoengineering could \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/oxrep\/grad044\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eimpact other climate change mitigation policies\u003C\/a\u003E, how it \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-019-13957-x\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eaffects income inequality\u003C\/a\u003E, and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14693062.2022.2091509\u0022\u003Evalue of reducing uncertainty around solar geoengineering\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Making it clear what the different tradeoffs are around climate policies is super important for informing decision-making,\u0022 he said. \u0022On one side, we have these really, at their core, basic scientific questions around whether solar geoengineering will work and if it can scale up. But it\u0027s also an interesting question from a governance and economics perspective. Solar geoengineering has global repercussions, the decision will affect the entire world. How do we develop governance structures, conversations, and inclusivity to ensure we\u0027re making a choice for the collective good?\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, one of the downsides of using sulfate aerosols for solar geoengineering is negative health effects. But it also has the benefit of preventing temperature-related deaths. So, how do they compare? Harding\u0027s recently submitted paper, which is not yet peer-reviewed, finds that the benefits of reduced deaths outweigh the adverse health effects of solar geoengineering \u0022by at least an order of magnitude \u2014 if not two orders of magnitude,\u0022 he said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHarding notes that a more comprehensive comparison of risks and benefits is still required, but in the context of the two health impacts he examined, \u201cYes, it\u2019s a concern, and something we should consider, but we need to put it in perspective that the benefits are significantly greater than that negative effect.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhy is Solar Geoengineering Controversial?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUncertain health outcomes? Check. What else makes solar geoengineering so controversial that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.solargeoeng.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Esome academics want a ban\u003C\/a\u003E on public funding, experiments, patents, deployment, and support for the technology in international institutions?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere is a running theme in climate conversations that discussing adaptation policies reduces the focus on cutting emissions, Harding said, and the concerns around solar geoengineering are the same: not just that it will pull research funds from mitigation efforts, but that it will pull attention from dealing with the source of the warming as well. (His 2023 paper \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/oxrep\/grad044\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eexamines this problem.\u003C\/a\u003E)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlthough he disagrees, others believe that researching solar geoengineering also makes it more likely that we deploy it, Harding explained. So, for those against the technology, disrupting research efforts to prevent the idea from moving further makes sense.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat\u0027s Next?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs with any unfamiliar and emerging technology, questions arise, such as, will this go horribly wrong and destroy the planet? Or, will it be the solution to all of our problems?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Putting my realistic hat on, it\u0027s probably somewhere in between,\u0022 Harding said. \u0022It\u0027s always hard to predict the future, but I can propose what I think is a realistic hope for where it can go.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHarding anticipates more research and is hopeful for continued discourse between academics and the public.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022The first and most important thing to do is make people aware of this technology and educate them about it,\u0022 Harding said. \u0022We have to understand how general people, outside of policymakers, feel about it \u2014 because that matters a lot.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe also wants to see more serious international policy discussions around governing solar geoengineering to prevent a situation where one person or country deploys it independently. Whether it\u0027s a moratorium on its use or another agreement, international guidelines would help legitimize research without fears of a rogue actor, he explained.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EFinal Takeaway\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo package it all up into a neat little tagline, \u0022Solar geoengineering is a really new technology that could alleviate a lot of suffering in the case of climate change. But there\u0027s a lot of uncertainty, and it needs a lot more attention to quell any concerns about catastrophe,\u0022 Harding said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022The most salient concern is that we put a lot of faith in solar geoengineering, invest a lot of resources, and slow down emissions cuts because we think we have a silver bullet. And then we get to 2080 and realize it doesn\u0027t work as expected. That\u0027s a very real concern. But the one that receives less attention is if we put solar geoengineering aside and don\u0027t spend the resources investigating it. Then we get to 2080 and realize, \u0027Wow, this technology could have worked and relieved a lot of suffering.\u0027 I think it\u0027s important to understand the flip side of that.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs the idea of solar geoengineering picks up steam, Tony Harding, an assistant professor in the School of Public Policy, invites everyone to join the conversation \u2014 starting with learning about what it is, how it works, and whether or not this once-niche proposition really can save the world.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"As the idea of solar geoengineering picks up steam, Harding invites everyone to join the conversation, starting with learning about what it is, how it works, and whether or not this once-niche proposition really can save the world."}],"uid":"35766","created_gmt":"2024-01-30 17:14:10","changed_gmt":"2026-05-04 14:57:10","author":"dminardi3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2024-01-30T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2024-01-30T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677505":{"id":"677505","type":"image","title":"Untitled-design--69-.jpg","body":null,"created":"1753726615","gmt_created":"2025-07-28 18:16:55","changed":"1753726615","gmt_changed":"2025-07-28 18:16:55","alt":"Sun in blue sky","file":{"fid":"261411","name":"Untitled-design--69-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/07\/28\/Untitled-design--69-.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/07\/28\/Untitled-design--69-.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":84505,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/07\/28\/Untitled-design--69-.jpg?itok=xRCf6wv5"}}},"media_ids":["677505"],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1289","name":"School of Public Policy"}],"categories":[{"id":"154","name":"Environment"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:dminardi3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EDi Minardi\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["dminardi3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690057":{"#nid":"690057","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Hyundai Motor Group, Georgia Tech Sign MOU on Hydrogen Mobility Development ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EHyundai Motor Group and the Georgia Institute of Technology have announced an expansion of their growing collaboration to advance hydrogen-powered transportation, deepen applied research and education, and accelerate the use of zero-emissions vehicles in Georgia.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBuilding upon a multifaceted relationship, the two are bringing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and fueling infrastructure to campus \u2014 turning Georgia Tech into one of the nation\u2019s most prominent campus-based examples for hydrogen mobility.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHyundai Motor Group is proud to strengthen our collaboration with Georgia Tech as we work together to accelerate the future of clean mobility. Georgia Tech\u2019s leadership in innovation and its commitment to developing the next generation of problem-solvers make it a natural partner in advancing technologies,\u201d said Ken Ram\u00edrez, executive vice president and head of Global Energy and Hydrogen Business at Hyundai Motor Group. \u201cBy combining the university\u2019s excellent research with Hyundai\u2019s global experience, we are creating the foundation for real-world solutions that will help drive the energy transition and inspire future mobility leaders.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERam\u00edrez is also a 1991 Georgia Tech graduate and a member of the Georgia Tech Advisory Board.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s very fulfilling to donate a handful of our NEXO fuel cell SUVs as part of our expanding relationship with Georgia Tech. Hydrogen-powered NEXO fuel cell vehicles will immediately serve to expand the clean mobility footprint on campus while providing real-world experiences with the cutting edge of zero-emissions transportation technology,\u201d\u0026nbsp;said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech has a long history of working with industry to move breakthrough technologies from the lab into the real world. By expanding our work with Hyundai, we\u2019re advancing hydrogen research, reducing emissions on our campus, and strengthening Georgia\u2019s role in the future of clean mobility,\u0022 Georgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow the Partnership Drives Hydrogen Innovation and Research\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe partnership includes the\u0026nbsp;donation of four Hyundai NEXO fuel cell electric SUVs by Hyundai Motor North America\u0026nbsp;and a\u0026nbsp;hydrogen electrolyzer project, which will be installed at Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;North Avenue Research Area, positioning Tech as one of the most visible real-world test beds for hydrogen mobility in the U.S.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe vehicles and infrastructure will support campus operations and interdisciplinary research. Key areas of focus include:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEngineering\u003C\/strong\u003E: Exploring hydrogen-based systems and mobility solutions.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESustainability\u003C\/strong\u003E: Assessing the environmental benefits of hydrogen technologies.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEnergy systems\u003C\/strong\u003E: Understanding the integration of hydrogen fuel cells into current infrastructure.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPublic policy\u003C\/strong\u003E: Evaluating the regulatory and social implications of hydrogen adoption.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis initiative connects Georgia Tech\u2019s research enterprise with campus operations, using the Institute as a living laboratory for clean transportation technologies. Faculty and students will study:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EReal-world performance of hydrogen technology.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EInfrastructure requirements for large-scale deployment.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEnvironmental impacts of hydrogen energy systems.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInsights gathered from this initiative aim to inform and accelerate the widespread use of hydrogen technology in campuses, fleets, cities, and freight corridors. The initiative also supports Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/strategicplan.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Estrategic plan\u003C\/a\u003E, which includes the goal of expanding the use of zero-emissions vehicles powered by sustainable energy sources.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Is the Partnership with Georgia Tech Key to Hyundai Motor Group\u2019s Vision?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe collaboration between Hyundai and Georgia Tech is a testament to the power of aligning academic expertise with corporate innovation. Beyond hydrogen energy, the partnership seeks to advance innovation in the areas of:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAutonomous driving\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EElectric vehicle (EV) batteries\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECharging infrastructure\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMaterials science\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECybersecurity\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition, Hyundai\u2019s presence in Georgia underscores its commitment to the region. Georgia is home to the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America and also serves as a hub for zero-emissions transportation through HTWO Logistics, a clean logistics partnership that operates Hyundai XCIENT fuel cell heavy-duty trucks in logistics operations near Savannah. The collaboration with Georgia Tech builds on this regional foundation, reinforcing the link between education, research, and Hyundai\u0027s long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat\u2019s Next for the Partnership?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe partnership between Hyundai and Georgia Tech represents more than an investment in research. It\u2019s a shared effort to lead the next generation of mobility advancements. Additional announcements about the partnership\u2019s research projects, educational programs, and vehicle deployment are expected in the coming months.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EGeorgia Tech has entered into a multiyear partnership with Hyundai Motor Group to advance hydrogen mobility solutions on campus, expanding research, education, and real-world application of zero-emissions transportation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech has entered into a multiyear partnership with Hyundai Motor Group to advance hydrogen mobility solutions on campus, expanding research, education, and real-world application of zero-emissions transportation. "}],"uid":"35797","created_gmt":"2026-04-29 18:54:35","changed_gmt":"2026-04-30 13:43:04","author":"Siobhan Rodriguez","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-29T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-29T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680125":{"id":"680125","type":"image","title":"\u00c1ngel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech, and Ken Ram\u00edrez, executive vice president and head of Global Energy and Hydrogen Business at Hyundai Motor Group","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u00c1ngel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech, and Ken Ram\u00edrez, executive vice president and head of Global Energy and Hydrogen Business at Hyundai Motor Group, commemorate MOU to further collaborate on hydrogen mobility development.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1777556386","gmt_created":"2026-04-30 13:39:46","changed":"1777556386","gmt_changed":"2026-04-30 13:39:46","alt":"\u00c1ngel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech, and Ken Ram\u00edrez, executive vice president and head of Global Energy and Hydrogen Business at Hyundai Motor Group","file":{"fid":"264365","name":"-Photo-2--HMG-and-GT-sign-MOU-to-Further-Collaborate-on-Hydrogen-Mobility-Development.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/30\/-Photo-2--HMG-and-GT-sign-MOU-to-Further-Collaborate-on-Hydrogen-Mobility-Development.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/30\/-Photo-2--HMG-and-GT-sign-MOU-to-Further-Collaborate-on-Hydrogen-Mobility-Development.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3627344,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/30\/-Photo-2--HMG-and-GT-sign-MOU-to-Further-Collaborate-on-Hydrogen-Mobility-Development.jpg?itok=oogQA24U"}},"680112":{"id":"680112","type":"image","title":"-Photo-3--HMG-and-GT-sign-MOU-to-Further-Collaborate-on-Hydrogen-Mobility-Development.jpg","body":null,"created":"1777489041","gmt_created":"2026-04-29 18:57:21","changed":"1777489041","gmt_changed":"2026-04-29 18:57:21","alt":"Image of Hyundai solar vehicles","file":{"fid":"264351","name":"-Photo-3--HMG-and-GT-sign-MOU-to-Further-Collaborate-on-Hydrogen-Mobility-Development.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/29\/-Photo-3--HMG-and-GT-sign-MOU-to-Further-Collaborate-on-Hydrogen-Mobility-Development.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/29\/-Photo-3--HMG-and-GT-sign-MOU-to-Further-Collaborate-on-Hydrogen-Mobility-Development.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1491306,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/29\/-Photo-3--HMG-and-GT-sign-MOU-to-Further-Collaborate-on-Hydrogen-Mobility-Development.jpg?itok=pyPah714"}},"680126":{"id":"680126","type":"image","title":"Georgia Tech and Hyundai Motor Group leaders at MOU signing","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech and Hyundai Motor Group leaders at MOU signing.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1777556502","gmt_created":"2026-04-30 13:41:42","changed":"1777556502","gmt_changed":"2026-04-30 13:41:42","alt":"Georgia Tech and Hyundai Motor Group leaders","file":{"fid":"264366","name":"-Photo-1--HMG-and-GT-sign-MOU-to-Further-Collaborate-on-Hydrogen-Mobility-Development.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/30\/-Photo-1--HMG-and-GT-sign-MOU-to-Further-Collaborate-on-Hydrogen-Mobility-Development.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/30\/-Photo-1--HMG-and-GT-sign-MOU-to-Further-Collaborate-on-Hydrogen-Mobility-Development.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3233894,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/30\/-Photo-1--HMG-and-GT-sign-MOU-to-Further-Collaborate-on-Hydrogen-Mobility-Development.jpg?itok=BH8UZzpo"}}},"media_ids":["680125","680112","680126"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"194609","name":"Industry"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"194836","name":"Sustainability"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech Media Relations\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:media@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Emedia@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690058":{"#nid":"690058","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Esports Lounge Offers Free Games to Build Community ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou hear a lot of chatter in the Campus Recreation Center (CRC) \u2014 \u201cAll the weight machines are full!\u201d \u201cWhere is the swimming pool?\u201d \u201cI exceeded my one-rep max today!\u201d \u2014 but one sentence you don\u2019t expect to hear is, \u201cDo you want to go play video games?\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Esports and Gaming Lounge recently opened its doors after several months of construction and has been met with great enthusiasm from gamers and newcomers alike. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe facility is outfitted with 22 Alienware computers for CRC members to use. Each computer has a time limit of two and a half hours per person, and it resets every five hours. Through GGCircut, users have access to a wide variety of games that update automatically. Some of the most popular games include \u003Cem\u003EMarvel Rivals\u003C\/em\u003E, \u003Cem\u003ERainbow Six Siege\u003C\/em\u003E, and \u003Cem\u003EMinecraft\u003C\/em\u003E. There are also two console stations, each with a PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series S \u2014 games included. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI think there\u2019s been a little bit of amazement that we were going to pull something like this off,\u201d said Brian Smith, senior director of Campus Recreation, who spearheaded much of the project. \u201cThere\u0027s been a lot of joy from students\u0027 faces, and a lot of excitement. I think people love the idea of having a place to come in and do something they have a passion for and enjoy.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring the lounge\u2019s construction, Smith made it a priority to seek out student perspectives. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cStudents needed it,\u201d he said, \u201cStudents wanted it, and we had the right leadership in place to make it all happen. I\u0027m really proud of the students who have stepped up to want to be in the space and want to run the space, and for us to have the opportunity to create it for them.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost pivotal to the project was \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatechesports.com\/home\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Esports\u003C\/a\u003E, a student-run club that participates in a variety of collegiate esports competitions. Members provided key insights into the kind of equipment the lounge needed and will be the main users of the broadcasting and competition rooms. The competition room will be used for future esports events and has 12 Alienware Area 51 computers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhat I think a lot of people don\u0027t understand about the esports and gaming industries is that they rely on each other in more ways than is intuitive,\u201d said D.J. Fratt, president of Georgia Tech Esports. \u201cWhile I consulted on several design aspects for the space as a whole, I actually advocated on the esports side of things for a casual space to be included and accessible with a project like this; that advocacy existed long before our discussions with the CRC.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile the esports lounge is still booting up, the future of the space is bright.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFor me,\u201d Smith said, \u201cit\u0027s an opportunity to engage with students who maybe wouldn\u0027t come into the CRC, and then also introduce them to all the things that we have going on.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech Esports is particularly excited about the benefits to the campus community, and \u201ccontinuing to find collaborations between the esports organization and other on-campus entities, especially those that help develop students\u0027 professional skills or highlight Georgia Tech\u0027s focus on innovation,\u201d Fratt said. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom experienced competitors to fledgling gamers, the Esports and Gaming Lounge provides a space for experimentation and free creative expression \u2014 plus, most importantly, fun. The lounge is open Monday through Thursday, 3 \u2013 9 p.m.; Friday, 3 \u2013 8 p.m.; and Saturday, noon \u2013 6 p.m. It is closed on Sunday.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"The new lounge at the Campus Recreation Center gives gamers a place on campus to call their own. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe new lounge at the Campus Recreation Center gives gamers a place on campus to call their own.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The new lounge at the Campus Recreation Center gives gamers a place on campus to call their own. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-04-29 19:47:43","changed_gmt":"2026-04-29 19:54:19","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-29T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-29T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680114":{"id":"680114","type":"image","title":"Students in esports lounge","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Esports and Gaming Lounge at the Campus Recreation Center. Photo by Joya Chapman.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1777492151","gmt_created":"2026-04-29 19:49:11","changed":"1777492151","gmt_changed":"2026-04-29 19:49:11","alt":"Students in esports lounge","file":{"fid":"264354","name":"26-R10410-P113-003.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/29\/26-R10410-P113-003.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/29\/26-R10410-P113-003.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1851740,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/29\/26-R10410-P113-003.jpeg?itok=hJYDfhUK"}}},"media_ids":["680114"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"42891","name":"Georgia Tech Arts"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"95781","name":"esports"},{"id":"2449","name":"video games"},{"id":"4523","name":"Campus Recreation Center"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:stucomm@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EEllie Jenkins\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689587":{"#nid":"689587","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Researchers Use Statistics and Math to Understand How The Brain Works","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENothing rivals the human brain\u2019s complexity. Its 86 billion neurons and 85 billion other cells make an estimated 100 trillion connections. If the brain were a computer, it would perform an exaflop (a billion-billion) mathematical calculations every second and use the equivalent of only 20 watts of power. As impressive as the brain is, neurologists can\u2019t fully explain how neurons work together.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo help find answers, researchers at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EInstitute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society\u003C\/a\u003E (INNS) are using math, data, and AI to unlock the secrets of thought. Together they are helping turn the brain\u2019s raw electrical \u201cnoise\u201d into real insights about how people think, move, and perceive the world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFair warning: Prepare your neurons for the complexity of this brain research ahead.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EBuilding AI Like a Brain\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat if artificial neurons in AI programs were arranged as they are in the brain?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI programs would then help us understand why the brain is organized the way it is. This neuro-AI synthesis would also work faster, use less energy, and be easier to interpret. Creating such systems is the goal of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/psychology.gatech.edu\/people\/apurva-ratan-murty\u0022\u003EApurva Ratan Murty\u003C\/a\u003E, an assistant professor of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/psychology.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EPsychology\u003C\/a\u003E who is creating topographic AI models like the one above of three domains \u2014 vision, audition, and language inspired by the brain. In the near future, he predicts doctors might be able to use these patterns to predict the effects of brain lesions and other disorders. \u201cWe\u2019re not there yet,\u201d he says. \u201cBut our work brings us significantly closer to that future than ever before.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EComputing Thought and Movement\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHow cats walk keeps \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/5354\u0022\u003EChethan Pandarinath\u003C\/a\u003E on his toes. This biomedical engineer uses sensors to analyze how two sets of feline leg muscles \u2014 flexors and extensors \u2014 are controlled by the spinal cord. Understanding how that happens could help patients partially paralyzed from spinal cord injuries, strokes, or progressive neuro-degenerative diseases get back on their feet again. \u201cMy lab is using AI tools that allow us to turn complex spinal cord activity data into something we can interpret. It tells us there\u2019s a simple underlying structure behind the complex activity patterns,\u201d says the associate professor.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003ERevealing the Brain\u2019s Spike Patterns\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe brain is like a symphony conductor,\u201d says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/3736\u0022\u003ESimon Sponberg\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cIndividual instruments have some independent control, but most of the music comes from the brain\u2019s precise coordination of notes among the different players in the body.\u201d This \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Ephysics\u003C\/a\u003E professor studies the fantastically fast-beating wings of the hummingbird-sized hawk moth (Manduca sexta). Its agile flight movement comes as a result of spikes in electrical activity in 10 muscles. Sponberg found something that surprised him \u2014 the brain focuses less on creating the number of spikes than in orchestrating their precise patterns over time. To Sponberg, every millisecond matters. \u201cWe are just beginning to understand how the nervous system first acquires precisely timed spiking patterns during development,\u201d he says.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EPredicting Decisions Through Statistics\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPut a mouse in a maze with food far away, and it will learn to find it. But life for mice \u2014 and people \u2014 isn\u2019t so simple. Sometimes they want to explore, only want water, or just want to go home. What\u2019s more, animals make decisions based on their history, not just on how they feel at the moment. To dig deeper into the decision-making process, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/18557\u0022\u003EAnqi Wu\u003C\/a\u003E, an assistant professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cse.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Computational Science and Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, is giving mice more options. By using a new computational framework called SWIRL (Switching Inverse Reinforcement Learning), her findings have outperformed models that fail to take historical behavior into account. \u201cWe\u2019re seeking to understand not only animal behavior but also human behavior to gain insight into the human decision-making process over a long period of time,\u201d she says.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EModeling the Mind\u2019s Wiring With Math\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EConnectivity shapes cognition in the cerebral cortex, a layered structure in the brain. The visual cortex, in particular, processes visual data from the retina relayed through the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN) in the thalamus, and directs it to the correct cognitive domain in the brain. How it does this is the mystery that computational neuroscientist \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/13005\u0022\u003EHannah Choi\u003C\/a\u003E wants to solve. \u201cThe big question I\u2019m interested in is how network connectivity patterns in the architecture of the LGN are related to computations,\u201d says this assistant \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/math.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Emath\u003C\/a\u003E professor. To find answers, she shows mice repeated image patterns such as flower-cat-dog-house and then disrupts the pattern. The goal? To grasp how the thalamus\u2019s nonlinear dynamical system works. If scientists and doctors better understand how brain regions are wired together, such knowledge could lead to better disease treatment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis story was originally published through the Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine. Read the original publication \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gtalumni.org\/news\/2026\/georgia-tech-researchers-use-statistics-and-math-to-understand-how-the-brain-works.html\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Ehere\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResearchers at Georgia Tech are using math, science, and artificial intelligence to better understand how people think, move, and perceive the world.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers at Georgia Tech are using math, science, and artificial intelligence to better understand how people think, move, and perceive the world."}],"uid":"35575","created_gmt":"2026-04-09 14:51:00","changed_gmt":"2026-04-29 19:29:24","author":"adavidson38","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679908":{"id":"679908","type":"image","title":"AdobeStock_506880018.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at Georgia Tech are using math, science, and artificial intelligence to better understand how people think, move, and perceive the world.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775747910","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 15:18:30","changed":"1775747910","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 15:18:30","alt":"Digital illustration of a human brain split down the middle: the left side is filled with white mathematical equations, diagrams, and formulas, while the right side is surrounded by colorful, flowing lines and abstract wave patterns against a dark blue background.","file":{"fid":"264129","name":"AdobeStock_506880018.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/AdobeStock_506880018.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/AdobeStock_506880018.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":11158535,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/AdobeStock_506880018.jpeg?itok=smMzQtFc"}},"679903":{"id":"679903","type":"image","title":"Brain-Data-New-480x3301.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECaption:\u0026nbsp;This image shows a topographic vision model trained to have a brain-like organization.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775746394","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 14:53:14","changed":"1775746394","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 14:53:14","alt":"Three layered, abstract heat\u2011map style grids in shades of blue, red, and beige, stacked to resemble data layers or visualization panels.","file":{"fid":"264124","name":"Brain-Data-New-480x3301.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/Brain-Data-New-480x3301.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/Brain-Data-New-480x3301.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":53268,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/Brain-Data-New-480x3301.jpg?itok=vNYzcaPf"}},"679904":{"id":"679904","type":"image","title":"Chethan-480x330.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECaption:\u0026nbsp;This shows how spinal cord activity guides transitions in muscle output for extensor muscles.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775746465","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 14:54:25","changed":"1775746465","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 14:54:25","alt":"Two side\u2011by\u2011side scientific diagrams labeled Cat 1 and Cat 2 showing clusters of colored data points and curved gray lines representing muscle\u2011activity patterns during movement. Each diagram includes blue, green, and yellow point clusters and marked \u2018extensor onset\u2019 and \u2018extensor offset\u2019 angles.","file":{"fid":"264125","name":"Chethan-480x330.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/Chethan-480x330.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/Chethan-480x330.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":67950,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/Chethan-480x330.jpg?itok=RaB1s5Rq"}},"679906":{"id":"679906","type":"image","title":"new_figure-480x330.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECaption: This shows how mice behave differently when they are pursuing different goals.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775746563","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 14:56:03","changed":"1775746563","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 14:56:03","alt":"Three maze-like diagrams labeled \u2018water,\u2019 \u2018home,\u2019 and \u2018explore,\u2019 each showing colored paths representing an animal\u2019s movement through the maze. The paths shift from dark purple at the start to bright yellow at the end, indicating progression over time according to the color scale on the right","file":{"fid":"264127","name":"new_figure-480x330.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/new_figure-480x330.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/new_figure-480x330.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":103865,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/new_figure-480x330.jpg?itok=wezz9ZzE"}},"679905":{"id":"679905","type":"image","title":"Brain-Data-Sponberg-480x330.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECaption:\u0026nbsp;This shows the spike patterns of a hawk moth. Motor systems use spike codes to control motor output.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775746508","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 14:55:08","changed":"1775746508","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 14:55:08","alt":"Diagram showing a hawk moth in the center surrounded by twelve circular charts. Each chart displays proportional black and blue segments representing spike count and spike timing data for left and right muscle groups. A legend explains the colors, and text below notes that the values show mutual information estimates for 10 muscles across seven moths","file":{"fid":"264126","name":"Brain-Data-Sponberg-480x330.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/Brain-Data-Sponberg-480x330.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/Brain-Data-Sponberg-480x330.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":81244,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/Brain-Data-Sponberg-480x330.jpg?itok=l_G56joM"}},"679907":{"id":"679907","type":"image","title":"GaTech_Brain-Data_Hannanh-Choi_480x330.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECaption:\u0026nbsp;This shows how visual data from the retina is directed to the correct cognitive domain in the brain through a region of the visual cortex.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775746605","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 14:56:45","changed":"1775746605","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 14:56:45","alt":"Diagram showing neural connectivity between cortical layers in regions labeled V1 and LM. Arrows connect circular nodes representing layers L2\/3, L4, and L5, with green and orange arrows indicating directional pathways. A magnified inset on the right illustrates a simplified microcircuit with shapes labeled Pyr, Sst, and Vip connected by colored arrows.","file":{"fid":"264128","name":"GaTech_Brain-Data_Hannanh-Choi_480x330.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/GaTech_Brain-Data_Hannanh-Choi_480x330.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/GaTech_Brain-Data_Hannanh-Choi_480x330.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":51645,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/GaTech_Brain-Data_Hannanh-Choi_480x330.jpg?itok=MfeiKQbd"}}},"media_ids":["679908","679903","679904","679906","679905","679907"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/georgia-tech-uses-computing-and-engineering-methods-shift-neuroscience-paradigms","title":"Georgia Tech Uses Computing and Engineering Methods to Shift Neuroscience Paradigms"},{"url":"https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/head-toe-georgia-tech-researchers-treat-entire-human-body-through-neuroscience-research","title":"Head to Toe: Georgia Tech Researchers Treat the Entire Human Body Through Neuroscience Research"},{"url":"https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/better-brain-machine-interfaces-could-allow-paralyzed-communicate-again","title":"Better Brain-Machine Interfaces Could Allow the Paralyzed to Communicate Again"}],"groups":[{"id":"66220","name":"Neuro"},{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"172970","name":"go-neuro"},{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"173647","name":"_for_math_site_"},{"id":"193733","name":"_for_math_site_manual_feed_"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193656","name":"Neuro Next Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWriter:\u003C\/strong\u003E George Spencer\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENews and Media Contact:\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:audra.davidson@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAudra Davidson\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["audra.davidson@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689731":{"#nid":"689731","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Student Excellence Celebrated at Honors Event","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs the academic year nears its end, a season of celebration begins. Several students were recognized for excellence this year at the annual \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/specialevents.gatech.edu\/events\/student-honors\u0022\u003EStudent Honors Celebration\u003C\/a\u003E on Thursday, April 23.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe following students were recognized at this year\u0027s event:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003ECollege of Computing\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDonald V. Jackson Fellowship\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAndrew Flaherty, Grace Kim, Sri Ranganathan Palaniappan\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMarshall D. Williamson Fellowship\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAnsel Erol, Madison Steinau, Ethan Yang\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOutstanding Graduate Head Teaching Assistant Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EGhazal Mirzazadeh\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOutstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ENawal Reza\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOutstanding Undergraduate Head Teaching Assistant Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EElias Lind\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOutstanding Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EJoseph Thomas\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAcademic Excellence Award for Graduating Students \u2013 Economics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ENidhi Reddy\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAcademic Excellence Award for Graduating Students \u2013 History and Sociology\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECate Gemmell\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAcademic Excellence Award for Graduating Students \u2013 International Affairs\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EIris Allgrove\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAcademic Excellence Award for Graduating Students \u2013 Literature, Media, and Communication\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESanika Tank\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAcademic Excellence Award for Graduating Students \u2013 Modern Languages\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWesley Lanter\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAcademic Excellence Award for Graduating Students \u2013 Public Policy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAlison Eltz\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003ECollege of Design\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Ch4\u003ESchool of Architecture\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAIA Medal for Academic Excellence\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EElisabeth Walker\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlpha Rho Chi Medal\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ENour Khalifa\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003ESchool of City and Regional Planning\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAICP Outstanding Student Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ENick Albrinck\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003ESchool of Industrial Design\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIndustrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) Student Merit Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEbube Maduka-Ugwu (Graduate), Adam Saint-Jacques (Undergraduate)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EScheller College of Business\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDow Chemical-P.C. McCutcheon Prize for Outstanding Student Achievement in Business\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EJohn \u201cRyan\u201d Halligan\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJennifer R. and Charles B. Rewis Award for Student Excellence in Accounting\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EJorge Castaneda Perez, Mallory Maples\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJohn R. Battle Award for Student Excellence\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EVictor Huang, Kai Lewis\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Quarter Century Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESophia Buettner, Daniel Lamprea, Rowan Ray, Claire Riggs\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe School of Chemistry and Biochemistry Arduengo Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EArya Akbarshahi, Ryan Wiebold\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe School of Psychology Moll Davenport Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EKate Cole\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMetha Phingbodhipakkiya Memorial Scholarship\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ENick Elidor\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA. Joyce Nickelson and John C. 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Jain Outstanding Research Award in Biomedical Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESaif Khan\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EChemical and Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChair\u2019s Award \u2014 Outstanding Chemical and Biomolecular Junior\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EHannah Reynolds\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChair\u2019s Award \u2014 Outstanding Chemical and Biomolecular Senior\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ERohan Datta\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003ECivil and Environmental Engineering\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuck Stith Outstanding Junior Award in Civil Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EJuliette Bolte\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuck Stith Outstanding Junior Award in Environmental Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESarah Moreno Amezquita\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuck Stith Outstanding Senior Award in Civil and Environmental Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EPhoebe Ellis\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool Chair\u2019s Outstanding Senior Award in Civil Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESean Kirby\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool Chair\u2019s Outstanding Senior Award in Environmental Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EBahar Banihashemi\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EElectrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EComputer Engineering Undergraduate Research Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAparupa Brahma\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EElectrical Engineering Undergraduate Research Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECarlton Cort\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOutstanding Computer Engineering Senior Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAparupa Brahma\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOutstanding Electrical Engineering Senior Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECarlton Cort\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EIndustrial and Systems Engineering\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlpha Pi Mu Academic Excellence Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EYubin Kim\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEvelyn Pennington Outstanding Service Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EPhong Nguyen\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInstitute of Industrial and Systems Engineers Excellence in Leadership Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESujan Ganesh Kumar\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMaterials Science and Engineering\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPolymer, Fiber, and Textile Materials (AATCC) Distinguished Senior Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EVikas Muralidharan\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Materials Science and Engineering Outstanding Senior Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EJeremy Knight, Marissa Reichelscheimer\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMechanical Engineering\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering Outstanding Scholar Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAleksandar Bo\u0161kovi\u0107\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering School Chair\u2019s Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EVijay Sreenivasan\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERichard K. Whitehead Jr. Memorial Awards\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EOwen Gil, Massimiliano Iaschi, Aastha Singh, Olivia Trask, Tarun Vinodkumar\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003ENuclear and Radiological Engineering\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering Chair\u2019s Award in Nuclear and Radiological Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EColin Gold\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003ECollege-Wide Awards\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollege of Engineering Honors Day Awards\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWilliam \u201cAlex\u201d Abraham, Ansley Cheng, Sierra Czubaj, Martin Jaramillo Feijoo, Kate Hennigan, Felipe Martins, Advaith Menon, Paul Pelkowski, Khue Phan, Jackson Stahl, Jared Weitkamp\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHelen Grenga Outstanding Engineer Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EHaasa Gaddipati\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDavidson Family Tau Beta Pi Senior Engineering Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EMichael Silas\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EInstitute Awards\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlvin M. Ferst Leadership and Entrepreneur Scholarship Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESamantha Bolton, Atharva Amit Lele\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommunication Center Assistant of the Year Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ELillian Ayala\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJordan Lockwood Peer Tutor of the Year Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EJulia Artigue\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJohn H. Martinson Honors Program Outstanding Student Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EJessica Dasilva Bonet, Esha Venkat\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Tech Women\u2019s Club Scholarships\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECharlotte Marie Cooper, Sania Ali Chaudhary, Jailyn Davila, Makaylah Deshield, Clear Holley, Isabel O\u2019Connell\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOutstanding Tutor Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EJavanith Wangsiriwech\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOutstanding PLUS Leader Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EMarin Alter\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOutstanding Learning Assistant Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEgan Mejia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe University System of Georgia (USG) Academic Recognition Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EElliot Huang\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProvost\u2019s Academic Excellence Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECarlton Cort, Elliot Huang, Nour Khalifa, Margaret Wei\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELove Family Foundation Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECaleb Adams, Marielle Frooman\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs the academic year nears its end, a season of celebration begins. 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Photo by Joya Chapman.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1777056597","gmt_created":"2026-04-24 18:49:57","changed":"1777056597","gmt_changed":"2026-04-24 18:49:57","alt":"Caleb Adams Received Love Award","file":{"fid":"264301","name":"Student-Honors-Celebration01.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/24\/Student-Honors-Celebration01.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/24\/Student-Honors-Celebration01.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2557601,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/24\/Student-Honors-Celebration01.jpg?itok=27_iTKs6"}},"680066":{"id":"680066","type":"image","title":"Student Honors Celebration 2026. Marielle Frooman Received Love Family Foundation Award. Photo by Joya Chapman.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EStudent Honors Celebration 2026. Marielle Frooman Received Love Family Foundation Award. Photo by Joya Chapman.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1777056685","gmt_created":"2026-04-24 18:51:25","changed":"1777056685","gmt_changed":"2026-04-24 18:51:25","alt":"Student Honors Celebration 2026. Marielle Frooman Received Love Family Foundation Award. 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McDowell\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EProfessor and Carter N. Paden Jr. Distinguished Chair\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJiang Zhigang\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EProfessor\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EYoung Faculty Award\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECong \u201cCallie\u201d Hao\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAssistant Professor and ON Semiconductor Junior Professor\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOmobolanle Ogunseiju\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAssistant Professor\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Design\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003ESustained Research Award\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKostas T. Konstantinidis\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ERichard C. Tucker Professor\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EInstitute Research Awards\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EOutstanding Achievement in Research Enterprise Enhancement\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnna Osterholm\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EPrincipal Research Scientist\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EOutstanding Achievement in Research Innovation Award\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELakshmi \u201cPrasad\u201d Dasi\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ERozelle Vanda Wesley Professor\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EOutstanding Doctoral Thesis Advisor Award\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShimeng Yu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EProfessor\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EOutstanding Achievement in Research Engagement and Outreach Award\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEdward Botchwey\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EProfessor\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EOutstanding Achievement in Research Program Development Award\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Ch6\u003EHuman Space Exploration Team\u003C\/h6\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPhillip First\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EProfessor\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMasatoshi Hirabayashi\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAssociate Professor\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBrant Jones\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Research Scientist\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJulie Linsey\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EProfessor\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPeter Loutzenhiser\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAssociate 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Roane Beard Outstanding Teacher Award\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEllen Yi Chen Mazumdar\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAssistant Professor, Woodruff Faculty Fellow\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EClass of 1940 W. Howard Ector Outstanding Teacher Award\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPamela Pollet\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EPrincipal Academic Professional\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EClass of 1934 Distinguished Professor Award\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMark Prausnitz\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ERegents\u2019 Professor and Regents\u2019 Entrepreneur, J. Erskine Love Jr. Chair in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe annual Faculty and Staff Honors Luncheon celebrated excellence from across campus over the past year.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The annual Faculty and Staff Honors Luncheon celebrated excellence from across campus over the past year."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-04-24 19:09:50","changed_gmt":"2026-04-27 14:38:05","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-24T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-24T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680068":{"id":"680068","type":"image","title":"Employees celebrate at Faculty and Staff Honors Luncheon 2026. Photo by Allison Carter","body":"\u003Cp\u003EEmployees celebrate at Faculty and Staff Honors Luncheon 2026. Photo by Allison Carter\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1777056900","gmt_created":"2026-04-24 18:55:00","changed":"1777056900","gmt_changed":"2026-04-24 18:55:00","alt":"Employees celebrate at Faculty and Staff Honors Luncheon 2026. Photo by Allison Carter","file":{"fid":"264308","name":"55228150248_b4af532bf0_k.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/24\/55228150248_b4af532bf0_k.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/24\/55228150248_b4af532bf0_k.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":611382,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/24\/55228150248_b4af532bf0_k.jpg?itok=dZomu535"}},"680069":{"id":"680069","type":"image","title":"Mark Prausnitz Receives the Class of 1934 Distinguished Professor Award. Photo by Allison Carter","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMark Prausnitz Receives the Class of 1934 Distinguished Professor Award. Photo by Allison Carter\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1777056935","gmt_created":"2026-04-24 18:55:35","changed":"1777056935","gmt_changed":"2026-04-24 18:55:35","alt":"Mark Prausnitz Receives the Class of 1934 Distinguished Professor Award. Photo by Allison Carter","file":{"fid":"264309","name":"55227988216_5611fe3411_k.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/24\/55227988216_5611fe3411_k.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/24\/55227988216_5611fe3411_k.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":639571,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/24\/55227988216_5611fe3411_k.jpg?itok=YZZ3S2v5"}}},"media_ids":["680068","680069"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2026\/04\/mark-prausnitz-receives-1934-distinguished-professor-award","title":"Mark Prausnitz Receives Class of 1934 Distinguished Professor Award"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/georgiatech\/albums\/72177720333308109\/","title":"View More Photos From the Event"}],"groups":[{"id":"1279","name":"School of Mathematics"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:kristen.bailey@comm.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EKristen Bailey\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689714":{"#nid":"689714","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Bringing the Classroom to the Coast","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EWhile many students spent Spring Break chasing sun and surf, a group enrolled in the \u003Cem\u003EEAS 4755: Sea Level Rise and Global Geotechnics\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Ecourse, taught by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/people\/robel-alexander\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlex Robel\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ce.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/jorge-macedo\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EJorge Macedo\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Eheaded to the coast for a different reason \u2014 to learn how three coastal communities across the Southeast are responding to sea-level rise and flooding and how science, engineering, and community priorities intersect.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThis is the third time the class has been offered, but the first to include an extended community-based learning experience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe students were able to see firsthand how concepts discussed in the classroom translated into real infrastructure decisions shaping vulnerable coastal communities,\u201d says Robel, an associate professor in the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIn previous years, the course relied on guest speakers, often remote, to provide real-world insights. Robel and Macedo, an associate professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ce.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Civil and Environmental Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, advocated for this year\u2019s field trip to give students direct exposure to how the concepts taught in class are used in coastal communities.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cPlaces like Savannah, Tybee Island, and Charleston aren\u2019t planning for a distant future; they\u2019re making real infrastructure decisions right now,\u201d explains Robel.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECoastal Case Studies\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EOn Tybee Island, city leaders and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff discussed with students how to balance tourism, environmental protection, and shoreline preservation. Site visits highlighted tide gates and living shorelines as flood mitigation strategies.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThen, in Savannah, students met with city staff to explore challenges facing historic, low-lying cities and visited the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chsgeorgia.org\/pin-point-heritage-museum\/?gad_source=1\u0026amp;gad_campaignid=22849387911\u0026amp;gbraid=0AAAABAqP5dcvz7sLdulhSOGywjIQeklj1\u0026amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw-dfOBhAjEiwAq0RwI59jWRaJPfy1zynMN4cT3osvJhOlKEqoDZFGnC_BVcL3GUjTwKwtmxoCHcwQAvD_BwE\u0022\u003EPin Point Heritage Museum\u003C\/a\u003E where Gullah-Geechee community leaders spoke about the cultural, environmental, and equity dimensions of flood planning.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe trip concluded in Charleston with discussions led by the city\u2019s chief resilience officer and tours of the Low Battery Seawall and a neighborhood pump station, illustrating how flood infrastructure can serve both functional and public-facing roles. Students also visited\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/jmt.com\/\u0022\u003EJMT\u003C\/a\u003E, the engineering firm behind several of the projects studied, where engineers discussed design trade-offs and career paths in coastal and municipal infrastructure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERegional Risks, Real Responses\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe regional context is especially important because Georgia Tech graduates are heavily concentrated in the Southeast, and many go on to careers designing, managing, or approving infrastructure projects in coastal communities,\u201d says Robel. \u201cWith a more concentrated vulnerability to sea-level rise in the Southeast than any other part of the United States, the most potential flooding is likely to occur here in the Atlantic Southeast and Gulf Coast.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHe adds that \u201cif we\u2019re educating the scientists, engineers, and decision-makers who will be working in these communities, they must understand the practicalities of flood resilience and how to make informed decisions based on the best current science.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAlthough the idea for the field experience had been years in the making, it became feasible only recently with support from an internal grant on sustainability education and community-based learning administered by the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scre.research.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E Center for Sustainable Communities Research and Education\u003C\/a\u003E. Robel also emphasized the importance of long-standing relationships with coastal communities and governments in making the trip a success.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe reached a point where we had both the resources and the relationships to make the experience meaningful,\u201d he shares.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECareer Context\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe students met professionals from a wide range of career paths, including federal and local government agencies, private engineering firms, and municipal stormwater departments.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cA major goal of the trip was giving students the chance to see what career paths in coastal resilience really look like,\u201d says Robel. \u201cThose conversations helped students understand not just the technical work, but also the financing, politics, and community concerns that shape infrastructure decisions \u2014 parts of the job that are harder to capture in the classroom.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EStudents enjoyed the opportunity to get real-world context:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis trip made me reconsider my post-graduation plans. I used to think the geology industry was just oil and gas, but this trip showed me different ways I can apply my skills to help the environment as well as local communities in their efforts to adapt to sea-level rise concerns,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EMandala Pham\u003C\/strong\u003E, a Ph.D. student studying geophysics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe most valuable part of the experience was observing sea-level rise mitigation infrastructure in-person, and the trip was a great experience overall to make new friends and gain valuable experiences,\u201d adds\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAlexander Brison\u003C\/strong\u003E, a fourth-year environmental engineering major.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBy grounding classroom concepts in real places and real decisions, the Spring Break field experience reinforced the course\u2019s goal: preparing students to engage thoughtfully with the challenges coastal communities are already facing.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EStudents study sea-level rise and coastal resilience on spring break field experience.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Students study sea-level rise and coastal resilience on spring break field experience."}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2026-04-13 18:08:43","changed_gmt":"2026-04-27 14:37:15","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679933":{"id":"679933","type":"image","title":"Class members spent the first day on the beach at Tybee Island learning how beach nourishment and dune restoration are helping preserve one of the most popular beaches in the southeast.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EClass members spent the first day on the beach at Tybee Island learning how beach nourishment and dune restoration are helping preserve one of the most popular beaches in the southeast.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776104340","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 18:19:00","changed":"1776104340","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 18:19:00","alt":"A group of people standing on a beach.","file":{"fid":"264156","name":"Day1_TybeeIsland_Beach_GroupPhoto_01-copy-2.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/Day1_TybeeIsland_Beach_GroupPhoto_01-copy-2.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/Day1_TybeeIsland_Beach_GroupPhoto_01-copy-2.png","mime":"image\/png","size":29262725,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/Day1_TybeeIsland_Beach_GroupPhoto_01-copy-2.png?itok=u1Hmq958"}},"679934":{"id":"679934","type":"image","title":"Charleston city officials spoke with students about how multiple municipal departments work together on flood mitigation","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003ECharleston city officials spoke with students about how multiple municipal departments work together on flood mitigation\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1776105481","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 18:38:01","changed":"1776105481","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 18:38:01","alt":"A group sitting around a big table in a conference room.","file":{"fid":"264158","name":"bafkreiehbez7batf7ukyosqkx3rqbgauazshsglq6cfaazf5hvsovet4nu.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/bafkreiehbez7batf7ukyosqkx3rqbgauazshsglq6cfaazf5hvsovet4nu.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/bafkreiehbez7batf7ukyosqkx3rqbgauazshsglq6cfaazf5hvsovet4nu.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":746185,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/bafkreiehbez7batf7ukyosqkx3rqbgauazshsglq6cfaazf5hvsovet4nu.jpg?itok=w6YrOj_G"}},"679935":{"id":"679935","type":"image","title":"A highlight of the trip included a visit to the Pin Point Heritage Museum to learn about one of the largest remaining Gullah-Geechee communities in the Southeast and their historical relationship to the marsh, fisheries, and flooding.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA highlight of the trip included a visit to the Pin Point Heritage Museum to learn about one of the largest remaining Gullah-Geechee communities in the Southeast and their historical relationship to the marsh, fisheries, and flooding.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776105560","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 18:39:20","changed":"1776105560","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 18:39:20","alt":"A group of students standing by a wooden rowboat.","file":{"fid":"264159","name":"Pinpointbafkreidtshhdvtbuwgbtiwwjlmu4yhxnkx4ieku66lipuhiw6xcpzflzze.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/Pinpointbafkreidtshhdvtbuwgbtiwwjlmu4yhxnkx4ieku66lipuhiw6xcpzflzze.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/Pinpointbafkreidtshhdvtbuwgbtiwwjlmu4yhxnkx4ieku66lipuhiw6xcpzflzze.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":899292,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/Pinpointbafkreidtshhdvtbuwgbtiwwjlmu4yhxnkx4ieku66lipuhiw6xcpzflzze.jpg?itok=M1juWLG6"}}},"media_ids":["679933","679934","679935"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/news\/17\/eas-faculty-named-endowed-positions","title":"EAS Faculty Named to Endowed Positions"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"}],"categories":[{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"192254","name":"cos-climate"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:laura.smith@cos.gatech.edu\u0022\u003ELaura Segraves Smith\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["laura.smith@cos.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689824":{"#nid":"689824","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Physics Grad Sets World Records for Ring Muscle-Ups","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDavid Lloyd George\u003C\/strong\u003E, Physics 2024, is now a four-time world record holder for bar and ring muscle-ups.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELloyd George was back in the gym just two weeks after completing 2,002 muscle-ups in 24 hours in July of 2025, which broke the world record. He immediately started training for an even more challenging feat\u2014the world record for the most muscle-ups done on a gymnastic ring in 8, 12, and 24 hours.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn Sunday, April 12, 2026, he surpassed all three, completing 900 ring muscle-ups in 8 hours, 1,100 in 12 hours, and 1,320 in 24 hours. (The records are unofficial until they can be reviewed by Guinness World Records.)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019ve sort of got a recipe for these world records now,\u201d says Lloyd George, who used the challenge to raise money for the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, a charity that helps veterans receive dental care.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince the summer of 2025, he steadily increased his training volume, pushing past 17,000 total ring muscle-ups, and completing longer sessions, including a six-hour effort of 722 ring muscle-ups.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Harder Variant of A Muscle-Up\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERing muscle-ups are a more demanding variant of the standard bar muscle-up. The sway of the rings introduces instability and makes muscles work harder when the ropes move. The grip is also different.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cYou wrap your wrists around the rings almost like you\u2019re trying to arm wrestle them,\u201d Lloyd George says. Put in physics terms\u2014a field he knows well as a doctoral student at Duke University researching trapped ions for quantum computing\u2014the rings introduce four more degrees of freedom.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Math Behind His Three Attempts\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis decision to attempt three world records came down to simple math. The current 8-hour record is 843, while the 24-hour record is 1,308. No formal record exists for the 12-hour category.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cI realized that if I do two ring muscle-ups every minute, at that pace I\u2019d get to 960 in 8 hours. There isn\u2019t a 12-hour record, and there are for other calisthenic records, so I thought I could set that one, too,\u201d he says.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWhen he broke the bar muscle-up record in 2025, he didn\u2019t know how challenging the final hours would be. The last 50 reps were grueling, and with the support of his friends and family who cheered him on, he pushed past his limits. Knowing what the challenge will feel like changes his mental preparation this time around.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cI think you have to play with the mental game and really ask yourself, \u2018Why am I doing this?\u2019 especially on those difficult training days. For those, I think about the charity I\u2019m trying to raise money for that I believe in, and that this is one more opportunity to challenge myself.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"By The Numbers: David Lloyd George completed 17,731 ring muscle-ups during training between July 2025 and March 2026. With an average height gain per muscle-up of 52 inches, that\u2019s a total of 76,834 feet\u2014or the equivalent of 2.64 Mt. Everests."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Yellow Jacket who broke the world record in 2025 for the most muscle-ups in 24 hours, set three new world records for ring muscle-ups, a harder variant, on April 12, 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Yellow Jacket who broke the world record in 2025 for the most muscle-ups in 24 hours, set three new world records for ring muscle-ups, a harder variant, on April 12, 2026."}],"uid":"36583","created_gmt":"2026-04-17 14:20:42","changed_gmt":"2026-04-27 14:36:18","author":"lvidal7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-17T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-17T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679987":{"id":"679987","type":"image","title":"David Lloyd George (Physics 2024)","body":null,"created":"1776435658","gmt_created":"2026-04-17 14:20:58","changed":"1776435658","gmt_changed":"2026-04-17 14:20:58","alt":"David Lloyd George holds a vertical position using gymnastic rings","file":{"fid":"264215","name":"collageofdavidlloydgeorge.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/17\/collageofdavidlloydgeorge.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/17\/collageofdavidlloydgeorge.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":129832,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/17\/collageofdavidlloydgeorge.jpg?itok=-RyAg0WX"}}},"media_ids":["679987"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/georgia-tech-alum-david-lloyd-george-breaks-world-record","title":"Georgia Tech Alum David Lloyd George Breaks World Record"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"506","name":"alumni"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJennifer Herseim\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech Alumni Association\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689874":{"#nid":"689874","#data":{"type":"news","title":"The Physics of Brain Development: How Cells Pull Together to Form the Neural Tube","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn about one out of every\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4023228\/#:~:text=Abstract,to%20disruption%20of%20secondary%20neurulation.\u0022\u003E1,000 pregnancies\u003C\/a\u003E, the neural tube, a key nervous system structure, \u0026nbsp;fails to close properly. Georgia Tech physicists are now helping explain why this happens, having uncovered the physics that drive neural tube closure in a pregnancy\u2019s earliest stages.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWorking with collaborators at University College London (UCL), Georgia Tech researchers used computer models to reveal how, during early development, forces generated by cells physically pull the neural tube closed \u2014 like a drawstring. This discovery offers new insight into a critical process that, when disrupted, can result in severe birth defects such as spina bifida.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cUnderstanding a complex developmental process like neural tube closure requires a highly interdisciplinary approach,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/shiladitya-banerjee\u0022\u003EShiladitya Banerjee\u003C\/a\u003E, an associate professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cBy combining advanced biological imaging with theoretical physics, we were able to uncover the mechanical rules that drive cells to close the tube. My lab builds computational models to uncover the physical rules of living systems. The neural tube is an ideal focus because its formation requires incredible mechanical coordination.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers presented their findings in \u003Cem\u003ECurrent Biology.\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EClosing the Gap\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe UCL team studied mouse embryos, which develop similarly to humans, and Georgia Tech researchers used that data to construct their models. From the data, they identified the fundamental physics mechanism that enables neural tube closure in part of the brain. This mechanism, called a \u201cpurse string,\u201d is made of actin, a pivotal protein that forms a cell\u2019s skeletal structure. As the purse strings tighten, the tube closes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThese actin molecules are very important because they give rigidity and shape to cells,\u201d Banerjee said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cDuring neural tube closure, actin filaments form a ring around the opening and engage molecular motors \u2014 proteins that generate forces inside cells,\u201d he said. \u201cAs these motors pull on the actin, they generate tension that tightens the ring and draws the tube closed.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStretching to Fit\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs the actin ring tightens, cells stretch and elongate, causing them to align and move together in a synchronized pattern, like a school of fish. This coordination allows the cells to move faster and more efficiently, increasing tension and driving a feedback loop that helps seal the neural tube.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team built a computer model to show how this feedback loop leads to successful neural tube formation. Further research using the model could help explain why the neural tube fails to close.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cPhysics-based modeling of cell and tissue mechanics allows us to connect the dots between developmental stages in a way that is both robust and quantitative, simulating experiments that are impossible in biological tissues,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/profiles.ucl.ac.uk\/55207-gabriel-galea\u0022\u003EGabriel Galea\u003C\/a\u003E, the study co-author and UCL group leader. \u201cIn this case, it allowed us to explain how a cell\u2019s mechanical experience impacts its current and future shapes during a critical step of brain development.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeyond neural tube development, the findings highlight the power of physics-based modeling to explain complex biological processes that can\u2019t be observed directly. The researchers say this approach could be applied to other stages of human development where forces, motion, and timing are just as critical.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe computational research at Banerjee Lab is funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFernanda P\u00e9rez-Verdugo, Eirini Maniou, Gabriel L. Galea, Shiladitya Banerjee, \u201cMechanosensitive feedback organizes cell shape and motion during hindbrain neuropore morphogenesis,\u201d \u003Cem\u003ECurrent Biology\u003C\/em\u003E, 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDOI:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.cub.2026.02.068\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E10.1016\/j.cub.2026.02.068\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers demonstrated the mechanics behind neural tube closure, which can lead to severe or fatal birth defects if unsuccessful.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers demonstrated the mechanics behind neural tube closure, which can lead to severe or fatal birth defects if unsuccessful. "}],"uid":"34541","created_gmt":"2026-04-20 15:25:08","changed_gmt":"2026-04-27 14:36:01","author":"Tess Malone","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-20T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-20T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679999":{"id":"679999","type":"image","title":"image--2-.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe neural tube\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776699155","gmt_created":"2026-04-20 15:32:35","changed":"1776699155","gmt_changed":"2026-04-20 15:32:35","alt":"The neural tube","file":{"fid":"264231","name":"image--2-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/20\/image--2-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/20\/image--2-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":4218173,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/20\/image--2-.png?itok=dSBrAEK0"}}},"media_ids":["679999"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:tess.malone@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ETess Malone\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Research Writer\/Editor\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689875":{"#nid":"689875","#data":{"type":"news","title":"The Hidden Language of Life\u2019s Early Proteins","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHow did the earliest life on Earth build complex biological machinery with so few tools? A new study explores how the simplest building blocks of proteins \u2014 once limited to just half of today\u2019s amino acids \u2014 could still form the sophisticated structures life depends on.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe paper,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S258959742600047X\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Borderlands of Foldability: Lessons from Simplified Proteins\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, is a meta-analysis of six decades of protein research and reveals that ancient proteins may have been far more complicated and dynamic than previously thought.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ERecently published in the journal\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003ETrends in Chemistry\u003C\/em\u003E, the study includes Georgia Tech researchers\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/people\/lynn-kamerlin\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELynn Kamerlin\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/a\u003E and Georgia Research Alliance Vasser-Woolley Chair in Molecular Design, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/academics\/degrees\/phd\/quantitative-biosciences-phd\u0022\u003EQuantitative Biosciences\u003C\/a\u003E Ph.D. candidate\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/qbios.gatech.edu\/user\/231\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlfie-Louise Brownless\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ECo-authors also include\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isct.ac.jp\/en\u0022\u003EInstitute of Science Tokyo\u003C\/a\u003E graduate student\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EKoh Seya\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eand\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/liamlongo.org\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELiam M. Longo\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, who serves as a specially appointed associate professor at Science Tokyo and as an affiliate research scientist at the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bmsis.org\/\u0022\u003EBlue Marble Space Institute of Science\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe research has implications ranging from the origins of life and the search for life in the universe to cutting-edge medical innovation. \u201cOne of the biggest unanswered questions in science is how life first began,\u201d says Kamerlin, who is a corresponding author of the study. \u201cUnderstanding how the first protein-like molecules formed and what the earliest proteins may have been like is a key part of that puzzle.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cProteins power our bodies \u2014 and all life on Earth,\u201d she adds. \u201cSimply put, the evolution of proteins is the reason that we\u2019re able to have this conversation at all.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Protein Folding Paradox\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIf proteins are the scaffolding of life, amino acids are the components that make up that scaffolding. \u201cToday, an average protein is constructed from a chain of about 300 amino acids, involving 20 different types of amino acids,\u201d Kamerlin shares. Proteins fold when these chains twist into a specific 3-dimensional shape, creating structures critical for biology.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHowever, while these folds are essential, exactly\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003Ehow\u003C\/em\u003E a protein knows which way to fold remains a mystery. \u201cWe know that proteins didn\u2019t just fold randomly,\u201d Kamerlin shares, \u201cbecause randomly trying all possible configurations would take a protein longer than the age of the universe.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s a cornerstone problem in biological science called \u201cLevinthal\u2019s Paradox,\u201d and highlights a fundamental mystery: Proteins fold incredibly quickly into very specific combinations \u2014 but like a sheet of paper spontaneously folding into an origami swan, researchers don\u2019t know how proteins \u201cchoose\u201d the folds they make.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe can predict what a protein will look like, but can\u2019t tell you how it got there,\u201d Kamerlin adds. \u201cThat\u2019s what we\u2019re interested in exploring: how small early proteins developed into the complex proteins that support every living thing on today\u2019s Earth.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESimple Letters, Sophisticated Structures\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EEarly proteins likely had access to just half of today\u2019s amino acids. \u201cAbout 10-12 amino acids were likely available on early Earth,\u201d Kamerlin says. Like writing a story with just the letters \u201cA\u201d through \u201cL,\u201d researchers assumed that the \u2018vocabulary\u2019 proteins could build from such a limited amino acid alphabet would also be constrained.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThere is a language to protein folding,\u201d Kamerlin explains. \u201cThat language is hidden in their structures. Our research is in trying to understand the rules \u2014 the grammar and vocabulary that dictate a protein fold.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe grammar they discovered was surprising: with a combination of creative techniques and environmental support, complex structures can arise from limited amino acid alphabets.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe found that it is possible to develop complex folds with very simple tools \u2014 and certain environments, like salty ones, can help support that,\u201d Kamerlin shares. \u201cEarly proteins could also cross-link and associate, interacting like LEGO blocks to create more complex structures.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPioneering Proteins\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ENow, the team is conducting research in environments that could mimic conditions on early Earth \u2014 aiming to discover more about how these regions could have given rise to today\u2019s complex proteins. \u201cThis aspect of our research also ties into the amazing\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/2026-frontiers-science-advancing-space-exploration-0\u0022\u003Espace research\u003C\/a\u003E happening at Georgia Tech,\u201d Kamerlin says. \u201cWhile we\u2019re interested in understanding early life on Earth, our work could help inform where best to look for evidence of life beyond our planet.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EKamerlin specializes in creating computer models that simulate possible scenarios \u2013 creating an opportunity to quickly and efficiently test many theories. The most compelling of these can then be tested by her collaborator and co-author at Science Tokyo, Liam Longo, in lab experiments.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EProtein folding is also at the forefront of medical innovation, ranging from diagnostic tools to cancer treatments and neurodegenerative diseases. \u201cIn the broader scope, we\u2019re interested in discovering what we can design, what we can stress test, and what we can reconstruct with AI and other computational tools,\u201d Kamerlin says. \u201cBecause if you can understand how proteins fold, you gain the ability to design them.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EFunding: NASA, the Human Frontier Science Program, and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDOI: \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.trechm.2026.03.001\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Persistent link using digital object identifier\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.trechm.2026.03.001\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EHow did the earliest life on Earth build complex biological machinery with so few tools? A new study explores how the simplest building blocks of proteins formed the sophisticated structures life depends on.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Life\u2019s first alphabet was likely small \u2014 but surprisingly powerful."}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2026-04-20 16:06:30","changed_gmt":"2026-04-27 14:35:23","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-20T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-20T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677019":{"id":"677019","type":"image","title":"Lynn Kamerlin","body":null,"created":"1746193435","gmt_created":"2025-05-02 13:43:55","changed":"1746193435","gmt_changed":"2025-05-02 13:43:55","alt":"Lynn Kamerlin headshot","file":{"fid":"260878","name":"lynn-kamerlin_portrait.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/05\/02\/lynn-kamerlin_portrait.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/05\/02\/lynn-kamerlin_portrait.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":104455,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/05\/02\/lynn-kamerlin_portrait.jpg?itok=UCfaKKYb"}},"680000":{"id":"680000","type":"image","title":"Amino acid diversity in peptides and proteins over time. Now, in the era of biotechnology, the amino acid alphabet is poised to expand again. (Figure Credit: \u201cThe borderlands of foldability: lessons from simplified proteins,\u201d Trends in Chemistry, 2026)","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAmino acid diversity in peptides and proteins over time. Over time, the genetic code expanded into the 20-amino acid alphabet found in contemporary biology. Now, in the era of biotechnology, the amino acid alphabet is poised to expand once more. (Figure Credit: \u201cThe borderlands of foldability: lessons from simplified proteins,\u201d Koh Seya, Alfie\u2011Louise R. Brownless, Shina C. L. Kamerlin, and Liam M. Longo, \u003Cem\u003ETrends in Chemistry, \u003C\/em\u003E2026)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776701693","gmt_created":"2026-04-20 16:14:53","changed":"1776701693","gmt_changed":"2026-04-20 16:14:53","alt":"A diagram showing the history of peptides and proteins over time. It is shaped like an hourglass.","file":{"fid":"264232","name":"Fig1Kamerlin.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/20\/Fig1Kamerlin.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/20\/Fig1Kamerlin.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":591690,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/20\/Fig1Kamerlin.jpg?itok=l_Fxw_Fs"}}},"media_ids":["677019","680000"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"141","name":"Chemistry and Chemical Engineering"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192250","name":"cos-microbial"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWritten by:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689574":{"#nid":"689574","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Cassidy Sugimoto Named Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECassidy Sugimoto has been appointed as the next dean of the Marianna Brown Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, effective June 1. Sugimoto, the Tom and Marie Patton Chair and professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ft.e2ma.net%2Fclick%2F2lh6tk%2F293b4d3c%2Fez3dd7\u0026amp;data=05%7C02%7Ccwhittle9%40gatech.edu%7Ca9f5135e76604d3275f908de94e04c77%7C482198bbae7b4b258b7a6d7f32faa083%7C1%7C0%7C639111888300331512%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C\u0026amp;sdata=pdrpreb1nztbgVbfN2RzesrLx25oqJYYe6I6Hvslp2Y%3D\u0026amp;reserved=0\u0022 id=\u0022x_menur9hg\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Original URL: https:\/\/t.e2ma.net\/click\/2lh6tk\/293b4d3c\/ez3dd7. Click or tap if you trust this link.\u0022\u003EJimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy\u003C\/a\u003E, will step down as chair at the conclusion of her five-year appointment on May 31.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt has been my greatest honor to serve this community and to witness the impact of our shared work,\u201d Sugimoto said. \u201cI leave with profound pride in what we have built together and unwavering confidence in the bright future ahead for the Carter School.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring her time at Georgia Tech, Sugimoto has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead academic organizations while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion. Sugimoto led development efforts that helped the Carter School achieve a record as the second Georgia Tech school to meet its \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ft.e2ma.net%2Fclick%2F2lh6tk%2F293b4d3c%2Fur4dd7\u0026amp;data=05%7C02%7Ccwhittle9%40gatech.edu%7Ca9f5135e76604d3275f908de94e04c77%7C482198bbae7b4b258b7a6d7f32faa083%7C1%7C0%7C639111888300364770%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C\u0026amp;sdata=3bgGSNjDlIDCfjgq%2BketLVYCEN0WzRW%2BJjjC8oso0uI%3D\u0026amp;reserved=0\u0022 id=\u0022x_menur9hi\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Original URL: https:\/\/t.e2ma.net\/click\/2lh6tk\/293b4d3c\/ur4dd7. Click or tap if you trust this link.\u0022\u003ETransforming Tomorrow\u003C\/a\u003E campaign goal. She also spearheaded a significant strategic and philanthropic initiative to name the School of Public Policy after former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn \u2014 a milestone supported by $10 million in development funds. Sugimoto also championed and oversaw the $26-million renovation of the D.M. Smith Building, preserving its historical character while updating infrastructure, accessibility, and sustainability.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHer leadership has also resulted in substantial growth in student enrollment, national program expansion, the creation of four new interdisciplinary undergraduate minors, and expanded staff and organizational structures. In partnership with the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Sugimoto helped lead the establishment of the GTDC: Pathways to Policy program \u2014 a fully immersive, semester-long experience in Washington, D.C. available to the entire undergraduate community at Georgia Tech. She also oversaw the creation of the Center for Urban Research, a collaboration between Georgia Tech and the mayor\u2019s office that brings together university, community, nonprofit, and municipal leaders to develop and evaluate solutions that address inequities in urban centers. These achievements reflect her deep understanding of how to bridge diverse academic fields to enhance the holistic student experience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are deeply grateful for Cassidy\u2019s thoughtful and innovative leadership,\u201d said Amanda Murdie, dean of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, Regents\u2019 Professor, and Ivan Allen Jr. Chair. \u201cShe\u2019s positioned the Carter School well to continue expanding and enhancing its human-centered, evidence-based teaching and research.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a past president of the International Society for Scientometrics and Informetrics, Sugimoto has spent her career examining the \u0022science of science\u0022 and the formal and informal ways in which knowledge is produced and disseminated. A socially engaged scholar, she has served as a consultant for funding agencies including the European Research Council and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and as a program director for the National Science Foundation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts will announce an interim chair of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy in the next few weeks. An international search for the next chair will launch in academic year 2026-2027.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECassidy Sugimoto has been appointed as the next dean of the Marianna Brown Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, effective June 1.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Cassidy Sugimoto has been appointed as the next dean of the Marianna Brown Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, effective June 1."}],"uid":"36009","created_gmt":"2026-04-08 16:01:20","changed_gmt":"2026-04-27 14:33:12","author":"cwhittle9","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-08T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-08T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679896":{"id":"679896","type":"image","title":"Cassidy-Sugimoto-Named-Dean-of-the-College-of-Humanities-and-Social-Sciences-at-Carnegie-Mellon-University.jpg","body":null,"created":"1775664086","gmt_created":"2026-04-08 16:01:26","changed":"1775664086","gmt_changed":"2026-04-08 16:01:26","alt":"Cassidy Sugimoto standing in a black suit in front of a road lined with trees.","file":{"fid":"264117","name":"Cassidy-Sugimoto-Named-Dean-of-the-College-of-Humanities-and-Social-Sciences-at-Carnegie-Mellon-University.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/08\/Cassidy-Sugimoto-Named-Dean-of-the-College-of-Humanities-and-Social-Sciences-at-Carnegie-Mellon-University.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/08\/Cassidy-Sugimoto-Named-Dean-of-the-College-of-Humanities-and-Social-Sciences-at-Carnegie-Mellon-University.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1072644,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/08\/Cassidy-Sugimoto-Named-Dean-of-the-College-of-Humanities-and-Social-Sciences-at-Carnegie-Mellon-University.jpg?itok=5KqARL60"}}},"media_ids":["679896"],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1289","name":"School of Public Policy"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMegan McRainey\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:megan.mcrainey@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Emegan.mcrainey@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689758":{"#nid":"689758","#data":{"type":"news","title":"McChrystal Brings Lesson on Character to Georgia Tech ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWork on your character, be honest with yourself, and never stop reading. That was the advice from retired U.S. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal at a recent fireside chat in the John Lewis Student Center\u2019s Walter Ehmer Theater.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Character is the essence of who we are,\u0022 McChrystal told the audience, \u0022but it is also the product of the discipline we have to actually live to that.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe retired general visited campus April 13 at the invitation of the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn his conversation with Nunn School Professor of the Practice John Tien, a former Army colonel and intelligence official, the retired general reflected on the fragility of national unity and the \u0022tactical choices\u0022 that define a life.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMcChrystal said vulnerability and the ability to admit error are crucial for developing leadership qualities. He told the audience about a decision he had made that later led operators to hesitate in calling for necessary air support, a mistake he owned instead of explaining away.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo sharpen the judgment required for such moments, McChrystal urged students to view reading as a way to experience the lives and mistakes of others.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAs soon as you stop [reading], I think you stop thinking,\u0022 he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMcChrystal noted the high level of distrust in government across much of society. Coming to expect lying or stealing from a political leader can lead some to conclude that it\u2019s ok for you to do that, too, he said. He urged audience members to resist that urge.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo counter political polarization and distrust, McChrystal proposed mandatory national service, suggesting that such a year spent serving other Americans and meeting those with different accents and attitudes would create \u0022shareholders\u0022 in the nation who are more likely to vote, and to engage with and learn from those from different backgrounds.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera noted that the talk coincided with the launch of the Georgia Tech Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership and highlights the Institute\u2019s desire to graduate leaders prepared to guide society.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe don\u2019t say, \u0027We\u2019re going to educate engineers or architects,\u201d he said. \u201cWe say, \u2018We\u2019re going to develop leaders.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe former commander of U.S. special operations forces discussed his views on character, the state of society, and the eternal importance of reading.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The former commander of U.S. special operations forces discussed his views on character, the state of society, and the eternal importance of reading."}],"uid":"34600","created_gmt":"2026-04-15 15:03:04","changed_gmt":"2026-04-27 14:32:59","author":"mpearson34","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-15T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-15T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679952":{"id":"679952","type":"image","title":"Gen. Stanley McChrystal and Nunn School Professor of the Practice John Tien","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFormer U.S. special operations commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal, left, visited Georgia Tech on April 13, 2026, to discuss his views on character, society, the importance of reading, and more.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776265394","gmt_created":"2026-04-15 15:03:14","changed":"1776265394","gmt_changed":"2026-04-15 15:03:14","alt":"Two men dressed in sportscoats sitting in beige chairs with a blue curtain in the background. A table with water bottles sits between them.","file":{"fid":"264178","name":"PXL_20260413_163214147.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/15\/PXL_20260413_163214147.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/15\/PXL_20260413_163214147.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1789385,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/15\/PXL_20260413_163214147.jpg?itok=lJicG4X6"}}},"media_ids":["679952"],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1285","name":"Sam Nunn School of International Affairs"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:michael.pearson@iac.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EMichael Pearson\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689759":{"#nid":"689759","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Ivan Allen College to Help Co-Found Liberal Arts Network","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/a\u003E and several other programs will form a network for liberal arts units embedded within technological universities following an IAC-led gathering in Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELiberal arts leaders from universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Virginia Tech traveled to Atlanta to meet with IAC Dean Amanda Murdie and Associate Dean Richard Utz to discuss shared challenges and opportunities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey left with a decision to form a dynamic network to explore potential areas for collaboration and advocacy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI think this is our era and our time,\u201d said Murdie.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe group will continue to explore how they can best collaborate to further liberal arts education and research at tech-oriented schools such as their own. They plan to meet again at Georgia Tech in the Fall and at one of the other member schools again in the Spring.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERepresentatives of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Missouri University of Science \u0026amp; Technology, Tecnol\u00f3gico de Monterrey, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Kettering University attended.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe wide-ranging discussions highlighted the differences in how liberal arts is presented and perceived at STEM-intensive institutions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cLiberal arts on a technological campus is a different experience than those lived by our colleagues at traditional institutions,\u201d said Utz, senior associate dean for strategic initiatives, who organized the event. \u201cThis conversation brought home just how much we have to gain by working together.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe talks also revealed many similarities, such as innovative programs that marry tech and humanities in ways that benefit both pursuits.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe all have a strong story to tell about how liberal arts students at these kinds of institutions learn and most importantly what they do once they graduate. In Georgia Tech\u2019s case, at least, that means they often go on to get a better-paying job than their peers at more traditional liberal arts programs,\u201d said Murdie.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/advantage\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ELearn more about the Ivan Allen Advantage\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe participants highlighted the necessity of a humanistic education in a technological age, and the opportunity to serve as a cornerstone of an AI-ready workforce.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022We need to make sure that we have a value proposition that not only resonates with students\u2026 but also meets the needs of society,\u201d said Augustin Rayo, dean of MIT\u2019s School of Humanities and Social Sciences. \u0022This is one of those moments in history where it\u0027s very clear the technology on itself is not enough to take us in the right direction.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMurdie noted some of the most durable skills employers say they wish more potential employees possess include communication and critical thinking skills.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThose skills are coming from the liberal arts,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts will join several other programs in forming a network for liberal arts units embedded within technological universities.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts will join several other programs in forming a network for liberal arts units embedded within technological universities."}],"uid":"34600","created_gmt":"2026-04-15 15:16:10","changed_gmt":"2026-04-27 14:32:41","author":"mpearson34","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-15T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-15T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679958":{"id":"679958","type":"image","title":"Liberal Arts Association Meeting","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts Dean Amanda Murdie, center back, presents to liberal arts leaders from around the country during a meeting to discuss the possible formation of a network of liberal arts units embedded within technological universities.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776267952","gmt_created":"2026-04-15 15:45:52","changed":"1776267952","gmt_changed":"2026-04-15 15:45:52","alt":"People sitting around a conference table listen to a presentation. A presentation slide reads, \u0022Technology creates possibilities. The liberal arts turns those possibilities into impact.\u0022","file":{"fid":"264183","name":"PXL_20260410_181507371.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/15\/PXL_20260410_181507371_0.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/15\/PXL_20260410_181507371_0.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2055723,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/15\/PXL_20260410_181507371_0.jpg?itok=KmFRh8ie"}}},"media_ids":["679958"],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:michael.pearson@iac.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EMichael Pearson\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689948":{"#nid":"689948","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Poetry@Tech Collaborates With MARTA to Put Poetry in Motion","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019ve ridden a MARTA train this month, you\u2019ve probably seen the colorful artwork bearing verse from accomplished poets. It\u2019s Poetry@Tech\u2019s first off-campus foray into celebrating National Poetry Month in April.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPoetry@Tech collaborated with MARTA Artbound, the transit agency\u2019s office responsible for public art in the MARTA system, to place the poems in trains and on digital signboards in select stations throughout the month.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s really exciting because it\u2019s so colorful,\u201d said Victoria Chang, the Margaret T. and Henry C. Bourne Chair and director of Poetry@Tech. \u201cAnd so, I feel like it gave me a lot of joy and I hope it gives the commuters and the riders on MARTA as much joy as it gave me when I saw it the first time.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERead more in our \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/featured-news\/2026\/poetry-georgia-tech-marta\u0022\u003Efull story\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EPoetry@Tech arranged to have poems, accompanied by artwork by local Atlanta artsts, on select MARTA trains and digital station signboards.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Poetry@Tech arranged to have poems, accompanied by artwork by local Atlanta artsts, on select MARTA trains and digital station signboards."}],"uid":"34600","created_gmt":"2026-04-22 15:37:09","changed_gmt":"2026-04-27 14:32:04","author":"mpearson34","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-22T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-22T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680031":{"id":"680031","type":"image","title":"PXL_20260402_144725526.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFrom left, Erin Carlyle, Victoria Chang, and Travis Denton, all of Poetry@Tech, ride a MARTA train from the Midtown station to check out their National Poetry Month Collaboration with MARTA, the Atlanta transit agency.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776872253","gmt_created":"2026-04-22 15:37:33","changed":"1776872253","gmt_changed":"2026-04-22 15:37:33","alt":"Two people seated in a MARTA train seat underneath a sign with a poem and art in shades of blue, red, purple, green, and black.","file":{"fid":"264264","name":"PXL_20260402_144725526.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/PXL_20260402_144725526.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/PXL_20260402_144725526.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2484621,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/22\/PXL_20260402_144725526.jpg?itok=1FuRn8fM"}},"680032":{"id":"680032","type":"image","title":"poetry-signs.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe art circulating on MARTA trains includes, from upper left and moving clockwise, Jenny George\u0027s \u0022Tin Bucket\u0022 illustrated by Chloe Alexander; Mary Ruefle\u0027s \u0022Happiness,\u0022 illustrated by Sanithna Phansavanh; \u0022So Much Happiness\u0022 by Naomi Shihab Nye, illustrated by Jamal Barber, and \u0022Ars Poetica by Aracelis Girmay, illustrated by Nick Benson.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776872555","gmt_created":"2026-04-22 15:42:35","changed":"1776872555","gmt_changed":"2026-04-22 15:42:35","alt":"\u0022\u0022","file":{"fid":"264265","name":"poetry-signs.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/poetry-signs.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/poetry-signs.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1141651,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/22\/poetry-signs.jpg?itok=4mblafeb"}}},"media_ids":["680031","680032"],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:michael.pearson@iac.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EMichael Pearson\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689256":{"#nid":"689256","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Study Shows Explainability is a Must for Older Adults to Trust AI","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EVoice-activated, conversational artificial intelligence (AI) agents must provide clear explanations for their suggestions, or older adults aren\u2019t likely to trust them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat\u2019s one of the main findings from a study by AI Caring on what older adults expect from explainable AI (XAI).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ai-caring.org\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAI Caring\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is one of three AI Institutions led by Georgia Tech and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The institution supports AI research that benefits older adults and their caregivers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENiharika Mathur, a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Interactive Computing, was the lead author of a paper based on the study. The paper will be presented in April at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chi2026.acm.org\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2026 ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI) in Barcelona\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMathur worked with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/empowerment.emory.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECognitive Empowerment Program at Emory University\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to interview 23 older adults who live alone and use voice-activated AI assistants like Amazon\u2019s Alexa and Google Home.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany of them told her they feel excluded from the design of these products.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe assumption is that all people want interactions the same way and across all kinds of situations, but that isn\u2019t true,\u201d Mathur said. \u201cHow older people use AI and what they want from it are different from what younger people prefer.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne example she gave is that young people tend to be informal when talking with AI. Older people, on the other hand, talk to the agent like they would a person.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf Older adults are talking to their family members about Alexa, they usually refer to Alexa as \u2018she\u2019 instead of \u2018it,\u2019\u201d Mathur said. \u201cThey tend to humanize these systems a lot more than young people.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGood Explanations\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe study evaluated AI explanations that drew information from four sources of data:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUser history (past conversations with the agent)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEnvironmental data (indoor temperature or the weather forecast)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EActivity data (how much time a user spends in different areas of the home)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EInternal reasoning (mathematical probabilities and likely outcomes)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMathur said older users trust the agent more when it bases its explanations on data from the first three sources. However, internal reasoning creates skepticism.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInternal reasoning means the AI doesn\u2019t have enough data from the other sources to give an explanation. It provides a percentage to reflect its confidence based on what it knows.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe overwhelming response was negative toward confidence scores,\u201d Mathur said. \u201cIf the AI says it\u2019s 92% confident, older adults want to know what that\u2019s based on.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is another example that Mathur said points to generational preferences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of explainable AI research that shows younger people like to see numbers in explanations, and they also tend to rely too much on explanations that contain numerical confidence. Older adults are the opposite. It makes them trust it less.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKnowing the Context\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMathur said that AI agents interacting with older adults should serve a dual purpose. They should provide users with companionship and support independence while reducing the caretaking burden often placed on family members.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome studies have shown that engineers have tended to favor caretakers in the design of these tools. They prioritize daily tasks and routines, leaving some older adults to feel like they are merely a box to be checked.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe discovered that in urgent situations, older users prefer the AI to be straightforward, while in casual settings, they desire more conversation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHow people interact with technological systems is grounded in what the stakes of the situation are,\u201d she said. \u201cIf it had anything to do with their immediate sense of safety, they did not want conversational elaboration. They want the AI to be very direct and factual.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENot Just Checking Boxes\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMathur said AI agents that interact with older adults are ideally constructed with a dual purpose. They should provide companionship and autonomy for the users while alleviating the burden of caretaking that is often placed on their family members.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome studies have shown that engineers have strayed toward favoring caretakers in the design of these tools. They prioritize daily tasks and routines, leaving some older adults to feel like they are a box to be checked.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThey\u2019re not being thought of as consumers,\u201d Mathur said. \u201cA lot of products are being made for them but not with them.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe also said psychological well-being is one of the most important outcomes these tools should produce.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShowing older adults that they are listened to can significantly help in gaining their trust. Some interviewees told Mathur they want agents who are deliberate about understanding their preferences and don\u2019t dismiss their questions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeeting these needs reduces the likelihood of protesting and creating conflict with family members.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt highlights just how important well-designed explanations are,\u201d she said. \u201cWe must go beyond a transparency checklist.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAn AI Caring study led by Georgia Tech researchers shows that older adults are more likely to trust conversational AI systems that provide them with clear explanations for their decision-making. The study also shows that including older adults more in the design process benefits their well-being and reduces the caretaking burden of family members\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A Georgia Tech study finds older adults are more likely to trust voice-activated AI systems when those systems clearly explain how and why they make decisions."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-03-31 14:01:07","changed_gmt":"2026-04-27 14:31:27","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-31T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-31T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679796":{"id":"679796","type":"image","title":"0A6A0355.jpg","body":null,"created":"1774965687","gmt_created":"2026-03-31 14:01:27","changed":"1774965687","gmt_changed":"2026-03-31 14:01:27","alt":"An older couple sitting on a couch as a man helps them use Amazon\u0027s Alexa","file":{"fid":"263999","name":"0A6A0355.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/0A6A0355.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/0A6A0355.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":171883,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/31\/0A6A0355.jpg?itok=t62aVqXD"}}},"media_ids":["679796"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"193860","name":"Artifical Intelligence"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"14342","name":"older adults"},{"id":"148721","name":"Amazon Alexa"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:ndeen6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ENathan Deen\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Computing\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689263":{"#nid":"689263","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Transformer Explainer Shows How AI is More Math Than Human","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhile people use search engines, chatbots, and generative artificial intelligence tools every day, most don\u2019t know how they work. This sets unrealistic expectations for AI and leads to misuse. It also slows progress toward building new AI applications.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers are making AI easier to understand through their work on Transformer Explainer. The free, online tool shows non-experts how ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models (LLMs) process language.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/poloclub.github.io\/transformer-explainer\/\u0022\u003ETransformer Explainer\u003C\/a\u003E is easy to use and runs on any web browser. It quickly went viral after its debut, reaching 150,000 users in its first three months. More than 563,000 people worldwide have used the tool so far.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGlobal interest in Transformer Explainer continues when the team presents the tool at the 2026 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chi2026.acm.org\/\u0022\u003ECHI 2026\u003C\/a\u003E). CHI, the world\u2019s most prestigious conference on human-computer interaction, will take place in Barcelona, April 13-17.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E[\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/research\/chi-2026\/\u0022\u003ERelated: GT @ CHI 2026\u003C\/a\u003E]\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are moments when LLMs can seem almost like a person with their own will and personality, and that misperception has real consequences. For example, there have been cases where teenagers have made poor decisions based on conversations with LLMs,\u201d said Ph.D. student\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/aereeeee.github.io\/\u0022\u003EAeree Cho\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cUnderstanding that an LLM is fundamentally a model that predicts the probability distribution of the next token helps users avoid taking its outputs as absolute. What you put in shapes what comes out, and that understanding helps people engage with AI more carefully and critically.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA transformer is a neural network architecture that changes data input sequence into an output. Text, audio, and images are forms of processed data, which is why transformers are common in generative AI models. They do this by learning context and tracking mathematical relationships between sequence components.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETransformer Explainer demystifies how transformers work. The platform uses visualization and interaction to show, step by step, how text flows through a model and produces predictions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsing this approach, Transformer Explainer impacts the AI landscape in four main ways:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIt counters hype and misconceptions surrounding AI by showing how transformers work.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIt improves AI literacy among users by removing technical barriers and lowering the entry for learning about AI.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIt expands AI education by helping instructors teach AI mechanisms without extensive setup or computing resources.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIt influences future development of AI tools and educational techniques by providing a blueprint for interpretable AI systems.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen I first learned about transformers, I felt overwhelmed. A transformer model has many parts, each with its own complex math. Existing resources typically present all this information at once, making it difficult to see how everything fits together,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gracekimcy.github.io\/\u0022\u003EGrace Kim\u003C\/a\u003E, a dual B.S.\/M.S. computer science student.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBy leveraging interactive visualization, we use levels of abstraction to first show the big picture of the entire model. Then users click into individual parts to reveal the underlying details and math. This way, Transformer Explainer makes learning far less intimidating.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany users don\u2019t know what transformers are or how they work. The Georgia Tech team found that people often misunderstand AI. Some label AI with human-like characteristics, such as creativity. Others even describe it as working like magic.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFurthermore, barriers make it hard for students interested in transformers to start learning. Tutorials tend to be too technical and overwhelm beginners with math and code. While visualization tools exist, these often target more advanced AI experts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETransformer Explainer overcomes these obstacles through its interactive, user-focused platform. It runs a familiar GPT model directly in any web browser, requiring no installation or special hardware.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsers can enter their own text and watch the model predict the next word in real time. Sankey-style diagrams show how information moves through embeddings, attention heads, and transformer blocks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe platform also lets users switch between high-level concepts and detailed math. By adjusting temperature settings, users can see how randomness affects predictions. This reveals how probabilities drive AI outputs, rather than creativity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMillions of people around the world interact with transformer-driven AI. We believe that it is crucial to bridge the gap between day-to-day user experience and the models\u0027 technical reality, ensuring these tools are not misinterpreted as human-like or seen as sentient,\u201d said Ph.D. student\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.alexkarpekov.com\/\u0022\u003EAlex Karpekov\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cExplaining the architecture helps users recognize that language generated by models is a product of computation, leading to a more grounded engagement with the technology.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECho, Karpekov, and Kim led the development of Transformer Explainer. Ph.D. students\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/alechelbling.com\/\u0022\u003EAlec Helbling\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/seongmin.xyz\/\u0022\u003ESeongmin Lee\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bhoov.com\/\u0022\u003EBen Hoover\u003C\/a\u003E, and alumni\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/zijie.wang\/\u0022\u003EZijie (Jay) Wang\u003C\/a\u003E (Ph.D. ML-CSE 2024) and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/minsuk.com\/\u0022\u003EMinsuk Kahng\u003C\/a\u003E (Ph.D. CS-CSE 2019) assisted on the project.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProfessor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/poloclub.github.io\/polochau\/\u0022\u003EPolo Chau\u003C\/a\u003E supervised the group and their work. His lab focuses on data science, human-centered AI, and visualization for social good.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcceptance at CHI 2026 stems from the team winning the best poster award at the 2024 IEEE Visualization Conference. This recognition from one of the top venues in visualization research highlights Transformer Explainer\u2019s effectiveness in teaching how transformers work.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTransformer Explainer has reached over half a million learners worldwide,\u201d said Chau, a faculty member in the School of Computational Science and Engineering.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u0027m thrilled to see it extend Georgia Tech\u0027s mission of expanding access to higher education, now to anyone with a web browser.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers are making AI easier to understand through their work on Transformer Explainer. The free, online tool shows non-experts how ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models (LLMs) process language, improving AI literacy.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers are making AI easier to understand through their work on Transformer Explainer. The free, online tool shows non-experts how ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models (LLMs) process language, improving AI literacy."}],"uid":"36319","created_gmt":"2026-03-31 16:42:57","changed_gmt":"2026-04-27 14:30:50","author":"Bryant Wine","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-31T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-31T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679798":{"id":"679798","type":"image","title":"Transformer-Explainer-Head-Image.jpg","body":null,"created":"1774975392","gmt_created":"2026-03-31 16:43:12","changed":"1774975392","gmt_changed":"2026-03-31 16:43:12","alt":"CHI 2026 Transformer Explainer","file":{"fid":"264002","name":"Transformer-Explainer-Head-Image.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/Transformer-Explainer-Head-Image.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/Transformer-Explainer-Head-Image.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":120484,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/31\/Transformer-Explainer-Head-Image.jpg?itok=eryBAi-R"}},"679799":{"id":"679799","type":"image","title":"Transformer-Explainer-Text-Image.jpg","body":null,"created":"1774975428","gmt_created":"2026-03-31 16:43:48","changed":"1774975428","gmt_changed":"2026-03-31 16:43:48","alt":"CHI 2026 Transformer Explainer","file":{"fid":"264003","name":"Transformer-Explainer-Text-Image.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/Transformer-Explainer-Text-Image.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/Transformer-Explainer-Text-Image.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":69012,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/31\/Transformer-Explainer-Text-Image.jpg?itok=0B-WDInX"}}},"media_ids":["679798","679799"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/transformer-explainer-shows-how-ai-more-math-human","title":"Transformer Explainer Shows How AI is More Math than Human"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50877","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"},{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"166983","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"},{"id":"170447","name":"Institute for Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"176858","name":"machine learning center"},{"id":"9167","name":"machine learning"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"14646","name":"human-computer interaction"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"194384","name":"Tech AI"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBryant Wine, Communications Officer\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:bryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689931":{"#nid":"689931","#data":{"type":"news","title":"From Competition to Community: How Team Atlanta\u2019s AI Cybersecurity Breakthrough Is Going Open Source","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/team-atlanta.github.io\/\u0022\u003ETeam Atlanta\u003C\/a\u003E claimed first place in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/georgia-tech-makes-history-wins-darpa-challenge\u0022\u003EDARPA AI Cyber Challenge\u003C\/a\u003E last year, they weren\u2019t just celebrating a win\u2014they were demonstrating that artificial intelligence (AI) could autonomously detect and patch software vulnerabilities at a scale once considered impossible.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENow, the team is working with the Linux Foundation and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/openssf.org\/\u0022\u003EOpen Source Security Foundation\u003C\/a\u003E (OpenSSF) to ensure that its breakthrough doesn\u2019t remain confined to a competition environment. The team\u2019s new initiative, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/openssf.org\/projects\/oss-crs\/\u0022\u003EOSS-CRS\u003C\/a\u003E, aims to standardize and operationalize cyber reasoning systems (CRSs) for real-world use.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe AI Cyber Challenge pushed the boundaries of autonomous software security, with seven teams developing systems capable of finding and remediating vulnerabilities at scale,\u201d said \u003Cstrong\u003EAndrew Chin\u003C\/strong\u003E, a Georgia Tech Ph.D. student and lead on the OSS-CRS program.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHowever, after the competition\u2019s conclusion, it has been difficult to apply these advancements to the open-source community due to infrastructure incompatibilities and the lack of long-term maintenance for the open-sourced CRS implementations.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo address this gap, Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gts3.org\/\u0022\u003ESystems Software Lab\u003C\/a\u003E (SSLab), directed by Professor \u003Cstrong\u003ETaesoo Kim\u003C\/strong\u003E, is leading the development of OSS-CRS, which provides both a common framework for CRS development and the infrastructure needed to deploy these systems seamlessly across open-source projects.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs part of this effort, the team has ported its competition-winning system, Atlantis, into the OSS-CRS framework. The move makes it compatible with laptops and other everyday machines with flexible resource and budget configurations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInteroperability is also central to the framework\u2019s design. Atlantis can be combined with other CRSs to improve performance, including systems developed by fellow AIxCC finalists and newer agentic, command-line-based tools. This modular approach reflects a key lesson the team learned from the competition: collaboration between systems can outperform any single solution.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOSS-CRS has been accepted as a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/github.com\/ossf\/oss-crs\u0022\u003Esandbox project\u003C\/a\u003E within OpenSSF\u2019s AI\/ML Security Working Group, a milestone that brings added technical guidance and community support to the project. This includes:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAccess to mentorship\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDedicated working group meetings\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBroader visibility through industry events, publications, and outreach efforts\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe collaboration will also foster stronger connections with open-source maintainers, helping streamline vulnerability disclosure and remediation workflows.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETeam Atlanta, winners of the DARPA AI Cyber Challenge, are turning their competition-winning AI cybersecurity system into a real-world tool for the open-source community. In partnership with the Linux Foundation and the Open Source Security Foundation, the team has launched OSS-CRS, a framework designed to standardize and deploy autonomous cyber reasoning systems at scale. By open sourcing their technology and enabling collaboration between multiple AI systems, the initiative aims to make it easier to detect and fix software vulnerabilities\u2014strengthening the security of critical open-source infrastructure worldwide.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Team Atlanta, winners of the DARPA AI Cyber Challenge, are turning their competition-winning AI cybersecurity system into a real-world tool for the open-source community."}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2026-04-21 17:28:31","changed_gmt":"2026-04-27 14:30:30","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-21T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-21T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680033":{"id":"680033","type":"image","title":"AIxCC-2025-27-web-copy.jpg","body":null,"created":"1776880174","gmt_created":"2026-04-22 17:49:34","changed":"1776880174","gmt_changed":"2026-04-22 17:49:34","alt":"A group of people standing inside of a convention hall. ","file":{"fid":"264266","name":"AIxCC-2025-27-web-copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/AIxCC-2025-27-web-copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/AIxCC-2025-27-web-copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1078593,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/22\/AIxCC-2025-27-web-copy.jpg?itok=6t8OfTPC"}}},"media_ids":["680033"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jpopham3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJohn Popham\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689945":{"#nid":"689945","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Zoo Atlanta Elephants Embrace New GT-Designed Interactive Enrichment Wall","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETitan, Msholo, Kelly, and Tara are just like any other African elephants \u2014 intelligent creatures that require mental stimulation in their everyday lives.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey would normally get this in their natural habitats while foraging for food and staying alert to predators that might target calves.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/zooatlanta.org\/animal\/african-elephant\/\u0022\u003Ethe four elephants reside at Zoo Atlanta\u003C\/a\u003E, so they don\u2019t have to worry about these things.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat\u2019s why zoo caretakers are always on the lookout for better ways to help their elephants exercise their brains.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe caretakers at Zoo Atlanta found one when they met\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ariannamastali.org\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EArianna Mastali\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a Ph.D. student in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing. Mastali designed an audio enrichment wall to help stimulate Zoo Atlanta\u2019s elephants.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany zoos build concrete enrichment walls to foster elephant problem-solving and critical thinking. The walls usually have holes for the elephants to reach through with their trunks as they search for food, treats, or playful objects on the other side.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMastali enhanced Zoo Atlanta\u2019s enrichment wall by adding an interactive audio component. A nearby speaker system emits distinctive low-frequency tones when an elephant sticks its trunk into a hole.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThey\u2019re intelligent creatures that require a lot of complexity in their habitat,\u201d Mastali said. \u201cWe wanted to add to that complexity while giving them more control.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExperimenting in the Wild\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMastali\u2019s system uses cameras and computer vision to detect when an elephant\u2019s trunk is inside a hole and then sends a signal to the speakers to play a sound.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMastali is a member of the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/animalab.cc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Animal Lab\u003C\/a\u003E, directed by School of IC professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/people\/melody-jackson\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMelody Jackson\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. The lab often uses sensing technology to enhance animal wellness.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMastali said she tried incorporating sensing devices into her project several times. She constructed an insert made of PVC pipe and attached a sensor to its base that used infrared beams to detect the elephant\u2019s trunk.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, she said it was difficult to account for the elephants\u2019 strength. Their trunks would break the insert after a day or two.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe pivoted toward computer vision to remove the risk of damage and keep the enrichment wall as close to natural as possible.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cA big lesson we learned was that using existing materials the elephants are already familiar with was the best way to do things, and it simplified our design process,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShane Rosse\u003C\/strong\u003E, a student in Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/omscs.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EOnline Master of Science in Computer Science\u003C\/a\u003E (OMSCS) program, assisted Mastali with the computer vision component.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEnhancing Environmental Enrichment\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMastali observed the elephants\u2019 behavior at the wall seven days before and seven days after the installation of the audio enrichment system.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe number of times the elephants approached the wall after installation increased by 176%, and time spent at the wall increased by 71%\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe weren\u2019t sure at first if they would care that much, so it was great to see how much time they spent at the wall, especially our less dominant females,\u201d said Kirby Miller, senior elephant caretaker at Zoo Atlanta. \u201cThey seem to like it the most.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMiller said the elephants used to only approach the wall when they knew there was food behind it. That started to change after the audio enrichment system was installed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe would be off somewhere else, and we\u2019d hear the speaker playing the sounds, and we knew there wasn\u2019t any food back there,\u201d Miller said. \u201cTara had her trunk in one of the holes, just listening to the sound. That let us know they do like it, and they\u2019re very curious about it.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMiller said because elephants have sharp memories and acute senses of hearing and smell, their habitats must be designed with that in mind.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZoo Atlanta\u2019s African Savanna elephant habitat was redesigned in 2019. In addition to the enrichment wall, it includes a bathing pond, two waterfalls, and swing boom devices that hold hay for elephants to eat as they would in the wild.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMiller said elephants sheltered at any zoo or conservation would benefit from enrichment devices enhanced by technology.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI think anything they can participate in that gives them choice and control is great for all zoo elephants,\u201d she said. \u201cIt depends on the elephants, but with our elephants, they can hear much higher frequencies than we can. That noise isn\u2019t that loud for us, but for them, they\u2019re feeling that noise, and they can hear much more, which makes it more stimulating for them.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech Ph.D. student Arianna Mastali designed an interactive audio enrichment wall for Zoo Atlanta\u0027s four African elephants. A speaker system plays low-frequency tones when an elephant inserts its trunk into one of the wall\u0027s holes, deteced by computer vision.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech is working with Zoo Atlanta to design an audio enrichment wall for African elephants."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-04-22 14:20:53","changed_gmt":"2026-04-27 14:29:54","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-22T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-22T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680026":{"id":"680026","type":"image","title":"DSC_2500.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1776867679","gmt_created":"2026-04-22 14:21:19","changed":"1776867679","gmt_changed":"2026-04-22 14:21:19","alt":"Arianna Mastali stands in front of an African elephant in the background at Zoo Atlanta.","file":{"fid":"264259","name":"DSC_2500.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/DSC_2500.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/DSC_2500.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":203094,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/22\/DSC_2500.jpeg?itok=g1EF8go7"}},"680027":{"id":"680027","type":"image","title":"DSC_0455.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1776867787","gmt_created":"2026-04-22 14:23:07","changed":"1776867787","gmt_changed":"2026-04-22 14:23:07","alt":"Elephant at Zoo Atlanta sticks its trunk into a hole in the enrichment wall","file":{"fid":"264260","name":"DSC_0455.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/DSC_0455.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/DSC_0455.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":429358,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/22\/DSC_0455.jpeg?itok=7sLBTWa8"}},"680028":{"id":"680028","type":"image","title":"DSC_0522.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1776867847","gmt_created":"2026-04-22 14:24:07","changed":"1776867847","gmt_changed":"2026-04-22 14:24:07","alt":"Elephant uses its trunk to grab hay that is suspended in the air","file":{"fid":"264261","name":"DSC_0522.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/DSC_0522.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/DSC_0522.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":455927,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/22\/DSC_0522.jpeg?itok=7GaCnto5"}},"680029":{"id":"680029","type":"image","title":"DSC_0500.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1776867908","gmt_created":"2026-04-22 14:25:08","changed":"1776867908","gmt_changed":"2026-04-22 14:25:08","alt":"Zoo Atlanta visitor walk past the elephant exhibit with an elephant in the background","file":{"fid":"264262","name":"DSC_0500.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/DSC_0500.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/DSC_0500.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":235033,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/22\/DSC_0500.jpeg?itok=0F8wEbaE"}},"680030":{"id":"680030","type":"video","title":"Play That Trunk Music: Elephant Enrichment x Computer Science","body":"\u003Cp\u003EElephants require mental stimulation in their everyday lives, which is why Zoo Atlanta redesigned its African Savanna habitat that shelters four African elephants in 2019. The habitat includes an elephant enrichment wall that has numerous holes for elephants to stick their trunks into as they search for food on the other side.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe elephant enrichment wall at Zoo Atlanta recently received an upgrade thanks to a Georgia Tech Ph.D. student. Arianna Mastali designed an audio enrichment system that uses computer vision to detect when an elephant sticks its trunk into the enrichment wall as it searches for food. The system then sends a signal to play a unique tone from a nearby speaker that corresponds to each hole. So far, Mastali has found that elephant wall interactions have increased by 176%, and the elephants are visiting the wall even when there isn\u0027t food behind it.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776868980","gmt_created":"2026-04-22 14:43:00","changed":"1776868980","gmt_changed":"2026-04-22 14:43:00","video":{"youtube_id":"ANlIAhp4YTs","video_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ANlIAhp4YTs"}}},"media_ids":["680026","680027","680028","680029","680030"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"188776","name":"go-research"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"6765","name":"zoo atlanta"},{"id":"174264","name":"elephants"},{"id":"3237","name":"enrichment"},{"id":"104701","name":"animal computer interaction lab"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:ndeen6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ENathan Deen\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Computing\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689934":{"#nid":"689934","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Meet the Interior Designers Elevating the Georgia Tech Experience ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInterior design in higher education goes far beyond aesthetics. At Georgia Tech, it plays a critical role in shaping how students learn, collaborate, live, and feel on campus. From classrooms and labs to student centers, offices, and shared spaces, thoughtfully designed interiors quietly support the Institute\u2019s mission every day.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat impact is driven by a talented team of interior designers \u2014 Christie Berkowitz , Reagan Donley, Alexandra Gutierrez, Stacy Laux , Polly Patton, Sarah Vaillancourt, and Becky Williams\u003Cstrong\u003E \u2014 \u003C\/strong\u003Ewhose combined experience spans decades and whose work touches nearly every corner of campus. While their backgrounds and approaches vary, they are united by a shared commitment to people, collaboration, and meaningful design in higher education.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDesigning With Purpose\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcross campus, interior design is often shaped by historic buildings, fixed timelines, tight budgets, or sometimes, small footprints. Rather than limiting creativity, these constraints often elevate it.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Sarah Vaillancourt, those challenges sharpen her design thinking. One of her favorite projects, a graduate student space designed to foster creativity and collaboration, used flexible seating, modular furniture, bright accents, and natural elements to support multiple ways of working. \u201cThe offices and spaces can sometimes be a constraint,\u201d she said. \u201cThat pushes creativity.\u201d More importantly, the project reinforced her belief in design\u2019s influence on mindset and behavior. \u201cI wanted to design a space that not only looked appealing but also supported students\u2019 creativity and productivity.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat focus on everyday impact resonates with Christie Berkowitz, who joined the Institute in 2023. Her favorite projects have been classroom renovations \u2014 spaces that may not stand out visually but make an immediate difference. \u201cWhile they might not be the flashiest spaces on campus, they have an immediate, profound impact on the student experience,\u201d she said. Transforming older classrooms into modern, active\u2011learning environments embodies her belief that good design is grounded in function.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EReagan Donley, who has been at Georgia Tech for more than 11 years, approaches every project with the same philosophy. \u201cWhen I\u2019m designing or managing the design of a project, I always try to make sure a space functions like the users need it to and is the best design solution to meet those needs,\u201d she said. Her work balances form, function, long-term institutional goals, maintenance considerations, and historic preservation, often simultaneously.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollaboration at the Core\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInterior design in higher education is inherently collaborative, and every designer emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, and trust.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Alexandra Gutierrez, communication is foundational. \u201cStarting conversations with the right stakeholders and understanding the scope and budget early on helps keep the project moving smoothly,\u201d she said. That approach guided her favorite projects, the Skiles and A. French breakrooms, where she was able to design the spaces from start to finish.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBecky Williams, who previously worked at a design firm with Georgia Tech as her client for almost a decade, enjoys being on the other side of the table. She views design as a collective effort. \u201cI\u2019ve always viewed a project as a \u2018we\u2019 effort, we\u2019re all working toward the same goal, and we get there faster and better when we support each other,\u201d she said. Her favorite project,\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003ETech Square 3 (George Tower | Scheller Tower), stood out for its scale and complexity and for the opportunity to help guide the project from the owner\u2019s side.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat spirit of coordination defined one of Donley\u2019s most meaningful projects, a renovation for the Office of Undergraduate Education in the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons. With rigid funding and scheduling constraints, success depended on collaboration across campus. \u201cWe had to pull all the strings to get the project finished in time,\u201d she said. \u201cIt was a privilege to help them meet their goals.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESpaces That Reflect the People Who Use Them\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile collaboration shapes the process, people remain at the center of every design decision.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Stacy Laux, design begins with listening. \u003Cem\u003E\u201c\u003C\/em\u003EA workspace should feel like the person who uses it\u2014not the designer behind it,\u201d she said. Her favorite project, Science Square, stood out because \u201ceverything clicked.\u201d The success of the project came not just from the outcome, but from a team aligned around a shared vision.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHer greatest inspiration comes from witnessing user connections firsthand. She tries to understand how the user moves through their day, what gives them energy, and what helps them unwind. She observes little habits and routines, which then inform her design process. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing better than seeing someone walk into a finished space and instantly feel like, \u2018Yep ... this is me,\u2019\u201d she said. That moment, she explained, is why design matters.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPolly Patton\u2019s nearly 19 years at Georgia Tech make her one of the team\u2019s longest-tenured designers. For her, that user connection begins face\u2011to\u2011face. \u201cI like to meet in person with my end\u2011user clients and listen to their needs before starting to formulate a design,\u201d she said. Her favorite project, the John Lewis Student Center renovation, reflects that philosophy at the largest scale. \u201cIt\u2019s the heart of the campus and is used by all students,\u201d she noted, making it especially meaningful.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhere Inspiration Begins\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor these designers, inspiration comes from many places: the campus community, the design process itself, and sometimes it\u2019s personal. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFirst and foremost, the students,\u201d Patton said. \u201cDesigning spaces to make their time here at Georgia Tech more enjoyable inspires me to work harder.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDonley finds inspiration in color and in helping users solve challenges\u2014whether through furniture, layout, or budgets. She enjoyed the Clough project because of the challenge of it being a significant change to the organization of the space.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBerkowitz is \u201cdriven by building the strong structural foundations that allow us to execute our jobs at a higher level,\u201d finding inspiration in systems and processes, building tools, and standards that allow the team to work more effectively.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Gutierrez, inspiration is personal. \u201cMy dad inspires me not to give up, and my faith pushes me to be better in everything I do.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGrowing up in a family of educators, Williams also draws creative energy from her family. She realized at a young age that drawing floor plans and rearranging her room was more fun than lesson plans. Additionally, the variety of work appeals to her. One week she could be designing a lab, the next, a collaborative space, then followed by something that feels more like a corporate office.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHigher Education Design Matters\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThoughtful design fosters a sense of community and creates engaging learning and work environments.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHigher ed allows me to turn ideas into environments that support creativity, productivity, and well-being,\u201d Vaillancourt said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Berkowitz, it\u2019s about shared purpose. \u201cBeing able to tangibly support the day-to-day success of the campus community is what makes higher education special.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDonley points to how campuses have evolved. \u201cNow campuses are about the whole experience of the students,\u201d she said. \u003Cem\u003E\u201c\u003C\/em\u003EFurniture and AV components have become the main characters of these experiences.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPatton echoed that variety and impact. \u201cHigher education is a great mix of lots of different types of design,\u201d she said \u2014 from housing to learning to dining, plus athletics, and even retail \u2014 offering endless opportunities to shape experience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen a team is this strong, it becomes its own creative ecosystem,\u201d Laux said. \u201cYou\u2019re not just designing spaces anymore. You\u2019re shaping experiences together. And when you\u2019re surrounded by people who lift your ideas higher, challenge you in the best possible ways, and celebrate every win right alongside you, your own creativity just expands. It\u2019s the kind of environment that keeps you energized and excited to show up every day.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt Georgia Tech, that ecosystem is one built on collaboration, purpose, and a shared belief that design has the power to elevate the entire campus experience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThere\u0027s a whole team of experts designing our campus interior environments.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"There\u0027s a whole team of experts designing our campus interior environments."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2026-04-21 18:06:58","changed_gmt":"2026-04-27 13:25:31","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-21T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-21T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680017":{"id":"680017","type":"image","title":"Interior-Design-Women-004--1-.JPG","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe interior designers shaping the campus experience. (L-R) Alexandra Gutierrez, Stacy Laux, Becky Williams, Sarah Vaillancourt, Christie Berkowitz, Polly Patton, Reagan Donley. Photographed on the third floor of the George | Scheller Tower by Allison Carter. March 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776794869","gmt_created":"2026-04-21 18:07:49","changed":"1776799932","gmt_changed":"2026-04-21 19:32:12","alt":"Image of seven Georgia Tech interior designers","file":{"fid":"264250","name":"Interior-Design-Women-004--1-.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/Interior-Design-Women-004--1-.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/Interior-Design-Women-004--1-.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2477803,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/21\/Interior-Design-Women-004--1-.JPG?itok=IC_vKdlU"}},"680018":{"id":"680018","type":"image","title":"Image--63-.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPhoto of the interior design of a Skiles Classroom Building breakroom.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776795489","gmt_created":"2026-04-21 18:18:09","changed":"1776795489","gmt_changed":"2026-04-21 18:18:09","alt":"Photo of the interior design of a Skiles Classroom Building breakroom.","file":{"fid":"264251","name":"Image--63-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/Image--63-.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/Image--63-.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5607950,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/21\/Image--63-.jpg?itok=3-HqGKj8"}},"680019":{"id":"680019","type":"image","title":"1000006067.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EImage of the light-filled main floor of the George Tower | Scheller Tower Building.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776797451","gmt_created":"2026-04-21 18:50:51","changed":"1776797451","gmt_changed":"2026-04-21 18:50:51","alt":"Image of the light-filled main floor of the George Tower | Scheller Tower Building.","file":{"fid":"264252","name":"1000006067.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/1000006067.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/1000006067.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":477591,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/21\/1000006067.jpg?itok=2AKQYDPX"}},"680020":{"id":"680020","type":"image","title":"acoustical-panels.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EImage of the design of the acoustical panels in the John Lewis Student Center.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776797670","gmt_created":"2026-04-21 18:54:30","changed":"1776797670","gmt_changed":"2026-04-21 18:54:30","alt":"Image of the design of the acoustical panels in the John Lewis Student Center.","file":{"fid":"264253","name":"acoustical-panels.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/acoustical-panels.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/acoustical-panels.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":116686,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/21\/acoustical-panels.jpg?itok=dQ2bo9BK"}},"680021":{"id":"680021","type":"image","title":"ASDSKY_GaTech_VPUE-VRC-Web-04.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EImage of the Office of Undergraduate Education in Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776797963","gmt_created":"2026-04-21 18:59:23","changed":"1776797963","gmt_changed":"2026-04-21 18:59:23","alt":"Image of the Office of Undergraduate Education in Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons.","file":{"fid":"264254","name":"ASDSKY_GaTech_VPUE-VRC-Web-04.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/ASDSKY_GaTech_VPUE-VRC-Web-04.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/ASDSKY_GaTech_VPUE-VRC-Web-04.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1920180,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/21\/ASDSKY_GaTech_VPUE-VRC-Web-04.jpg?itok=5eoM6bHf"}}},"media_ids":["680017","680018","680019","680020","680021"],"groups":[{"id":"383831","name":"Infrastructure and Operations"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"474","name":"interior design"},{"id":"177","name":"planning"},{"id":"823","name":"design"},{"id":"195052","name":"and Construction"},{"id":"128181","name":"renovations"},{"id":"193728","name":"I\u0026S News"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECathy Brim\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstitute Communications\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfrastructure and Sustainability\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["Cathy.brim@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"680804":{"#nid":"680804","#data":{"type":"news","title":"What\u2019s the Shape of the Universe? Mathematicians Use Topology to Study the Shape of the World and Everything in\u00a0it","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen you look at your surrounding environment, it might seem like you\u2019re living on a flat plane. After all, this is why you can navigate a new city using a map: a flat piece of paper that represents all the places around you. This is likely why some people in the past believed the earth to be flat. But most people now know that is far from the truth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou live on the surface of a giant sphere, like a beach ball the size of the Earth with a few bumps added. The surface of the sphere and the plane are two possible 2D spaces, meaning you can walk in two directions: north and south or east and west.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat other possible spaces might you be living on? That is, what other spaces around you are 2D? For example, the surface of a giant doughnut is another 2D space.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough a field called geometric topology, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/scientific-contributions\/John-B-Etnyre-10186406\u0022\u003Emathematicians like me\u003C\/a\u003E study all possible spaces in all dimensions. Whether trying to design \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www2.math.upenn.edu\/%7Eghrist\/preprints\/noticesdraft.pdf\u0022\u003Esecure sensor networks\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/frai.2021.667963\u0022\u003Emine data\u003C\/a\u003E or use \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/globalnews.ca\/news\/10037710\/origami-in-space\/\u0022\u003Eorigami to deploy satellites\u003C\/a\u003E, the underlying language and ideas are likely to be that of topology.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe Shape of the Universe\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen you look around the universe you live in, it looks like a 3D space, just like the surface of the Earth looks like a 2D space. However, just like the Earth, if you were to look at the universe as a whole, it could be a more complicated space, like a giant 3D version of the 2D beach ball surface or something even more exotic than that.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-left zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614228\/original\/file-20240819-17-hxuf1t.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A shape with a hole in the middle.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614228\/original\/file-20240819-17-hxuf1t.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=237\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614228\/original\/file-20240819-17-hxuf1t.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614228\/original\/file-20240819-17-hxuf1t.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614228\/original\/file-20240819-17-hxuf1t.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614228\/original\/file-20240819-17-hxuf1t.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=632\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614228\/original\/file-20240819-17-hxuf1t.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=632\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614228\/original\/file-20240819-17-hxuf1t.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=632\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EA doughnut, also called a torus, is a shape that you can move across in two directions, just like the surface of the Earth.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Simple_Torus.svg\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EYassineMrabet via Wikimedia Commons\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003E, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca class=\u0022license\u0022 href=\u0022http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003ECC BY-NC-SA\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile you don\u2019t need topology to determine that you are living on something like a giant beach ball, knowing all the possible 2D spaces can be useful. Over a century ago, mathematicians figured out \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/978-3-642-34364-3\u0022\u003Eall the possible 2D spaces\u003C\/a\u003E and many of their properties.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the past several decades, mathematicians have learned a lot about all of the possible 3D spaces. While we do not have a complete understanding like we do for 2D spaces, we do \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bookstore.ams.org\/gsm-151\u0022\u003Eknow a lot\u003C\/a\u003E. With this knowledge, physicists and astronomers can try to determine what \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/universe2010001\u0022\u003E3D space people actually live in\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile the answer is not completely known, there are many \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.quantamagazine.org\/what-shape-is-the-universe-closed-or-flat-20191104\/\u0022\u003Eintriguing and surprising possibilities\u003C\/a\u003E. The options become even more complicated if you consider time as a dimension.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo see how this might work, note that to describe the location of something in space \u2013 say a comet \u2013 you need four numbers: three to describe its position and one to describe the time it is in that position. These four numbers are what make up a 4D space.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENow, you can consider what 4D spaces are possible and in which of those spaces do you live.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ETopology in Higher Dimensions\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt this point, it may seem like there is no reason to consider spaces that have dimensions larger than four, since that is the highest imaginable dimension that might describe our universe. But a branch of physics called \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.space.com\/17594-string-theory.html\u0022\u003Estring theory\u003C\/a\u003E suggests that the universe has many more dimensions than four.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere are also practical applications of thinking about higher dimensional spaces, such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/1-4020-4266-3_05\u0022\u003Erobot motion planning\u003C\/a\u003E. Suppose you are trying to understand the motion of three robots moving around a factory floor in a warehouse. You can put a grid on the floor and describe the position of each robot by their x and y coordinates on the grid. Since each of the three robots requires two coordinates, you will need six numbers to describe all of the possible positions of the robots. You can interpret the possible positions of the robots as a 6D space.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs the number of robots increases, the dimension of the space increases. Factoring in other useful information, such as the locations of obstacles, makes the space even more complicated. In order to study this problem, you need to study high-dimensional spaces.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere are countless other scientific problems where high-dimensional spaces appear, from modeling the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1017\/CBO9781316410486\u0022\u003Emotion of planets\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.science.org\/content\/article\/physicists-discover-whopping-13-new-solutions-three-body-problem\u0022\u003Eand spacecraft\u003C\/a\u003E to trying to understand the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ias.edu\/ideas\/2013\/lesnick-topological-data-analysis\u0022\u003E\u201cshape\u201d of large datasets\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ETied Up In Knots\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnother type of problem topologists study is how one space can sit inside another.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, if you hold a knotted loop of string, then we have a 1D space (the loop of string) inside a 3D space (your room). Such loops are called mathematical knots.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/knot-theory\u0022\u003Estudy of knots\u003C\/a\u003E first grew out of physics but has become a central area of topology. They are essential to how scientists understand \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bookstore.ams.org\/gsm-20\u0022\u003E3D and 4D spaces\u003C\/a\u003E and have a delightful and subtle structure that researchers are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/B978-0-444-51452-3.X5000-X\u0022\u003Estill trying to understand\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614230\/original\/file-20240819-17-qmwj95.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Illustrations of 15 connected loops of string with different crossings\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614230\/original\/file-20240819-17-qmwj95.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614230\/original\/file-20240819-17-qmwj95.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=447\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614230\/original\/file-20240819-17-qmwj95.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=447\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614230\/original\/file-20240819-17-qmwj95.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=447\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614230\/original\/file-20240819-17-qmwj95.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=562\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614230\/original\/file-20240819-17-qmwj95.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=562\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/614230\/original\/file-20240819-17-qmwj95.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=562\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EKnots are examples of spaces that sit inside other spaces.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Knot_table.svg\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EJkasd\/Wikimedia Commons\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition, knots have many applications, ranging from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ias.edu\/ideas\/2011\/witten-knots-quantum-theory\u0022\u003Estring theory\u003C\/a\u003E in physics to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/bmb.20244\u0022\u003EDNA recombination\u003C\/a\u003E in biology to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1017\/CBO9780511626272\u0022\u003Echirality\u003C\/a\u003E in chemistry.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat Shape Do You Live On?\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeometric topology is a beautiful and complex subject, and there are still countless exciting questions to answer about spaces.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bookstore.ams.org\/gsm-20\u0022\u003Esmooth 4D Poincar\u00e9 conjecture\u003C\/a\u003E asks what the \u201csimplest\u201d closed 4D space is, and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.quantamagazine.org\/mathematicians-prove-this-knot-cannot-solve-major-problem-20230202\/\u0022\u003Eslice-ribbon conjecture\u003C\/a\u003E aims to understand how knots in 3D spaces relate to surfaces in 4D spaces.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETopology is currently useful in science and engineering. Unraveling more mysteries of spaces in all dimensions will be invaluable to understanding the world in which we live and solving real-world problems.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/235635\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/whats-the-shape-of-the-universe-mathematicians-use-topology-to-study-the-shape-of-the-world-and-everything-in-it-235635\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhether trying to design secure sensor networks, mine data or use origami to deploy satellites, the underlying language and ideas are likely to be that of topology.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Whether trying to design secure sensor networks, mine data or use origami to deploy satellites, the underlying language and ideas are likely to be that of topology."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-02-28 14:22:35","changed_gmt":"2026-04-24 18:37:32","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-02-28T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-02-28T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"676431":{"id":"676431","type":"image","title":"You can describe the shape you live on in multiple dimensions. vkulieva\/iStock via Getty Images Plus","body":"\u003Cp\u003EYou can describe the shape you live on in multiple dimensions. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/illustration\/green-neon-wireframe-shapes-collection-3d-royalty-free-illustration\/1509927575?phrase=math+torus\u0026amp;adppopup=true\u0022\u003Evkulieva\/iStock via Getty Images Plus\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1740770532","gmt_created":"2025-02-28 19:22:12","changed":"1740770532","gmt_changed":"2025-02-28 19:22:12","alt":"You can describe the shape you live on in multiple dimensions. vkulieva\/iStock via Getty Images Plus","file":{"fid":"260217","name":"file-20240816-23-nnp9id-copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/02\/28\/file-20240816-23-nnp9id-copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/02\/28\/file-20240816-23-nnp9id-copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":512466,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/02\/28\/file-20240816-23-nnp9id-copy.jpg?itok=bQNfZoeS"}}},"media_ids":["676431"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/whats-the-shape-of-the-universe-mathematicians-use-topology-to-study-the-shape-of-the-world-and-everything-in-it-235635","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1279","name":"School of Mathematics"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"173647","name":"_for_math_site_"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/john-etnyre-1553642\u0022\u003EJohn Etnyre\u003C\/a\u003E, Professor of Mathematics, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689987":{"#nid":"689987","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Taylor Witte Named Georgia Tech\u2019s First Truman Scholar in 17 Years ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech student Taylor Witte has been named a 2026 Harry S. Truman Scholar, earning the nation\u2019s premier fellowship for undergraduates pursuing careers as public service leaders. A third-year economics and mathematics major and Stamps President\u2019s Scholar, she is Georgia Tech\u2019s first Truman Scholar in 17 years. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.truman.gov\/\u0022\u003EThe Truman Scholarship\u003C\/a\u003E is awarded annually to a select group of students nationwide who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, academic excellence, and an enduring commitment to making a difference. Named after President Harry S. Truman, the scholarship supports students in their graduate education and careers addressing society\u2019s most pressing challenges.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTaylor exemplifies the kind of leader we strive to develop,\u201d said Georgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera. \u201cHer commitment to strengthening public institutions reflects our motto of Progress and Service. Her selection as a Truman Scholar, one of the nation\u2019s most prestigious fellowships for public service, is an exceptional achievement, and we are incredibly proud of her.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA Commitment to Rebuilding Trust in Public Institutions\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWitte, who hails from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, is pursuing dual bachelor\u2019s degrees while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She balances an ambitious academic load with dedicated involvement in campus leadership, undergraduate research, and national public service experiences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMotivated by the erosion of trust in American public institutions, Witte aims to strengthen government decision-making through rigorous economic analysis, transparent data practices, and effective regulation. Instead of viewing public trust as just another policy area, Witte sees it as the very foundation upon which all governance rests.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhile several social issues, from the climate crisis to criminal justice, demand our attention,\u201d she explains, \u201cour ability to tackle these challenges is only as strong as our collective faith in the institutions meant to do so. Responsible data stewardship is the first step to ensuring that communities see themselves represented in the policies that shape their lives.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat philosophy was shaped in part by her work at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, where she served as a statistics and data management intern in 2025. The experience reinforced her belief that sound regulation, grounded in high-quality evidence and community realities, is essential to restoring confidence in government.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s a perspective that also guides her long-term goals. As a Truman Scholar, Witte plans to pursue a joint J.D. and Ph.D. in economics. She hopes to work in the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, specifically the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, where economic analysis and regulatory oversight intersect.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ELeadership at Georgia Tech and Beyond\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWitte\u2019s leadership record at Georgia Tech is extensive. She has served as an advisor for the Seek Discomfort First-Year Leadership Organization and is currently a justice on the Undergraduate Judiciary Committee within Georgia Tech\u2019s Student Government Association.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe has also played a key role in institutional service and advocacy. As an ambassador for the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, Witte helps lead Shadow Day, the College\u2019s largest outreach event for prospective students. Previously, she sat on the Ivan Allen College Advisory Board and is now the sole undergraduate member of the School of Economics Chair Search Committee.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition, Witte has helped oversee the Georgia Tech Stamps Summit as conference chair, building intellectual community among fellow scholars committed to leadership and service.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EChaffee Viets, executive director of the Office of Scholar Programs, notes that Witte\u2019s leadership is defined as much by reflection as ambition.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTaylor is a thinker,\u201d Viets said. \u0022Someone who asks the same questions of herself that she might ask of society: How is this path I am on going to lead to real impact? In her answers, I see deliberative leadership and extraordinary potential.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EBridging Liberal Arts and Technical Education\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a liberal arts student at a leading technical institute, Witte has made it a personal mission to demonstrate the essential role of economics, public policy, and the humanities in shaping technological innovation and governance. She currently serves as a teaching assistant in the School of Mathematics, one of only a handful of liberal arts majors among a large cohort, where she works to make complex mathematical concepts accessible and applicable for all her students.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn everything I do on campus, I want to show that liberal arts majors can learn alongside STEM-focused students, and also lead among them and contribute meaningfully to the Institute\u2019s mission of advancing technology and improving the human condition,\u201d she said. \u201cMy experiences at Tech have left me better prepared to navigate a public-sector career in an increasingly technical world.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELooking ahead, Witte remains focused on the long-term work of strengthening democratic institutions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTo say we are navigating difficult and uncertain times would be an understatement,\u201d she says. \u201cBut the most powerful force in this moment is one within our control: our collective decision to believe in the institutions we build, and to demand that they rise to meet us. It\u2019s our choice to make.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudents interested in applying for the Truman Scholarship can visit the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.success.gatech.edu\/prestigious-fellowships\/\u0022\u003EPrestigious Fellowships website\u003C\/a\u003E or contact the team at \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:fellowshipsadvising@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Efellowshipsadvising@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA third-year economics and mathematics major and Stamps President\u2019s Scholar, Taylor Witte has earned one of the nation\u0027s top honors for emerging public service leaders.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A third-year economics and mathematics major and Stamps President\u2019s Scholar, Taylor Witte has earned one of the nation\u0027s top honors for emerging public service leaders."}],"uid":"36773","created_gmt":"2026-04-24 13:01:40","changed_gmt":"2026-04-24 18:29:00","author":"choward85","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-24T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-24T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680050":{"id":"680050","type":"image","title":"2026 Truman Scholar with Georgia Tech\u0027s President and Provost","body":null,"created":"1777035792","gmt_created":"2026-04-24 13:03:12","changed":"1777035792","gmt_changed":"2026-04-24 13:03:12","alt":"Georgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera, 2026 Truman Scholar Taylor Witte, and Provost Raheem Beyah stand in front of memorabilia-filled bookshelves.","file":{"fid":"264289","name":"Truman-Scholar-with-President.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/24\/Truman-Scholar-with-President.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/24\/Truman-Scholar-with-President.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":9018058,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/24\/Truman-Scholar-with-President.JPG?itok=I5VeyDUU"}},"680051":{"id":"680051","type":"image","title":"Truman Scholar with Assistant Director, Prestigious Fellowships","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAssistant Director of Prestigious Fellowships Georgia Brunner (left) and 2026 Truman Scholar Taylor Witte.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1777035792","gmt_created":"2026-04-24 13:03:12","changed":"1777035792","gmt_changed":"2026-04-24 13:03:12","alt":"Assistant Director, Prestigious Fellowships Georgia Brunner and 2026 Truman Scholar Taylor Witte stand outside Tech Tower.","file":{"fid":"264290","name":"Truman-Scholar-with-Prestigious-Fellowships-advisor.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/24\/Truman-Scholar-with-Prestigious-Fellowships-advisor.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/24\/Truman-Scholar-with-Prestigious-Fellowships-advisor.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":8567101,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/24\/Truman-Scholar-with-Prestigious-Fellowships-advisor.JPG?itok=t4U6WxxX"}}},"media_ids":["680050","680051"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.success.gatech.edu\/prestigious-fellowships\/","title":"Prestigious Fellowships Advising"},{"url":"https:\/\/undergraduate.gatech.edu\/","title":"Office of Undergraduate Education \u0026 Student Success"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1279","name":"School of Mathematics"}],"categories":[{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"}],"keywords":[{"id":"195059","name":"Harry S. Truman Scholarship"},{"id":"11285","name":"Truman Scholar"},{"id":"194030","name":"prestigious fellowships"},{"id":"173647","name":"_for_math_site_"},{"id":"193733","name":"_for_math_site_manual_feed_"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EPrestigious Fellowships Advising\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:fellowshipsadvising@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Efellowshipsadvising@gatech.edu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"524121":{"#nid":"524121","#data":{"type":"news","title":"What Not to Wear: Commencement Edition \u2026 and Other Tips for Your Graduation Day","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWith \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECommencement\u003C\/a\u003E right around the corner, many of you already know what you\u2019re going to wear. Some of you may have planned your outfits months ago. Hopefully you\u0027ve at least taken your regalia out of the plastic to let the wrinkles fall out.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere is no official Commencement dress code, but for those who are still scrambling for picture-perfect attire, here are some practical tips to help dress and prep for the big day.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESpring 2026 Commencement is a rain or shine event. Graduates and guests are advised to monitor the weather forecast and dress as needed. Each ceremony is expected to last between one to two and a half hours. For directions between venues throughout the weekend, \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/map.gatech.edu\/?id=82#!ct\/15646,74520,74521,74522,75326?s\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Evisit the Georgia Tech map\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu\/events-schedule\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESpring 2026 Commencement Ceremony Schedule\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommencement Dress DO\u2019s:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELeave bags at home.\u003C\/strong\u003E If you must have a bag, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramblinwreck.com\/clearbag\/\u0022\u003Emake it clear\u003C\/a\u003E. Commencement events at both Bobby Dodd Stadium and McCamish Pavilion are subject to the venue\u2019s clear bag policy. See the full policy at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramblinwreck.com\/clearbag\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eramblinwreck.com\/clearbag\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETravel light. \u003C\/strong\u003EThis will save you the hassle of carrying a bag at all or leaving your bag at bag valet. If you\u2019re wearing a dress or skirt, try to find one with pockets to carry small items such as keys or your phone.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDress comfortably.\u003C\/strong\u003E You may be at the event for up to three and a half hours. The event will be a combination of standing and sitting, so make sure you\u2019re dressed comfortably enough for both. Consider light layers depending on the weather.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBachelor\u2019s and Ph.D. graduates will process in front of the stage as their names are called, so be sure you can walk in your shoes. If you\u2019re wearing pants, consider lighter colors to contrast with your regalia. If you\u2019re planning to wear heels, consult the \u201cDon\u2019t wear new shoes\u201d section, and consider a low heel (and that you\u2019ll be walking on uneven turf or flooring).\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESuggest that your guests dress business casual. \u003C\/strong\u003EAlthough there is no dress code, many guests like to dress up for this special day. Parents and alumni can often be seen donning Tech colors and gear, and sometimes international guests wear their country\u2019s traditional dress clothes. Tell them about the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramblinwreck.com\/clearbag.\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eclear bag entry policy\u003C\/a\u003E so they, too, can plan accordingly.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhatever you choose to wear, the photos you take will be around for a while, so pick something you won\u2019t mind seeing a few years down the road. When in doubt, you can\u2019t go wrong with white and gold.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommencement Dress DON\u2019Ts:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDon\u2019t think that because you\u2019re wearing a robe, it doesn\u2019t matter what you\u2019re wearing underneath.\u003C\/strong\u003E Throughout the day, you\u2019ll be taking numerous photos, and you may at some point want to take off your regalia.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDon\u2019t wear new shoes.\u003C\/strong\u003E Commencement is not the day to break in new shoes. Another tip: Don\u2019t wear high heels if you are not used to walking in them. On your walk across the stage, you should be focusing on the moment you\u2019ve been waiting for during the past four (or five) years, not worrying about tripping.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDon\u2019t spend too much time styling your hair.\u003C\/strong\u003E Keep in mind you\u2019ll be wearing a graduation cap for a few hours. If you\u2019re planning an elaborate hairstyle, try it out with your cap before graduation day to make sure that the cap still sits properly.\u0026nbsp;Bobby pins can help to secure your cap if it feels loose.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDon\u2019t make your mortarboard too epic\u003C\/strong\u003E. Remember that someone has to sit behind you, and if you adorn your cap with anything 3D, try to keep it no more than an inch or two off the board.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDon\u2019t forget your regalia. \u003C\/strong\u003EMake sure you have your cap, gown, tassel, cords, and stole (and hood, for graduate students). There will not be extras at the venue, and regalia is required for participating in Commencement. And, don\u2019t wait until Commencement day to unwrap it. Take it out of the plastic, make sure you have it all, and hang it up to let some of the wrinkles fall out. If you\u2019re feeling ambitious, give it a steam.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOther Commencement Tips:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESet an alarm, especially for morning ceremonies\u003C\/strong\u003E. Doors will open one hour before the start of the ceremony. Graduates should report to the venue 45 minutes before the ceremony starts. Set your alarm and have a buddy system to make sure you wake up. (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu\/events-schedule\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESee the full Commencement schedule\u003C\/a\u003E.)\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECharge your phone\u003C\/strong\u003E. Bachelor\u2019s and Ph.D. graduates will scan a virtual name card (StagePass) as they walk to the stage to have their names called, and you will want to find family members after the ceremony. Master\u2019s graduates will scan their StagePass during their college ceremony. Bring a phone with a full charge. Pro tip: Take a screenshot of your StagePass before you arrive. Better yet, print your StagePass and never worry about your phone\u2019s battery life.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStay hydrated and take a bathroom break before you arrive. \u003C\/strong\u003ETry to be well-rested, fed, hydrated, and prepared to sit through the ceremony.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPlan where to meet your guests after the ceremony.\u003C\/strong\u003E For bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s graduates, there is no formal procession in or out of the venue. Suggest a specific meeting spot beforehand, ideally a bit away from the venue, to ensure you are not lost in the crowd and can find family members to reunite easily.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESend your guests parking information.\u003C\/strong\u003E Note available parking areas at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu\/venue-parking\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ecommencement.gatech.edu\/venue-parking\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost importantly, remember to enjoy the day and reflect on all that you\u2019ve achieved at Georgia Tech. Congratulations, graduates!\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFor those still scrambling for the picture-perfect Commencement attire, here are some helpful tips.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"For those who are still scrambling for the picture-perfect Commencement attire, here are some tips to help out."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2017-04-25 18:16:10","changed_gmt":"2026-04-24 18:21:47","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu\/","title":"Commencement Website"},{"url":"https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu\/venue-information","title":"Venue Information"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"627","name":"commencement"},{"id":"629","name":"graduation"},{"id":"167378","name":"special events"},{"id":"166847","name":"students"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:kristen.bailey@comm.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EKristen Bailey\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpecial Events\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:events@comm.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eevents@comm.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689975":{"#nid":"689975","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Deadline Extended for Title\u202fII of the Americans With Disabilities Act\u202f","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe U.S. Department of Justice recently extended the compliance deadline for Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) digital accessibility requirements by one year. The new deadline to meet the WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements is April 26, 2027. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhile this provides additional time, it does not change the Institute\u2019s commitment to ensuring that Georgia Tech\u2019s digital environment is accessible to everyone and aligned with federal requirements,\u201d said Jarmon DeSadier, vice president for Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Conflict Management. \u201cThe Institute will continue to move forward in advancing accessibility as a core principle of how we design, build, and manage our digital presence.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver the past several months, teams across Georgia Tech have made meaningful progress in laying the groundwork for sustainable compliance. This includes launching a centralized digital accessibility website with guidance and resources, delivering training to build campus capability, establishing a comprehensive inventory of web assets to clarify ownership and accountability, and implementing enterprise tools to identify and address accessibility issues. Work is also underway to expand document remediation capabilities to support improvements across instructional and web content.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition, Georgia Tech is advancing a new web governance framework to provide the structure and standards needed to sustain this work over time. Together, these efforts ensure that accessibility is not a one-time initiative, but an integrated, ongoing responsibility shared by all community members.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELooking ahead, the Institute will continue to build on this foundation \u2014 expanding services, strengthening support, and accelerating remediation across websites, applications, and learning materials. The goal is long-term, sustainable compliance and a digital environment that works for everyone.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor more information on digital accessibility at Georgia Tech, visit \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/digitalaccess.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Edigitalaccess.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe U.S. Department of Justice recently extended the compliance deadline for Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) digital accessibility requirements by one year. The new deadline to meet the WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements is April 26, 2027.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The U.S. Department of Justice recently extended the compliance deadline for Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) digital accessibility requirements by one year."}],"uid":"27164","created_gmt":"2026-04-23 18:02:01","changed_gmt":"2026-04-23 18:25:02","author":"Rachael Pocklington","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-23T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-23T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680048":{"id":"680048","type":"image","title":"Digital-Accessibility-Keyboard.jpg","body":null,"created":"1776968623","gmt_created":"2026-04-23 18:23:43","changed":"1776968623","gmt_changed":"2026-04-23 18:23:43","alt":"Keyboard with digital accessibility button","file":{"fid":"264282","name":"Digital-Accessibility-Keyboard.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/23\/Digital-Accessibility-Keyboard.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/23\/Digital-Accessibility-Keyboard.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":4630454,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/23\/Digital-Accessibility-Keyboard.jpg?itok=WVxpveJK"}}},"media_ids":["680048"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/digitalaccess.gatech.edu\/","title":"Digital Accessibility at Georgia Tech"}],"groups":[{"id":"64319","name":"Administration and Finance"},{"id":"660400","name":"Digital Accessibility"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"195057","name":"Title II of the ADA"},{"id":"194884","name":"Title II, ADA, digital accessibility"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERachael Pocklington\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["rpocklington@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689951":{"#nid":"689951","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Andr\u00e9s Garc\u00eda Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researcher \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/andres-j-garcia\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAndr\u00e9s Garc\u00eda\u003C\/a\u003E has been elected to the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amacad.org\/news\/new-member-announcement-2026\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmerican Academy of Arts and Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E, joining an honorary society that includes Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Albert Einstein, and Martin Luther King Jr.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Academy recognizes leaders across fields of study who have addressed humanity\u2019s greatest challenges while also gathering knowledge to advance learning and the public good. This year\u2019s class of 252 honorees was elected in academia, the arts, industry, journalism, philanthropy, policy, research, and science. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGarc\u00eda is one of nine honorees in the \u201cEngineering and Technology\u201d division. His research \u2014 both in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E where he serves as Regents\u2019 Professor and in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bioresearch.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EParker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience\u003C\/a\u003E where he is the executive director \u2014 aligns with the Academy\u2019s service-minded mission. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI am inspired to find engineering solutions to serious health conditions to help people,\u201d he said. \u201cAs a kid, I developed a musculoskeletal condition that required biomaterial devices to treat. Although imperfect, this treatment allowed me to lead a normal life.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMoved by his personal experience, Garc\u00eda\u2019s research centers on cellular and tissue engineering, which integrate biological and engineering principles to restore organ function lost to injury or disease. By studying how cells interact with the materials around them, he and his team have engineered biomaterials for the controlled delivery of therapeutic proteins and cells that enhance tissue regeneration, which could speed the healing process for patients. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis future work will integrate biomaterials with lab\u2011grown replicas of human organs, known as organoids, that can be used to identify new therapies for a variety of human diseases. These organoids, though smaller and simpler than true organs, can mimic key functions that may help Garc\u00eda and his team to find better ways to repair damaged tissues.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGarc\u00eda has spent the past 27 years at Georgia Tech and carries on the legacy of another Academy member \u2014 the Petit Institute\u2019s founding executive director Robert Nerem, who was inducted in 1998. Garc\u00eda credits his success to the support of his loved ones and the Yellow Jacket community. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI am deeply honored and humbled,\u201d he said. \u201cThis award is only possible by the unending love and support of family, friends and mentors, my phenomenal past and present trainees, fantastic collaborators, and awesome ecosystem at Georgia Tech.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Academy was chartered in 1780 during the American Revolution by a group that included John Adams and John Hancock. It was established to recognize accomplished individuals and engage them in addressing the greatest challenges facing the young republic.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMembership has broadened over the years to celebrate excellence in a variety of fields. Honorees have included poet Robert Frost, musician John Legend, and chef Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/17\/chef-and-humanitarian-jose-andres-receives-ivan-allen-jr-prize-social-courage\u0022\u003Ewho was given this year\u2019s Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage\u003C\/a\u003E. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGarc\u00eda and the rest of this year\u2019s class, which includes actor Jodie Foster, will be inducted in October. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researcher \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/andres-j-garcia\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAndr\u00e9s Garc\u00eda\u003C\/a\u003E has been elected to the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amacad.org\/news\/new-member-announcement-2026\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmerican Academy of Arts and Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E, joining an honorary society that includes Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Albert Einstein, and Martin Luther King Jr. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The honorary society dates to the early days of the United States and honors excellence and contributions that advance society.  "}],"uid":"36479","created_gmt":"2026-04-22 18:35:45","changed_gmt":"2026-04-23 15:23:47","author":"abowman41","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-22T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-22T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680035":{"id":"680035","type":"image","title":"Andr\u00e9s J. Garc\u00eda","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAndr\u00e9s J. Garc\u00eda\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776882954","gmt_created":"2026-04-22 18:35:54","changed":"1776948169","gmt_changed":"2026-04-23 12:42:49","alt":"A man with silver hair wears a white lab coat, white shirt, and gold tie will sitting behind a lab bench with research equipment on top of it.","file":{"fid":"264268","name":"ExecDirGarcia10-lab.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/ExecDirGarcia10-lab.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/ExecDirGarcia10-lab.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2396467,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/22\/ExecDirGarcia10-lab.jpg?itok=1-GrI-YP"}}},"media_ids":["680035"],"groups":[{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"}],"keywords":[{"id":"188776","name":"go-research"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"14545","name":"George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering"},{"id":"594","name":"college of engineering"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:ashlie.bowman@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAshlie Bowman\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EParker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:maderer@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJason Maderer\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689953":{"#nid":"689953","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Graduate Brings Culinary Flair to \u2018MasterChef\u2019 ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDaniel Meng, BA 2025, was 8 years old when he started cooking. His fried rice recipe was simple \u2014 rice and eggs \u2014 but it was enough to fill him up while his parents were at work, and it lit a fire in him that would eventually lead him to the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/masterchefonfox\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EMasterChef\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E kitchen to compete among the best home cooks in the country. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat began as a necessity for the Johns Creek, Georgia, native became a passion that he wanted to share with others. As he honed his skills in the kitchen, Daniel hosted dinner parties for friends and started a culinary club at his high school. When he arrived at Georgia Tech, he wanted to continue sharing his expertise, so he created CHEFS at Tech, a student organization that hosts cooking workshops, grocery trips, and restaurant outings. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCooking is one of the most important skills you can have, and that\u2019s not something they teach you in school, so I wanted to fill that gap. Then, I started creating content on social media because I wanted to share my love for food and teach the world how to cook,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEmbracing the \u201cglobal gauntlet\u201d theme of the 16th season of Fox\u2019s culinary reality show, Daniel showcased his Asian fusion cooking style, impressing the judges \u2014 Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich, and Tiffany Derry \u2014 with his take on Mapo tofu, a Sichuan-spiced dish that he fused with ravioli.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cThat was better than some of the pasta I\u2019ve had in Italy,\u201d Ramsay said after tasting Meng\u2019s dish.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELike preparing for a final exam at Tech, Daniel prepared extensively for his audition, helping him stay composed under the bright lights.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTech taught me to work under heavy pressure because you\u2019re surrounded by so many hardworking students,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen you\u0027re in that kitchen, not only is the audience watching you, but the whole world\u0027s going to be watching you, so there\u0027s a lot of weight on your shoulders. But I knew I was ready because I was so focused, and this moment meant everything to me.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAble to execute his vision for the dish and take on Ramsay\u2019s challenge of doing pushups in the kitchen, Daniel earned an apron to secure his spot in the competition. The feedback from the three culinary experts gave Daniel the added confidence of knowing he can compete with the best, but it\u2019s the memories of cooking alongside his mother and sharing his food with friends and family that continue to push him.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022From when I was a kid up until now, watching my parents enjoy my food means everything to me. In the \u003Cem\u003EMasterChef\u003C\/em\u003E kitchen, the stage got bigger, but that feeling never changed. Cooking has always been how I show people I care. That doesn\u2019t go away, whether I\u2019m cooking for my parents or Gordon Ramsay,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen he\u2019s not competing, Daniel shares dishes on his social channels as a food content creator. From his Hainanese chicken and rice recipe to showing how he cooked for 70 of his fraternity brothers at Tech, Daniel wants his channel (@mengseats) to be a source of entertainment, education, and inspiration for those looking to elevate their skills in the kitchen.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile his dishes vary in complexity, his favorites are those that remind him of his childhood, and he continues to iterate on his fried rice \u2014 both in technique and ingredients. A message he shares, particularly with college students, is that adding simple \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2026\/02\/generating-buzz-protein-packed-industry\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eproteins\u003C\/a\u003E and fresh vegetables to dishes like rice or ramen noodles can significantly boost nutritional value, enhance satiety, and broaden their palate.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFollow Daniel\u2019s \u003Cem\u003EMasterChef\u003C\/em\u003E journey on Fox every Wednesday at 8 p.m. EDT and stream the next day on Hulu.\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Content creator Daniel Meng has been cooking since he was eight years old, and he\u2019s ready to share his skills in one of television\u0027s biggest culinary competitions. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EContent creator\u003Cem\u003E \u003C\/em\u003EDaniel Meng has been cooking since he was eight years old, and he\u2019s ready to share his skills in one of television\u0027s biggest culinary competitions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Content creator Daniel Meng has been cooking since he was eight years old, and he\u2019s ready to share his skills in one of television\u0027s biggest culinary competitions. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-04-23 01:06:14","changed_gmt":"2026-04-23 01:17:35","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-22T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-22T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680037":{"id":"680037","type":"image","title":"Daniel Meng","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech graduate Daniel Meng competing in the \u003Cem\u003EMasterChef\u003C\/em\u003E kitchen. Photo courtesy Fox\/\u003Cem\u003EMasterChef.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776906837","gmt_created":"2026-04-23 01:13:57","changed":"1776906837","gmt_changed":"2026-04-23 01:13:57","alt":"Daniel Meng","file":{"fid":"264271","name":"Screenshot-2026-04-22-at-9.12.05-PM.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/Screenshot-2026-04-22-at-9.12.05-PM.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/Screenshot-2026-04-22-at-9.12.05-PM.png","mime":"image\/png","size":3296364,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/22\/Screenshot-2026-04-22-at-9.12.05-PM.png?itok=ZBXDhxQH"}}},"media_ids":["680037"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"43101","name":"Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business"},{"id":"185293","name":"content creation"},{"id":"146881","name":"culinary arts"},{"id":"182828","name":"cultural food"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689942":{"#nid":"689942","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Traffic to Increase During Weekend Concerts ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech community members should plan for increased traffic near Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field later this week as the Institute prepares to host two Bruno Mars concerts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEvent load-in will take place throughout the week. Intermittent delays and closures are expected along Bobby Dodd Way (between Techwood Drive and Fowler Street) and Fowler Street (between Bobby Dodd Way and Fourth Street).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeginning at 6 p.m. Friday, April 24, more significant closures will be in effect through the weekend. Techwood Drive will be closed from Bobby Dodd Way to North Avenue through Sunday following the concert.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally, North Avenue will be closed between Techwood Drive and Luckie Street from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26. Fowler Street between Fourth and Fifth streets will be limited to parking pass holders accessing Peters Parking Deck.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBe sure to allow extra travel time, use alternate routes, and remain alert to changing traffic patterns in the area.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003ETransportation Changes\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFriday, April 24\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERed Route Stinger will detour beginning at 5:30 p.m. (see map). \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESaturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWeekend Atlantic and Midtown Stinger routes will operate from 8 a.m. to noon. Buses will be labeled \u201ccharter\u201d in the TransLoc app.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWeekend Gold, Red, and Blue Stinger routes will not operate.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStingerette Nighttime Safety Service will not operate during the concerts and will resume once roads reopen. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch4\u003EParking Changes\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParking permit holders will be notified via email if they need to move their vehicle. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pts.gatech.edu\/2026\/04\/21\/modified-parking-and-transit-due-to-concert-on-campus-april-25-26\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESee a map of all affected parking areas\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe following parking areas will be closed to permit holders to accommodate concert parking:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThursday, April 23, at 5 p.m., through Monday, April 27, at 8 a.m.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EE44: Lyman Hall Lot \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EER51: Fowler Street from Fourth Street to Bobby Dodd Way \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESaturday, April 25, at 8 a.m., through Monday, April 27, at 8 a.m.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EER51: Fowler Street from Fifth Street to Fourth Street\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EER51: Techwood Drive from Fourth Street to Bobby Dodd Way\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EE45: Tech Tower \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EE46: Burge Deck\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EE48: Wardlaw Center\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EE49: Alumni Lot \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EE52: Peters Deck\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EE63: O\u2019Keefe Lot \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EE65: McCamish Pavilion\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EER55: Sixth Street to Fifth Street\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EW01: Tech Parkway\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlternative parking will be available to permit holders beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, April 24, at the following locations:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EE70: GTRI Deck\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EER66: Family Housing Deck\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EW06: Tech Parkway\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EW21: Physics\/Boggs\/Mason\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EW31: IPST\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWR29: West Campus Residential\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EExpect delays, intermittent closures, and restricted access around Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field this weekend.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Expect delays, intermittent closures, and restricted access around Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field this weekend. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-04-22 01:01:12","changed_gmt":"2026-04-22 20:09:02","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-21T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-21T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680024":{"id":"680024","type":"image","title":"Bobby Dodd Stadium has played host to several concerts in the past.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EBobby Dodd Stadium has played host to several concerts in the past.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776863177","gmt_created":"2026-04-22 13:06:17","changed":"1776863177","gmt_changed":"2026-04-22 13:06:17","alt":"Bobby Dodd Stadium has played host to several concerts in the past.","file":{"fid":"264257","name":"RollingStones_GATech15_iWally-22-copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/RollingStones_GATech15_iWally-22-copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/RollingStones_GATech15_iWally-22-copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1916629,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/22\/RollingStones_GATech15_iWally-22-copy.jpg?itok=AqN45Xuc"}},"680025":{"id":"680025","type":"image","title":"Parking Map for Bruno Mars Concert at Bobby Dodd Stadium","body":"\u003Cp\u003EParking Map for Bruno Mars Concert at Bobby Dodd Stadium\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776863222","gmt_created":"2026-04-22 13:07:02","changed":"1776863222","gmt_changed":"2026-04-22 13:07:02","alt":"Parking Map for Bruno Mars Concert at Bobby Dodd Stadium","file":{"fid":"264258","name":"Bruno-Mars-Concert-Parking-Map.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/Bruno-Mars-Concert-Parking-Map.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/22\/Bruno-Mars-Concert-Parking-Map.png","mime":"image\/png","size":2252496,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/22\/Bruno-Mars-Concert-Parking-Map.png?itok=1sQsnSu8"}}},"media_ids":["680024","680025"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.pts.gatech.edu\/2026\/04\/21\/modified-parking-and-transit-due-to-concert-on-campus-april-25-26\/","title":"Modified Parking and Transit Operations for Concert"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:specialevents@police.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Especialevents@police.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:support@pts.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Esupport@pts.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689826":{"#nid":"689826","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Ride Out in Style Program Gives Graduates a Bucket List Opportunity","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor many Georgia Tech students, a ride in the Ramblin\u2019 Wreck is a bucket-list item before graduation.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETech\u2019s mechanical mascot, a 1930 Ford Model A Sports Coupe, has been a fixture on campus and in the hearts of Yellow Jackets alike since 1961, and with the Ramblin\u2019 Reck Club\u2019s Ride Out in Style program, more students will have an opportunity to cruise through campus in the iconic car before Commencement.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe club, which is charged with maintaining the vehicle and sharing its history with the Tech community, will facilitate the program. Through a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/m.signupgenius.com\/#!\/showSignUp\/10C054CA5AB2DA7FFC43-63507542-ride?useFullSite=false\u0026amp;utm_source=ig\u0026amp;utm_medium=social\u0026amp;utm_content=link_in_bio\u0026amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn0nlyNWkCAhh-4tv2Hca0h2m4KvmwurOC40XjEaOCRkAxZStGNdYDP90f4IQ_aem_YNvBlrG-kNa8228FFL2rzQ\u0022\u003ESign-Up Genius form\u003C\/a\u003E, graduating students get an exclusive chance to ride through campus, cruising from the Reck Garage to the Campus Recreation Center before swinging by another staple of campus, Tech Tower.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESof Zambrano Molina, the current student driver, is behind the wheel wearing a silver heart-shaped locket with a photo of the vehicle inside. She relishes her role in turning a student\u2019s wish into reality. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s always been said by drivers that the Wreck is owned by the student body, and we\u2019re just the ones who get the car from point A to point B,\u201d Molina said. \u201cSince the Wreck is a symbol of Georgia Tech, students deserve the chance to be able to interact with it in that way.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition to Ride Out in Style, this semester also saw the launch of the new \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/calendly.com\/driver-reckclub\/30min?utm_source=ig\u0026amp;utm_medium=social\u0026amp;utm_content=link_in_bio\u0026amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnYUWCK9f-AHCUmV_EyRiy9TzOo5plQfAw9wAPvCZ_08To0SHsjcBWzw7_6b4_aem_DfdixjQ9HPpVzfCBCLoz-Q\u0026amp;utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3_a1dennhasi4aag\u0026amp;month=2026-04\u0022\u003EBucket List Ride program\u003C\/a\u003E. Before Ride Out in Style begins toward the semester\u2019s end, bucket list rides are open to all students, staff, and faculty members \u2014 along with up to two of their friends \u2014 and give the community a chance to take a ride and learn more about the car. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI think interacting with the Wreck should be a formative part of every Tech student\u0027s journey,\u201d Molina said. \u201cFrom my experience \u2014 from watching people inside the car and seeing how happy they are, or even just seeing how happy students are whenever you drive past them \u2014 it\u0027s like the car inherently spreads joy.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor some, seeing the car on campus is the memory they hold onto, Molina says, but for others, it\u2019s a sound they\u2019ll never forget. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI had someone ask me today, \u2018Hey, can I blow the horn?\u2019 and she was so\u003Cem\u003E \u003C\/em\u003Eexcited. And that\u2019s the part a lot of people recognize,\u201d she said. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs Commencement nears, for any students who find a Wreck-shaped hole in their heart, don\u2019t miss your chance to cross this ride off your Georgia Tech bucket list. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"The Ramblin\u2019 Reck Club is helping graduating students cross a ride in the Wreck off their Georgia Tech bucket list before Commencement."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003ERamblin\u2019 Reck Club is helping graduating students cross a ride in the Wreck off their Georgia Tech bucket list before Commencement.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Ramblin\u2019 Reck Club is helping graduating students cross a ride in the Wreck off their Georgia Tech bucket list before Commencement."}],"uid":"36837","created_gmt":"2026-04-17 14:43:03","changed_gmt":"2026-04-21 15:01:55","author":"ejenkins47","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-21T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-21T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680011":{"id":"680011","type":"image","title":"Ramblin\u0027 Wreck","body":null,"created":"1776782674","gmt_created":"2026-04-21 14:44:34","changed":"1776782674","gmt_changed":"2026-04-21 14:44:34","alt":"Ramblin\u0027 Wreck","file":{"fid":"264244","name":"22C10400-P3-037.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/22C10400-P3-037.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/22C10400-P3-037.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3798408,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/21\/22C10400-P3-037.JPG?itok=k4Rtvhhy"}}},"media_ids":["680011"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ramblinreckclub\/","title":"Ramblin\u0027 Reck Club"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"6984","name":"Ramblin Wreck"},{"id":"14136","name":"ramblin reck club"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:stucomm@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EEllie Jenkins\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689911":{"#nid":"689911","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Arboretum Earns ArbNet Recertification","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Georgia Tech, the campus arboretum is more than a designated area of trees. It is the entire campus. Walkways, quads, greens, and streetscapes are all part of a curated landscape carefully selected to thrive in an urban environment. It is also a place where memories are made, from everyday gatherings under the canopy to photos that capture an important milestone. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt would be great if the trees could talk, if our arboretum could tell stories,\u201d Georgia Tech landscape architect Jason Gregory says. With trees on campus that are more than 100 years old, those stories could be history lessons about the Institute.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/facilities.gatech.edu\/arboretum\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ecampus arboretum\u003C\/a\u003E was recently recertified by ArbNet, the global network of tree professionals and tree collections organized for knowledge sharing, resources, and conservation. With more than 15,000 trees and over 130 species across campus \u2014 including two palm trees \u2014 the arboretum supports research, education, and preservation and provides public enjoyment. Environmental benefits include reducing heat, managing stormwater, improving air quality, increasing soil porosity, sequestering carbon, and supporting campus wildlife. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s designation as a Level II Arboretum reflects its commitment to biodiversity and documenting its tree species, offering advanced educational and public programs, and maintaining policies for the inventory and care of its trees. This year marks a decade since Georgia Tech first earned arboretum certification.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2023, Tech also received the Professional Grounds Management Society\u2019s Green Star Grand Award with a 23% campus tree canopy. Today, nearly 30% of the campus is covered by tree canopy, creating a greener, cooler, and more welcoming environment while underscoring the Institute\u2019s commitment to responsible landscape stewardship.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe have an interactive map online that allows users to explore the genus, species, height, and diameter of every tree on campus. The inventory process is a five-year cycle in which one zone of campus is inventoried each year,\u201d says Annabelle Manville, a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sustain.gatech.edu\/job-opportunities\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ELiving Campus Fellow\u003C\/a\u003E for the Office of Sustainability. Gregory says the inventory data helps inform campus planning and support sustainability goals.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs Georgia Tech looks to the future, the campus arboretum will serve as both a living laboratory and a shared campus treasure that connects people to place, past to present, and sustainability to daily life. Through thoughtful stewardship, ongoing research, and intentional care, the Institute\u2019s trees will continue to shape the campus environment and the experiences of those who study, work, and gather beneath their canopy. Each tree adds another chapter to Georgia Tech\u2019s story \u2014 one rooted in history, resilience, and a long-term commitment to a greener campus.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe entire Georgia Tech campus is a certified arboretum.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The entire Georgia Tech campus is a certified arboretum."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2026-04-21 14:20:34","changed_gmt":"2026-04-21 14:52:24","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-21T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-21T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680010":{"id":"680010","type":"image","title":"GT-Arboretum--1-.png","body":null,"created":"1776781604","gmt_created":"2026-04-21 14:26:44","changed":"1776781604","gmt_changed":"2026-04-21 14:26:44","alt":"Image of thriving, green Tech campus.","file":{"fid":"264243","name":"GT-Arboretum--1-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/GT-Arboretum--1-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/GT-Arboretum--1-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":2148736,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/21\/GT-Arboretum--1-.png?itok=mvCO32-Q"}},"680012":{"id":"680012","type":"image","title":"TechCampusTreesAtlantaSkyline.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETech Green surrounded by trees with the Midtown skyline in the background.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776782995","gmt_created":"2026-04-21 14:49:55","changed":"1776782995","gmt_changed":"2026-04-21 14:49:55","alt":"Tech Green surrounded by trees with the Midtown skyline in the background.","file":{"fid":"264245","name":"TechCampusTreesAtlantaSkyline.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/TechCampusTreesAtlantaSkyline.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/21\/TechCampusTreesAtlantaSkyline.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":519075,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/21\/TechCampusTreesAtlantaSkyline.jpg?itok=1c5ZcWii"}}},"media_ids":["680010","680012"],"groups":[{"id":"383831","name":"Infrastructure and Operations"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"660398","name":"Sustainability Hub"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"193728","name":"I\u0026S News"},{"id":"129761","name":"arboretum"},{"id":"8758","name":"tree canopy"},{"id":"192081","name":"office of sustainability"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"},{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EElena Domenech\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfrastructure and Sustainability\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Student Assistant\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECatherine Brim\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Officer II\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["Edomenech6@gatech.edu","cathy.brim@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689835":{"#nid":"689835","#data":{"type":"news","title":"AI is Reengineering Drug Discovery by Speeding Up Testing and Scanning Petabytes of Data for Connections Between\u00a0Diseases","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EIn December, The Conversation hosted a webinar on AI\u2019s revolutionary role in drug discovery and development.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EScience and technology editor \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/eric-smalley-944964\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EEric Smalley\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E interviewed \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/people\/jeffrey-skolnick\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EJeffrey Skolnick\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E, eminent scholar in computational systems biology at Georgia Institute of Technology, and \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/medschool.vanderbilt.edu\/pharmacology\/person\/ben-brown\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EBenjamin P. Brown\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E, assistant professor of pharmacology at Vanderbilt University.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESkolnick has developed AI-based approaches to predict protein structure and function that may help with drug discovery and finding off-label uses of existing drugs. Brown\u2019s lab works on creating new computer models that make drug discovery faster and more reliable. Below is a condensed and edited version of the interview.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELet\u2019s start with the big picture. How is AI changing biomedical research and drug discovery, and what is the potential we are talking about?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESkolnick:\u003C\/strong\u003E The upside, potentially, is very large. One of the frustrating things about drug discovery is that, in spite of the fact that the people doing it are extraordinarily intelligent and have done an extraordinarily good job, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.apsb.2022.02.002\u0022\u003Ethe success rate is very low\u003C\/a\u003E. About \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.apsb.2022.02.002\u0022\u003E1 in 5\u003C\/a\u003E drugs will have negative health effects that outweigh its benefits. Of the ones that pass, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.apsb.2022.02.002\u0022\u003Eroughly half don\u2019t work\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn drug development, there are several key issues: Can you predict which target is driving a particular disease? Once this target is identified, how can you guarantee the drug is going to work and isn\u2019t simultaneously going to kill you?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese are outstanding problems in drug discovery in which AI can play an important, though not 100% guaranteed, role. Unlike us, AI can look at basically \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/nsr\/article\/12\/5\/nwaf050\/8029900\u0022\u003Eall available knowledge\u003C\/a\u003E. On a good day it makes strong and true connections called \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/bs.adcom.2023.02.001\u0022\u003Einsights\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d and on a bad day it does what is called \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/what-are-ai-hallucinations-why-ais-sometimes-make-things-up-242896\u0022\u003Ehallucinating\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d and sees things that are weak and probably false.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lHC_9x3IXZ0?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EEric Smalley interviews Jeffrey Skolnick and Benjamin P. Brown.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the end of the day, many diseases do not have a cure. Most diseases are maintained, such as high cholesterol or autoimmune conditions. A treatment for cancer might buy you five years, and now you\u2019re in Stage 4 and you\u2019ve exhausted all the standard care drugs. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ph16060891\u0022\u003EAI can play a role\u003C\/a\u003E to suggest alternatives where there are none.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELet\u2019s give some basic definitions here. When we use the word drug, we\u2019re talking about a wide range of therapies. Can you explain the range \u2013 we\u2019ve got small molecule drugs, biologics, gene therapies, cell therapies.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBrown:\u003C\/strong\u003E We have fairly large molecules in our bodies called proteins. They are like machines that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK26911\/\u0022\u003Ecarry out specific functions\u003C\/a\u003E and interact with one another. Oftentimes, when we\u2019re trying to treat disease, we\u2019re trying to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/mco2.261\u0022\u003Ealter functions of specific proteins\u003C\/a\u003E. Many drugs, like \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/S0049-3848(03)00379-7\u0022\u003Easpirin\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1086\/317517\u0022\u003ETylenol\u003C\/a\u003E, are small molecules that can fit into a protein and change its function. Fundamentally, drugs don\u2019t have to just interact with proteins, but this is a major way in which our current repertoire of medications work.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere are also proteins that act like drugs, such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/imr.13387\u0022\u003Eantibodies\u003C\/a\u003E. When you receive a vaccine for a virus, your body is basically given \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/B978-0-12-802174-3.00002-3\u0022\u003Einstructions on how to develop antibodies\u003C\/a\u003E. These antibodies will target some part of that virus. Your body is creating these big molecules, much bigger than aspirin, to go and interact with foreign proteins in a different way. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1590\/S1679-45082017RB4024\u0022\u003EGene therapy\u003C\/a\u003E is a larger step beyond that.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo these modalities \u2013 molecule, protein, antibody or gene \u2013 are very different types of molecules. They have different scales and rules, so the way you approach designing and discovering them various widely.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECan you briefly explain artificial neural networks, and what the \u201cdeep\u201d in deep learning means?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESkolnick:\u003C\/strong\u003E AlphaFold, developed by DeepMind, involved understanding how neural networks worked. They built a network with a lot of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/diagnostics13152582\u0022\u003Einputs, which are stimuli, and outputs with different weights\u003C\/a\u003E, similar to how your brain actually works. These simple connections, or neurons, have \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/what-is-reinforcement-learning-an-ai-researcher-explains-a-key-method-of-teaching-machines-and-how-it-relates-to-training-your-dog-251887\u0022\u003Ereinforcement learning\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey also created sophisticated neural networks, such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1073\/pnas.2219150120\u0022\u003Etransformers, which do specific things\u003C\/a\u003E like a special-purpose tool that can learn, and they added a mechanism called \u201cattention,\u201d which \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.inffus.2024.102417\u0022\u003Eamplifies critical details\u003C\/a\u003E. Super neural networks with transformers is what we call deep learning. These now have literally billions, if not trillions, of parameters.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEssentially, these machines \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.52202\/079017-2495\u0022\u003Ecan learn higher order correlations between events\u003C\/a\u003E, meaning the patterns of conditional interactions that depend on the properties of multiple things simultaneously. In these higher order correlations, AI has the potential to see previously unknown things that are embedded in petabytes (a unit of data equivalent to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eecis.udel.edu\/%7Eamer\/Table-Kilo-Mega-Giga---YottaBytes.html\u0022\u003Ehalf of the contents of all U.S. academic research libraries\u003C\/a\u003E of biological data.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlphaFold, which \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14789450.2025.2456046\u0022\u003Epredicts three-dimensional, bioactive forms of a protein\u003C\/a\u003E, has millions of sequences and a couple of hundred thousand structures. It can tell you, based on a particular pattern, what \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ijms26146807\u0022\u003Esmall molecule to design\u003C\/a\u003E that sticks to a protein to induce some kind of structural shift.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow is this technology being used in biomedical research to understand molecular dynamics or, essentially, the biological processes involved in health and disease?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBrown:\u003C\/strong\u003E In 2013, there was a Nobel Prize for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.str.2013.11.005\u0022\u003Emolecular dynamics simulations\u003C\/a\u003E, computational tools that help you understand the motions of molecules as they move according to physics. There\u2019s a huge body of scientific research built around those ideas.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI and deep learning are large right now, but it\u2019s worth mentioning that for the last decade and a half, people have been \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/nchembio.576\u0022\u003Eusing much smaller machine learning algorithms\u003C\/a\u003E to help design drugs. A lot of the ideas, such as [using machine learning for virtual screening], are not new and have been in practice for a while.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith AlphaFold\u2019s technologies to help people design proteins and predict their structure, we\u2019ve changed how we think about a lot of these problems. We have this \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.omtn.2024.102295\u0022\u003Enew repertoire of approaches\u003C\/a\u003E to build ideas around and to start thinking about drug discovery.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom 20 years ago to now, what has today\u2019s AI technology done in terms of scale of change in this process?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESkolnick:\u003C\/strong\u003E A lot of diseases, like cancers, are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.15430\/JCP.2018.23.4.153\u0022\u003Ecaused by a collection of malfunctioning proteins\u003C\/a\u003E. AI now allows us to start to think conceptually about how these diseases are organized and related to each other.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDiseases tend to co-occur. For example, if you have \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fendo.2024.1354372\u0022\u003Ehyperthyroidism, you\u2019re very likely to develop Alzheimer\u2019s\u003C\/a\u003E. Kind of weird, right? We can look at pieces, but AI can look at all the information, integrate the collective behavior and then identify common drivers. This allows you to construct disease interrelationships which offer the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/adtp.202300332\u0022\u003Epossibility of broad spectrum treatments\u003C\/a\u003E that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/news-events\/nih-research-matters\/progress-toward-broad-spectrum-antiviral\u0022\u003Ecould treat whole collections of diseases\u003C\/a\u003E rather than narrow-spectrum treatments.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERelatedly, AI also can help us \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/cpt.3153\u0022\u003Eunderstand disease trajectories\u003C\/a\u003E. Diseases that tend to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1146\/annurev-biodatasci-110123-041001\u0022\u003Eco-occur often present themselves consecutively\u003C\/a\u003E. You have disease 1, it gives you disease 2, then gives you disease 3. This suggests that if you go back to the root with disease 1, you may be able to stop a whole bunch of stuff. You can\u2019t analyze millions of trajectories and millions of data without a tool, so you couldn\u2019t do this before.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis holds a lot of promise, but one also must be careful not to overpromise. It will help, it will accelerate, but \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scienceopen.com\/hosted-document?doi=10.15212\/bioi-2025-0188\u0022\u003Eit is not a substitute yet for real experiments\u003C\/a\u003E, real clinical validation and trials.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/274693\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/ai-is-reengineering-drug-discovery-by-speeding-up-testing-and-scanning-petabytes-of-data-for-connections-between-diseases-274693\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAI and machine learning provide new tools for scientists to think about drug discovery.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"AI and machine learning provide new tools for scientists to think about drug discovery."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-04-17 15:55:09","changed_gmt":"2026-04-21 00:35:09","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-07T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-07T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679992":{"id":"679992","type":"image","title":" AI and machine learning provide new tools for scientists to think about drug discovery. gorodenkoff\/iStock via Getty Images ","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;AI and machine learning provide new tools for scientists to think about drug discovery. gorodenkoff\/iStock via Getty Images\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776442339","gmt_created":"2026-04-17 16:12:19","changed":"1776442339","gmt_changed":"2026-04-17 16:12:19","alt":" AI and machine learning provide new tools for scientists to think about drug discovery. gorodenkoff\/iStock via Getty Images ","file":{"fid":"264222","name":"file-20260129-62-3xayw4-copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/17\/file-20260129-62-3xayw4-copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/17\/file-20260129-62-3xayw4-copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2111750,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/17\/file-20260129-62-3xayw4-copy.jpg?itok=h8utD5AH"}}},"media_ids":["679992"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/ai-is-reengineering-drug-discovery-by-speeding-up-testing-and-scanning-petabytes-of-data-for-connections-between-diseases-274693","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"194974","name":"go-theconversation"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EAuthors:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/jeffrey-skolnick-2581183\u0022\u003EJeffrey Skolnick\u003C\/a\u003E, Regents\u0027 Professor; Mary and Maisie Gibson Chair, and GRA Eminent Scholar in Computational Systems Biology, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/benjamin-p-brown-2581181\u0022\u003EBenjamin P. Brown\u003C\/a\u003E, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/vanderbilt-university-1293\u0022\u003EVanderbilt University\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689895":{"#nid":"689895","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Batteries Not Included, or Required, for These Smart Home Sensors","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMost smart home devices require power one way or another. You have to plug them in, recharge them, or replace their batteries at some point.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers think they have a better way with small metal tags that can signal when a door or drawer is opened, count reps in the gym, or even track bathroom use for elderly relatives. Their tags are battery-free, quiet, inherently private, and cost only a few cents each. They\u2019re smaller than a penny.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELike other kinds of smart home sensors, the tags are designed to be mounted on a cabinet or doorframe, for example, using a 3D-printed base. A small tab is attached to the corresponding door or drawer. When it\u2019s opened, the tab strikes the metal disk, triggering a brief ultrasonic pulse imperceptible to human ears but detectable by a wearable device that logs the activity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/batteries-not-included-or-required-these-smart-home-sensors\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERead the full story on the College of Engineering website.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EEngineering and computing researchers create simple metal tags with unique ultrasonic fingerprints to detect door openings and other movements.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Engineering and computing researchers create simple metal tags with unique ultrasonic fingerprints to detect door openings and other movements."}],"uid":"27446","created_gmt":"2026-04-20 17:02:57","changed_gmt":"2026-04-20 17:04:58","author":"Joshua Stewart","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-20T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-20T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680001":{"id":"680001","type":"image","title":"SoundOff-smart-home-tags-with-penny-t.jpg","body":null,"created":"1776704592","gmt_created":"2026-04-20 17:03:12","changed":"1776704592","gmt_changed":"2026-04-20 17:03:12","alt":"A group of 15 round metal tags of various shapes and a penny to show the tags are smaller.","file":{"fid":"264234","name":"SoundOff-smart-home-tags-with-penny-t.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/20\/SoundOff-smart-home-tags-with-penny-t.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/20\/SoundOff-smart-home-tags-with-penny-t.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":308230,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/20\/SoundOff-smart-home-tags-with-penny-t.jpg?itok=NmFY0OCz"}}},"media_ids":["680001"],"groups":[{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jstewart@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJoshua Stewart\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jstewart@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689848":{"#nid":"689848","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Survey the Challenges of Integrating Wind and Solar Into Power Grids","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs wind and solar power \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.carbonbrief.org\/wind-and-solar-are-fastest-growing-electricity-sources-in-history\/\u0022\u003Eexpand rapidly\u003C\/a\u003E worldwide, researchers are confronting a growing challenge: how to effectively integrate them into the power grid.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWind turbines and solar panels have what economists call zero marginal cost, meaning producing additional units of electricity requires no fuel once installed. At the same time, this renewable energy varies greatly with the weather and can create operational challenges for grid operators.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA new review study from Georgia Tech examines how these characteristics are reshaping electricity markets and grid operations \u2014 and why addressing the challenge requires cross-disciplinary collaboration.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.rser.2025.116334\u0022\u003EThe study\u003C\/a\u003E, published in \u003Cem\u003ERenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews\u003C\/em\u003E, synthesizes more than a decade of research. It analyzes over 200 studies on the engineering, economic, and policy implications of managing renewable energy sources that are both intermittent and effectively zero-cost to operate.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWind and solar are now among the lowest-cost sources of electricity in many parts of the world, but integrating them into the grid isn\u2019t simple,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/econ.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/matthew-oliver\u0022\u003EMatthew Oliver\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/econ.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Economics\u003C\/a\u003E and lead author of the study. \u201cThe wind doesn\u2019t always blow, and the sun isn\u2019t always shining, so output can fluctuate significantly, which complicates grid management.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe added, \u201cHistorically, variation in electricity systems generally came from the demand side, and operators could simply ramp generation up or down. Now, we have variability on both supply and demand sides.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnalyzing the Data\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELooking at the problem, Oliver knew he would need to be familiar with engineering concepts to get at the heart of the issue. He created a research team with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/daniel-matisoff\u0022\u003EDaniel Matisoff\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EJimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy\u003C\/a\u003E; \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/directory\/santiago-carlos-grijalva\u0022\u003ESantiago Grijalva\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E; and graduate student co-authors Maghfira Ramadhani (economics), Oliver Chapman (public policy), and Amanda West (electrical and computer engineering).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnalyzing over 200 studies published since 2010, the team mapped the complex interactions between electricity market design, grid operations, and renewable technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey also explored the economic implications of large amounts of zero-marginal-cost electricity entering wholesale electricity markets. Because wind and solar have very low operating costs, they can lower prices in wholesale electricity markets. That benefits consumers, but it can also make it harder for flexible conventional plants to earn enough revenue to stay available when renewable output falls.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollaborating Across Disciplines\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team argues that successfully scaling renewable energy will depend on collaboration across traditionally separate fields.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEngineering constraints affect how electricity markets work, markets influence investment decisions, and policy shapes how those investments happen,\u201d Oliver said. \u201cWhen it comes to complex topics like this, you can\u2019t really treat engineering, economics, and policy as separate problems. They\u2019re all part of the same system.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers found that electricity systems with high shares of renewable energy will require coordinated solutions that combine improved engineering practices, market reforms that value flexibility and reliability, and policies that align private investment with long-term decarbonization goals.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur hope is that this paper helps researchers across disciplines communicate more effectively,\u201d Oliver said. \u201cIf we want electricity systems with high levels of renewable energy to work reliably, then engineers, economists, and policymakers all have to understand how their decisions affect the others.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECitation\u003C\/strong\u003E: Oliver, Matthew E., et al. \u201cManaging Zero-marginal-cost, intermittent renewable energy: A survey of the engineering, economic, and Policy Challenges.\u201d \u003Cem\u003ERenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews\u003C\/em\u003E, vol. 226, Jan. 2026.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDOI\u003C\/strong\u003E: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.rser.2025.116334\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.rser.2025.116334\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENew interdisciplinary research highlights how engineering, economics, and policy experts must work together to manage intermittent renewable energy.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"New interdisciplinary research highlights how engineering, economics, and policy experts must work together to manage intermittent renewable energy."}],"uid":"36123","created_gmt":"2026-04-17 18:04:08","changed_gmt":"2026-04-17 18:10:08","author":"Catherine Barzler","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-17T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-17T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679994":{"id":"679994","type":"image","title":"wind-solar.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETo fully integrate renewables like solar and wind in to the power grid, policy experts, engineers, and economists will have to work together.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776449170","gmt_created":"2026-04-17 18:06:10","changed":"1776449170","gmt_changed":"2026-04-17 18:06:10","alt":"Solar panels cut across the foreground of an image featuring a blue sky and a white wind turbine","file":{"fid":"264224","name":"wind-solar.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/17\/wind-solar.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/17\/wind-solar.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":565508,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/17\/wind-solar.jpg?itok=UnjDTN_b"}}},"media_ids":["679994"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECatherine Barzler\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESenior Research Writer\/Editor\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["catherine.barzler@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689586":{"#nid":"689586","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Computing Associate Dean Cultivates Innovation With CREATE-X","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen Olufisayo \u201cFisayo\u201d Omojokun joined Georgia Tech, his teaching followed a familiar cadence. His courses were highly structured and consistent. Lectures, exams, office hours, and semester breaks were always known months in advance. The goals were clear, the outcomes known, and the educational journey largely mapped. Then, he heard about \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/createx.gatech.edu\u0022\u003ECREATE-X\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA Spark of Curiosity\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2017, faculty conversations began circulating about a new kind of capstone experience, one driven by student discovery and entrepreneurial thinking rather than predetermined client requirements. The idea intrigued Omojokun.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI remember thinking, this is really different from anything I\u2019ve ever taught,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn his previous courses, Omojokun took pride in providing the structured, rigorous framework students needed to master complex concepts. While those interactions were dynamic, the curriculum required a specific, focused trajectory. CREATE-X offered a different kind of challenge: the \u0022X\u0022 of the program, representing undefined, endless potential.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCREATE-X is full of unknowns. You don\u2019t know what industry the students are diving into, what roadblocks they\u2019ll run into and navigate out of, or what small- to large-scale successes they\u2019ll achieve throughout the semester. It really had my blood pumping,\u201d he said. As someone who loves the challenge of academia, it was an invigorating way to help the next generation apply what they\u2019ve learned in a new context.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOmojokun co-taught the first CREATE-X Capstone section with College of Computing students in fall 2018 alongside Craig Forest, associate director of the Invention Studio. While the initial computer science cohort was small, the experience was immediately powerful.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt was humble beginnings but deeply eye-opening,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn this new environment, students weren\u0027t just solving problems; they were seeking them and sometimes pivoting. Traditional client-driven capstones offer students invaluable experiences in delivering high-quality products, responding to clients\u2019 often evolving needs, and adhering to professional standards. CREATE-X added a layer of venture-validation, requiring students to identify a gap in the market and build something with commercial viability.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs the semesters continued, CREATE-X grew from a program with an interesting capstone course Omojokun enthusiastically co-taught to a professional inflection point for him. He found himself talking about it frequently, with colleagues, with students, even with prospective undergraduates who may not see a capstone for years.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe began encouraging prospective and incoming students to take CREATE-X pathways.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI would tell students, down to first-year students, when you get that opportunity to engage with CREATE-X, take it. You don\u2019t even have to wait until capstone, as there are multiple pathways; in fact, Startup Lab has no prerequisites. Whatever path you take, you\u2019ll remember it for years to come. Whether you officially take a problem solution to market or not, the entrepreneurial confidence gained is priceless.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ESpreading CREATE-X Into the College of Computing\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy 2020, when the first Jim Pope Faculty Fellowship cohort opened, applying felt natural. He had already become an unofficial ambassador for CREATE-X, helping students navigate options, promoting programs in classes, and rallying colleagues to engage.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt was an opportunity to become more connected to this thing that I felt was changing the game on campus,\u201d he said. \u201cIt cemented my affiliation with CREATE-X.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe fellowship gave name and weight to the work he was already doing, while also expanding what was possible.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Jim Pope Faculty Fellowship provides faculty with $15,000 in discretionary funding, which can support a one-semester break from teaching, along with structured training in evidence\u2011based entrepreneurship, dedicated mentorship, and the opportunity to work closely with students launching startups.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe fellowship also equips faculty to become entrepreneurial instructors and mentors through the CREATE\u2011X ecosystem, giving them tools to integrate entrepreneurship into their coursework and curricula. Each cohort of fellows is trained to embed entrepreneurial methods, develop new innovation\u2011focused assignments, and serve as advisors within programs like Startup Lab, Idea\u2011to\u2011Prototype, and Startup Launch.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor faculty across Georgia Tech, the fellowship offers something rare: institutional backing, resources, and formal recognition for bringing entrepreneurship into their teaching and shaping how students learn to become problem\u2011solvers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOmojokun said he sees CREATE-X as the apex of applying technical fundamentals.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs part of the fellowship, Omojokun brought the program\u2019s ethos into his courses, even a foundational course like CS 1331: Introduction to Object Oriented Programming, where he created a CREATE-X\u2013branded final project. Students built a \u201cproblem database\u201d application as their final homework assignment, cataloging real issues they encountered in daily life, assessing their skills to solve them, evaluating markets and metrics, and then deciding potential pathways forward.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s an innovation diary,\u201d he said. \u201cA tool that can get them closer to thinking like a founder.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe response from students, including many non-computing majors who take his section each semester, has been overwhelmingly positive. While the project is challenging, the open-ended nature and real-world relevance motivate deeper engagement.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen students believe their work will solve a meaningful problem for a meaningful population, they bring passion to it,\u201d he said. \u201cThey start observing the world differently.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe more Omojokun saw, the deeper his enthusiasm grew.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EShaping the College of Computing\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven as he stepped into the role of inaugural chair of the School of Computing Instruction in 2022, CREATE-X remained at the forefront of Omojokun\u2019s conversations. Interest in the program continued to grow significantly. Students stopped him in the hallways to talk about their ideas. Faculty reached out to ask about mentorship opportunities. And he continued championing the program in the many settings he entered.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt turns out that the most engaged group of students in CREATE-X is computing undergraduates,\u201d Omojokun said. \u201cI wanted to make sure that high involvement continued, no matter what size we are,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver time, Omojokun strengthened the partnership between the College of Computing and CREATE-X, weaving entrepreneurship deeper into the College\u0027s curricular fabric.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELast January, Omojokun was appointed as the associate dean for Undergraduate Education in the College of Computing. One of his priorities was highlighting CREATE-X\u2019s curricular impact. In coordination with key stakeholders \u2014 including Kelly Ann Fitzpatrick (computing), Craig Forest (mechanical engineering), and Raul Saxena (CREATE-X) \u2014 he nominated the program for the ABET Innovation Award. \u0026nbsp;The award honors programs that challenge the status quo in technical education and demonstrate a measurable impact on student learning in ABET-accredited disciplines, such as natural sciences, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. CREATE-X won.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe CREATE-X Advantage With Faculty\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen faculty are considering something like the Jim Pope Fellowship, Omojokun said the biggest barrier he hears about from them is time. With courses that can enroll 300 students per section and extensive responsibilities beyond the classroom, time is a scarce resource.\u003Cbr\u003EHe could relate.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are always lots of things on my physical and virtual desktop. I always warn people before they enter my office,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, Omojokun argued that participating in the fellowship program was time well spent because it helps them rediscover the most exciting parts of teaching.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s worth the time. One of the goals of teaching is to see students passionate about what they\u2019re learning, and CREATE-X makes that happen consistently,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe Future With Technology\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs AI reshapes industries, Omojokun believes that CREATE-X equips students to navigate the unknown and forge new paths as existing ones shift, providing a versatile skill set that transfers to employment, potentially self-employment, and beyond.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of uncertainty with AI in the workspace, but CREATE-X gives students the confidence and skills to succeed at whatever comes,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are putting students through this process of finding a problem that\u2019s meaningful and matters to the world; mastering that allows them to lead in any environment.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EApplications Now Open: Become a Jim Pope Faculty Fellow\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_8cOnwIrm4eKEh9Q\u0022\u003E2026 Jim Pope Faculty Fellowship\u003C\/a\u003E is now accepting applications. For faculty who want to explore integrating entrepreneurship into their teaching, mentoring student founders, and helping shape a culture of innovation across campus, this fellowship offers resources and a supported pathway to begin. Faculty from all disciplines are encouraged to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_8cOnwIrm4eKEh9Q\u0022\u003Eapply to the Jim Pope Fellowship\u003C\/a\u003E. Priority deadline: July 1; final deadline: Aug. 11.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen Olufisayo \u201cFisayo\u201d Omojokun first encountered CREATE\u2011X, it challenged the highly structured teaching model he was accustomed to by centering learning around uncertainty, discovery, and entrepreneurial problem\u2011finding. As a faculty member, Jim Pope Faculty Fellow, and now associate dean in the College of Computing, he has championed CREATE\u2011X as a powerful way to help students apply technical fundamentals in unpredictable, real\u2011world contexts. Through initiatives like CREATE\u2011X\u2013inspired course projects and cross\u2011college partnerships, Omojokun has helped embed entrepreneurship more deeply into computing education at Georgia Tech. He believes programs like CREATE\u2011X are essential in preparing students to adapt, lead, and innovate in a future increasingly shaped by emerging technologies such as AI.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Olufisayo \u201cFisayo\u201d Omojokun, Georgia Tech associate dean in the College of Computing, found new energy in teaching through CREATE\u2011X, where open\u2011ended entrepreneurship equips students to confidently navigate uncertainty and solve real\u2011world problems."}],"uid":"36436","created_gmt":"2026-04-09 13:46:31","changed_gmt":"2026-04-17 16:21:57","author":"bdurham31","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679902":{"id":"679902","type":"image","title":" Olufisayo \u201cFisayo\u201d Omojokun Associate Dean ","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003EOlufisayo \u201cFisayo\u201d Omojokun, associate dean in Georgia Tech\u2019s College of Computing\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1775741406","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 13:30:06","changed":"1775742590","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 13:49:50","alt":" Olufisayo \u201cFisayo\u201d Omojokun, associate dean in Georgia Tech\u2019s College of Computing","file":{"fid":"264123","name":"FisayoCloseUp-23-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/FisayoCloseUp-23-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/FisayoCloseUp-23-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":477042,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/FisayoCloseUp-23-.png?itok=3qsEriy1"}}},"media_ids":["679902"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/gatech.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_8cOnwIrm4eKEh9Q","title":"2026 Jim Pope Faculty Fellowship "}],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:breanna.durham@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EBreanna Durham\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EMarketing Strategist\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689832":{"#nid":"689832","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Why Iran Targeted Amazon Data Centers and What That Does \u2013 and Doesn\u2019t \u2013 Change About\u00a0Warfare","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore dawn on March 1, 2026, Iranian Shahed drones \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/mar\/07\/it-means-missile-defence-on-data-centres-drone-strikes-raises-doubts-over-gulf-as-ai-superpower\u0022\u003Estruck two Amazon Web Services data centers\u003C\/a\u003E in the United Arab Emirates. A third commercial data center in Bahrain \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2026\/03\/04\/amazon-bahrain-data-centers-targeted-iran-drone-strike.html\u0022\u003Ewas hit\u003C\/a\u003E, though it is less clear whether it was deliberately targeted. This is the first time that a country has deliberately targeted commercial data centers during wartime.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIran state media issued a statement on March 31 that it will \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.wired.me\/story\/war-on-big-tech-iran-names-israeli-linked-us-firms-as-potential-targets\u0022\u003Etarget American companies\u003C\/a\u003E, including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Meta, Oracle, Intel, HP, IBM, Cisco, Dell, Palantir and Nvidia. The Financial Times reported that an additional Iranian drone \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/middle-east\/amazons-cloud-business-bahrain-damaged-iran-strike-ft-reports-2026-04-01\/\u0022\u003Estruck an Amazon data center\u003C\/a\u003E in Bahrain on April 1. And Iranian state media claimed that Iranian forces \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jpost.com\/middle-east\/iran-news\/article-891951\u0022\u003Eattacked an Oracle data center\u003C\/a\u003E in Dubai on April 2.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIran has also been on the receiving end of such attacks. A data center in Tehran operated by Iran\u2019s state-run Bank Sepah was \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jpost.com\/middle-east\/iran-news\/article-889604\u0022\u003Estruck by a missile\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 apparently fired by U.S. or Israeli forces \u2013 on March 11, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EData centers have been targets of espionage and cyberattacks in the past, notably when Ukrainian hackers \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/kyivindependent.com\/sources-ukrainian-hackers-destroy-data-center-used-by-russian-military-industry\/\u0022\u003Edestroyed data stored in a Russian military-affiliated data center\u003C\/a\u003E in 2024. These strikes in the Persian Gulf region, however, were physical attacks. Drones damaged buildings.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdvances in artificial intelligence have increased the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.techtimes.com\/articles\/315268\/20260321\/why-big-tech-pouring-billions-ai-data-centers-reinventing-tech-infrastructure.htm\u0022\u003Eimportance of data centers\u003C\/a\u003E. The U.S. military, in particular, has made great use of AI systems \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/us-military-leans-into-ai-for-attack-on-iran-but-the-tech-doesnt-lessen-the-need-for-human-judgment-in-war-277831\u0022\u003Efor decision support\u003C\/a\u003E in its attacks on Iran and Venezuela. Given how important data centers are, Iranian forces could be targeting the infrastructure Iran\u2019s leaders believe is supporting strikes on Iran.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt is not altogether clear that these particular data centers were used by the U.S. military. Instead, the attacks may have been part of a broader effort to punish the United Arab Emirates for its ties with the U.S.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn my experience as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?hl=en\u0026amp;user=MOsQPM0AAAAJ\u0026amp;view_op=list_works\u0026amp;sortby=pubdate\u0022\u003Ea Ph.D. candidate\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech studying how technology drives changes in international security, I don\u2019t think the attacks signal any significant change in the nature of warfare. But they are forcing nations to recognize that data centers are targets of war \u2013 even if they don\u2019t directly support military operations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EData Centers and the Cloud\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe United States military is increasingly incorporating advanced AI capabilities \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/us-military-leans-into-ai-for-attack-on-iran-but-the-tech-doesnt-lessen-the-need-for-human-judgment-in-war-277831\u0022\u003Einto its decision support systems\u003C\/a\u003E. From the operation to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/politics\/national-security\/pentagon-used-anthropics-claude-in-maduro-venezuela-raid-583aff17\u0022\u003Ecapture Venezuelan President Nicol\u00e1s Maduro\u003C\/a\u003E to supporting \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.axios.com\/newsletters\/axios-am-f0954cb2-2f31-4426-87fd-050095005344.html\u0022\u003Emilitary strikes against Iran\u003C\/a\u003E, the U.S. has been using AI, especially Anthropic\u2019s Claude, for intelligence analysis and operational support.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI is unlocking faster ways to carry out operations in war, but the AI tools the military often uses are not located on a plane or ship. When a service member uses Claude, the computing infrastructure that powers the model and its analysis usually goes to a secure Amazon Web Services cloud that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/aws.amazon.com\/federal\/top-secret-cloud\/\u0022\u003Ehosts secret government data\u003C\/a\u003E and software tools.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3Yh9OddmgS0?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EThe basics of data centers explained.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommercial data centers are where the cloud lives. The next time you pull up Netflix and watch your favorite shows, you are likely streaming the programming from a data center, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/next\/2022\/09\/07\/netflix-costs\u0022\u003Epossibly AWS\u003C\/a\u003E. When AWS data centers go down, outages \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/news\/us-news\/amazon-web-services-outage-websites-offline-rcna238594\u0022\u003Eaffect all sorts of entertainment, news and government functions\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith AI as a driver of economic growth, data centers are key forms of infrastructure. They ensure that AI can continue to run, as well as much of the underlying internet that governments and industry rely on. When Iran attacked the UAE\u2019s data centers, it caused widespread disruption to the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/tech-industry\/drone-strikes-hit-three-aws-data-centers-in-the-uae-and-bahrain\u0022\u003Elocal banking system\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommercial data centers enable most of the technology that runs the modern world, including AI systems. Disrupting them is key to disrupting a country\u2019s military and society. Given that AWS provides and operates many of the commercial data centers where the cloud lives, it is likely that its data centers will continue to be targeted in conflict.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EGoing After US Allies\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.justsecurity.org\/133685\/iranian-attacks-amazon-data-centers-legal-analysis\/\u0022\u003EJust Security noted\u003C\/a\u003E on March 12, 2026, that the United States requires cloud-computing service providers to store government and military data \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.acquisition.gov\/dfars\/239.7602-2-required-storage-data-within-united-states-or-outlying-areas.\u0022\u003Ewithin the U.S. or on Department of Defense bases\u003C\/a\u003E: \u201cMoving such data to Amazon data centers in the Gulf region would require special authorization; we are unaware if that has been granted.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENevertheless, Iran\u2019s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the strikes were against data centers supporting \u201cthe enemy\u2019s\u201d military and intelligence activities. And 10 days after the initial attack on the data centers, an Iranian news agency claimed that major tech company data centers and other physical assets in the region were considered \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/next\/2026\/03\/12\/enemy-technology-infrastructure-iran-threatens-amazon-google-and-microsoft-assets-in-middl\u0022\u003Eenemy technology infrastructure\u003C\/a\u003E.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstead of military reasons, Iran may well have targeted the UAE to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2026\/03\/15\/iran-us-war-uae-target-aggression.html\u0022\u003Erattle the global economy and garner attention\u003C\/a\u003E. Given the prominence of the Gulf as a major recipient of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/thehill.com\/business\/5783723-us-war-iran-middle-east-ai\/\u0022\u003EU.S. technological investment\u003C\/a\u003E, the attack may also have been a symbolic one aimed at the heart of U.S.-Gulf cooperation. AI infrastructure such as commercial data centers is a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/warontherocks.com\/2025\/10\/silicon-statecraft-how-u-s-gulf-ai-deals-project-power\/\u0022\u003Egrowing part of U.S. leadership in the region\u003C\/a\u003E, and this war could jeopardize the future of AI infrastructure in the Gulf.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/727486\/original\/file-20260331-63-1g9hbt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022men wearingwhite robes and headdresses stand over a model of an industrial park\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/727486\/original\/file-20260331-63-1g9hbt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/727486\/original\/file-20260331-63-1g9hbt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/727486\/original\/file-20260331-63-1g9hbt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/727486\/original\/file-20260331-63-1g9hbt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/727486\/original\/file-20260331-63-1g9hbt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/727486\/original\/file-20260331-63-1g9hbt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/727486\/original\/file-20260331-63-1g9hbt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EThis model shows a massive data center, part of the Stargate project involving U.S. tech companies, currently under construction in the United Arab Emirates.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/guests-look-at-a-model-of-the-largest-data-center-in-the-news-photo\/2244357858\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EGiuseppe CACACE\/AFP via Getty Images\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EGrowing Importance, Easy Targets\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThough data centers are increasingly important for national security, the economy and society at large, it can be tempting to suggest these strikes represent a fundamental shift in the nature of war. While that is a possibility, it is important to remember that Iran launched thousands of missiles and drones at targets in the UAE and Bahrain. Though the vast majority were intercepted, the four that struck data centers are a small portion of the ones that got through to civilian targets in those countries, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/03\/01\/iranian-strikes-hit-dubai-and-abu-dhabi-damaging-airport-terminals-and-the-burj-al-arab\u0022\u003Eincluding strikes on airports and hotels\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe relative vulnerability of commercial data centers \u2013 they are large, relatively fragile and lack dedicated air defenses \u2013 suggests that the ones in the UAE and Bahrain may have been targets of opportunity or convenience. In other words, they were hit because they could be hit.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENevertheless, it seems likely that as the use of AI tools and other cloud-based resources continues to grow in importance for countries around the world, commercial data centers will be targets in future conflicts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article has been updated to include news of Iran\u2019s statement about targeting U.S. tech companies and subsequent drone strikes on other data centers.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/278642\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/why-iran-targeted-amazon-data-centers-and-what-that-does-and-doesnt-change-about-warfare-278642\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAttacks are forcing nations to recognize that data centers are targets of war \u2013 even if they don\u2019t directly support military operations.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Attacks are forcing nations to recognize that data centers are targets of war \u2013 even if they don\u2019t directly support military operations."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-04-01 15:49:40","changed_gmt":"2026-04-17 16:14:54","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679990":{"id":"679990","type":"image","title":"Smoke rises in Abu Dhabi on March 1, 2026, after Iranian drone strikes around the city, including on data centers. Ryan Lim\/AFP via Getty Images","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESmoke rises in Abu Dhabi on March 1, 2026, after Iranian drone strikes around the city, including on data centers. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/plume-of-smoke-rises-from-the-zayed-port-following-a-news-photo\/2263708545\u0022\u003ERyan Lim\/AFP via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776441044","gmt_created":"2026-04-17 15:50:44","changed":"1776441044","gmt_changed":"2026-04-17 15:50:44","alt":"Smoke rises in Abu Dhabi on March 1, 2026, after Iranian drone strikes around the city, including on data centers. Ryan Lim\/AFP via Getty Images","file":{"fid":"264220","name":"file-20260331-77-tscakw.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/17\/file-20260331-77-tscakw.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/17\/file-20260331-77-tscakw.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":303736,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/17\/file-20260331-77-tscakw.jpg?itok=9K17Zwpq"}}},"media_ids":["679990"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/why-iran-targeted-amazon-data-centers-and-what-that-does-and-doesnt-change-about-warfare-278642","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1285","name":"Sam Nunn School of International Affairs"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"194974","name":"go-theconversation"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/dennis-murphy-2626011\u0022\u003EDennis Murphy\u003C\/a\u003E, Ph.D. student of International Affairs, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689777":{"#nid":"689777","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Board of Regents Approves Funding and Tuition Rates for Fiscal Year 2027","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis week, the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG) approved budget allocations and tuition and fee rates for its 25 member institutions. Pending approval of the state\u2019s Fiscal Year 2027 budget by Gov. Brian Kemp, Georgia Tech will receive nearly $639 million in total state appropriations. In addition, the BOR approved limited systemwide tuition increases for undergraduate and graduate programs. This includes a 1% in-state tuition increase and a 3% tuition increase for out-of-state and out-of-country students for the upcoming fiscal year (FY27).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are grateful to Governor Kemp, the General Assembly, and the Board of Regents for continuing to invest in the success of Georgia Tech.\u202fWith Governor Kemp\u2019s approval of the state budget, Georgia Tech\u0027s appropriation reflects the state\u2019s strong confidence in our mission and momentum,\u201d said Tricia Chastain, executive vice president for Administration and Finance. \u201cThese funds, which support our growing enrollment, will allow us to advance our educational and research initiatives that serve communities in Georgia and beyond. The modest increases in tuition reaffirm the System\u2019s commitment to student affordability and broad access to a world-class education.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOnline Tuition, Fees, and Cost of Attendance\u202f\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe BOR has also approved new in-state, out-of-state, and out-of-country rates for the Online Master of Science in Analytics, Online Master of Science in Computer Science, and Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity programs. In-state students will receive a 1% tuition increase, tuition for out-of-state students will increase 5%, and out-of-country tuition will increase 10%. Even with the increases, these online degrees remain highly affordable among comparable programs. Tuition for all other online and professional master\u2019s programs at Georgia Tech will increase by 3% per credit hour.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe BOR also approved fee increases for several of its 25 member institutions. At Georgia Tech, mandatory student fees will increase by 1.3%, and online learning fees will increase by nearly 20% \u2014 though they remain 40% lower than in-person learning fees and on par with other USG institutions. In addition, the BOR approved limited increases for dining and housing rates across the System, including Georgia Tech. These measured fee increases balance rising operational costs with affordability for students.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVisit the\u202f\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usg.edu\/fiscal_affairs\/tuition_and_fees\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUSG website\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u202ffor a full listing of tuition, fee, and rate changes. \u202f\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech continues to be recognized nationally for delivering exceptional value in higher education, and we are committed to providing outstanding education and employment outcomes for our students and families,\u201d said Chastain. \u201cThese tuition and fee decisions reflect a careful balance between sustaining the quality of the Georgia Tech experience and maintaining an exceptional return on investment.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Office of Institute Budget Planning and Administration will submit the FY27 budget to the Board of Regents for spending approval in advance of its meeting in May. The new fiscal year begins July 1.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has announced funding and tuition approvals that balance affordability, sustainability, and quality for its 25 member institutions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has announced funding and tuition approvals that balance affordability, sustainability, and quality for its 25 member institutions."}],"uid":"27164","created_gmt":"2026-04-15 20:20:57","changed_gmt":"2026-04-16 12:23:34","author":"Rachael Pocklington","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-15T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-15T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679967":{"id":"679967","type":"image","title":"22C10400-P3-047-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","body":null,"created":"1776285798","gmt_created":"2026-04-15 20:43:18","changed":"1776285798","gmt_changed":"2026-04-15 20:43:18","alt":"Tech Tower","file":{"fid":"264194","name":"22C10400-P3-047-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/15\/22C10400-P3-047-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/15\/22C10400-P3-047-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":341441,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/15\/22C10400-P3-047-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg?itok=R4O33vqI"}}},"media_ids":["679967"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.usg.edu\/news\/release\/university-system-of-georgia-sets-tuition-for-2026-2027-academic-year\/","title":"University System of Georgia Sets Tuition for 2026-2027 Academic Year"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.usg.edu\/fiscal-affairs\/tuition-and-fees\/","title":"University System of Georgia\u0027s Tuition and Fees"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/03\/state-invest-88m-new-georgia-tech-aerospace-building","title":"State to Invest $88M in New Georgia Tech Aerospace Building"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/06\/25\/georgia-tech-tops-princeton-reviews-best-value-list","title":"Georgia Tech Tops Princeton Review\u2019s Best Value List"}],"groups":[{"id":"64319","name":"Administration and Finance"},{"id":"220261","name":"Finance and Planning"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"195038","name":"Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia"},{"id":"3410","name":"tuition"},{"id":"171633","name":"fees"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERachael Pocklington\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["rpocklington@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689753":{"#nid":"689753","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Selected for Upcoming EcoCAR Challenge  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech students will once again take part in a national competition that connects them directly with automotive industry leaders to develop the next generation of mobility innovations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor the fourth consecutive cycle, Georgia Tech has been selected to participate in the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition\u2019s EcoCAR Challenge, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors, Stellantis, MathWorks, and other industry partners.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech is among 20 universities chosen for the four-year competition, which challenges students to apply emerging technologies \u2014 including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and exascale computing \u2014 to create intelligent mobility solutions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute is one of 10 schools competing on the General Motors track and has been provided a 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV. During the cycle, the team will modify the vehicle\u2019s propulsion system to optimize efficiency and design connected and automated vehicle technologies without sacrificing safety or driving dynamics, closely mirroring industry goals.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERecruitment for the competition will begin this spring, following the conclusion of the current cycle, which culminates in final competition events in Detroit in late May.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMade up of more than 50 undergraduate and graduate students from six of Georgia Tech\u2019s Colleges, the team reflects what faculty advisor Antonia Antoniou believes is the essence of the competition. Antoniou is a professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe have students represented from all over campus, and they have risen to meet every challenge,\u201d she said. \u201cThey work together to optimize, design, and execute these tasks. Everything you can think of that we do at Georgia Tech happens while we\u0027re working on this car \u2014 from engineering and design of hardware and software to communications.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcross six subteams, EcoCAR members have transformed a Cadillac LYRIQ EV to include new motors, a selectable drivetrain, and automated driving features. After testing the vehicle in environments ranging from Georgia Tech\u2019s Student Competition Center to the Arizona desert, the team has earned multiple second-place finishes at competitions and first-place awards for presentation skills.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAntoniou, as well as David Taylor, a professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering who will enter his fifth cycle, will return for the latest challenge, and three new advisors will join the team, including Frank K. Webb Academic Professional Chair in Communication Skills in the Woodruff School Jill Fennell and associate professors Sam Coogan (ECE) and Shuman Xia (ME).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParticipation in the EcoCAR Challenge is paired with coursework through Georgia Tech\u2019s Vertically Integrated Projects program, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while earning academic credit. The technical training and real-world problem-solving skills developed through the program make the competition a valuable experience, said Mason Shackelford, subsystem design and integration lead. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cA lot of what you do on the job, you have to learn on the job, and that\u2019s what makes EcoCAR such a great opportunity,\u201d Shackelford said. \u201cYou learn something new every day; there is always a new challenge and the thrill of finding unique ways to solve them. You get to meet a lot of people, work on a great team, and apply what you learn in class.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEric Gustafson, a graduate student in mechanical engineering, has worked on the project for five years, beginning as an undergraduate at Georgia Tech. As he prepares to graduate and start his career at MathWorks, he said he cannot imagine his time at Tech without EcoCAR and encouraged more students to join the upcoming cycle.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen I look back in 15 years on what I did at Tech, all my memories will be of this competition,\u201d Gustafson said. \u201cTraveling to different testing sites \u2014 Austin, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Orlando \u2014 working with these amazing people, the 12-hour days. Those are going to be core memories forever.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor application information, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/ecocar\/recruitment-info\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Evisit the EcoCAR VIP\u2019s website.\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"The EcoCAR Challenge gives students hands-on experience developing real-world solutions for the automotive industry. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe EcoCAR Challenge gives students hands-on experience developing real-world solutions for the automotive industry.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The EcoCAR Challenge gives students hands-on experience developing real-world solutions for the automotive industry. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-04-14 19:06:46","changed_gmt":"2026-04-14 20:18:48","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-14T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-14T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679949":{"id":"679949","type":"image","title":"EcoCAR","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPhoto courtesy of EcoCAR Innovation Challenge\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776194341","gmt_created":"2026-04-14 19:19:01","changed":"1776194341","gmt_changed":"2026-04-14 19:19:01","alt":"EcoCAR","file":{"fid":"264174","name":"EcoCar-1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/14\/EcoCar-1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/14\/EcoCar-1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":11901428,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/14\/EcoCar-1.jpg?itok=oyxLcvMO"}}},"media_ids":["679949"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/07\/strong-year-three-finish-sets-ecocar-team-final-push","title":"Strong Year Three Finish Sets Up EcoCAR Team for Final Push"},{"url":"https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/ecocar\/recruitment-info\/","title":"EcoCAR Team Website"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"194612","name":"Workforce Development"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2084","name":"EcoCAR"},{"id":"13885","name":"College of Engineering; ECE; ME; ChemE; EcoCAR challenge"},{"id":"8673","name":"General Motors"},{"id":"74791","name":"electric vehicle"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:Steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689734":{"#nid":"689734","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech, The Coca-Cola Company Finalizing Agreement on North Avenue Property","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology and The Coca-Cola Company are finalizing an agreement for the Institute to purchase property along North Avenue, strengthening Georgia Tech\u2019s capacity to educate students, advance research, and serve communities across Georgia.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECoca-Cola, a neighbor to Georgia Tech since 1920, expects to sell a building and adjacent land in a transaction valued at $31.3 million. The company chose to work directly with Georgia Tech on the planned transaction, reflecting the long-standing relationship between the two organizations and a shared commitment to Atlanta\u2019s continued growth and innovation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe expected sale includes a two-story brick building, part of Coca-Cola\u2019s holdings since 1988, and an adjoining two-acre park along North Avenue.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis strategic addition to our core campus will support our growth in enrollment and research activity for years to come,\u201d said Georgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera. \u201cI appreciate our long relationship with The Coca-Cola Company that allowed us to pursue this opportunity as we continue to invest in our campus, our neighborhood, and Atlanta\u2019s innovation ecosystem.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJames Quincey, Coca-Cola\u2019s executive chair and Georgia Tech\u2019s 2020 Commencement speaker, said the company wanted the property to continue contributing to Atlanta\u2019s innovation ecosystem.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen we decided this space was no longer needed for our corporate campus, our goal was to work with Georgia Tech, as this site offers a great opportunity for them to expand,\u201d Quincey said. \u201cCoca-Cola has a long legacy of involvement and partnership with Georgia Tech, and we are excited to see them redevelop this important area in Atlanta.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech will evaluate how the property can best support academic, research, and student needs as part of its long-term campus planning efforts. The acquisition represents a strategic step in ensuring Georgia Tech has the space needed to educate future leaders and advance research that strengthens Georgia\u2019s economy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout Georgia Tech\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Institute of Technology, or Georgia Tech, is one of the top public research universities in the U.S., developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute offers\u202fbusiness, computing, design, engineering, liberal arts,\u202fand sciences degrees, as well as professional development and K-12 programs for fostering success at every stage of life. Its more than 56,000 undergraduate and graduate students represent 54 U.S. states and territories and more than 146 countries. They study at the main campus in Atlanta, at instructional sites around the world, and through distance and online learning.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a leading technological university, Georgia Tech is an engine of economic development for Georgia, the Southeast, and the nation, conducting more than $1 billion in research annually for government, industry, and society.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout The Coca-Cola Company\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company\u2019s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference.\u0026nbsp;We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide.\u0026nbsp;Our portfolio\u0026nbsp;of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta.\u0026nbsp;Our water, sports, coffee, and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak, and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife, and Santa Clara. We\u2019re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people\u2019s lives, communities, and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices, and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.coca-colacompany.com\/\u0022\u003Ewww.coca-colacompany.com\u003C\/a\u003E and follow us on\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thecocacolaco\/?hl=en\u0022\u003EInstagram\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheCocaColaCo\/\u0022\u003EFacebook\u003C\/a\u003E, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-coca-cola-company\u0022\u003ELinkedIn\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology and The Coca\u2011Cola Company are finalizing an agreement for the Institute to purchase property along North Avenue, pending approval by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. The $31.3 million acquisition of the vacant Two Coca\u2011Cola Plaza building and adjacent park would expand Georgia Tech\u2019s campus footprint, strengthen connections to nearby Institute\u2011owned property, and support the Institute\u2019s long\u2011term capacity to educate students, advance research, and serve communities across Georgia.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The agreement expands capacity for education and research, building on a century-long relationship between two Atlanta mainstays."}],"uid":"35797","created_gmt":"2026-04-14 14:39:41","changed_gmt":"2026-04-14 19:37:00","author":"Siobhan Rodriguez","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-14T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-14T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679941":{"id":"679941","type":"image","title":"ProjectMap_Final.png","body":null,"created":"1776177589","gmt_created":"2026-04-14 14:39:49","changed":"1776177589","gmt_changed":"2026-04-14 14:39:49","alt":"Map of the Coca cola property","file":{"fid":"264166","name":"ProjectMap_Final.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/14\/ProjectMap_Final.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/14\/ProjectMap_Final.png","mime":"image\/png","size":4017664,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/14\/ProjectMap_Final.png?itok=hEEWdvhT"}}},"media_ids":["679941"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"142","name":"City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"109","name":"Georgia Tech"},{"id":"246","name":"Georgia Institute of Technology"},{"id":"195014","name":"The Coca\u2011Cola Company"},{"id":"2741","name":"coca-cola"},{"id":"195015","name":"North Avenue property"},{"id":"195016","name":"Atlanta campus expansion"},{"id":"195017","name":"property acquisition"},{"id":"195018","name":"real estate transaction"},{"id":"195019","name":"$31.3 million transaction"},{"id":"195020","name":"campus real estate deal"},{"id":"195021","name":"institutional land acquisition"},{"id":"489","name":"atlanta"},{"id":"166991","name":"midtown atlanta"},{"id":"12507","name":"North Avenue"},{"id":"342","name":"Georgia"},{"id":"195022","name":"core campus"},{"id":"195023","name":"two\u2011story brick building"},{"id":"195024","name":"two\u2011acre park"},{"id":"195025","name":"academic growth"},{"id":"195026","name":"research expansion"},{"id":"195027","name":"student needs"},{"id":"195028","name":"enrollment growth"},{"id":"195029","name":"long\u2011term campus planning"},{"id":"195030","name":"public research university"},{"id":"195031","name":"Atlanta innovation ecosystem"},{"id":"815","name":"economic development"},{"id":"195032","name":"university\u2011industry partnership"},{"id":"195033","name":"institutional investment"},{"id":"195034","name":"long\u2011standing partnership"},{"id":"195035","name":"corporate\u2013academic collaboration"},{"id":"189031","name":"Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera"},{"id":"195036","name":"Coca\u2011Cola Executive Chair James Quincey"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"},{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech Media Relations\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["media@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687882":{"#nid":"687882","#data":{"type":"news","title":" Iran\u2019s Latest Internet Blackout Extends to Phones and Starlink","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Iranian regime\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/iran-protests-economy-starlink-internet-disconnect-8d944601e7bfeae6753ec0645f5a7139\u0022\u003Einternet shutdown\u003C\/a\u003E, initiated on Jan. 8, 2026, has severely diminished the flow of information out of the country. Without internet access, little news about the national protests that flared \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/world\/middle-east\/irans-heavy-crackdown-quells-protests-8e757172\u0022\u003Ebetween Dec. 30, 2025, and Jan. 13, 2026\u003C\/a\u003E, and the regime\u2019s violent crackdown has reached the world. Many digital rights and internet monitoring groups have assessed the current shutdown to be the most sophisticated and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ft.com\/content\/5d848323-84a9-4512-abd2-dd09e0a786a3\u0022\u003Emost severe in Iran\u2019s history\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe are a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?hl=en\u0026amp;user=WBRatTAAAAAJ\u0026amp;view_op=list_works\u0026amp;sortby=pubdate\u0022\u003Esocial scientist\u003C\/a\u003E and two \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?hl=en\u0026amp;user=NLeeizQAAAAJ\u0026amp;view_op=list_works\u0026amp;sortby=pubdate\u0022\u003Ecomputer scientists\u003C\/a\u003E at the Georgia Institute of Technology\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/inetintel.cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EInternet Intelligence Lab\u003C\/a\u003E who \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?hl=en\u0026amp;user=oZNdAREAAAAJ\u0026amp;view_op=list_works\u0026amp;sortby=pubdate\u0022\u003Estudy internet connectivity\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ioda.inetintel.cc.gatech.edu\/dashboard\u0022\u003EInternet Outage Detection and Analysis\u003C\/a\u003E project, we have been measuring internet connectivity globally since 2011. The project was motivated by the internet shutdowns during the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Arab-Spring\u0022\u003EArab Spring\u003C\/a\u003E mass protests that began in December 2010 against Middle Eastern and North African regimes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe project provides a public dashboard of internet connectivity measurements. Its long view of global internet connectivity offers insight into the Iranian regime\u2019s developing sophistication in controlling information and shutting down the internet in the country.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur measurements show that Iran has been in a complete internet shutdown since Jan. 8. This is longer than the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/ioda.live\/post\/3mcigxurkms2w\u0022\u003E48\u00bd-hour\u003C\/a\u003E shutdown in June 2025 during the Israel-Iran war and surpasses the duration of the November 2019 shutdown that lasted almost seven days. Compared to the two weeks of nightly mobile phone network shutdowns in September to October of 2022 during the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/en\/stories\/2025\/04\/justice-and-accountability-woman-life-freedom-protests\u0022\u003EWomen, Life, Freedom protests\u003C\/a\u003E, this shutdown is more complete by also closing down fixed-line connectivity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMeasuring Internet Connectivity\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Internet Outage Detection and Analysis project measures global internet connectivity through three signals related to internet infrastructure: routing announcements, active probing and internet background noise.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECore routers, unlike the router in your home, are responsible for directing traffic to and from networks. Routing announcements are how they communicate with each other. If a nation\u2019s network of routers stop making these announcements, the network will disappear from the global internet.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe also measure the responsiveness of networks through probing. To create the probing signal, we continuously ping devices in millions of networks around the globe. Most devices are designed to automatically respond to these pings by echoing them back to the sender. We collect these responses and label networks as \u201cconnected\/active.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA tool we use dubbed \u201cnetwork telescope\u201d captures internet background noise \u2013 traffic generated by hundreds of thousands of internet hosts worldwide. A drop in this signal can indicate an outage.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe class=\u0022tc-infographic-datawrapper\u0022 style=\u0022border-width:0;\u0022 id=\u0022rmQfn\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/rmQfn\/1\/\u0022 height=\u0022400px\u0022 width=\u0022100%\u0022 scrolling=\u0022no\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA History of Shutdowns\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe first nationwide shutdown that the Internet Outage Detection and Analysis project observed in Iran was during the \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/03068374.2020.1712889\u0022\u003EBloody November\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d uprising that happened in 2019. During that shutdown, the primary method the regime used was turning off routing announcements, which stopped all traffic between routers. This is a blunt force tool that makes the internet essentially go dark; no connectivity is possible for affected networks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, our measurement \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ooni.org\/post\/2019-iran-internet-blackout\/#connecting-to-the-internet-from-iran\u0022\u003Ereporting showed differences\u003C\/a\u003E in signal-drop patterns among the three data sources we track. These patterns demonstrate the regime\u2019s adoption of diverse disconnection mechanisms and large differences in the timing of disconnection by various Iranian internet service providers (ISPs).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis reporting also showed evidence that the 2019 blackout was not complete and some people were able to circumvent it. Nevertheless, as documented by Amnesty International, the internet darkness created a \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iran-shutdown.amnesty.org\/\u0022\u003Eweb of impunity\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d that allowed the regime to violate international human rights law without any accountability.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn September 2022, the Women, Life, Freedom protests erupted after the killing of Mahsa Amini in state custody. To suppress the nationwide mobilization without exacting a high cost, the Iranian regime implemented \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ioda.inetintel.cc.gatech.edu\/reports\/technical-multi-stakeholder-report-on-internet-shutdowns-the-case-of-iran-amid-autumn-2022-protests\/\u0022\u003Enightly shutdowns affecting only mobile networks\u003C\/a\u003E. Keeping fixed-line internet connections online limited the impact of these shutdowns to mitigate the economic, political and social costs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese nightly internet curfews lasted about two weeks. During this time the regime implemented other forms of censorship, specifically blocking applications to further control the information environment and to prevent access to technologies for circumventing censorship.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn June 2025, the Israel-Iran war began and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/youtu.be\/jbC5bDV-rnA?si=twSnL8M7azOmj0Hn\u0026amp;t=73\u0022\u003Ewe observed\u003C\/a\u003E initial degradation in internet connectivity, which often occurs during times of conflict, when internet and power infrastructure are affected by missile attacks. The Iranian regime shut down the internet over four days, citing national security as its rationale.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat time, the regime did not use routing announcements to implement the shutdown. Our measurement data shows that routing announcements were largely unaffected. Instead, the Iranian regime implemented the shutdown by interfering with key protocols that allow the internet to function, including \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.internetsociety.org\/deploy360\/tls\/basics\/\u0022\u003Etransport layer security\u003C\/a\u003E and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/what-is-dns-a-computer-engineer-explains-this-foundational-piece-of-the-web-and-why-its-the-internets-achilles-heel-268336\u0022\u003Edomain name system\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe regime used these techniques to shut off Iran\u2019s connectivity with the global internet while allowing specific, sanctioned access in a policy called whitelisting. This strategy shows an increased sophistication in how the Iranian regime implements shutdowns and controls the flow of information.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrganizations that support digital human rights in Iran report that some Iranians were \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/filter.watch\/english\/2025\/10\/02\/irans-stealth-blackout-a-multi-stakeholder-analysis-of-the-june-2025-internet-shutdown\/\u0022\u003Eable to circumvent the shutdown\u003C\/a\u003E using virtual private networks and various censorship-resilient technologies such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/P2P\u0022\u003Epeer-to-peer networks\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2Yaoqdw2cwg?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EThe Iranian regime has targeted Starlink satellite internet service in its internet shutdown.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EJan. 8, 2026\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn Dec. 30, 2025, the Internet Outage Detection and Analysis project team received reports of internet disruptions amid the start of nationwide protests. At 8 p.m. Iran Standard Time on Jan. 8, 2026, the Iranian regime shut down the internet. Our measurements \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ioda.inetintel.cc.gatech.edu\/country\/IR?from=1765814823\u0026amp;until=1768406823\u0026amp;view=view1\u0022\u003Eshow a nominal amount of responsiveness\u003C\/a\u003E to our active probing, about 3%. This small amount could be an artifact of our measurements or lingering connectivity for whitelisted access, for example for Iranian government officials and services.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOutside of very limited whitelisted connectivity, digital human rights groups reported severely limited access to the internet both internationally and domestically. According to digital rights group \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ainita.net\/\u0022\u003EProject Ainita\u003C\/a\u003E, the Iranian regime implemented the shutdown by interfering with transport layer security and the domain name system. In addition, landline phone calls have been only intermittently available.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAside from these more sophisticated techniques, this shutdown evokes the Bloody November shutdown of 2019 in that it has been ordered during a time of protest \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.en-hrana.org\/day-seventeen-of-irans-protests-continued-internet-shutdown-spike-in-figures-and-intensifying-global-reactions\/\u0022\u003Ewith mass civilian casualties\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EJammed Satellites\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince Russia\u2019s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, low Earth orbit satellite services, such as Starlink, can help people maintain internet connectivity during outages and government-ordered shutdowns. These satellite services can allow users to bypass damaged or state-censored terrestrial internet infrastructure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, accessing the internet via satellite services during a shutdown is not without risk. User terminals communicate with satellites via radio frequency links that can be detected through surveillance, for example from planes or drones, potentially exposing users\u2019 locations and putting them at risk of being identified. Currently, the Iranian regime is using jammers to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/filter.watch\/english\/2026\/01\/13\/network-monitoring-january-2025-internet-repression-in-times-of-protest\/\u0022\u003Edegrade the Starlink connection\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of the most significant barriers to connecting users in Iran to satellite services is a logistical one. Providing connectivity via Starlink\u2019s service would require distributing a large number of user terminals within the country, a feat that would be difficult because the devices are likely to be considered illegal contraband by the government. This severely limits the scale at which such services can be adopted.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERecent technological developments, however, may partially mitigate this challenge. Starlink\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/starlink.com\/business\/direct-to-cell\u0022\u003Edirect-to-cell\u003C\/a\u003E capability, which aims to provide LTE cellular connectivity directly to ordinary cellphones, could reduce dependence on specialized hardware. If they become widely available, such systems would allow users to connect using common devices already in circulation, sidestepping one of the most difficult barriers to providing connectivity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELike other radio-based communications, however, direct-to-cell connectivity would remain \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2026\/01\/15\/technology\/iran-online-starlink.html\u0022\u003Evulnerable to signal jamming\u003C\/a\u003E and other forms of electronic interference by the government.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor the time being, the Iranian regime controls the country\u2019s internet infrastructure, which means it still has a virtual off switch.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/273439\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/irans-latest-internet-blackout-extends-to-phones-and-starlink-273439\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Iranian regime\u2019s internet shutdown, initiated on Jan. 8, 2026, has severely diminished the flow of information out of the country.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Iranian regime\u2019s internet shutdown, initiated on Jan. 8, 2026, has severely diminished the flow of information out of the country. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-01-16 13:52:41","changed_gmt":"2026-04-13 15:34:26","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-16T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-16T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679144":{"id":"679144","type":"image","title":"Protesters have filled the streets in Iranian cities, but the regime\u2019s internet shutdown means little news gets in or out of the country. MAHSA\/Middle East Images\/AFP via Getty Images","body":"\u003Cp\u003EProtesters have filled the streets in Iranian cities, but the regime\u2019s internet shutdown means little news gets in or out of the country. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/iranians-gather-while-blocking-a-street-during-a-protest-in-news-photo\/2254948920\u0022\u003EMAHSA\/Middle East Images\/AFP via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1770040671","gmt_created":"2026-02-02 13:57:51","changed":"1770040671","gmt_changed":"2026-02-02 13:57:51","alt":"Protesters have filled the streets in Iranian cities, but the regime\u2019s internet shutdown means little news gets in or out of the country. MAHSA\/Middle East Images\/AFP via Getty Images","file":{"fid":"263267","name":"file-20260114-66-h9x7xx.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/file-20260114-66-h9x7xx.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/file-20260114-66-h9x7xx.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":519973,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/02\/file-20260114-66-h9x7xx.jpg?itok=4IKLToyJ"}}},"media_ids":["679144"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/irans-latest-internet-blackout-extends-to-phones-and-starlink-273439","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"194974","name":"go-theconversation"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthors:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/amanda-meng-2566155\u0022\u003EAmanda Meng\u003C\/a\u003E, Senior Research Scientist, College of Computing, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/alberto-dainotti-2566173\u0022\u003EAlberto Dainotti\u003C\/a\u003E, Associate Professor of Computer Science, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/zachary-bischof-2566170\u0022\u003EZachary Bischof\u003C\/a\u003E, Senior Research Scientist, College of Computing, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689379":{"#nid":"689379","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Study Measures Titanium in Apollo Rock to Uncover Moon\u2019s Early\u00a0Chemistry","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Earth and the Moon may look very different today, but they formed \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/the-moon-might-be-older-than-scientists-previously-thought-a-new-study-shines-light-on-its-history-246085\u0022\u003Eunder similar conditions\u003C\/a\u003E in space. In fact, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-the-moon-formed-new-research-133204\u0022\u003Ea dominant hypothesis\u003C\/a\u003E says that the early Earth was hit by a Mars-sized object, and it was this giant impact that spun off material to form the Moon. But unlike Earth, the Moon lacks \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/education.nationalgeographic.org\/resource\/plate-tectonics\/\u0022\u003Eplate tectonics\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/climate-explained-why-carbon-dioxide-has-such-outsized-influence-on-earths-climate-123064\u0022\u003Ean atmosphere\u003C\/a\u003E capable of reshaping its surface and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.cornell.edu\/stories\/2021\/11\/recycling-tectonic-plates-key-driver-earths-oxygen-budget\u0022\u003Erecycling elements such as oxygen\u003C\/a\u003E over billions of years.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a result, the Moon preserves a record of the geological conditions that helped shape it and can give scientists insight into the world we live in today. Rocks that were formed during early volcanic activity on the Moon offer a window into events that occurred nearly 4 billion years ago. By uncovering the conditions under which the Moon\u2019s rocks formed, scientists move closer to understanding the origins of our own planet.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-026-69770-w\u0022\u003EIn a study\u003C\/a\u003E published March 2026 in the journal Nature Communications, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/clever.research.gatech.edu\/the-team\/\u0022\u003Eour team of physicists and geoscientists\u003C\/a\u003E investigated \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.webmineral.com\/data\/Ilmenite.shtml\u0022\u003Eilmenite\u003C\/a\u003E, a mineral composed of iron, titanium and oxygen, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.lpi.usra.edu\/lunar\/samples\/atlas\/compendium\/75035.pdf\u0022\u003Ein a Moon rock\u003C\/a\u003E crystallized from an ancient lunar magma. We used \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nrl.navy.mil\/nanoscience\/\u0022\u003Ecutting-edge electron microscopy\u003C\/a\u003E to probe the chemical signature of titanium in this ilmenite, finding that about 15% of the titanium carries less of an electrical charge than expected.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center \u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022An illustration of the rock on the Moon, an atomic image of the sample, and of trivalent titanium chemical signature.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/726541\/original\/file-20260326-57-w0e8yb.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/726541\/original\/file-20260326-57-w0e8yb.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=265\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/726541\/original\/file-20260326-57-w0e8yb.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=265\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/726541\/original\/file-20260326-57-w0e8yb.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=265\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/726541\/original\/file-20260326-57-w0e8yb.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=333\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/726541\/original\/file-20260326-57-w0e8yb.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=333\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/726541\/original\/file-20260326-57-w0e8yb.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=333\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EThis illustration shows the rock on the Moon, as well as an atomic image of the sample\u2019s crystal structure and a representation of the chemical signature of trivalent titanium.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution source\u0022\u003EAugust Davis\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EImplications of Trivalent Titanium\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn ilmenite, an atom of titanium typically loses four electrons when bonding with oxygen, resulting in a positive charge of 4+, known as the atom\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/oxidation-number\u0022\u003Eoxidation number\u003C\/a\u003E. From the sample we studied, a rock collected during the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/apollo-17\/\u0022\u003EApollo 17 mission\u003C\/a\u003E, we found that some of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/titanium\/Compounds\u0022\u003Etitanium\u003C\/a\u003E in ilmenite actually has a charge of only 3+, referred to as trivalent titanium. Our measurement of trivalent titanium confirms what geologists had long suspected: that some titanium in lunar ilmenite exists in a lower charge state.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETrivalent titanium occurs only when \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.elementsmagazine.org\/redox-engine-of-earth\/\u0022\u003Ethe amount of oxygen available for chemical reactions\u003C\/a\u003E is low. Thus, the abundance of trivalent titanium in ilmenite could tell us about the relative availability of oxygen in the Moon\u2019s interior when the rock formed, around 3.8 billion years ago.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA Link to the Moon\u2019s Early Chemistry\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur team has closely studied only one Moon rock so far, but from published studies we have identified more than 500 analyses of lunar ilmenite that could contain trivalent titanium. Studying these samples could reveal new details about how the Moon\u2019s chemistry varies across different locations and time periods.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile our work highlights a link based on prior studies, the relationship between trivalent titanium in ilmenite and oxygen availability has not yet been quantified with targeted experimental data.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy conducting experiments that explore that link, ilmenite could reveal more details about the Moon\u2019s interior. We also expect this relationship to apply to other planets and asteroids that don\u2019t contain much chemically available oxygen, relative to Earth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat\u2019s Next?\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese methods can be used to study many Moon rocks collected during the Apollo missions over 50 years ago, as well as future samples from upcoming \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/artemis-ii\/\u0022\u003EArtemis missions\u003C\/a\u003E, or rocks collected from the far side of the Moon, returned in 2024 by China\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.planetary.org\/space-missions\/change-6\u0022\u003EChang\u2019e-6 mission\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/emilyfirst.com\/\u0022\u003Eour team members\u003C\/a\u003E plans to use their \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/emilyfirst.com\/research\/\u0022\u003Enew experimental lab\u003C\/a\u003E to explore how oxygen availability in magma affects the abundance of trivalent titanium in ilmenite. With experiments like this that build off our findings, we could potentially use ilmenite to reconstruct the history of ancient magmas from the Moon.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe believe future studies of lunar rocks using advanced scientific methods are essential for revealing the chemical conditions present on the ancient Moon. They could offer clues not only to its own history but also to the earliest chapters of Earth\u2019s past \u2013 records that have since been erased from Earth.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/278721\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/new-study-measures-titanium-in-apollo-rock-to-uncover-moons-early-chemistry-278721\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBy uncovering the conditions under which the Moon\u2019s rocks formed, scientists move closer to understanding the origins of our own planet.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"By uncovering the conditions under which the Moon\u2019s rocks formed, scientists move closer to understanding the origins of our own planet."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-03-27 13:21:18","changed_gmt":"2026-04-13 15:33:52","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-27T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-27T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679828":{"id":"679828","type":"image","title":"The Camelot crater in the Moon\u2019s Taurus-Littrow Valley is where the sample containing trivalent titanium was found. NASA\/Apollo 17: AS17-145-22159","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Camelot crater in the Moon\u2019s Taurus-Littrow Valley is where the sample containing trivalent titanium was found. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/projectapolloarchive\/21041121594\u0022\u003ENASA\/Apollo 17: AS17-145-22159\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775136177","gmt_created":"2026-04-02 13:22:57","changed":"1775136177","gmt_changed":"2026-04-02 13:22:57","alt":"The Camelot crater in the Moon\u2019s Taurus-Littrow Valley is where the sample containing trivalent titanium was found. NASA\/Apollo 17: AS17-145-22159","file":{"fid":"264032","name":"file-20260326-57-nv1xsh.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/02\/file-20260326-57-nv1xsh.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/02\/file-20260326-57-nv1xsh.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":428208,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/02\/file-20260326-57-nv1xsh.jpg?itok=vsNPr9q4"}}},"media_ids":["679828"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/new-study-measures-titanium-in-apollo-rock-to-uncover-moons-early-chemistry-278721","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"194974","name":"go-theconversation"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthors:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/advik-d-vira-2626787\u0022\u003EAdvik D. Vira\u003C\/a\u003E, Graduate Student in Physics, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/emily-first-2633204\u0022\u003EEmily First\u003C\/a\u003E, Assistant Professor of Geology, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/macalester-college-2632\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EMacalester College\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689637":{"#nid":"689637","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Study Could Show How TikTok\u2019s Algorithm Affects Youth Mental Health","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeta CEO Mark Zuckerberg\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/california\/story\/2026-02-18\/mark-zuckerberg-tesimony-la-social-media-trial?utm_source=chatgpt.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Etook the witness stand\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court to defend his company from accusations that social media harms children.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA lawsuit filed by a 20-year-old plaintiff alleges Instagram and other social media apps are designed to make young users addicted to their platforms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeanwhile, social media experts believe the algorithms that drive content on these platforms play a role in hooking users and keeping them scrolling for extensive periods of time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA new study led by Georgia Tech might confirm this suspicion.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsing recently acquired data from more than 10,000 adolescent users,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.munmund.net\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMunmun De Choudhury\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E will audit TikTok\u2019s recommendation algorithm and study its impact on young people\u2019s behavior and mental health.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDe Choudhury is leading a multi-institutional research team on a four-year, $1.7 million grant from the Huo Family Foundation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe hope to learn the different types of negative exposures that young people experience when using TikTok,\u201d De Choudhury said. \u201cThis can help us characterize what they\u2019re watching and build computational methods to understand the consumption behaviors of these participants and how they\u2019re affected by the algorithm.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDe Choudhury, a professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing, is collaborating with Amy Orben, a professor at the University of Cambridge, and Homa Hosseinmardi, an assistant professor at UCLA, on the project.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESocial media platforms have become increasingly reluctant to share their data in recent years, posing a challenge for researchers like De Choudhury.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe can\u2019t do the type of studies we did 10 years ago with X (formerly Twitter) because the API is much more restrictive,\u201d she said. \u201cThere are limited ways to programmatically access people\u2019s data now.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe must go through a tedious, manual process to get around declining access to social media data. This data-gathering process is essential given the sensitive nature of mental health research. You want data that is shared with consent.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrben collected TikTok data from more than 10,000 young people in the UK who consented to provide their personal data archives in accordance with the European Union\u2019s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe collected data includes watch histories, which De Choudhury said distinguishes this research from other social media studies that focus on what users post.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe don\u2019t understand passive social media consumption very well, so we hope to close that gap and learn what that looks like,\u201d she said. \u201cThat could complement or contrast what we know about people\u2019s active engagement on these platforms. Is what they\u2019re consuming directly related to what they\u2019re posting? How does passive consumption affect young people\u2019s mental health?\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA clearer picture of how algorithm-based content affects young people could result in design interventions to minimize negative effects. De Choudhury said studying data from young people is critical because it\u2019s not too late to steer them away from unhealthy behavioral patterns.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSome of the earliest signs or symptoms of mental health conditions appear in adolescence,\u201d she said. \u201cIf appropriate care and support are provided, maybe it\u2019s possible to prevent these symptoms from becoming full-blown in the future.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBeyond TikTok\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat the research team learns about TikTok could also provide broader insight into other social media platforms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETikTok has been influential in how social media platforms display video content. Competitors like Instagram and X modeled their video presentation after TikTok\u2019s, which can easily lead to doomscrolling.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur hope is that our findings can be generalized, with the caveat the data we have is exclusively from TikTok,\u201d De Choudhury said. \u201cOther platforms have similar video-sharing and consumption features where the video automatically plays from one to the next. We hope what we learn from TikTok will be applicable to people\u2019s activities elsewhere, though it will require future work beyond this project to draw concrete conclusions.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESimulating Feeds with AI\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDe Choudhury said an additional part of the study will be using artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate video feeds.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2024, Hosseinmardi led a study at the University of Pennsylvania on YouTube\u2019s recommendation algorithm and used bots that either followed or ignored the recommendations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDe Choudhury said they will use a similar method for TikTok.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe feeds will be realistic but generated by AI to see the potential pathways to consumption rabbit holes,\u201d she said. \u201cThis should give us some insight into how algorithms influence the negative and positive exposures people might be having on TikTok.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFoundation Expands Reach\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBased in the UK and established in 2009, the Huo Family Foundation supports community education initiatives in the UK, the U.S., and China.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe organization announced in January its launch of the Huo Family Foundation Science Programme.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/huofamilyfoundation.org\/news\/updates\/huo-family-foundation-awards-17-6m-for-groundbreaking-research\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe new program is committing $17.6 million to fund 20 new multi-year research grants\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E that explore the impact of digital technology on the brain development, social behavior, and mental health of young people.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cDigital technology is profoundly shaping childhood and young adulthood, yet there is limited causal evidence of its effects,\u201d\u0026nbsp;said Yan Huo, founder of the Huo Family Foundation, in a press release.\u0026nbsp;\u201cWe are proud to support exceptional researchers advancing vital scientific understanding.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELed by Georgia Tech professor Munmun De Choudhury, a multi-institutional research team is launching a $1.7 million study to examine how TikTok\u2019s recommendation algorithm influences the mental health of adolescent users. The project focuses on passive consumption by analyzing the watch histories of over 10,000 young participants and using AI to simulate content \u0022rabbit holes.\u0022 By identifying patterns of negative exposure, the researchers aim to develop design interventions that can steer teenagers away from unhealthy behavioral patterns and support early mental health care.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A Georgia Tech-led research team is conducting a multi-year study using data from more than 10,000 adolescents to investigate how TikTok\u2019s recommendation algorithm and passive content consumption impact youth mental health."}],"uid":"35575","created_gmt":"2026-04-13 14:54:36","changed_gmt":"2026-04-13 14:56:01","author":"adavidson38","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679406":{"id":"679406","type":"image","title":"208A9267-2.jpg","body":null,"created":"1771943377","gmt_created":"2026-02-24 14:29:37","changed":"1771943377","gmt_changed":"2026-02-24 14:29:37","alt":"Munmun De Choudhury","file":{"fid":"263567","name":"208A9267-2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/24\/208A9267-2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/24\/208A9267-2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":104533,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/24\/208A9267-2.jpg?itok=3fEZjVVt"}}},"media_ids":["679406"],"groups":[{"id":"66220","name":"Neuro"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"143","name":"Digital Media and Entertainment"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"167543","name":"social media"},{"id":"190947","name":"tiktok"},{"id":"10343","name":"mental health"},{"id":"10824","name":"Children And Adolescents"},{"id":"5660","name":"algorithms"},{"id":"172970","name":"go-neuro"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193656","name":"Neuro Next Initiative"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689164":{"#nid":"689164","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Celebrating Tech\u2019s First African American Female Graduate: Clemmie Whatley","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EWhen\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EClemmie Whatley\u003C\/strong\u003E earned her master\u2019s in applied mathematics in 1973, she and her friend\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EGrace Hammonds\u003C\/strong\u003E became the first African American women to graduate from Georgia Tech \u2014 an accomplishment she only learned about decades later.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe certainly didn\u2019t think of ourselves as pioneers,\u201d says Whatley. \u201cWe were just trying to get through.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EToday, Whatley is no longer a hidden figure as she is now recognized for her trailblazing role.\u0026nbsp; She has been honored by the Institute\u2019s\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/celebratingwomen.alumni.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Pathway of Progress\u003C\/a\u003E art installation, Women of Distinction Award, and scholarship endowment established by the Georgia Tech Black Alumni Organization.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAs Georgia Tech celebrates Women\u2019s History Month, Whatley\u2019s barrier-breaking legacy is a reminder of how women in STEM expand what\u2019s possible, not only for themselves, but for those who follow.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFollowing the math path\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EWhatley grew up in Chubbtown, a self-sufficient Black community established pre-Civil War in Cave Spring, Georgia. The first Black valedictorian of Cave Spring High School after desegregation, she loved math from an early age. Whatley often tagged along with her father who was always building or fixing something \u2014\u0026nbsp;inspiring her to use numbers to solve problems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe majored in math at Clark (now Clark Atlanta University), graduating magna cum laude. Encouraged to attend a predominantly white institution for graduate school by\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EJoseph James Dennis\u003C\/strong\u003E, head of Clark\u2019s Mathematics department, Whatley and Hammonds applied to Georgia Tech and Emory University.\u0026nbsp;Tech responded first with an unexpected bonus: a teaching assistantship.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cEarning money to teach math and help pay for school appealed to me,\u201d she shares.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFinding her footing at Tech\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EEntering the Institute as one of the few Black women on campus came with challenges. Whatley enrolled only nine years after Georgia Tech became the first university in the Deep South to admit African American students without a court order.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI\u2019m not sure they wanted us there,\u201d she admits. \u201cBut I wasn\u2019t nervous. I was excited to learn more math \u2014\u0026nbsp;and teach it as well.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAs a graduate teaching assistant, Whatley taught undergraduate calculus, algebra, and trigonometry. Students were often surprised to see her at the front of the classroom, as most instructors were white males. She remembers professors who encouraged her, particularly her advisor Professor Emeritus\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ERobert Kasriel.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cHe believed in me, especially my knowledge of math,\u201d Whatley says. \u201cHe encouraged me to speak up with confidence.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAnother professor pushed her to contest a grade he felt was unfair. She chose instead to stay focused on completing her degree. Despite the obstacles, Whatley remembers her time at Tech fondly. \u201cI really enjoyed the classroom interaction with the undergraduates and teaching subjects I loved.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe appreciates the toughness of the education she received. \u201cGeorgia Tech rewards tenacity. If you can make it through here, you can make it through just about anything \u2014 and that problem\u2011solving confidence stays with you.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChoosing to serve\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAfter graduation, Whatley joined BellSouth as a junior engineer, working on depreciation studies and writing early computer programs in Basic and Fortran.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI took a class at Morehouse to learn programming. We used ticker tape, punch cards, and computers that took up an entire room,\u201d remembers Whatley.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe spent 22 years at BellSouth, earning frequent promotions. Her career shifted into a new direction when she heard a radio request for tutors at Marietta Junior High School. She volunteered and began working with several students, including a middle school girl who still counted on her fingers. Whatley guided her toward more confident problem-solving. \u201cAll she needed was someone to take the time to work with her.\u201ds.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETutoring became a catalyst for change. Motivated by the difference she could make, she left corporate America.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExpanding her impact\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAfter obtaining certification from Mercer University, she became a high school math teacher. Whatley planned to teach for just three years but stayed for four after her advisement class of ninth graders begged her to stay until they graduated.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ECommitted to expanding her impact, Whatley earned an educational specialist degree from the University of West Georgia and a Ph.D. in Educational Studies from Emory University. While at Emory, she began an educational consulting career,\u0026nbsp; launching\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.eddynamix.org\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Educational Dynamix,\u003C\/a\u003E a nonprofit firm focused on learning and development for children and educators. Her consulting work also explored the connections between music and mathematics \u2014 helping educators and parents use both to strengthen student learning.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cTeaching math was satisfying,\u201d says Whatley. \u201cI enjoyed going into a class where students \u2014 or their teachers \u2014 didn\u2019t believe in their ability to do math and showing them that they could do it.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EWhatley smiles and clarifies: \u201cWhen I went into education, whether I was working with students, training teachers, or helping make changes in organizational structures, I found my passion. Looking back, hopefully, I made some lives better overall.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ESharing family history\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EWhatley\u2019s influences are felt beyond the classroom. She is the author of several books, including\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EThe Chubbs: A Free Black Family\u2019s Journey From the Antebellum Era to the Mid-1900s\u003C\/em\u003E, which grew out of her family\u2019s history. Whatley began this research while assisting with media features on her cousin, University of Georgia football star\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ENick Chubb.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EResearching her family\u2019s story led to a surprising discovery: a crumpled bill of sale for an enslaved girl that her son tucked into her grandmother\u2019s old trunk. That document \u2014 and the stories surrounding it \u2014 propelled her to write the book and preserve Chubbtown\u2019s history for future generations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReflecting on a legacy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EWhatley says faith and family are the most important things in her life. She has been married to her husband, Melvin, for 55 years.\u0026nbsp;Her daughter, son, and several relatives also attended Georgia Tech, with her daughter running track and cross country and her son playing football. \u201cWe\u2019re a Yellow Jacket family with one Bulldog granddaughter,\u201d she says with a smile.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EToday, Whatley is honored to have the recognition that came years after graduation. \u201cWhat I went through wasn\u2019t in vain. It feels good to know that I opened some doors and helped others along the way.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EClemmie Whatley\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003Etime studying and teaching math at Georgia Tech laid the groundwork for decades of leadership in classrooms, corporate America, and the community.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Clemmie Whatley\u2019s time studying and teaching math at Georgia Tech laid the groundwork for decades of leadership in classrooms, corporate America, and the community."}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2026-03-24 19:17:04","changed_gmt":"2026-04-10 21:25:51","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-24T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-24T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679728":{"id":"679728","type":"image","title":"Clemmie Whatley; then and now","body":"\u003Cp\u003EClemmie Whatley: then and now\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1774381412","gmt_created":"2026-03-24 19:43:32","changed":"1774909021","gmt_changed":"2026-03-30 22:17:01","alt":"Two photos of same woman, one older and one younger.","file":{"fid":"263938","name":"best.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/26\/best.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/26\/best.png","mime":"image\/png","size":1269462,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/26\/best.png?itok=uiFZ8mto"}},"679727":{"id":"679727","type":"image","title":"Whatley and Grace Hammonds made history together as the first African American women to graduate from Georgia Tech and have remained lifelong friends.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWhatley and Grace Hammonds made history together as the first African American women to graduate from Georgia Tech and have remained lifelong friends.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1774380706","gmt_created":"2026-03-24 19:31:46","changed":"1774380706","gmt_changed":"2026-03-24 19:31:46","alt":"Two women smiling","file":{"fid":"263922","name":"ClemmieandGraceIMG_1007.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/24\/ClemmieandGraceIMG_1007_0.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/24\/ClemmieandGraceIMG_1007_0.png","mime":"image\/png","size":6636467,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/24\/ClemmieandGraceIMG_1007_0.png?itok=i6_YFCE3"}}},"media_ids":["679728","679727"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1279","name":"School of Mathematics"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"506","name":"alumni"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELaura S. Smith, writer\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["laura.smith@cos.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689472":{"#nid":"689472","#data":{"type":"news","title":"2026 Frontiers in Science: Advancing Space Exploration","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EOne day after the historic Artemis II launch, the College of Sciences welcomed more than 150 researchers, students, and community members to its signature\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/frontiers-space\u0022\u003EFrontiers in Science\u003C\/a\u003E conference. Held on April 2, the full-day event focused on space research guiding discovery and innovation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAs during previous editions, this year\u2019s conference featured more than two dozen scientists, engineers, policy experts, and thought leaders from Georgia Tech and beyond, illustrating how collaboration across fields \u2013 from science and engineering to public policy and international affairs \u2013 helps to advance strategic research priorities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cFrontiers is about discovery and connections across disciplines and generations,\u201d says\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/lozier.eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESusan Lozier\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, dean of the College of Sciences and Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair. \u201cThis edition provided an inspiring glimpse into the future of space exploration and the many ways Georgia Tech is contributing to research and missions seeking answers to what lies beyond our planet.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommitment to Space\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESpace research is a key institutional priority at Georgia Tech, which is home to numerous academic and research programs in planetary sciences, robotics, mission design, space policy, and other areas.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe recently established\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/space.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESpace Research Institute\u003C\/a\u003E (SRI) serves as the central hub connecting the broad range of space-related research across campus. Led by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/2885\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJud Ready\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, who also serves as principal research engineer at the Georgia Tech Research Institute, SRI has expanded support for space research and commercialization through initiatives such as the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/2026\/02\/26\/new-space-startups-take-georgia-tech\u0022\u003ECreationsVC Space Fellows Program\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/2025\/12\/10\/georgia-techs-space-research-institute-announces-inaugural-seed-grant-awardees\u0022\u003ECenters, Programs, and Initiatives seed grant program\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESRI\u2019s efforts are in line with Georgia Tech\u2019s long-standing contribution to space exploration. Hundreds of Yellow Jacket alumni work in the space sector, including several graduates who are playing key roles in the Artemis program. To date, more than a dozen Georgia Tech alumni have traveled to space.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExploring the Final Frontier\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe conference featured a series of panels and discussions led by faculty and researchers from the Colleges of Sciences and Engineering as well as the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESessions explored how researchers are studying the processes and conditions that support planetary habitability, seeking to answer one of humanity\u2019s greatest questions: Does life exist beyond Earth? Speakers also examined how analog fieldwork in Earth\u2019s extreme environments can inform space exploration, and how space research, in turn, can deepen our understanding of our own world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAdditional conversations centered on building better space missions through improved understanding of team and individual resilience, data collection, navigation, and the development of advanced technologies like the robots developed through the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/good-dog-lassie-spirit-learns-walk-moon\u0022\u003ENASA LASSIE Project\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFrontiers also highlighted Georgia Tech\u2019s commitment to preparing the next generation of space scientists, engineers, and leaders. Student training and engagement were recurring themes throughout the day, with speakers emphasizing opportunities for student-led and student-run missions and research. A panel of Georgia Tech alumni shared their own STEM career journeys, challenging the idea of \u201cone right path\u201d to success \u2014 and acknowledging the resources and opportunities available at the Institute.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EA highlight of the conference was a fireside chat with Atlanta-native, retired U.S. Army Colonel and NASA Astronaut\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/kimbrough-rs.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ER. Shane Kimbrough\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (M.S. Operations Research 1998). Kimbrough, who spent a total of 388 days in space and performed nine spacewalks across three missions, reflected on his career and the evolution of spaceflight. He emphasized the expanding role of public-private and international partnerships in advancing ambitious goals, such as creating a permanent human outpost on the Moon.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPolicy and Public\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe conference also explored how policy influences space discovery and innovation, with discussions touching on such issues as space security, access, governance, sustainability \u2014\u0026nbsp;and the influence of technology and science fiction on public perception and policy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EPanelists described current policy frameworks governing outer space as struggling to keep pace with rapidly advancing technologies and expanding activities. According to these experts, increasing tensions among commercial, research, and recreational uses of space call for greater coordination among private and government entities to balance competing priorities while maximizing opportunities for innovation and exploration.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe conference was punctuated by a networking lunch connecting attendees with Atlanta\u2019s public astronomy community \u2013 including partners at several universities and the Georgia Tech Astronomy Club, which set up telescopes for attendees to safely observe the sun. Later that evening, the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/astronomy.gatech.edu\/Observatory.php\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Observatory\u003C\/a\u003E hosted its Public Night, welcoming the broader Atlanta community to campus for telescope views of Jupiter, the Orion Nebula, and other celestial bodies.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Observatory Night was a fitting conclusion to a full day focused on Georgia Tech\u2019s commitment and contributions to inspiring future generations of space explorers through research, education, and outreach.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EExperience the Frontiers conference in pictures on the\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/gtsciences\/albums\/72177720332868366\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECollege of Sciences\u2019 Flickr account\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOne day after the historic Artemis II launch, the College of Sciences welcomed more than 150 researchers, students, and community members to its signature\u0026nbsp;Frontiers in Science conference.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"One day after the historic Artemis II launch, the College of Sciences welcomed more than 150 researchers, students, and community members to its signature\u00a0Frontiers in Science conference."}],"uid":"36583","created_gmt":"2026-04-06 14:05:00","changed_gmt":"2026-04-10 21:23:26","author":"lvidal7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-06T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-06T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679862":{"id":"679862","type":"image","title":" Retired NASA astronaut R. Shane Kimbrough (M.S. Operations Research 1998) reflects on his career and the evolution of spaceflight.","body":null,"created":"1775484488","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","changed":"1775484488","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","alt":"R. Shane Kimbrough speaks in front of room of people during a fireside chat","file":{"fid":"264072","name":"55185614870_ef06b5fa33_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185614870_ef06b5fa33_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185614870_ef06b5fa33_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2611719,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/55185614870_ef06b5fa33_o.jpg?itok=9k4zXi2s"}},"679861":{"id":"679861","type":"image","title":"Joyce Shi Sim, assistant professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences","body":null,"created":"1775484488","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","changed":"1775484488","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","alt":"Joyce Shi Sim holds a microphone and laser pointer while presenting to room of people","file":{"fid":"264071","name":"55185376153_8350a8e96f_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185376153_8350a8e96f_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185376153_8350a8e96f_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1858656,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/55185376153_8350a8e96f_o.jpg?itok=QKyejMSW"}},"679863":{"id":"679863","type":"image","title":"Professor James Wray, professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences","body":null,"created":"1775485879","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 14:31:19","changed":"1775485923","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 14:32:03","alt":"Professor James Wray holds microphone and points to powerpoint slide during his presentation","file":{"fid":"264073","name":"55184328417_3a02de62dc_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55184328417_3a02de62dc_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55184328417_3a02de62dc_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2636888,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/55184328417_3a02de62dc_o.jpg?itok=saXBEEUR"}},"679860":{"id":"679860","type":"image","title":" [From left] Professor Glenn Lightsey, Professor Thom Orlando, Moderator Naia Butler-Craig  (M.S. AE 2023, Ph.D. AE 2026), Associate Professor Brian Gunter, and Research Engineer I Ava Thrasher ","body":null,"created":"1775484488","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","changed":"1775484488","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","alt":"Group photo of five people, including Georgia Tech faculty","file":{"fid":"264070","name":"55184003111_c862d712f2_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55184003111_c862d712f2_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55184003111_c862d712f2_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":6182876,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/55184003111_c862d712f2_o.jpg?itok=dcGAnsv4"}},"679858":{"id":"679858","type":"image","title":" The Georgia Tech Astronomy Club set up telescopes for attendees to safely observe the sun.","body":null,"created":"1775484488","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","changed":"1775484488","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","alt":"Three people stand outdoors with one person looking at the sun through a telescope","file":{"fid":"264068","name":"55185476429_49ab238e05_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185476429_49ab238e05_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185476429_49ab238e05_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2674661,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/55185476429_49ab238e05_o.jpg?itok=cCQeyNP0"}},"679859":{"id":"679859","type":"image","title":"Georgia Tech Observatory\u2019s April 2, 2026 Public Night","body":null,"created":"1775484488","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","changed":"1775484488","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","alt":"Adults and children observing the night sky through a computer that is connected to a telescope","file":{"fid":"264069","name":"55185567256_ba1be5a592_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185567256_ba1be5a592_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185567256_ba1be5a592_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":4887238,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/55185567256_ba1be5a592_o.jpg?itok=NaAICFg3"}}},"media_ids":["679862","679861","679863","679860","679858","679859"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/frontiers-space","title":"2026 Frontiers in Science: Advancing Space Exploration - Program"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/38-billion-year-old-titanium-clue-sheds-new-light-moons-early-chemistry","title":"3.8\u2011Billion\u2011Year\u2011Old Titanium Clue Sheds New Light on the Moon\u2019s Early Chemistry"},{"url":"https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/georgia-tech-pioneers-first-space-sustainability-course-us","title":"Georgia Tech Pioneers First Space Sustainability Course in the U.S."},{"url":"https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/welcome-future-artemis-ii-set-launch-moon","title":"\u2018Welcome to the Future!\u2019 Artemis II Set for Launch to the Moon"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/2026\/02\/26\/new-space-startups-take-georgia-tech","title":"New Space Startups Take Off at Georgia Tech"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/2025\/12\/10\/georgia-techs-space-research-institute-announces-inaugural-seed-grant-awardees","title":"Georgia Tech\u2019s Space Research Institute Announces Inaugural Seed Grant Awardees"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"},{"id":"443951","name":"School of Psychology"},{"id":"660370","name":"Space"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"133","name":"Special Events and Guest Speakers"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"192252","name":"cos-planetary"},{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"172511","name":"Frontiers Conference"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"194975","name":"go-space"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193657","name":"Space Research Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWriter: Lindsay C. Vidal\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["lvidal7@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689585":{"#nid":"689585","#data":{"type":"news","title":"CREATE-X Startup Brings Digital Access to the Unbanked","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen Victor Espinosa was an undergraduate student in Bogot\u00e1, he kept running into the same problem every time he tried to order books or basic items online: He didn\u2019t have a credit card. Instead, he had to give cash to someone who had a credit card and ask them to purchase for him. This wasn\u2019t strange in Colombia.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cIt was frustrating, but it showed me how many people were being left out of the digital world,\u201d Espinosa said. \u201cIn Colombia, only about two out of 10 people have a credit card. Cash is the main form of payment, but everything online requires digital access.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThat gap sparked the idea that would evolve into Loto Punto, a fintech startup building self-service kiosks to bridge the physical and digital worlds for unbanked communities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EFrom a Single Problem to a Scalable Platform\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEspinosa began his startup as an online platform for buying lottery tickets. He saw that customers didn\u2019t trust the idea of a digital receipt because they were used to a printout, so he pivoted to a kiosk similar to the ones in U.S. grocery stores. Customers could walk up, insert cash, and print a lottery ticket instantly.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cIt worked, but it had a ceiling,\u201d Espinosa said. \u201cIt only served people buying lottery tickets. We knew it wouldn\u2019t scale.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ETo address this, he expanded the kiosks to handle mobile phone top-ups, bill payments, and basic banking services. Then, in 2024, the company incorporated advanced technologies such as biometric recognition and blockchain. Stellar Blockchain, first a partner, later became an investor of the startup, which helped Loto Punto to enable low-cost, real-time digital transactions and remittances.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ENow, users can convert physical cash into digital value or withdraw cash from digital wallets through a single machine.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EA Global Solo Founder\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEspinosa is the sole founder of Loto Punto, supported now by a 10\u2011person team of highly specialized engineers, designers, and manufacturing experts. He is currently pursuing his master\u2019s degree in computer science at Georgia Tech while leading the company through its next chapter as part of the CREATE-X Startup Launch Spring 2026 cohort.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EFinding CREATE-X and Finding a Community\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEspinosa learned about CREATE-X during his first semester at Georgia Tech. In 2024, CREATE-X widened its Startup Launch program to include a spring cohort to give founders, particularly graduating seniors, another chance to go all-in on developing their startup.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEspinosa admits he didn\u2019t expect much when he first learned about the program.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cI didn\u2019t know universities had programs like this. In Colombia, we don\u2019t have accelerators embedded inside universities with venture support and dedicated staff,\u201d he said. \u201cSo, I assumed CREATE X would be small, maybe one office helping a few students.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWhat Espinosa found was different.\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cThey\u2019re leveraging every resource that Georgia Tech offers. They can help with any challenge by tapping the doors of the network they already have established,\u201c he said. \u201cIt\u2019s an ecosystem.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAs a part of the Startup Launch program, CREATE-X brings in founders from its ecosystem to speak to participants and give them actionable insights \u2014 founders who have raised funds, been acquired, and have had other successes as entrepreneurs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cThat\u2019s different,\u201d Espinosa said. \u201cThey\u2019ve brought successful founders who have walked the talk. It\u2019s different to interact with somebody who was already successful in doing what you\u2019re doing.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ETesting, Measuring, and Learning Through Startup Launch\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEven as a remote participant, Espinosa has connected well with his mentor, who meets with him weekly, and his mini-batch. During the program, startup teams are grouped together. They share their strategies, successes, and struggles as they develop throughout the program. Teams have weekly sprints where they focus on one or two activities and then measure those activities, which Espinosa said is helpful for maintaining focus and actually executing on ideas.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cIf you, as an entrepreneur, start thinking of the whole world of activities that you must do to get somewhere with your startup, you won\u2019t start,\u201d he said. \u201cBy creating attainable goals, step by step, that\u2019s how it compounds to reach bigger goals. But, you have to begin with something.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003ETeams are also encouraged to take calculated risks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cCREATE-X gives us a safe environment to test ideas,\u201d Espinosa said. \u201cAs an entrepreneur, it\u2019s a lonely road, but having someone who has been in your shoes before, it makes you brave to try things.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EOne of the first major tests he shared with the cohort was an ad campaign timed around the Super Bowl. In Startup Launch, Espinosa learned how to structure the experiment: defining KPIs, iterating audiences, and evaluating performance compared to industry benchmarks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cWe got around 45,000 views and above-average click-through rates,\u201d he said. \u201cBut the biggest lesson was that brand awareness alone can\u2019t be our only marketing strategy.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEspinosa said his mentor helped open doors for him and kept him accountable, and the program itself kept him from being overwhelmed by all that a founder has to do.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cIn Startup Launch, you see how different approaches fit different phases,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019re creating a path to grow and execute on your goals as a founder.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWhy Now Is the Easiest Time to Build\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEspinosa also emphasized that the tools to build and test ideas have never been more accessible.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cWhen I started, we didn\u2019t have AI. You had to do everything by hand. It was harder, and it took more resources,\u201d he said. \u201cRight now, it\u2019s a matter of prompting. In one hour, you can file for a grant. Before, it took at least a week to get your documents together.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EHe said the ability to test quickly and learn has also become inexpensive.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cYou don\u2019t need millions of dollars to do this,\u201d Espinosa said. \u201cIt\u0027s very cheap to fail, right? If that doesn\u0027t work, you can just try again in the morning.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAbove all, Espinosa encouraged budding founders to take advantage of the opportunities around them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cAs a founder, you must tap every door that you have available to you. You have to explore different paths,\u201d he said. \u201cSome of those are networking, some are physical space, some are interest. Get your hands on every single resource that comes your way.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ELooking Ahead: The Future of Payments\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAs he thinks about where the finance world is going, Espinosa said the payments industry is rapidly converging toward blockchain, stablecoins, and faster, frictionless user experiences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re seeing a lot of movement around stablecoins. We\u2019re seeing resource flow from one country to another. We believe things are converging to leverage blockchain and driving down the cost of moving money,\u201c he said. \u201cThat\u2019s how we see the future of our industry.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EMeet Loto Punto and the Spring Cohort at Startup Launch Showcase\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEspinosa will travel to Atlanta for the first time in May to present Loto Punto at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/spring-startup-launch-showcase-tickets-1984784570078?aff=article\u0022\u003ECREATE-X Spring Startup Launch Showcase\u003C\/a\u003E, where the public can meet founders and see their ventures firsthand. The event will be held in The Biltmore Ballrooms on Thursday, May 21, from 5 to 7 p.m.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe showcase will feature dozens of startups built by Georgia Tech students and alumni. Tickets are free but limited. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/spring-startup-launch-showcase-tickets-1984784570078?aff=article\u0022\u003ERegister for the showcase\u003C\/a\u003E today to grab your spot.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAfter experiencing firsthand how limited access to credit cards excluded millions from the digital economy, Victor Espinosa set out to bridge that gap by founding Loto Punto. The fintech startup uses self\u2011service kiosks that allow users to convert physical cash into digital transactions, expanding access to essential services like bill payments, mobile top\u2011ups, and remittances. As a solo founder in the CREATE\u2011X Startup Launch Spring 2026 cohort, Espinosa refined his venture through structured experimentation, mentorship, and weekly execution sprints. He credits CREATE\u2011X with providing both the accountability and community needed to test ideas safely and scale solutions for real\u2011world impact.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech master\u2019s student Victor Espinosa is building Loto Punto, a fintech startup using self\u2011service kiosks to help unbanked communities convert cash into digital financial access through the CREATE\u2011X Startup Launch program."}],"uid":"36436","created_gmt":"2026-04-09 13:26:31","changed_gmt":"2026-04-09 13:29:19","author":"bdurham31","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679901":{"id":"679901","type":"image","title":"Victor Espinosa Founder of Loto Punto","body":"\u003Cp\u003EVictor Espinosa, Founder of Loto Punto, stands in front of his product, pitching it on Columbia\u0027s Shark Tank\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775740749","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 13:19:09","changed":"1775740994","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 13:23:14","alt":"Victor Espinosa, Founder of Loto Punto, stands in front of his product, pitching it on Columbia\u0027s Shark Tank","file":{"fid":"264122","name":"STCOL_S5_EP16_12_TW.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/STCOL_S5_EP16_12_TW.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/STCOL_S5_EP16_12_TW.png","mime":"image\/png","size":899710,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/STCOL_S5_EP16_12_TW.png?itok=TrsrUGf8"}}},"media_ids":["679901"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/spring-startup-launch-showcase-tickets-1984784570078?aff=article","title":"Register for Spring 2026 Startup Launch Showcase"}],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"139","name":"Business"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBreanna Durham\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMarketing Strategist\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["breanna.durham@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689579":{"#nid":"689579","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Earns Top C-Suite Ranking Among Forbes\u2019 New Ivies ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor the third consecutive year, Georgia Tech has secured a spot on \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/aliciapark\/2026\/04\/08\/the-new-ivies-20-great-employer-friendly-colleges-embracing-ai\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EForbes\u2019 list of New Ivies\u003C\/a\u003E, showcasing the Institute\u2019s strong reputation among employers.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EReceiving the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/aliciapark\/2026\/04\/08\/how-forbes-selected-the-new-ivies-for-2026-our-third-annual-list\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ehighest C-suite rating\u003C\/a\u003E of any university this year, Tech has been included on the list each year since it started in 2024. This year\u2019s survey polled more than 100 C-suite and hiring executives, who were asked to rate schools and detail how artificial intelligence has changed their hiring of new graduates. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to Forbes, each institution on the list is considered a leader in AI adoption, innovating and integrating the emerging technology into its curriculum. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI fluency is a valued trait among employers, and one executive said that the ideal job candidate has completed an education that exemplifies \u201ccomplex emotional intelligence, radical adaptability, and visionary creativity to orchestrate AI tools rather than compete with them.\u201d Emphasizing the importance of equipping graduates with these skills, 60% of respondents say AI has changed their staffing needs, and nearly 25% say it has reduced their need for entry-level college graduates. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAt Georgia Tech, our students don\u2019t just learn AI. They apply it in real-world contexts across fields like finance, medical innovation, and manufacturing,\u201d said Raheem Beyah, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. \u201cThey graduate with both technical depth and domain expertise, shaped through hands-on experience and close partnerships with industry, so they\u2019re ready to step in and create value on day one.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOutside of the classroom, providing students access to an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/nexus-ideas\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAI supercomputer\u003C\/a\u003E, the launch of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ai.gatech.edu\/about\/mission-vision\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ETech AI\u003C\/a\u003E, and researchers leading multiple National Science Foundation AI institutes have cemented Tech\u2019s status as a leader in AI innovation.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EReturn on investment remains a critical factor in today\u2019s conversations about higher education as well, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/09\/04\/georgia-techs-big-bets-delivering-record-results\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ETech continues to rank highly in that area\u003C\/a\u003E. In 2025, the Institute was named the best-value public college by The Princeton Review, and the Department of Education\u2019s College Scorecard ranked Georgia Tech first among public universities in measuring ROI 15, 20, and 30 years after graduation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Tech received the highest C-suite rating of any school in the 2026 survey.  "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETech received the highest C-suite rating of any school in the 2026 survey.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Tech received the highest C-suite rating of any school in the 2026 survey.  "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-04-08 19:31:58","changed_gmt":"2026-04-09 12:50:41","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679898":{"id":"679898","type":"image","title":"Tech Tower in Atlanta Skyline","body":null,"created":"1775676915","gmt_created":"2026-04-08 19:35:15","changed":"1775676915","gmt_changed":"2026-04-08 19:35:15","alt":"Tech Tower in Atlanta Skyline","file":{"fid":"264119","name":"13C10000-P14-013--1-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/08\/13C10000-P14-013--1-.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/08\/13C10000-P14-013--1-.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":6019512,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/08\/13C10000-P14-013--1-.jpg?itok=xRupWi6U"}}},"media_ids":["679898"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"132","name":"Institute Leadership"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2308","name":"Forbes"},{"id":"171557","name":"Forbes Magazine"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:Steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689581":{"#nid":"689581","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Kim Toatley Named Finalist for CFO of the Year","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EKimberly \u201cKim\u201d Toatley, vice president for Finance and Planning and chief financial officer, has been named a finalist for the\u0026nbsp;2026 CFO of the Year Awards\u0026nbsp;by the\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EAtlanta Business Chronicle\u003C\/em\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENow in operation for more than a decade, the CFO of the Year Awards honor exceptional chief financial officers across metro Atlanta who demonstrate excellence in financial leadership, strategic decision-making, and organizational stewardship. Each year, the\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EAtlanta Business Chronicle\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;recognizes finalists and winners whose work strengthens their organizations and supports long-term sustainability amid evolving economic and operational challenges.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToatley\u2019s selection as a finalist places her among a distinguished group of financial leaders across the region and marks only the\u0026nbsp;second time a Georgia Tech leader has been named a finalist\u0026nbsp;for this prestigious award.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cKim\u2019s recognition as a finalist for CFO of the Year reflects her exceptional leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to stewarding Georgia Tech\u2019s resources in support of the Institute\u2019s academic and research mission and dedicated service to the Georgia Tech campus community,\u201d said Tricia Chastain, executive vice president for Administration and Finance.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince assuming her current role in 2025, Toatley has provided strategic oversight of Georgia Tech\u2019s financial and budget operations, ensuring fiscal integrity and operational excellence across the Institute. Her work is grounded in her strong commitment to responsible stewardship, transparency, and making a meaningful impact on the Institute, its partners, and the greater\u0026nbsp;community.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToatley brings more than three decades of leadership experience at Georgia Tech and the Georgia Tech Research Institute, having served in a wide range of senior finance, accounting, research administration, and operational roles throughout her career. She has played a central role in strengthening financial and research administration practices and supporting the Institute\u2019s ability to sustain complex, externally funded research. In her current role, she continues to guide Georgia Tech through periods of significant institutional and governance transition.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToatley holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Georgia State University. She has often noted that her experience as a student deepened her connection to Georgia Tech and shaped her commitment to higher education. Her recognition as a finalist reflects not only her leadership but also the collective work of teams across Georgia Tech and the vital role strong financial stewardship plays in advancing the Institute\u2019s academic and research priorities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe CFO of the Year Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 21.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EKimberly \u201cKim\u201d Toatley, vice president for Finance and Planning and chief financial officer, has been named a finalist for the\u0026nbsp;2026 CFO of the Year Awards\u0026nbsp;by the\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EAtlanta Business Chronicle\u003C\/em\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Kimberly \u201cKim\u201d Toatley, vice president for Finance and Planning and chief financial officer, has been named a finalist for the 2026 CFO of the Year Awards by the Atlanta Business Chronicle."}],"uid":"27164","created_gmt":"2026-04-08 20:18:00","changed_gmt":"2026-04-08 20:25:27","author":"Rachael Pocklington","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-08T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-08T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"675748":{"id":"675748","type":"image","title":"Kim Toatley.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1732741769","gmt_created":"2024-11-27 21:09:29","changed":"1732741769","gmt_changed":"2024-11-27 21:09:29","alt":"Image of Kim Toatley","file":{"fid":"259410","name":"Kim Toatley_Headshot_010822.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/11\/27\/Kim%20Toatley_Headshot_010822.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/11\/27\/Kim%20Toatley_Headshot_010822.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":473494,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/11\/27\/Kim%20Toatley_Headshot_010822.jpeg?itok=T69zxUTZ"}}},"media_ids":["675748"],"groups":[{"id":"64319","name":"Administration and Finance"},{"id":"220261","name":"Finance and Planning"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"194999","name":"Kim Toatley"},{"id":"195000","name":"CFO of the Year"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIndia Maul\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["india.maul@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689557":{"#nid":"689557","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Finalists Chosen in Search for Next College of Engineering Dean","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFour finalists have been chosen in the search for Georgia Tech\u2019s next dean of the College of Engineering and Southern Company Chair. The candidates will visit campus throughout April to present a seminar addressing their broad vision for the College.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe seminars are open to all Georgia Tech students, faculty, and staff. Interested individuals can attend in person or via Zoom.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDetails, including each candidate\u2019s bio and curriculum vitae, will be made available one business day prior to each seminar, via the Office of the Provost\u2019s Dean Search page. To protect the confidentiality of the finalists, Georgia Tech login credentials will be requiredto access candidate materials. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAll seminars will be held at 11 a.m. in the Scholars Event Network (SEN) Theater, Price Gilbert 1280, on the following dates:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFinalist 1: Monday, April 13, OR \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.zoom.us\/webinar\/register\/WN_EDgxkaT-Tga39TZvj28vDQ\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eregister to attend online\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFinalist 2: Wednesday, April 15, OR \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.zoom.us\/webinar\/register\/WN_2tnJC0joQkS_sDzmT_TO1A\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eregister to attend online\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFinalist 3: Wednesday, April 22, OR \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.zoom.us\/webinar\/register\/WN_AfYIPl2UQNqJN0FEGkY0Lw\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eregister to attend online\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFinalist 4: Tuesday, April 28, OR \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.zoom.us\/webinar\/register\/WN_GVUC9lXFRaWsljQKLPsyrQ\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eregister to attend online\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA recording of each seminar and a feedback survey will also be posted on the search page after each visit.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/provost.gatech.edu\/search\/dean-of-engineering\/committee\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Esearch committee\u003C\/a\u003E is chaired by \u003Cstrong\u003EVivek Sarkar\u003C\/strong\u003E, Georgia Tech\u2019s John P. Imlay Jr. Dean of Computing. Search committee members include a mix of faculty, staff, and students from across campus, as well as external stakeholders.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor updates on the search process, please visit the Office of the Provost\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/provost.gatech.edu\/search\/dean-of-engineering\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Esearch webpage\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFour finalists have been chosen in the search for Georgia Tech\u2019s next dean of the College of Engineering and Southern Company Chair. The candidates will visit campus throughout April to present a seminar addressing their broad vision for the College.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Candidates will visit campus in the coming weeks to address their broad vision for the academic enterprise."}],"uid":"27998","created_gmt":"2026-04-08 11:55:50","changed_gmt":"2026-04-08 12:03:46","author":"Brittany Aiello","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-08T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-08T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679889":{"id":"679889","type":"image","title":"20C3401-P1-111-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGraduate students walk through the lobby of the J. Erskine Love Jr. Manufacturing Building.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775649761","gmt_created":"2026-04-08 12:02:41","changed":"1775649761","gmt_changed":"2026-04-08 12:02:41","alt":"Graduate students walk through the lobby of the J. Erskine Love Jr. Manufacturing Building.","file":{"fid":"264110","name":"20C3401-P1-111-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/08\/20C3401-P1-111-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/08\/20C3401-P1-111-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":315976,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/08\/20C3401-P1-111-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg?itok=V3_16USM"}}},"media_ids":["679889"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/provost.gatech.edu\/search\/dean-of-engineering","title":"College of Engineering Dean Search Information"}],"groups":[{"id":"131901","name":"Provost"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"594","name":"college of engineering"},{"id":"10032","name":"dean search"},{"id":"9213","name":"Office of the Provost"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAshley Mastin, Office of the Provost\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["mastin@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689553":{"#nid":"689553","#data":{"type":"news","title":"\u2018Dialogue Across Difference\u2019 Launches Georgia Tech Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn April 2, Georgia Tech launched its new \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/civicleadership.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInstitute for Technology and Civic Leadership\u003C\/a\u003E with a symposium built around a simple idea. Society benefits when people are willing to listen, especially to those who disagree with them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe Institute will serve as a space to share ideas, learn from one another, and discover common ground,\u201d said Amanda Murdie, dean of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis is especially important in a moment when technology is rapidly altering how we encounter information, form beliefs, and relate to one another.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe Institute creates opportunities for students to examine the civic and social implications of technological innovation,\u201d said Aaron Levine, associate dean for research and outreach in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts and interim executive director of the Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt will support leaders who can approach difficult questions thoughtfully, drawing on evidence, expertise, and an understanding of diverse perspectives.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat focus was reflected in the symposium\u2019s keynote dialogue between Robert George and Cornel West, eminent scholars, longtime friends, and coauthors of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Truth-Matters-Dialogue-Fruitful-Disagreement\/dp\/B0DBR1PYWL\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ETruth Matters: A Dialogue on Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe keynote conversation modeled the kind of thoughtful dialogue across deep differences that the new Institute aims to cultivate. George and West do not expect to change each other\u2019s minds.For them, persuasion isn\u2019t the point.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe don\u2019t often completely change each other\u2019s minds about things, but that\u2019s not the goal,\u201d said George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cYou can have 100% agreement and be wrong. My goal isn\u2019t to persuade him, but to learn what I can from him.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EListening with care and humility to someone who is coming from a very different place, George added, can offer new ways of seeing an issue.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor West, that process begins with resisting easy labels.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe don\u2019t look at the world through the lens of -isms,\u201d said West, who is the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cYou try to listen to a particular argument, put forward by a specific person, and to stay in contact with their humanity. Embrace their humanity.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe two-day event also included panel discussions featuring insights from peer institutions and breakout sessions inviting the campus community to contribute feedback and ideas about the new institute.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe new Institute aims to give students the chance to explore a broad range of ideas about how innovation shapes communities, the economy, and public life. It aims to be a place where people can exchange ideas freely, learn from one another and find common ground \u2014 all anchored in open debate, scientific inquiry and evidence-based problem-solving.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt will also serve as a hub for bringing together leaders from government, industry, academia and other sectors to tackle pressing challenges and pursue science- and data-driven solutions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"The new Institute aims to be a place where people can exchange ideas freely, learn from one another, and find common ground."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe new Institute aims to be a place where people can exchange ideas freely, learn from one another, and find common ground.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The new Institute aims to be a place where people can exchange ideas freely, learn from one another, and find common ground."}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-04-07 20:47:48","changed_gmt":"2026-04-07 21:05:13","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-07T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-07T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679887":{"id":"679887","type":"video","title":"Perspectives on Technology and Civic Leadership An Inaugural Symposium","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts Dean Amanda Murdie moderates a conversation with Robert George, director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, and Cornel West, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary, on the themes of their recent book \u0022Truth Matters: Fruitful Disagreement in an Era of Rapid Technological Change.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775594853","gmt_created":"2026-04-07 20:47:33","changed":"1775594853","gmt_changed":"2026-04-07 20:47:33","video":{"youtube_id":"ygiaJAOmLjY","video_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ygiaJAOmLjY"}},"679888":{"id":"679888","type":"image","title":"\u2018Dialogue Across Difference\u2019 symposium","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAmanda Murdie, dean of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts at Georgia Tech, moderates a discussion between Robert George and Cornel West, eminent scholars, longtime friends, and coauthors of Truth Matters: A Dialogue on Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division.\u0026nbsp;Photo by Joya Chapman.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775595358","gmt_created":"2026-04-07 20:55:58","changed":"1775595358","gmt_changed":"2026-04-07 20:55:58","alt":"\u2018Dialogue Across Difference\u2019 symposium","file":{"fid":"264108","name":"DSC_1935.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/07\/DSC_1935.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/07\/DSC_1935.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":8057052,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/07\/DSC_1935.jpeg?itok=MRO8xWvZ"}}},"media_ids":["679887","679888"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/civicleadership.gatech.edu","title":"Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership"}],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"132","name":"Institute Leadership"},{"id":"151","name":"Policy, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts"}],"keywords":[{"id":"183059","name":"civic leadership"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39511","name":"Public Service, Leadership, and Policy"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:megan.mcrainey@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EMegan McRainey\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689458":{"#nid":"689458","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech IT Professionals Unite at OneIT Symposium","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIT professionals from across Georgia Tech came together March 25 for the 2026 OneIT Spring Symposium, a daylong event at the Ferst Center for the Arts that highlighted campuswide technology initiatives, strategic discussions, and updates on projects shaping the Institute\u2019s technology landscape. Hosted by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.oneit.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EOneIT\u003C\/a\u003E leadership committee, the event marked a milestone in the group\u2019s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and build a more connected IT community across the campus.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe day began with breakfast and small-group working sessions, providing opportunities for networking, idea-sharing, and broader campus engagement. The program officially opened with remarks from the OneIT leadership committee, which emphasized the organization\u2019s role in fostering communication and collaboration among campus IT teams.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/07\/23\/georgia-tech-announces-new-chief-information-security-officer-joseph-lewis\u0022\u003EJoe Lewis\u003C\/a\u003E, associate vice president for IT and chief information security oficer, delivered the keynote address, \u201cSecuring the Hive,\u201d a title that echoed the event\u2019s theme, The Hive Mind. \u201cI want to build, with each of you, a cyber program that operates as a service to the Institute \u2013 not a checkpoint,\u201d Lewis said. \u201cI can\u2019t build it alone,\u201d he continued. \u201cI need your eyes and your instincts. You are the eyes and the ears of the hive.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe symposium also included a presentation by Loulou Hong, vice president for Student Engagement and Well\u2011Being, who spoke about the intersection of technology, engagement, and the well\u2011being of the Georgia Tech community.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAttendees participated in afternoon parallel\u2011track sessions designed to explore specific IT initiatives and shared challenges. Topics included: upcoming \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.oit.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EOffice of Information Technology\u003C\/a\u003E (OIT) \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/security.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECybersecurity\u003C\/a\u003E endpoint implementations; computing services offered by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pace.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EPartnership for an Advanced Computing Environment\u003C\/a\u003E; the democratization of data \u2013 including tools and approaches to support broader, more effective access to institutional sources; and improvements to onboarding and off-boarding processes, both noted as critical to operational efficiency and campus cybersecurity.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParticipants later reconvened for updates on the newly established Shield research enclave, an initiative that supports Institute research compliance through a secure computing environment.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe event concluded with closing remarks that reinforced the OneIT leadership committee\u2019s mission to strengthen connections among campus IT staff and translate collaboration into meaningful outcomes for the Institute.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESponsored by OIT, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.oneit.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EOneIT\u003C\/a\u003E is an initiative that connects IT staff across Colleges, departments, and administrative units, builds shared practices, standards, and communities of practice, and coordinates security, infrastructure, and service initiatives across campus IT offices. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E2026 OneIT committee members include: Andrew Leonard (co-chair), IT support engineer, College of Computing; Jimmy Pearson (co-chair), senior application support analyst, OIT; Chris Helms, IT architecture manager, Georgia Tech Library; Eric Mungai, director of IT, Ivan Allen College; Ben Pritchett, IT support senior manager, School of Aerospace Engineering; Bill Robbins, lead systems\/IT architecture (GTRI); Lawrence Sharp, director of IT, School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE); Gabe Vannice, director of Architecture \u0026amp; Infrastructure, OIT; and Joe Zima, technical support manager, ISyE.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EView pictures from the 2026 OneIT Spring Symposium\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gtvault.sharepoint.com\/:f:\/s\/OneITSymposium\/IgCmNULkL-QVRLQUeETkSkb8AQyW6rbMubaKuC6sGazWXcA?e=cfQTYZ\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOneIT Symposium attendees gained insights into Institute\u2011wide IT initiatives and the critical role of collaboration across the campus IT community.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Attendees gained insights into Institute\u2011wide IT initiatives and the critical role of collaboration across the campus IT community."}],"uid":"34932","created_gmt":"2026-04-03 20:41:44","changed_gmt":"2026-04-07 17:12:40","author":"Courtney Hill","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679850":{"id":"679850","type":"image","title":"Institute IT professionals gather for the 2026 OneIT Spring Symposium","body":"\u003Cp\u003EHosted by the OneIT leadership committee, the symposium marked a milestone in the group\u2019s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and build a more connected IT community across the campus.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775249452","gmt_created":"2026-04-03 20:50:52","changed":"1775250878","gmt_changed":"2026-04-03 21:14:38","alt":"Three people talking to each other in a conference room","file":{"fid":"264059","name":"18-DSC_1689.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/18-DSC_1689.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/18-DSC_1689.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2768661,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/03\/18-DSC_1689.jpg?itok=T5XjZf2P"}},"679852":{"id":"679852","type":"image","title":"The event was hosted in the Ferst Center","body":null,"created":"1775249997","gmt_created":"2026-04-03 20:59:57","changed":"1775250108","gmt_changed":"2026-04-03 21:01:48","alt":"People inside the Ferst Center during a Q\u0026A session","file":{"fid":"264062","name":"14-DSC_1679.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/14-DSC_1679.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/14-DSC_1679.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2695779,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/03\/14-DSC_1679.jpg?itok=DuM0rMU_"}},"679851":{"id":"679851","type":"image","title":"AVP for IT and Chief Information Security Officer Joe Lewis delivers the OneIT Symposium keynote address","body":null,"created":"1775249858","gmt_created":"2026-04-03 20:57:38","changed":"1775249965","gmt_changed":"2026-04-03 20:59:25","alt":"Joe Lewis at podium inflecting in front of presentation screen","file":{"fid":"264061","name":"12-DSC_1661.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/12-DSC_1661.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/12-DSC_1661.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2017647,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/03\/12-DSC_1661.jpg?itok=wf0ugLrp"}},"679853":{"id":"679853","type":"image","title":"PACE Senior Director Vernard Martin presents","body":null,"created":"1775250252","gmt_created":"2026-04-03 21:04:12","changed":"1775250252","gmt_changed":"2026-04-03 21:04:12","alt":"Vernard Martin speaking into microphone on theater stage","file":{"fid":"264063","name":"20-DSC_1702.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/20-DSC_1702.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/20-DSC_1702.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2351951,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/03\/20-DSC_1702.jpg?itok=PJh4UiJ8"}},"679854":{"id":"679854","type":"image","title":"Presenters and attendees engaged in Q\u0026A","body":null,"created":"1775250569","gmt_created":"2026-04-03 21:09:29","changed":"1775250569","gmt_changed":"2026-04-03 21:09:29","alt":"Person speaking into microphone inside theater","file":{"fid":"264064","name":"21-DSC_1707.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/21-DSC_1707.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/21-DSC_1707.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3802330,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/03\/21-DSC_1707.jpg?itok=1cDFiAvw"}}},"media_ids":["679850","679852","679851","679853","679854"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.oneit.gatech.edu\/","title":"OneIT at Georgia Tech"}],"groups":[{"id":"174291","name":"OIT"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"336","name":"information technology"},{"id":"193779","name":"oitfeature"},{"id":"192106","name":"OneIT"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["courtney.hill@gatech.edu","oneit@groups.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689488":{"#nid":"689488","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Graduate Programs Stand Among the Nation\u2019s Best in 2026 Rankings","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u2019s graduate programs once again earned broad national recognition in the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/best-graduate-schools\u0022\u003E 2026 U.S. News \u0026amp; World Report rankings\u003C\/a\u003E. The latest results highlight Georgia Tech\u2019s sustained strength in research-driven graduate education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and programs designed to meet evolving workforce and societal needs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s College of Engineering remained among the nation\u2019s elite, ranking \u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 4 overall\u003C\/strong\u003E in Best Engineering Schools and maintaining its position among the top institutions nationwide.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESeveral engineering disciplines continued to rank among the nation\u2019s best, with multiple programs placing in the top five. The College\u2019s consistent performance reflects its leadership in research, innovation, and graduate training that closely aligns with industry and global challenges.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETop engineering rankings include:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 1\u003C\/strong\u003E Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 1\u003C\/strong\u003E Biomedical Engineering (tied), up from No. 2\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 2\u003C\/strong\u003E Aerospace Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 3\u003C\/strong\u003E Civil Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 3\u003C\/strong\u003E Mechanical Engineering (tied), up from No. 5\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 4\u003C\/strong\u003E Environmental Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 5\u003C\/strong\u003E Chemical Engineering (tied)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 5\u003C\/strong\u003E Computer Engineering (tied)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollege of Computing\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech continued to demonstrate national strength in computing, ranking \u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 7 overall\u003C\/strong\u003E among Best Computer Science Schools in the 2026 rankings.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENotable computing rankings include:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 5\u003C\/strong\u003E Artificial Intelligence, up from No. 6\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 6\u003C\/strong\u003E Systems (tied)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 13\u003C\/strong\u003E Theory (tied)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 15\u003C\/strong\u003E Programming Language\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese rankings reflect Georgia Tech\u2019s leadership in emerging and foundational computing technologies, as well as its role in applying computation across disciplines to address real\u2011world challenges and strengthen industries.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGraduate programs at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy earned strong national placements in the 2026 rankings, highlighting the school\u2019s growing visibility at the intersection of technology, policy, and governance.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHighlights include:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 2\u003C\/strong\u003E Information and Technology Management (tied)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 10\u003C\/strong\u003E Environmental Policy and Management (tied)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 23\u003C\/strong\u003E Public Policy Analysis (tied), up from No. 26\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScheller College of Business\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Scheller College of Business continued its momentum in the 2026 rankings, earning a \u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 9 national ranking\u003C\/strong\u003E in Best Part-Time MBA Programs, rising from No. 10 last year.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScheller also received recognition across a range of graduate business disciplines, with several programs newly ranked in 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENotable Scheller rankings include:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 8\u003C\/strong\u003E Information Systems (tied)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 15\u003C\/strong\u003E Supply Chain Management (tied)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 16\u003C\/strong\u003E Business Analytics (tied)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s graduate programs in the physical sciences earned continued national recognition, reflecting strength in foundational research areas that support advances in engineering, computing, sustainability, and health.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScience program rankings include:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 20\u003C\/strong\u003E Chemistry (tied)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 22\u003C\/strong\u003E Physics (tied)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 26\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EMathematics (tied)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 29\u003C\/strong\u003E Earth Sciences (tied), up from No. 33\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E*Please note that this summary includes the latest rankings issued by U.S. News \u0026amp; World Report for 2026. Not all Georgia Tech Colleges, Schools, and subjects are ranked every year by this organization.\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u2019s graduate programs earned broad national recognition in the 2026 \u003Cem\u003EU.S. News \u0026amp; World Report\u003C\/em\u003E rankings, underscoring Georgia Tech\u2019s leadership in research\u2011driven, interdisciplinary graduate education. The College of Engineering ranked No. 4 overall, with multiple disciplines in the top five, including No. 1 Industrial and Systems Engineering and No. 1 Biomedical Engineering (tied), while computing programs ranked No. 7 nationally with top placements in artificial intelligence and systems. Strong rankings across public policy, business, and the sciences further highlight Georgia Tech\u2019s excellence in preparing graduates to address evolving workforce needs and global challenges.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"U.S. News placements reflect sustained excellence across graduate programs."}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2026-04-07 05:17:20","changed_gmt":"2026-04-07 06:37:54","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-07T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-07T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679871":{"id":"679871","type":"image","title":"Georgia Tech Campus in Spring ","body":null,"created":"1775541838","gmt_created":"2026-04-07 06:03:58","changed":"1775542172","gmt_changed":"2026-04-07 06:09:32","alt":"Tech tower in the background of pink spring flowers.","file":{"fid":"264089","name":"DSC00168.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/07\/DSC00168.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/07\/DSC00168.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1305471,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/07\/DSC00168.JPG?itok=v2q1RiqK"}}},"media_ids":["679871"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194455","name":"2026 rankings"},{"id":"61051","name":"US News \u0026 World Report"},{"id":"168328","name":"grad school"},{"id":"194981","name":"best graduate schools"},{"id":"109","name":"Georgia Tech"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:aisles3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ESenior Media Relations Representative\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687195":{"#nid":"687195","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Illness Is More Than Just Biological \u2013 Medical Sociology Shows How Social Factors Get Under the Skin and Cause\u00a0Disease","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHealth and medicine is more than just biological \u2013 societal forces can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1146\/annurev.publhealth.29.020907.090852\u0022\u003Eget under your skin and cause illness\u003C\/a\u003E. Medical sociologists \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=HQtYrggAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Elike me study these forces\u003C\/a\u003E by treating society itself as our laboratory. Health and illness are our experiments in uncovering meaning, power and inequality, and how it affects all parts of a person\u2019s life.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, why do low-income communities \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nationalacademies.org\/read\/19015\u0022\u003Econtinue to have higher death rates\u003C\/a\u003E, despite improved social and environmental conditions across society? Foundational research in medical sociology reveals that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2307\/2626958\u0022\u003Eaccess to resources\u003C\/a\u003E like money, knowledge, power and social networks strongly affects a person\u2019s health. Medical sociologists have shown that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383498\u0022\u003Esocial class is linked to numerous diseases and mortality\u003C\/a\u003E, including risk factors that influence health and longevity. These include \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/secondhand-smoke-may-be-a-substantial-contributor-to-lead-levels-found-in-children-and-adolescents-new-study-finds-212256\u0022\u003Esmoking\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/fixing-the-global-childhood-obesity-epidemic-begins-with-making-healthy-choices-the-easier-choices-and-that-requires-new-laws-and-policies-207975\u0022\u003Eoverweight\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/hispanics-live-longer-than-most-americans-but-will-the-us-obesity-epidemic-change-things-146006\u0022\u003Eobesity\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/black-mothers-trapped-in-unsafe-neighborhoods-signal-the-stressful-health-toll-of-gun-violence-in-the-u-s-203307\u0022\u003Estress\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/loneliness-is-making-us-physically-sick-but-social-prescribing-can-treat-it-podcast-199939\u0022\u003Esocial isolation\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/health-insurance-premiums-rose-nearly-3x-the-rate-of-worker-earnings-over-the-past-25-years-271450\u0022\u003Eaccess to health care\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/kids-neighborhoods-can-affect-their-developing-brains-a-new-study-finds-184035\u0022\u003Eliving in disadvantaged neighborhoods\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMoreover, social class alone cannot explain such health inequalities. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/singh.hsoc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EMy own research\u003C\/a\u003E examines how inequalities related to social class, race and gender affect \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ssmqr.2023.100234\u0022\u003Eaccess to autism services\u003C\/a\u003E, particularly among single Black mothers who rely on public insurance. This work helps explain \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1542\/peds.2019-3629\u0022\u003Edelays in autism diagnosis\u003C\/a\u003E among Black children, who often wait three years after initial parent concerns before they are formally diagnosed. White children with private insurance typically \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.18553\/jmcp.2023.29.4.378\u0022\u003Ewait from 9 to 22 months\u003C\/a\u003E depending on age of diagnosis. This is just one of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s40615-024-02280-x\u0022\u003Enumerous examples of inequalities\u003C\/a\u003E that are entrenched in and deepened by medical and educational systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMedical sociologists like me investigate how all of these \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.who.int\/publications\/i\/item\/WHO-IER-CSDH-08.1\u0022\u003Efactors interact to affect a person\u2019s health\u003C\/a\u003E. This \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4324\/9781003569824\u0022\u003Esocial model of illness\u003C\/a\u003E sees sickness as shaped by social, cultural, political and economic factors. We examine both \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383496\u0022\u003Eindividual experiences and societal influences\u003C\/a\u003E to help address the health issues affecting vulnerable populations through large-scale reforms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy studying the way \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383496\u0022\u003Esocial forces shape health inequalities\u003C\/a\u003E, medical sociology helps address how health and illness extend beyond the body and into every aspect of people\u2019s lives.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Protesters standing in front of a federal building, holding signs in the shape of graves reading \u0026apos;16 MILLION LIVES\u0026apos; and \u0026apos;R.I.P. DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS,\u0026apos; wearing shirts that read \u0026apos;MEDICAID SAVES LIVES\u0026apos;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EAccess to health insurance is a political issue that directly affects patients. Here, care workers gathered in June 2025 to protest Medicaid cuts.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/care-workers-with-the-service-employees-international-union-news-photo\/2221731651\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003ETasos Katopodis\/Getty Images for SEIU\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EOrigins of Medical Sociology in the US\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMedical sociology \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/9781444314786.ch1\u0022\u003Eformally began in the U.S after World War II\u003C\/a\u003E, when the National Institutes of Health started investing in joint medical and sociological research projects. Hospitals began hiring sociologists to address questions like how to improve patient compliance, doctor-patient interactions and medical treatments.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, the focus of this early work was on issues specific to medicine, such as quality improvement or barriers to medication adherence. The goal was to study problems that could be directly applied in medical settings rather than challenging medical authority or existing inequalities. During that period, sociologists viewed illness mostly as a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/socialsystem00pars\/page\/n3\/mode\/2up\u0022\u003Edeviation from normal functioning\u003C\/a\u003E leading to impairments that require treatment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, the concept of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/socialsystem00pars\/page\/n3\/mode\/2up\u0022\u003Esick role\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 developed by medical sociologist Talcott Parsons in the 1950s \u2013 saw illness as a form of deviance from social roles and expectations. Under this idea, patients were solely responsible for seeking out medical care in order to return to normal functioning in society.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the 1960s, sociologists began \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/stigmanotesonman0000goff\/page\/n5\/mode\/2up\u0022\u003Ecritiquing medical diagnoses and institutions\u003C\/a\u003E. Researchers criticized the idea of the sick role because it assumed illnesses were temporary and did not account for chronic conditions or disability, which can last for long periods of time and do not necessarily allow people to deviate from their life obligations. The sick role assumed that all people have access to medical care, and it did not take into account how social characteristics like race, class, gender and age can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1467-9566.1991.tb00522.x\u0022\u003Einfluence a person\u2019s experience of illness\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Patient wearing surgical mask sitting in chair of exam room, talking to a doctor\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=338\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=338\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=338\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=424\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=424\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=424\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EEarly models of illness in medical sociology discounted the experience of the patient.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/man-talks-with-dr-stela-kostova-at-families-together-of-news-photo\/1470350026\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EPaul Bersebach\/MediaNews Group\/Orange County Register via Getty Images\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParsons\u2019 sick role concept also emphasized the expertise of the physician rather than the patient\u2019s experience of illness. For example, sociologist Erving Goffman showed that the way \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4324\/9781351327763\u0022\u003Ecare is structured in asylums shaped how patients are treated\u003C\/a\u003E. He also examined how the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/stigmanotesonman0000goff\/page\/n5\/mode\/2up\u0022\u003Eexperience of stigma\u003C\/a\u003E is an interactive process that develops in response to social norms. This work influenced how researchers understood chronic illness and disability and laid the groundwork for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1467-9566.2009.01161.x\u0022\u003Elater debates on what counts as pathological or normal\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the 1970s, some researchers began to question the model of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1467-954X.1972.tb00220.x\u0022\u003Emedicine as an institution of social control\u003C\/a\u003E. They critiqued how medicine\u2019s jurisdiction expanded over many societal problems \u2013 such as old age and death \u2013 which were defined and treated as medical problems. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1146\/annurev.so.18.080192.001233\u0022\u003EResearchers were critical of the tendency to medicalize\u003C\/a\u003E and apply labels like \u201chealthy\u201d and \u201cill\u201d to increasing parts of human existence. This shift emphasized how a medical diagnosis can carry political weight and how medical authority can affect social inclusion or exclusion.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe critical perspective aligns with critiques from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/09687599.2013.818773\u0022\u003Edisability studies\u003C\/a\u003E. Unlike medical sociology, which emerged through the medical model of disease, disability studies emerged from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.bloomsbury.com\/us\/new-politics-of-disablement-9780333945674\/\u0022\u003Edisability rights activism and scholarship\u003C\/a\u003E. Rather than viewing disability as pathological, this field sees disability as a variation of the human condition rooted in social barriers and exclusionary environments. Instead of seeking cures, researchers focus on increasing accessibility, human rights and autonomy for disabled people.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA contemporary figure in this field was \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/disabilityvisibilityproject.com\/about\/\u0022\u003EAlice Wong\u003C\/a\u003E, a disability rights activist and medical sociologist who \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/obituaries\/2025\/11\/15\/disability-activist-alice-wong\/\u0022\u003Edied in November 2025\u003C\/a\u003E. Her work amplified disabled voices and helped shaped how the public understood disability justice and access to technology.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EStructural Forces Shape Health and Illness\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy focusing on social and structural influences on health, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383496\u0022\u003Emedical sociology has contributed significantly\u003C\/a\u003E to programs addressing issues like segregation, discrimination, poverty, unemployment and underfunded schools.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, sociological research on racial health disparities invite \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383838\u0022\u003Eneighborhood interventions\u003C\/a\u003E that can help improve overall quality of life by increasing the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/free-school-meals-for-all-may-reduce-childhood-obesity-while-easing-financial-and-logistical-burdens-for-families-and-schools-223270\u0022\u003Eavailability of affordable nutritious foods\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/what-is-food-insecurity-152746\u0022\u003Ein underserved neighborhoods\u003C\/a\u003E or initiatives that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/socioeconomic-status-explains-most-of-the-racial-and-ethnic-achievement-gaps-in-elementary-school-237931\u0022\u003Eprioritize equal access to education\u003C\/a\u003E. At the societal level, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383496\u0022\u003Elarge-scale social policies\u003C\/a\u003E such as guaranteed minimum incomes or universal health care can dramatically reduce health inequalities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022People carrying boxes of food under a tent\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=360\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=360\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=360\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=452\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=452\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=452\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EAccess to nutritious food is critical to health.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/escondido-ca-juliana-ramos-of-interfaith-community-services-news-photo\/2243706444\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EK.C. Alfred \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMedical sociology has also expanded the understanding of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383496\u0022\u003Ehow health care policies affect health\u003C\/a\u003E, helping ensure that policy changes take into account the broader social context. For example, a key area of medical sociological research is the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383504\u0022\u003Erising cost of and limited access to health care\u003C\/a\u003E. This body of work focuses on the complex social and organizational factors of delivering health services. It highlights the need for more state and federal regulatory control as well as investment in groups and communities that need care the most.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EModern medical sociology ultimately considers all societal issues to be health issues. Improving people\u2019s health and well-being requires improving education, employment, housing, transportation and other social, economic and political policies.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/270258\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/illness-is-more-than-just-biological-medical-sociology-shows-how-social-factors-get-under-the-skin-and-cause-disease-270258\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBy studying the way social forces shape health inequalities, medical sociology helps address how health and illness extend beyond the body and into every aspect of people\u2019s lives.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"By studying the way social forces shape health inequalities, medical sociology helps address how health and illness extend beyond the body and into every aspect of people\u2019s lives."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-01-08 15:37:58","changed_gmt":"2026-04-06 18:16:40","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-08T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-08T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678961":{"id":"678961","type":"image","title":"Lack of access to safe and affordable housing is harmful to health. Robert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELack of access to safe and affordable housing is harmful to health. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/los-angeles-ca-tuesday-may-31-2022-dana-vanderford-news-photo\/1242004141\u0022\u003ERobert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1768232345","gmt_created":"2026-01-12 15:39:05","changed":"1768232345","gmt_changed":"2026-01-12 15:39:05","alt":"Lack of access to safe and affordable housing is harmful to health. Robert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images","file":{"fid":"263064","name":"file-20260105-70-1qzwti.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/12\/file-20260105-70-1qzwti.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/12\/file-20260105-70-1qzwti.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":239539,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/12\/file-20260105-70-1qzwti.jpg?itok=J-V7i4lM"}}},"media_ids":["678961"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/illness-is-more-than-just-biological-medical-sociology-shows-how-social-factors-get-under-the-skin-and-cause-disease-270258","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"66220","name":"Neuro"},{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"172970","name":"go-neuro"},{"id":"194974","name":"go-theconversation"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/jennifer-singh-2531279\u0022\u003EJennifer Singh\u003C\/a\u003E, Associate Professor of Sociology, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689029":{"#nid":"689029","#data":{"type":"news","title":"How Sewage Treatment Plants Could Handle Food Waste, Sparing Landfills and the\u00a0Climate","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEvery day, food scraps disappear into trash bags, are hauled away and forgotten. But that waste could be turned into something productive.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcross the United States, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.rineng.2025.108822\u0022\u003Eabout 97 million metric tons of food waste\u003C\/a\u003E are discarded each year, of which about 37 million metric tons end up buried in landfills.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnce underground, that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/land-research\/quantifying-methane-emissions-landfilled-food-waste\u0022\u003Eorganic material breaks down without oxygen and releases methane\u003C\/a\u003E, a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/gmi\/importance-methane\u0022\u003Eshort-lived yet powerful greenhouse gas\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the same time, the nutrients and energy stored in that food are permanently lost. But there is a better way. Research my colleagues and I conducted found that communities across the country already operate \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.rineng.2025.108822\u0022\u003Efacilities designed to handle organic matter\u003C\/a\u003E: wastewater treatment plants. Many larger, well-funded plants already have the infrastructure to process food waste, though not every plant is ready to do so today.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721478\/original\/file-20260302-57-kdsgd2.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A large truck dumps trash in a massive pile.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721478\/original\/file-20260302-57-kdsgd2.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721478\/original\/file-20260302-57-kdsgd2.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721478\/original\/file-20260302-57-kdsgd2.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721478\/original\/file-20260302-57-kdsgd2.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721478\/original\/file-20260302-57-kdsgd2.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721478\/original\/file-20260302-57-kdsgd2.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721478\/original\/file-20260302-57-kdsgd2.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003ELandfills are not great places to dump food.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/newsroom.ap.org\/detail\/ClimateFoodWasteBans\/4a9aca221b9b4f4fa6ea718c191494f0\/photo\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EAP Photo\/Damian Dovarganes\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ELandfills Are Not Designed for Food Waste\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling\/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials\u0022\u003EFood waste\u003C\/a\u003E is fundamentally different from plastics, metals or glass. It\u2019s organic and can decompose naturally. But when it\u2019s placed in a landfill, its decomposition \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/land-research\/quantifying-methane-emissions-landfilled-food-waste\u0022\u003Eemits significant greenhouse gases\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EModern landfills are designed to capture the methane emitted, but even the most \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/land-research\/quantifying-methane-emissions-landfilled-food-waste\u0022\u003Eefficient systems still allow almost 58%\u003C\/a\u003E to escape into the atmosphere. That food waste could be turned into energy or fertilizer, but instead it contributes to global warming.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy contrast, wastewater treatment plants \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.rineng.2025.108822\u0022\u003Eprocess sewage using microbial communities\u003C\/a\u003E that naturally break down organic matter. Many also capture \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.anl.gov\/article\/tapping-the-potential-of-wastewater-for-a-sustainable-future\u0022\u003Emethane produced during treatment\u003C\/a\u003E and convert it into usable energy. Others \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/21655979.2022.2077894\u0022\u003Erecover nutrients such as phosphorus\u003C\/a\u003E that can be turned into agricultural fertilizer. Over time, many plants have evolved from simple sanitation systems into \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.psep.2025.107980\u0022\u003Eresource-recovery facilities\u003C\/a\u003E that generate power, reclaim materials and reduce environmental pollution.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese existing systems already process organic matter and could handle food waste, too.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat Happens When Food Waste Goes to a Treatment Plant\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur research examined what would happen if \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.rineng.2025.108822\u0022\u003Efood waste were sent to wastewater treatment plants\u003C\/a\u003E rather than landfills. We used real data from a full-scale plant that handles food waste along with sewage.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen we compared greenhouse gas emissions for the same food waste composition, we found that sending food to a landfill would emit 58.2 kilograms (129 pounds) of carbon dioxide equivalent per ton of food waste.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn comparison, we looked at a conventional wastewater treatment plant, the type of plant most common in the U.S. It achieved net-negative emissions of \u20130.03 kilograms (about 1 ounce) of carbon dioxide equivalent per ton of food waste treated. The plant captures over 95% of methane, compared to roughly 50% at landfills, saving the atmosphere from additional greenhouse gases.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut we found that the advanced treatment plant we studied reduced emissions further. In our analysis, the advanced facility achieved net-negative emissions of \u20130.19 kilograms (about 7 ounces) of carbon dioxide equivalent per ton of food waste treated.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBoth conventional and advanced plants achieve these benefits in similar ways. Treating food waste at either type of plant prevents the 58.2 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per ton that would otherwise escape from landfills. The plants capture biogas to generate renewable electricity, reducing the need to purchase power from the grid. They also recover enough nutrients to fertilize about 23 acres of farmland annually, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers, which require \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/climate.mit.edu\/explainers\/fertilizer-and-climate-change\u0022\u003Eenergy-intensive mining and processing\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EHow the Logistics Work\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-right zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721492\/original\/file-20260302-63-9yd2a9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A brown plastic bin labeled \u0026apos;food scraps, yard waste.\u0026apos;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721492\/original\/file-20260302-63-9yd2a9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=237\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721492\/original\/file-20260302-63-9yd2a9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=450\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721492\/original\/file-20260302-63-9yd2a9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=450\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721492\/original\/file-20260302-63-9yd2a9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=450\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721492\/original\/file-20260302-63-9yd2a9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=566\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721492\/original\/file-20260302-63-9yd2a9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=566\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721492\/original\/file-20260302-63-9yd2a9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=566\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003ENew York City has a large food waste collection program.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/new-york-citys-new-food-scrap-bins-support-composting-for-news-photo\/2192835316\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EDeb Cohn-Orbach\/UCG\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGetting the food waste to a wastewater plant doesn\u2019t mean people put their food scraps in the drain or grind them up with an in-sink disposal. At the plant we studied, food waste was collected separately, much like recycling or yard waste, and transported by truck to treatment plants. Our emissions calculations don\u2019t include truck emissions, because trucks are used in the other methods of food waste disposal as well.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome cities already collect food waste by truck to go to composting facilities. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sfenvironment.org\/recycling-composting-faqs\u0022\u003ESan Francisco\u003C\/a\u003E has done so since 1996. And \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/dec.ny.gov\/environmental-protection\/recycling-composting\/organic-materials-management\u0022\u003ENew York City\u003C\/a\u003E has the nation\u2019s largest curbside organics collection, which composts food waste from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nyc.gov\/assets\/dsny\/downloads\/resources\/reports\/zero-waste-plan\/zero-waste-report-2025.pdf\u0022\u003E3.4 million households\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the southeastern U.S. treatment plant we studied, trucks deliver food waste to a receiving station, where it\u2019s processed to remove plastics, metals and other nonorganic materials before being blended into a slurry with the sewage solids. This mixture is then added to anaerobic digesters \u2013 sealed tanks where microorganisms break down organic material.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe methane that is produced is captured to generate electricity and heat. The remaining \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.rineng.2025.108822\u0022\u003Esolid material is rich in nutrients\u003C\/a\u003E and can be used to produce useful material, such as fertilizer.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe also found that adding food waste did not overload the plant or cause problems in its operation. The facility processed all of the county\u2019s landfilled food waste \u2013 107,320 tons annually, representing 38% of the county\u2019s total food waste generation. Because of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/anaerobic-digestion\/anaerobic-digestion-facilities-processing-food-waste-us-2020-2021\u0022\u003Efood waste\u2019s lower density compared to wastewater\u003C\/a\u003E, this added only 0.43% to the plant\u2019s daily capacity. The plant consistently met effluent water regulatory standards. And at certain points, treatment efficiency improved as a result of the additional organic material, which supported the system\u2019s biological processes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe Economics May Surprise Cities\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELocal officials, as well as taxpayers, are often worried about the potential costs of a project like this. Wastewater treatment is already expensive, and communities\u2019 existing plants may be nearing capacity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut the economic results from our analysis suggest that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.rineng.2025.108822\u0022\u003Ehandling food waste in wastewater treatment plants can be financially viable\u003C\/a\u003E. Towns already pay landfills and incinerators what are called \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/692063\/cost-to-landfill-municipal-solid-waste-by-us-region\/\u0022\u003Etipping fees\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d based on the weight of the waste delivered. Wastewater treatment plants can also charge these fees.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey can also sell, or use themselves, the methane produced and sell the fertilizer. That additional income means plants can make money even if they charge lower tipping fees than landfills.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENot every wastewater plant is ready to accept food waste immediately. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.rineng.2025.108822\u0022\u003EThe facility we analyzed is large and well equipped\u003C\/a\u003E. Smaller operations would likely require new or upgraded equipment, which would involve planning and local investment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe overall finding of our research is that the limitation isn\u2019t technological or financial. The core systems already exist to transform food waste into a recoverable resource: Cities already handle organic material every day. And they operate complex biological treatment systems. Our evidence suggests these facilities could, in fact, handle food waste in ways that are environmentally beneficial and economically realistic.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/275529\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-sewage-treatment-plants-could-handle-food-waste-sparing-landfills-and-the-climate-275529\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EEvery day, food scraps disappear into trash bags, are hauled away and forgotten. But that waste could be turned into something productive.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Every day, food scraps disappear into trash bags, are hauled away and forgotten. But that waste could be turned into something productive."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-03-13 17:18:08","changed_gmt":"2026-04-06 17:35:50","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679686":{"id":"679686","type":"image","title":" Treatment plants can capture over 95% of methane from food waste, compared to about 50% at landfills. Justin Sullivan\/Getty Images","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETreatment plants can capture over 95% of methane from food waste, compared to about 50% at landfills. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/in-an-aerial-view-pools-of-water-are-visible-at-the-east-news-photo\/2099926548\u0022\u003EJustin Sullivan\/Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1773925185","gmt_created":"2026-03-19 12:59:45","changed":"1773925185","gmt_changed":"2026-03-19 12:59:45","alt":" Treatment plants can capture over 95% of methane from food waste, compared to about 50% at landfills. Justin Sullivan\/Getty Images","file":{"fid":"263876","name":"file-20260302-63-43jh51.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/19\/file-20260302-63-43jh51.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/19\/file-20260302-63-43jh51.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":680708,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/19\/file-20260302-63-43jh51.jpg?itok=NHXFlf7h"}}},"media_ids":["679686"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-sewage-treatment-plants-could-handle-food-waste-sparing-landfills-and-the-climate-275529","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"194974","name":"go-theconversation"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/ahmed-ibrahim-yunus-2418775\u0022\u003EAhmed Ibrahim Yunus\u003C\/a\u003E, Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Engineering, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/joe-frank-bozeman-iii-1460712\u0022\u003EJoe Frank Bozeman III\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Public Policy, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689014":{"#nid":"689014","#data":{"type":"news","title":"US Military Leans Into AI for Attack on Iran, But the Tech Doesn\u2019t Lessen the Need for Human Judgment In\u00a0War","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe U.S. military was able \u201cto strike a blistering 1,000 targets in the first 24 hours of its attack on Iran\u201d \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/technology\/2026\/03\/04\/anthropic-ai-iran-campaign\/\u0022\u003Ethanks in part to its use of artificial intelligence\u003C\/a\u003E, according to The Washington Post. The military has used Claude, the AI tool from Anthropic, combined with Palantir\u2019s Maven system, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/politics\/national-security\/pentagon-used-anthropics-claude-in-maduro-venezuela-raid-583aff17\u0022\u003Efor real-time targeting and target prioritization\u003C\/a\u003E in support of combat operations in Iran and Venezuela.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile Claude is only a few years old, the U.S. military\u2019s ability to use it, or any other AI, did not emerge overnight. The effective use of automated systems depends on extensive infrastructure and skilled personnel. It is only thanks to many decades of investment and experience that the U.S. can use AI in war today.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn my experience as an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?hl=en\u0026amp;user=Lde9BAgAAAAJ\u0026amp;view_op=list_works\u0026amp;sortby=pubdate\u0022\u003Einternational relations scholar\u003C\/a\u003E studying strategic technology at Georgia Tech, and previously as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cornellpress.cornell.edu\/book\/9781501749568\/information-technology-and-military-power\/\u0022\u003EI find\u003C\/a\u003E that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cornellpress.cornell.edu\/book\/9781501783234\/age-of-deception\u0022\u003Edigital systems\u003C\/a\u003E are only as good as the organizations that use them. Some organizations squander the potential of advanced technologies, while others can compensate for technological weaknesses.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMyth and Reality in Military AI\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScience fiction tales of military AI are often misleading. Popular ideas of killer robots and drone swarms tend to overstate the autonomy of AI systems and understate the role of human beings. Success, or failure, in war usually depends not on machines but the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/press.princeton.edu\/books\/paperback\/9780691128023\/military-power\u0022\u003Epeople who use them\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the real world, military AI refers to a huge collection of different systems and tasks. The \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.55163\/YQBY3151\u0022\u003Etwo main categories\u003C\/a\u003E are automated weapons and decision support systems. Automated weapon systems have some ability to select or engage targets by themselves. These weapons are more often the subject of science fiction and the focus of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.routledge.com\/Responsible-Use-of-AI-in-Military-Systems\/Schraagen\/p\/book\/9781032531168\u0022\u003Econsiderable debate\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDecision support systems, in contrast, are now at the heart of most modern militaries. These are software applications that provide intelligence and planning information to human personnel. Many military applications of AI, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/tech\/ai\/how-ai-is-turbocharging-the-war-in-iran-aca59002\u0022\u003Eincluding in current and recent wars in the Middle East\u003C\/a\u003E, are for decision support systems rather than weapons. Modern combat organizations rely on countless digital applications for intelligence analysis, campaign planning, battle management, communications, logistics, administration and cybersecurity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EClaude is an example of a decision support system, not a weapon. Claude is embedded in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/wwnorton.com\/books\/9781324123316\u0022\u003EMaven Smart System\u003C\/a\u003E, used widely by military, intelligence and law enforcement organizations. Maven uses AI algorithms to identify potential targets from satellite and other intelligence data, and Claude helps military planners sort the information and decide on targets and priorities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Israeli \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2024\/apr\/03\/israel-gaza-ai-database-hamas-airstrikes\u0022\u003ELavender and Gospel\u003C\/a\u003E systems used in the Gaza war and elsewhere are also decision support systems. These AI applications provide analytical and planning support, but human beings ultimately make the decisions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9NAUvsABm3k?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EResearcher Craig Jones explains how the U.S. military is using artificial intelligence in its attack on Iran, and some of the issues that arise from its use.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe Long History of Military AI\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWeapons with some degree of autonomy have been used in war for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/global.oup.com\/academic\/product\/the-hand-behind-unmanned-9780190064389\u0022\u003Ewell over a century\u003C\/a\u003E. Nineteenth-century naval mines exploded on contact. German buzz bombs in World War II were gyroscopically guided. Homing torpedoes and heat-seeking missiles alter their trajectory to intercept maneuvering targets. Many air defense systems, such as Israel\u2019s Iron Dome and the U.S. Patriot system, have long offered fully automatic modes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cornellpress.cornell.edu\/book\/9781501783838\/the-remote-revolution\u0022\u003ERobotic drones\u003C\/a\u003E became prevalent in the wars of the 21st century. Uncrewed systems now perform a variety of \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1109\/HRI61500.2025.10974142\u0022\u003Edull, dirty and dangerous\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d tasks on land, at sea, in the air and in orbit. Remotely piloted vehicles like the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper or Israeli Hermes 900, which can loiter autonomously for many hours, provide a platform for reconnaissance and strikes. Combatants in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ig.ft.com\/ukraine-kill-zone\/\u0022\u003ERussia-Ukraine war\u003C\/a\u003E have pioneered the use of first-person view drones as kamikaze munitions. Some drones rely on AI to acquire targets because electronic jamming precludes remote control by human operators.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut systems that automate reconnaissance and strikes are merely the most visible parts of the automation revolution. The ability to see farther and hit faster dramatically increases the information processing burden on military organizations. This is where decision support systems come in. If automated weapons improve the eyes and arms of a military, decision support systems augment the brain.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECold War era \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/apps.dtic.mil\/sti\/tr\/pdf\/ADA421917.pdf\u0022\u003Ecommand and control\u003C\/a\u003E systems anticipated modern decision support systems such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ynetnews.com\/magazine\/article\/bkhsmzjyzg\u0022\u003EIsrael\u2019s AI-enabled Tzayad\u003C\/a\u003E for battle management. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mitpress.mit.edu\/9780262550284\/the-closed-world\/\u0022\u003EAutomation research projects\u003C\/a\u003E like the United States\u2019 Semi-Automatic Ground Environment, or SAGE, in the 1950s produced important innovations in computer memory and interfaces. In the U.S. war in Vietnam, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1353\/jmh.0.0024\u0022\u003EIgloo White\u003C\/a\u003E gathered intelligence data into a centralized computer for coordinating U.S. airstrikes on North Vietnamese supply lines. The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mitpress.mit.edu\/9780262529266\/strategic-computing\/\u0022\u003Estrategic computing\u003C\/a\u003E program in the 1980s spurred advances in semiconductors and expert systems. Indeed, defense funding originally enabled the rise of AI.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EOrganizations Enable Automated Warfare\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAutomated weapons and decision support systems rely on complementary organizational innovation. From the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/openlibrary.org\/books\/OL5205631M\/The_electronic_battlefield\u0022\u003EElectronic Battlefield\u003C\/a\u003E of Vietnam to the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/apps.dtic.mil\/sti\/tr\/pdf\/ADA202888.pdf\u0022\u003EAirLand Battle\u003C\/a\u003E doctrine of the late Cold War and later concepts of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usni.org\/magazines\/proceedings\/1998\/january\/network-centric-warfare-its-origin-and-future\u0022\u003Enetwork-centric warfare\u003C\/a\u003E, the U.S. military has \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sup.org\/books\/politics\/culture-military-innovation\u0022\u003Edeveloped new ideas and organizational concepts\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParticularly noteworthy is the emergence of a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/us.macmillan.com\/books\/9781466876224\/relentlessstrike\/\u0022\u003Enew style of special operations\u003C\/a\u003E during the U.S. global war on terrorism. AI-enabled decision support systems became invaluable for finding terrorist operatives, planning raids to kill or capture them, and analyzing intelligence collected in the process. Systems like Maven became essential for this style of counterterrorism.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe impressive \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ft.com\/content\/9fae8d27-19ee-437a-8be7-9bceae973001\u0022\u003EAmerican way of war\u003C\/a\u003E on display in Venezuela and Iran is the fruition of decades of trial and error. The U.S. military has honed complex processes for gathering intelligence from many sources, analyzing target systems, evaluating options for attacking them, coordinating joint operations and assessing bomb damage. The only reason AI can be used throughout the targeting cycle is that countless human personnel everywhere work to keep it running.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI gives rise to important concerns about \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cset.georgetown.edu\/publication\/ai-safety-and-automation-bias\/\u0022\u003Eautomation bias\u003C\/a\u003E, or the tendency for people to give excessive weight to automated decisions, in military targeting. But these are not new concerns. Igloo White was \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mitpress.mit.edu\/9780262550284\/the-closed-world\/\u0022\u003Eoften misled\u003C\/a\u003E by Vietnamese decoys. A state-of-the-art U.S. Aegis cruiser \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/press.princeton.edu\/books\/paperback\/9780691002477\/trapped-in-the-net\u0022\u003Eaccidentally shot down\u003C\/a\u003E an Iranian airliner in 1988. Intelligence mistakes led U.S. stealth bombers to accidentally strike the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cornellpress.cornell.edu\/book\/9781501749568\/information-technology-and-military-power\/\u0022\u003EChinese embassy\u003C\/a\u003E in Belgrade, Serbia, in 1999.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany Iraqi and Afghan civilians died due to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0162243917703463\u0022\u003Eanalytical mistakes\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0162243917727353\u0022\u003Ecultural biases\u003C\/a\u003E within the U.S. military. Most recently, evidence suggests that a Tomahawk cruise missile \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2026\/03\/05\/world\/middleeast\/iran-school-us-strikes-naval-base.html\u0022\u003Estruck a girls school\u003C\/a\u003E adjacent to an Iranian naval base, killing about 175 people, mostly students. This targeting could have resulted from a U.S. intelligence failure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EAutomated Prediction Needs Human Judgment\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe successes and failures of decision support systems in war are due more to organizational factors than technology. AI can help organizations improve their efficiency, but AI can also amplify organizational biases. While it may be tempting to blame Lavender for excessive civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2024\/12\/26\/world\/middleeast\/israel-hamas-gaza-bombing.html\u0022\u003Elax Israeli rules of engagement\u003C\/a\u003E likely matter more than automation bias.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs the name implies, decision support systems support human decision-making; AI does not replace people. Human personnel still play important roles in designing, managing, interpreting, validating, evaluating, repairing and protecting their systems and data flows. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/press.princeton.edu\/books\/hardcover\/9780691265148\/ai-automation-and-war\u0022\u003ECommanders still command\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn economic terms, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/direct.mit.edu\/books\/book\/4564\/The-Promise-of-Artificial-IntelligenceReckoning\u0022\u003EAI improves prediction\u003C\/a\u003E, which means generating new data based on existing data. But prediction is only one part of decision-making. People ultimately make the judgments that matter about what to predict and how to use predictions. People have preferences, values and commitments regarding real-world outcomes, but AI systems \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/direct.mit.edu\/books\/book\/4564\/The-Promise-of-Artificial-IntelligenceReckoning\u0022\u003Eintrinsically do not\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn my view, this means that increasing military use of AI is actually making \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1162\/isec_a_00425\u0022\u003Ehumans more important in war\u003C\/a\u003E, not less.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/277831\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/us-military-leans-into-ai-for-attack-on-iran-but-the-tech-doesnt-lessen-the-need-for-human-judgment-in-war-277831\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EDigital systems are only as good as the organizations that use them. Some organizations squander the potential of advanced technologies, while others can compensate for technological weaknesses.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Digital systems are only as good as the organizations that use them. Some organizations squander the potential of advanced technologies, while others can compensate for technological weaknesses."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-03-11 15:21:47","changed_gmt":"2026-04-06 17:35:32","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-11T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-11T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679670":{"id":"679670","type":"image","title":" black and white aerial view of an airfield AI is helping U.S. forces find and choose targets in Iran, like this airfield. U.S. Central Command via AP","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022black and white aerial view of an airfield\u0022\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI is helping U.S. forces find and choose targets in Iran, like this airfield. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/newsroom.ap.org\/detail\/IranUSIsrael\/e22cbe9b12c7435b9d6b2e9dac131fd5\/photo?vs=false\u0026amp;currentItemNo=32\u0026amp;startingItemNo=150\u0022\u003EU.S. Central Command via AP\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1773852352","gmt_created":"2026-03-18 16:45:52","changed":"1773852352","gmt_changed":"2026-03-18 16:45:52","alt":" black and white aerial view of an airfield AI is helping U.S. forces find and choose targets in Iran, like this airfield. U.S. Central Command via AP","file":{"fid":"263859","name":"file-20260310-69-smke4w.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/file-20260310-69-smke4w.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/file-20260310-69-smke4w.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":349331,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/18\/file-20260310-69-smke4w.jpg?itok=KxNWX1rr"}}},"media_ids":["679670"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/us-military-leans-into-ai-for-attack-on-iran-but-the-tech-doesnt-lessen-the-need-for-human-judgment-in-war-277831","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"194974","name":"go-theconversation"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/jon-r-lindsay-2615502\u0022\u003EJon R. Lindsay\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor of Cybersecurity and Privacy and of International Affairs, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689015":{"#nid":"689015","#data":{"type":"news","title":"A Successful USDA Program That Has Supported More Than 533,000 Affordable Rental Homes in Rural America is Getting Phased\u00a0Out","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/rent-apartments-cities-near-me-biggest-increases\/\u0022\u003EThe high cost of renting and buying homes in U.S. cities\u003C\/a\u003E is no secret. But this affordability problem isn\u2019t limited to urban regions \u2013 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/research\/2025\/06\/the-deterioration-of-housing-affordability-in-rural-america\/\u0022\u003Eit affects rural areas as well\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERural areas, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.fhfa.gov\/blog\/insights\/who-lives-in-rural-america\u0022\u003Ehome to about 25% of Americans\u003C\/a\u003E, benefit from federally supported rental housing programs \u2013 particularly a U.S. Department of Agriculture program to provide affordable homes for low-income residents.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ruralhome.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/storage\/documents\/rd515rental.pdf\u0022\u003EUSDA\u2019s Section 515 program\u003C\/a\u003E is the primary way that the U.S. government finances affordable rental homes in rural communities. Since its inception in 1963, the program has supported the construction of over \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pfs2.acl.gov\/strapib\/assets\/Rural_Housing_Programs_Chapter_Summary_50076d51da.pdf\u0022\u003E533,000 apartments, townhouses\u003C\/a\u003E and other small, multifamily rental homes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe program offers below-market-rate loans to private and nonprofit developers who build and manage residential housing for low-income residents in small towns and rural counties. The terms of the deal between property owners and the government obliges these landlords to keep rents affordable for their occupants for decades, generally restricting rent to about \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.hudexchange.info\/programs\/home\/home-income-limits\/\u0022\u003E30% of tenants\u2019 income\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ELast New Loans Were in 2011\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPeople who live in Section 515 housing typically \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ruralhousingcoalition.org\/section-515-rural-rental-housing-loans\/#:%7E:text=The%20USDA%20says%20that%20Section%20515%20housing,more%20than%20$325%20per%20unit%20per%20month\u0022\u003Epay around US$325 per month\u003C\/a\u003E. That\u2019s much less than rural market-rate rents, which \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.apartments.com\/blog\/states-with-the-cheapest-rent\u0022\u003Etypically run $800-$1,100 per month\u003C\/a\u003E for modest homes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBecause the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nlihc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/AG-2025\/4-131_USDA-Rural-Rental-Housing-Programs.pdf\u0022\u003EUSDA stopped issuing new Section 515 loans in 2011\u003C\/a\u003E, this arrangement is phasing out now as existing loans mature.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELoans for about \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ruralhome.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/storage\/documents\/publications\/rrreports\/rental_housing_for_a_21st_century_rural_america_ui.pdf\u0022\u003E90% of all remaining Section 515 homes\u003C\/a\u003E will mature by 2045, according to the Housing\u2002Assistance Council, a national nonprofit that supports affordable housing efforts throughout rural America. By 2050, the owners of nearly all properties currently in the program\u2019s portfolio are projected to have paid off their mortgages.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd once most of the owners of these homes exit the Section 515 program, it will have been fully phased out.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe class=\u0022tc-infographic-datawrapper\u0022 style=\u0022border-width:0;\u0022 id=\u00226NXiF\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/6NXiF\/1\/\u0022 height=\u0022400px\u0022 width=\u0022100%\u0022 scrolling=\u0022no\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EAn Often-Overlooked Housing Program\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/c9f0cadc-5bb4-5b6f-9eca-bd38a9233993\u0022\u003Epublic policy professor who studies housing\u003C\/a\u003E, I wanted to understand what happens when Section 515 loans mature. I also was interested in what determines whether properties remain affordable or leave the program after the loans are paid off.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo find out, I worked with three other housing policy researchers on a national study that was \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/10511482.2025.2531878\u0022\u003Epeer-reviewed and published\u003C\/a\u003E in Housing Policy Debate in September 2025.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs of 2024, these loans were still supporting \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pfs2.acl.gov\/strapib\/assets\/Rural_Housing_Programs_Chapter_Summary_50076d51da.pdf\u0022\u003Esome 400,000 homes\u003C\/a\u003E on almost \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/32-2024-RHS.pdf\u0022\u003E13,000 properties\u003C\/a\u003E across \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.rd.usda.gov\/media\/file\/download\/hac-mfh-ta-fact-sheet.pdf\u0022\u003E87% of all U.S. counties\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe roughly 750,000 Americans in those homes are among the nation\u2019s poorest. The average household income of someone living in Section 515 housing in 2023 was just about $16,000 per year, which was \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/seekingalpha.com\/article\/4655566-median-household-income-in-october-2023\u0022\u003Eonly about one-fifth of the national median household income\u003C\/a\u003E, which hovered around $76,600 during the same period in inflation-adjusted 2023 dollars.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition to having a very low income, more than 60% of the people enrolled in the program are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nhlp.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Rural-Preservation-Handbook.pdf\u0022\u003Eover 62, have disabilities, or fall into both\u003C\/a\u003E of those categories.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMarket-Rate Options After Maturity\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe vast majority of these affordable rental homes were built in the 1970s through the 1990s and financed with USDA loans that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cura.umn.edu\/research\/usda-section-515-program-quantitative-analysis\u0022\u003Elast between 30 and 50 years\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy 2050, there will be no Section 515 housing left.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe owners of these rental properties no longer have to keep rents affordable once they have paid off their loans. And their owners and tenants may also \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.rd.usda.gov\/programs-services\/multifamily-housing-programs\/multifamily-housing-rental-assistancee\u0022\u003Elose access to a USDA rental assistance\u003C\/a\u003E program, which helps keep tenants\u2019 housing costs low.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey can refinance the homes or sell\u2002the properties. They also can continue to charge affordable rents to occupants or convert those units to market rate. Because of this flexibility, a large share of rural affordable housing units could soon be converted to properties rented at market rates.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat the Data Shows So Far\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor this study, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/10511482.2025.2531878\u0022\u003Eour research team analyzed data\u003C\/a\u003E from nearly 15,000 of the Section 515 properties throughout the country, which have been placed in service since 1963 \u2013 including many that are no longer providing rural affordable housing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe found that the largest factors determining whether a building remains affordable after a Section 515 loan matures are who owns and manages\u2002that property. Buildings owned by for-profit companies are far more likely to leave the program than those that belong to nonprofit housing organizations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENonprofit-owned\u2002buildings, after accounting for building age and local market conditions, are 30% to 40% less likely to convert formerly Section 515 affordable housing into market-rate properties after the owners pay off their loans.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter analyzing this data, we also concluded that buildings run by small property management companies are more likely to leave the program than those managed by larger ones. Properties where the owner manages the homes are also more likely to exit.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELandlords owning more residential properties were also more likely to exit the program. This indicates that larger landlords may be able to afford the renovations and upgrades required to turn their buildings into market-rate housing once restrictions end.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721319\/original\/file-20260302-71-tbznw9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;rect=0%2C124%2C8256%2C4644\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A symbolic wooden house, containg a stack of $1 bills and a money bag with a dollar symbol, sits next to an alarm clock in a grocery cart.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721319\/original\/file-20260302-71-tbznw9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;rect=0%2C124%2C8256%2C4644\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721319\/original\/file-20260302-71-tbznw9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=356\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721319\/original\/file-20260302-71-tbznw9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=356\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721319\/original\/file-20260302-71-tbznw9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=356\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721319\/original\/file-20260302-71-tbznw9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=447\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721319\/original\/file-20260302-71-tbznw9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=447\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721319\/original\/file-20260302-71-tbznw9.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=447\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003ETime is running out on the nation\u2019s main affordable housing program in rural areas.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/symbolic-wooden-house-a-stack-of-us1-bills-and-a-royalty-free-image\/2206515182?adppopup=true\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EMax Zolotukhin\/iStock via Getty Images Plus\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhy Subsidies and Local Markets Matter\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHaving subsidies through other government programs can help keep affordable housing units from being converted to market-rate housing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne-third of Section 515 properties also get support from other programs, including \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/helping-americans\/housing-choice-vouchers-tenants\u0022\u003ESection 8 vouchers\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.novoco.com\/resource-centers\/affordable-housing-tax-credits\/about-lihtc\u0022\u003Elow-income housing tax credits\u003C\/a\u003E. Those tax credits are another federal incentive that\u2019s provided to developers who build and rehabilitate affordable rental housing while allowing lower rents for low-income tenants.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThose properties are more likely to remain affordable, even years after some of these tax incentives expire.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELocal economic conditions can play a role too. In areas with high unemployment rates, large military populations and low housing inventory, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/10511482.2025.2531878\u0022\u003Eproperties are also more likely to exit\u003C\/a\u003E the program.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat means the same rural counties experiencing economic or demographic pressures are often the most likely to have a decline in affordable housing units when owners pay off their Section 515 loans.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ESteps That Can Be Taken\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECongress and the USDA have \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.us-hc.com\/blogs\/rhs-makes-funds-available-for-section-515-demonstration-program\/\u0022\u003Etaken some steps\u003C\/a\u003E to slow the loss of affordable housing in rural areas.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, the USDA has funded preservation efforts such as the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.rd.usda.gov\/programs-services\/multifamily-housing-programs\/multifamily-preservation-and-revitalization-mpr\u0022\u003EMultifamily Housing Preservation and Revitalization\u003C\/a\u003E pilot program, which provides grants, loan restructuring and other financing tools to help repair aging Section 515 properties and extend their affordability.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese efforts have helped preserve some buildings and support ownership transfers from private sector landlords to nonprofit housing groups. But they spend only tens of millions of dollars per year and focus mainly on maintaining existing properties rather than building new housing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers estimate that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/crs_external_products\/R\/PDF\/R47044\/R47044.1.pdf\u0022\u003Eabout $5.6 billion in repairs\u003C\/a\u003E would be needed to preserve the affordable housing currently tied to the Section 515 program.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome lawmakers have proposed reforms aimed at doing more than chipping away at the loss of this kind of affordable housing. The bipartisan \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.naco.org\/news\/congressional-leaders-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-protect-rural-housing\u0022\u003ERural Housing Service Reform Act\u003C\/a\u003E, first introduced in 2023 and reintroduced in 2025, would modernize USDA rural housing programs and allow certain rental assistance contracts to continue after mortgages mature. As of early 2026, the bill remains under consideration.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver the next two decades, most of these landlords will pay off their Section 515 loans. Unless the government reinvigorates the program or replaces it with something else, much of rural America\u2019s affordable rental housing could gradually disappear as owners convert all Section 515 properties to market-rate housing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether rural communities retain affordable housing will depend not only on what the federal government does, but also on the properties\u2019 owners.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/273637\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/a-successful-usda-program-that-has-supported-more-than-533-000-affordable-rental-homes-in-rural-america-is-getting-phased-out-273637\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe high cost of renting and buying homes in U.S. cities is no secret. But this affordability problem isn\u2019t limited to urban regions \u2013 it affects rural areas as well.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The high cost of renting and buying homes in U.S. cities is no secret. But this affordability problem isn\u2019t limited to urban regions \u2013 it affects rural areas as well."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-03-12 17:07:54","changed_gmt":"2026-04-06 17:35:07","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-12T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-12T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679671":{"id":"679671","type":"image","title":"Low-income Americans in rural areas can struggle to pay market-rate rents. mphillips007\/iStock via Getty Images Plus","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELow-income Americans in rural areas can struggle to pay market-rate rents. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/housing-market-inflation-and-interest-rates-royalty-free-image\/1395524032?adppopup=true\u0022\u003Emphillips007\/iStock via Getty Images Plus\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773853784","gmt_created":"2026-03-18 17:09:44","changed":"1773853784","gmt_changed":"2026-03-18 17:09:44","alt":"Low-income Americans in rural areas can struggle to pay market-rate rents. mphillips007\/iStock via Getty Images Plus","file":{"fid":"263860","name":"file-20260302-57-nqoztj.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/file-20260302-57-nqoztj.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/file-20260302-57-nqoztj.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":125948,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/18\/file-20260302-57-nqoztj.jpg?itok=Yq-cZ8Mz"}}},"media_ids":["679671"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/a-successful-usda-program-that-has-supported-more-than-533-000-affordable-rental-homes-in-rural-america-is-getting-phased-out-273637","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"194974","name":"go-theconversation"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/brian-y-an-1461778\u0022\u003EBrian Y. An\u003C\/a\u003E, Co-Director of Center for Urban Research, Director of Master of Science in Public Policy Program, and Assistant Professor of Public Policy, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689444":{"#nid":"689444","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Why the Strait of Hormuz Is More Than an Energy Crisis ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERising oil and gasoline prices have been the center of attention since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But that immediate effect tells only part of the story. Because oil and gas underpin production, transportation, and logistics, higher energy costs will gradually move through supply chains \u2014 meaning the most significant economic consequences may not appear for months.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe effects move slowly and appear in places people do not connect to energy,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/econ.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/tibor-besedes\u0022\u003ETibor Besedes\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the School of Economics. \u201cOil and natural gas are part of the cost structure for an enormous range of goods.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAbout 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows through the waterway linking the Persian Gulf to world markets. When that flow is constrained, the impact ripples outward across industries most people never associate with an energy crisis.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn complex supply chains, a disruption in one critical link, even if only briefly, can cascade through the system, well beyond the initial event,\u201d says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/pinar-keskinocak\u0022\u003EPinar Keskinocak\u003C\/a\u003E, chair and professor in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering. \u201cAs delays persist and compound, interconnected systems often take a long time to recover, rebalance, and return to normal.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPrice Pressures That Arrive Quietly\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEarly effects are already visible.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJet fuel availability is tightening, and diesel prices are rising across Asia. China has ordered refineries to stop exporting fuel, creating shortages that are increasing shipping costs for U.S. imports, from consumer electronics to pharmaceuticals.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe strait is also a key corridor for naphtha, a feedstock used to produce plastics, packaging, solvents, textiles, and pharmaceutical components. Roughly 85% of Middle Eastern polyethylene exports move through the strait.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cConsumers won\u0027t see the effect of this quickly,\u201d Besedes says, \u201cbut the longer the strait is closed, the higher the cost will be of all of these products naphtha is used for.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAluminum is equally exposed.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSmelters require sustained, low-cost energy,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/expert\/chris-gaffney\u0022\u003EChris Gaffney\u003C\/a\u003E, a professor of the practice in the Stewart School. \u201cThe Middle East accounted for roughly 21% of U.S. unwrought aluminum imports in 2025. When energy prices spike or supply is constrained, capacity is reduced or shut down, and those decisions are difficult and slow to reverse.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFertilizer is one of the clearest examples of delayed inflation. Natural gas is essential for its production, and Persian Gulf states account for one-third of global urea exports and half of global sulfur exports. Urea prices at the New Orleans import hub have already climbed sharply.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe won\u0027t see the effects quickly, but rather in six to 12 months, depending on the crop and its cycle,\u201d Besedes says. \u201cWithout or with less fertilizer, crop yields will decrease, resulting in higher prices.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Hormuz Is Different From Other Chokepoints\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn top of all those factors, the strait closure presents a uniquely dangerous vulnerability.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cUnlike a port strike or canal blockage, there is no meaningful way to reroute volume,\u201d says Gaffney. \u201cIf it is disrupted, flow is constrained rather than redirected.\u201d Pipeline alternatives replace only a fraction of the 20 million barrels per day that normally transit the strait.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cChoke point vulnerability arises when a large portion of flow depends on a route that is hard to substitute,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/mathieu-dahan\u0022\u003EMathieu Dahan\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor in the Stewart School. \u201cHormuz has no scalable alternatives with sufficient capacity.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/alan-erera\u0022\u003EAlan Erera\u003C\/a\u003E, senior associate chair in the Stewart School expanded on Dahan\u2019s point, noting that strait disruptions raise costs across manufacturing and distribution.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cShips are rerouted onto longer paths, which drives up fuel and labor costs, ties up vessels and containers for longer periods, and ultimately raises inventory costs for shippers because capital is locked up while goods are still in transit,\u201d Erera said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhen Geopolitics Meets Global Supply Chains\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally, the strait closure raises the risk of wartime miscalculation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe haven\u2019t seen a disruption on this scale since the tanker wars of the late 1980s,\u201d said Larry Rubin, associate professor in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs. Gulf states\u0027 dependence on the strait constrains both regional actors and U.S. strategy, raising risks around crisis decision-making.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERubin also points to a dimension most coverage has missed entirely. \u201cOne thing that has been overlooked by many commentators is the fact that the Iranian people have probably been hit the hardest economically,\u201d he says. \u201cThey were already in a challenging situation. The Iranian economy won\u0027t recover quickly after the war.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResilience Has a Short Memory\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeanwhile, for the United States, \u201cThe Strategic Petroleum Reserve provides a buffer, and domestic energy production has improved resilience,\u201d says Gaffney. \u201cBut the gap remains between enabling capacity and sustaining resilience. Policy can support infrastructure, but it cannot ensure private sector participants invest in resilience when cost pressures rise.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor policymakers and industry leaders, the disruption reinforces a familiar pattern. \u0022The supply chain remains optimized for efficiency rather than resilience, in part due to the high investment costs required to build flexibility,\u0022 says Dahan.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGaffney added that resilience does improve after disruption, but that \u201cit erodes over time if not actively maintained.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven if the strait reopens, higher costs and slow restart timelines mean the system will not snap back. Experts suggest that when headlines have moved on from this disruption, it will still be shaping prices across the economy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe closure of the Strait of Hormuz is sending shockwaves far beyond rising gas prices, threatening to reshape global supply chains for months or even years to come. With roughly 20% of the world\u0027s oil and liquefied natural gas flowing through this critical chokepoint, disruptions are already rippling across industries from plastics and pharmaceuticals to aluminum, fertilizers, and consumer electronics. Unlike other trade disruptions, the strait offers no scalable rerouting alternatives, forcing longer shipping paths that drive up fuel, labor, and inventory costs worldwide. Experts warn that the most severe economic consequences \u2014 including higher food prices, reduced crop yields, and costlier manufactured goods \u2014 may not surface for six to twelve months, long after headlines have moved on. As global supply chains remain optimized for efficiency over resilience, the Hormuz crisis exposes just how vulnerable interconnected economies are to a single point of failure in international energy trade.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech experts warn that disruptions at the world\u0027s most critical energy choke point will ripple far beyond oil and gas prices. "}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2026-04-03 15:45:08","changed_gmt":"2026-04-03 17:36:56","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-03T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-03T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679846":{"id":"679846","type":"image","title":"Strait of Hormuz","body":null,"created":"1775237120","gmt_created":"2026-04-03 17:25:20","changed":"1775237252","gmt_changed":"2026-04-03 17:27:32","alt":"Image of a map of Iran, with a magnifying glass over the Strait of Hormuz","file":{"fid":"264054","name":"Strait-Of-Hormuz.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/Strait-Of-Hormuz.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/Strait-Of-Hormuz.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":255785,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/03\/Strait-Of-Hormuz.jpeg?itok=98t95NPB"}}},"media_ids":["679846"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"194610","name":"National Interests\/National Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"167074","name":"Supply Chain"},{"id":"194979","name":"strait of hormuz"},{"id":"8319","name":"iran"},{"id":"194980","name":"iran conflict"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:aisles3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689051":{"#nid":"689051","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Smarter, Faster, and More Human: A Leap Toward General-Purpose Robots","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERobots are increasingly learning new skills by watching people. From folding laundry to handling food, many real-world, humanlike tasks are too nuanced to be efficiently programmed step by step.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith imitation learning, humans demonstrate a task and robots learn to copy what they see through cameras and sensors. While at the leading edge of robotics research, this approach is limited by a major constraint: Robots can only work as fast as the people who taught them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENow, Georgia Tech researchers have \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2506.11948\u0022\u003Ecreated a tool\u003C\/a\u003E that smashes that speed barrier. The system allows robots to execute complex tasks significantly faster than human demonstrations while maintaining precision, control, and safety.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team addresses a central challenge in modern robotics: how to combine the flexibility of learning from humans with the speed and reliability required for real-world deployment. The technology could lead to wider adoption of imitation learning in industrial and household applications and even enable robots to execute humanlike tasks better than ever before.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe thing we\u2019re trying to create \u2014 and I would argue industry is also trying to create \u2014 is a general-purpose robot that can do any task that human hands can do,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/18047\u0022\u003EShreyas Kousik\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and a co-lead author on the study. \u201cTo make that work outside the lab, speed really matters.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe new tool, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nadunranawaka1.github.io\/sail-policy\/\u0022\u003ESAIL\u003C\/a\u003E (Speed Adaptation for Imitation Learning), was born out of a cross-campus, interdisciplinary collaboration that brought together expertise in mechanical engineering, robotics systems, and machine learning. The research team includes Kousik; \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/benjamin-joffe\u0022\u003EBenjamin Joffe\u003C\/a\u003E, senior research scientist at the Georgia Tech Research Institute; and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/17511\u0022\u003EDanfei Xu\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor in the School of Interactive Computing, along with graduate students and researchers from multiple labs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESpeed Without Sacrifice\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeaching robots to work faster than the speed of human demonstrations is challenging. Robots can behave differently at higher speeds, and small changes in the environment can cause errors.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe challenge is that a robot is limited to the data it was trained on, and any changes in the environment can cause it to fail,\u201d Kousik said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESAIL addresses this challenge through a modular approach, with separate components working together to accelerate beyond the training data. The system keeps motions smooth at high speed, tracks movements accurately, adjusts speed dynamically based on task complexity, and schedules actions to account for hardware delays. This combination allows robots to move quickly while staying stable, coordinated, and precise.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOne of the gaps we saw was that our academic robotics systems could do impressive things, but they weren\u2019t fast or robust enough for practical use,\u201d Joffe said. \u201cWe wanted to study that gap carefully and design a system that addressed it end to end.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe added, \u201cThe goal is not just to make robots faster, but to make them smart enough to know when speed helps and when it could cause mistakes.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team evaluated SAIL\u2019s performance across 12 tasks, both in simulation and on two physical robot platforms. Tasks included stacking cups, folding cloth, plating fruit, packing food items, and wiping a whiteboard. In most cases, SAIL-enabled robots completed tasks three to four times faster than standard imitation-learning systems without losing accuracy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne exception was the whiteboard-wiping task, where maintaining contact made high-speed execution difficult.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u201cUnderstanding where speed helps and where it hurts is critical,\u201d Kousik said. \u201cSometimes slowing down is the right decision.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile SAIL does not make robots universally adaptable on its own, it represents an important step toward robotic systems that can learn from humans without being constrained by human pace.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy showing how learned robotic behaviors can be accelerated safely and systematically, SAIL brings imitation learning closer to real-world use \u2014 where speed, precision, and reliability all matter.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECitation: Ranawaka Arachchige, et. al. \u201cSAIL: Faster-than-Demonstration Execution of Imitation Learning Policies,\u201d Conference on Robot Learning (CoRL), 2025.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDOI: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.48550\/arXiv.2506.11948\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.48550\/arXiv.2506.11948\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFunding: The authors would like to acknowledge the State of Georgia and the Agricultural Technology Research Program at Georgia Tech for supporting the work described in this paper.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENew AI system lets robots work faster than their human teachers without sacrificing accuracy.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"New AI system lets robots work faster than their human teachers without sacrificing accuracy."}],"uid":"36123","created_gmt":"2026-03-19 15:38:45","changed_gmt":"2026-04-02 17:45:33","author":"Catherine Barzler","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-19T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-19T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679690":{"id":"679690","type":"image","title":"robot-med.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPancake-flipping robots could be just around the corner thanks to a new robot learning system from Georgia Tech. (Credit: Adobe Stock)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773934781","gmt_created":"2026-03-19 15:39:41","changed":"1773937931","gmt_changed":"2026-03-19 16:32:11","alt":"A white humanoid robot holds a blue pan while standing in a kitchen with a green backsplash","file":{"fid":"263881","name":"robot-med.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/19\/robot-med.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/19\/robot-med.png","mime":"image\/png","size":2989840,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/19\/robot-med.png?itok=2EUbFZa1"}},"679687":{"id":"679687","type":"video","title":" SAIL System Brings Us Closer to General-Purpose Robots","body":null,"created":"1773933476","gmt_created":"2026-03-19 15:17:56","changed":"1773933476","gmt_changed":"2026-03-19 15:17:56","video":{"youtube_id":"c1MbisHP75w","video_url":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/c1MbisHP75w"}}},"media_ids":["679690","679687"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"39521","name":"Robotics"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECatherine Barzler, Senior Research Writer\/Editor\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:catherine.barzler@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ecatherine.barzler@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["catherine.barzler@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689255":{"#nid":"689255","#data":{"type":"news","title":"\u0027Welcome to the Future!\u0027 Artemis II Set for Launch to the Moon","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIf all goes according to plan, humans will head toward the moon this week for the first time since 1972. \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ENASA\u2019s Artemis II is set to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Wednesday, April 1, at 6:24 p.m. Four astronauts will slingshot around the moon before landing in the Pacific Ocean after a 10-day mission.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe launch has captivated the Georgia Tech space community, both here on campus and within the alumni base. Several Georgia Tech graduates have key roles in the Artemis program.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EOn the eve of this next chapter of lunar exploration, several current and former Yellow Jackets discuss why Artemis II matters, what excites them about the mission, and what happens next.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/welcome-future-artemis-ii-set-launch-moon\u0022\u003ERead the entire story on the College of Engineering website\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Georgia Tech alumni, including some with NASA leadership roles in this week\u2019s launch, reflect on the first crewed launch to the moon in more than 50 years. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOn the eve of this next chapter of lunar exploration, several current and former Yellow Jackets discuss why Artemis II matters, what excites them about the mission, and what happens next.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"On the eve of this next chapter of lunar exploration, several current and former Yellow Jackets discuss why Artemis II matters, what excites them about the mission, and what happens next. "}],"uid":"27560","created_gmt":"2026-03-31 13:55:24","changed_gmt":"2026-04-02 13:16:03","author":"Jason Maderer","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-31T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-31T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679795":{"id":"679795","type":"image","title":"Artemis II on Launch Pad","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECredit: NASA\/John Kraus\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1774965547","gmt_created":"2026-03-31 13:59:07","changed":"1774965547","gmt_changed":"2026-03-31 13:59:07","alt":"rocket on the launch pad with full moon in background ","file":{"fid":"263998","name":"moon-and-pad-1--1-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/moon-and-pad-1--1-_2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/moon-and-pad-1--1-_2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":161880,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/31\/moon-and-pad-1--1-_2.jpg?itok=sBE4OCro"}}},"media_ids":["679795"],"groups":[{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"},{"id":"188776","name":"go-research"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193657","name":"Space Research Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJason Maderer\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:maderer@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Emaderer@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689354":{"#nid":"689354","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Celebrating Earth Month at Georgia Tech","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EApril is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sustain.gatech.edu\/earth-month\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEarth Month\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech. Coordinated by the Office of Sustainability and organized by partners across campus, Earth Month extends the Institute\u2019s observance of Earth Day on April 22 by showcasing campus sustainability efforts and providing opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to learn and engage throughout the month. Campus organizations are encouraged to share and promote their sustainability-focused events via the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.office.com\/pages\/responsepage.aspx?id=u5ghSHuuJUuLem1_Mvqgg1-8h4dqb2ZDjWEaN24qscpUNTNSTFNZSVI2RkI1QTBVTEZYUlRDRU85VCQlQCN0PWcu\u0026amp;route=shorturl\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEarth Month event form\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFeatured Event: Earth Day Sustainable Org Fair and Celebration\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWednesday, April 22, 11 a.m. \u2013 1 p.m.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EThe Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Kendeda Building\u2019s patio and atrium on \u003Cstrong\u003EWednesday, April 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.\u003C\/strong\u003E will feature and celebrate sustainability efforts across the Georgia Tech community. From student organizations to campus operations departments like Environmental Health \u0026amp; Safety, Custodial green cleaning, and Landscape Services earth-friendly practices, community efforts are shared and supported.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESign up \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.signupgenius.com\/go\/10C0E4CAEAD29A0FFC70-62178378-2026#\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehere\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003C\/a\u003Eto table.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEarth Month Events\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESTEM Activity Kit Assembly\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EThursday, April 2, 7 \u2013 8 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ERoom 154, Skiles Building\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoin the Little Einsteins Organization in assembling STEM activity kits to share with students at the Fulton County Libraries.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.campuslabs.com\/engage\/event\/12264750\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERegister here.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommunity Garden Workday\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFriday, April 3, 9 \u2013 11 a.m. \u003Cstrong\u003E(Repeats every Friday)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ECommunity Garden, Instructional Center Lawn\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoin the Students Organizing for Sustainability as they harvest, plant, and maintain plots in the garden. Workdays run every week, and everyone is welcome \u2014 no experience needed.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.campuslabs.com\/engage\/event\/12042447\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESign up to help out.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFossil Fridays\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFriday, April 3, 3 \u2013 5 p.m. \u003Cstrong\u003E(Repeats every Friday)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ERoom L1125, Ford ES\u0026amp;T Building\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBecome a fossil hunter and help discover how vertebrate communities have changed over time. Experience firsthand what it is like to be a paleontologist, finding and identifying new specimens.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/calendar.gatech.edu\/event\/2026\/04\/03\/fossil-friday\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELearn more.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPlant Library\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFriday, April 3, 3:30 \u2013 4:30 p.m. \u003Cstrong\u003E(Repeats every Friday)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ERoom 357, Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Plant Library is an opportunity for the Georgia Tech community to take a break and soak up some green vibes. Bring plants and cuttings, pick up a plant to take home, or help maintain the growing plants. Whether or not you want to get your hands dirty, there is something for everyone.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/calendar.gatech.edu\/event\/2026\/04\/03\/plant-library\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELearn about the library.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShirley Clarke Franklin Park Cleanup\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ESaturday, April 4, 1 \u2013 3 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EShirley Clarke Franklin Park, 1660 Johnson Road NW, Atlanta\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoin the Center for Student Engagement and Georgia Tech Athletics at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park to help preserve and beautify the landscape.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.campuslabs.com\/engage\/event\/12327976\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERegister here.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEnergy Chat: Southwire\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ETuesday, April 7, 5:30 \u2013 6:30 p.m.\u003Cbr\u003ESuite 440, Southwire Spark\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EExperts from Southwire will talk about Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Renewable Energy Integration and provide an overview of BESS fundamentals, key components, and real\u2011world engineering applications.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/calendar.gatech.edu\/event\/2026\/04\/07\/energy-chat-southwire\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELearn more.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKendeda Building Tour\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EThursday, April 9, 11 a.m. \u2013 noon\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EThe Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoin The Kendeda Building Fellows for an Earth Month tour of The Kendeda Building to learn about Georgia\u0027s first fully certified Living Building.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.office.com\/pages\/responsepage.aspx?id=u5ghSHuuJUuLem1_Mvqggy-3x2drfZpDtZmrRRQnKiNUOEw2TDk4RzRZME1TTzMwTzNSVzBJNEJOOS4u\u0026amp;route=shorturl\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESign up here.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFieldwork\u00b2: Science Studies on Farms and Gardens\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFriday, April 10, 8:30 a.m. \u2013 2 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ERoom 7130, Crosland Tower\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParticipate in a free workshop for anyone interested in science studies and related disciplines, featuring three presentations and networking with colleagues from across metro Atlanta institutions. Breakfast and lunch provided.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_8318mGXUEWzZLEy\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELearn more and register now.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOffice Hours With a Sustainability Alum: Aki Manda\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFriday, April 10, noon \u2013 1:30 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EOnline\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESign up for a personal chat with affiliated MBA alumnus Akihiro \u201cAki\u201d Manda, venture manager at the Innovation Incubation Office.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.office.com\/pages\/responsepage.aspx?id=u5ghSHuuJUuLem1_MvqggxkuxK415QNErLniyUx39w5UMlEwUkhYSUFHVlFDMFE2TDZONzQxV0hSSy4u\u0026amp;route=shorturl\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESign up for a 15-minute virtual chat.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETech Beautification Day\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ESaturday, April 11, 9 a.m. \u2013 1 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EKessler Campanile\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoin SGA for a bit of spring cleaning on campus and in our local community. Activities range from clearing invasive species to spreading pine straw. Breakfast will be served at the event kickoff.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.campuslabs.com\/engage\/event\/12249122\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELearn more.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESpring Perennial Planting\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ESaturday, April 11, 10 a.m. \u2013 1 p.m.\u003Cbr\u003EOutside MRDC\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUrban Agriculture and Campus Services will plant perennials and build trellises.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.campuslabs.com\/engage\/event\/12128376\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESign up here.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHanging Flower Lamp Workshop\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ESaturday, April 11, 5 \u2013 7 p.m. \u003Cstrong\u003E(Repeats every day, April 11 \u2013 April 15)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EMRDC\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELearn how to make your own hanging flower lights in this workshop. Celebrate the spring season with a flower light \u2014 a perfect gift for your family, friends, or yourself. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.campuslabs.com\/engage\/event\/12344994\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELearn more.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEnergy Chat With Shell\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ETuesday, April 14, 5:30 \u2013 6:30 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EVan Leer Building\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Tech Energy Club is hosting a chat with industry professionals from Shell.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.campuslabs.com\/engage\/event\/12323839\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERegister on Engage.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECoffee and Compost: In-Vessel Composter Tours\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFriday, April 17, 9 \u2013 11 a.m. (Tours start at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.)\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EIn-Vessel Composter in the Resource Recovery Yard (Across from the rear of the Campus Recreation Center on Tech Parkway)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoin the Office of Sustainability and student assistants to learn more about our campus in-vessel composter and innovations in campus waste management. Coffee and pastries will be provided.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.cloud.microsoft\/pages\/responsepage.aspx?id=u5ghSHuuJUuLem1_Mvqgg1-8h4dqb2ZDjWEaN24qscpUMjBBS1BVQjJSUDlBUUFGUjVQNVdSUUxBTCQlQCN0PWcu\u0026amp;route=shorturl\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERegister now.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFashion of the Future\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFriday, April 17, 5 \u2013 7 p.m. \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EAtrium, Marcus Nanotechnology Building\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoin the Textiles Team for a fashion show showcasing the unique, skilled work of their designers. Fashion of the Future includes predicting future fashion trends, solving modern problems with advanced textile solutions, and integrating complex systems in textiles. Come by for free tote bags, snacks, and a great show.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSceLIorFVJTJQ-yddaVsMDpnG-hxeGDoDJNODkXMn_qCarrlg\/viewform?pli=1\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERegister here.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJoin MOVE in Conserving the 4-0-Forest\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ESaturday, April 18, 8 a.m. \u2013 noon\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ECenter for Student Engagement, John Lewis Student Center\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPartner with Trees Atlanta and MOVE to protect and restore the 4-0-Forest. Volunteers will work to remove invasive plant species and help preserve native ecosystems. This event is perfect for anyone interested in environmental stewardship, conservation, or outdoor service.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.campuslabs.com\/engage\/event\/12296375\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERegister here.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EEarth Month provides a multitude of events and activities to learn and engage with sustainability-focused campus initiatives.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Earth Month provides a multitude of events and activities to learn and engage with sustainability-focused campus initiatives."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2026-04-01 18:13:12","changed_gmt":"2026-04-01 20:49:31","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679820":{"id":"679820","type":"image","title":"25-R10410-P56-020.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETabling event at last year\u0027s Earth Month Org Fair.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775067373","gmt_created":"2026-04-01 18:16:13","changed":"1775067902","gmt_changed":"2026-04-01 18:25:02","alt":"Tabling at the 2025 Earth Day Org Fair.","file":{"fid":"264024","name":"25-R10410-P56-020.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/01\/25-R10410-P56-020.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/01\/25-R10410-P56-020.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2448748,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/01\/25-R10410-P56-020.jpg?itok=Lcn851fn"}}},"media_ids":["679820"],"groups":[{"id":"383831","name":"Infrastructure and Operations"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"660398","name":"Sustainability Hub"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192134","name":"earth month"},{"id":"194976","name":"Earth Month 2026"},{"id":"168693","name":"campus sustainability"},{"id":"186602","name":"org fair"},{"id":"194097","name":"IS News"},{"id":"192081","name":"office of sustainability"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EElena Domenech\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Student Assistant\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfrastructure and Sustainability\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["Edomenech6@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688490":{"#nid":"688490","#data":{"type":"news","title":"The Campus Construction Projects Driving Georgia Tech\u2019s Future","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech continually works to transform its physical campus in support of a more innovative, sustainable, and accessible learning environment. This update highlights the latest milestones, upcoming timelines, and how current work across campus contributes to Tech\u2019s long\u2011term vision for growth and excellence.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERecently Completed\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ED.M. Smith Building Renewal\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ERenovations are complete, with transformative upgrades to the 100-year-old building that enhance accessibility, increase functionality, and support campus sustainability initiatives. They include the addition of wheelchair access, a new elevator, and updated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The building is fully electric and no longer relies on steam from the central plant for daily operations.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/featured-news\/2026\/01\/newly-rejuvenated-smith-building-ready\u0022\u003ERead more about the D.M. Smith Building renewal.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorge Tower | Scheller Tower (formerly Tech Square 3)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EOfficially opened on Jan. 12, the first three floors of the building feature classrooms, huddle and conference rooms, and both indoor and outdoor collaboration space. Kaldi\u2019s Coffee is located on the lobby level.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe 14-story Scheller Tower will serve as the new home for the MBA and Executive Education programs of the Scheller College of Business. The 18-story George Tower, will house the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Both towers are on schedule to open in Fall 2026.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/01\/07\/tech-square-3-reaches-major-milestone\u0022\u003ERead more about George Tower | Scheller Tower.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStamps Field Turf\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe Stamps Field turf replacement project incorporated new padding and a multi\u2011layer synthetic surface offering better shock absorption and expanded playability. Updated striping allows for a wider range of recreational and competitive activities. Work also included adding new wind screens, improving access control and gate configurations, installing hydration stations, and cleaning the stormwater detention systems beneath the field. The new layout supports multiple sports, including soccer, lacrosse, flag football, rugby, and softball.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Ca\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESoon to Wrap Up\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECampus Recreation Center (CRC) Athletic Therapy Center and Esports Arena\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe renovation on Level 2 of the CRC will transform an existing conference room and retail dining area into a dedicated physical therapy space. Adjacent to this, a new esports suite will support competitive gaming for student clubs and casual play for the campus community, and host special events. The project is slated for completion in May.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELi Labs \u2013 Paper Tricentennial Building\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ERenovation of eight labs on the first and fifth floors will prepare for a high-end microscope that uses open-beam lasers for illumination on a vibration-isolation table, accommodating both students and researchers in the School of Materials Science and Engineering. The renovation is scheduled for completion in March.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIn Progress\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E10th Street Power Plant Chiller Replacement\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe project includes replacing chillers and associated components to optimize overall system performance. Two replacement chillers and cooling towers have been installed, and piping work is ongoing. Completion is scheduled for May.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBaptist Collegiate Ministry Building\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWhile not a Georgia Tech-owned project, this new five-story, mixed-use building is set to rise in the footprint of the original building on the west side of Techwood Drive near Fourth Street. The development will provide upgraded ministry facilities along with 55 one- and two bedroom residences \u0026nbsp;intended for student occupancy, along with gathering spaces. The targeted completion date is Fall 2027.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECreative Quarter\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Creative Quarter, currently anchored at the former Randall Brothers site located along Marietta Street, will debut in May with a temporary cultural initiative called LOOP, powered by Goat Farm. The project will feature a performance venue and artist studios, along with flexible interior spaces designed for multidisciplinary experimentation, connecting innovators, artists, students, and visitors.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arts.gatech.edu\/loop\u0022\u003ERead more about the Creative Quarter.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBud and Val Peterson Residence Hall\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe first new residence hall on campus since 2005 is designed specifically for first-year students. Located on the west side of campus along Northside Drive between Eighth and Ninth streets, this state-of-the-art facility will span 191,000 square feet and offer 862 beds in double-occupancy rooms.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe building will include collaborative learning areas, community lounges, and a shared kitchen. Both tower structures and site utilities are complete; interior finishes are underway, and site hardscape and landscape will begin in the spring. It is scheduled to open in Fall 2026.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/09\/22\/new-residence-hall-be-named-former-president-first-lady\u0022\u003ERead more about the Bud and Val Peterson Residence Hall.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEast Campus Streetscapes\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EAlong Techwood Drive and the east side of campus, the renovation of sidewalks and roadways has improved campus connectivity and the safety of pedestrian and micromobility users. The project is still active, as the remaining elements along Techwood Drive are contingent upon the completion of the Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWork continues on the 100,000-square-foot facility, which will house strength and conditioning areas, nutrition stations, sports medicine offices, ticketing services, dining options, and academic support spaces. The building will also feature cutting-edge sports science and analytics labs designed to enhance performance and research capabilities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInterior progress includes painting, flooring, and equipment installation. Exterior site work is ongoing, and spring completion is expected. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramblinwreck.com\/georgia-tech-breaks-ground-on-fanning-center\/\u0022\u003ERead more about the Student-Athlete Performance Center\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOn the Horizon\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBobby Dodd Fan Experience Renovation\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECurrently in the design phase, this renovation project will significantly enhance the premium seating areas on the west sideline, diversify premium seating to enable tiered experiences, and add chairback seating to the entire east and west sidelines to elevate the gameday experience for all Georgia Tech fans, alumni, and students.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe west sideline renovations will feature a premium level with a 100+ seat Founder\u2019s Club overlooking midfield, numerous renovated suites, and upgraded press operations and food service areas. The east sideline will feature an updated Field Club lounge, a new VIP suite, and additional updated suites. Currently in the design phase, project completion is expected for the 2027 football season. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atfund.org\/bobby-dodd-stadium\u0022\u003ERead more about the Bobby Dodd Fan Experience Renovation.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDaniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ECurrently in project development, a new 200,000-square-foot building for the Guggenheim School will provide advanced instructional space, new research capabilities, and an improved student experience, potentially including new wind tunnels, flight simulators, and advanced fabrication and assembly areas. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/building-future-aerospace-engineering\u0022\u003ERead more about the Aerospace Engineering building\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHowey Physics Restroom Renovations\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe renovation will evaluate the building\u2019s existing plumbing capacity; determine where new single-use restrooms and additional fixtures should be added; and renovate finishes, ceilings, and lighting throughout the basement and first five floors. Renovations are expected to start in the spring and take approximately four months to complete.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESmith and Howell Residence Halls\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ETo preserve their historic character and meet projected housing needs, both residence halls will be renovated. This includes updating building systems and interior spaces. A new connecting structure will join the two buildings, creating a central entry point. Also planned are ADA accessibility improvements to all floors and enhanced lighting and amenities. This project is currently in the final design phase, with construction expected to start mid-year.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESkiles Infrastructure Renovation\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ECurrently in the design phase, the renovation will focus on the most pressing need by improving indoor air quality by replacing and upgrading the building\u2019s mechanical systems in specific areas. The project marks the beginning of a broader, multiphase effort to modernize and revitalize the Skiles Building, constructed in 1959.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo stay up to date on campus construction projects, use the I\u0026amp;S\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/facilities.gatech.edu\/construction-updates\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Construction Project Viewer.\u003C\/a\u003E This dynamic tool meshes a map and calendar interface, allowing users to easily track project start and end dates. ADA-accessible routes can also be located by zooming in on individual projects.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor behind-the-scenes updates, follow Infrastructure and Sustainability on\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/105498147\/admin\/page-posts\/published\/\u0022\u003ELinkedIn\u003C\/a\u003E \u2014 where you\u2019ll find exclusive sneak peeks, progress photos, and insights into the ongoing construction efforts that are shaping the future of Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech is advancing an ambitious slate of campus construction projects designed to support its long\u2011term growth and future innovation.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech is advancing an ambitious slate of campus construction projects designed to support its long-term growth and future innovation."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2026-02-24 15:28:40","changed_gmt":"2026-04-01 19:54:59","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679407":{"id":"679407","type":"image","title":"CCU_Feb2026_smithhowellreno1.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003ERendering of the planned connector entrance to Smith and Howell residence halls. (Subject to change.)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1771952324","gmt_created":"2026-02-24 16:58:44","changed":"1771952324","gmt_changed":"2026-02-24 16:58:44","alt":"Rendering of the planned connector entrance to Smith and Howell residence halls.","file":{"fid":"263568","name":"CCU_Feb2026_smithhowellreno1.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/24\/CCU_Feb2026_smithhowellreno1.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/24\/CCU_Feb2026_smithhowellreno1.png","mime":"image\/png","size":631076,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/24\/CCU_Feb2026_smithhowellreno1.png?itok=wyWW_0To"}},"679408":{"id":"679408","type":"image","title":"CCU_Feb2026_smithhowellreno2.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003ERendering of the interior of the planned connector building for the Smith and Howell Residence Halls.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1771952562","gmt_created":"2026-02-24 17:02:42","changed":"1771952562","gmt_changed":"2026-02-24 17:02:42","alt":"Rendering of the interior of the planned connector building for the Smith and Howell Residence Halls.","file":{"fid":"263569","name":"CCU_Feb2026_smithhowellreno2.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/24\/CCU_Feb2026_smithhowellreno2.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/24\/CCU_Feb2026_smithhowellreno2.png","mime":"image\/png","size":505325,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/24\/CCU_Feb2026_smithhowellreno2.png?itok=bZzG92b6"}}},"media_ids":["679407","679408"],"groups":[{"id":"383831","name":"Infrastructure and Operations"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"61411","name":"Campus Construction"},{"id":"192186","name":"Student Athlete Performance Center"},{"id":"194888","name":"George Tower | Scheller Tower"},{"id":"194943","name":"Bud and Vale Peterson Residence Hall"},{"id":"194376","name":"Curran Street Residence Hall"},{"id":"13680","name":"Bobby Dodd Stadium"},{"id":"194735","name":"Smith and Howell Residence Halls"},{"id":"174985","name":"Skiles Classroom Building"},{"id":"719","name":"CRC"},{"id":"192183","name":"D.M. Smith Building Renewal"},{"id":"13327","name":"Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering"},{"id":"193728","name":"I\u0026S News"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECathy Brim\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Officer II\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfrastructure and Sustainability\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["Cathy.brim@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687989":{"#nid":"687989","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Is the Whole Universe Just a\u00a0Simulation?","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIs the whole universe just a simulation? \u2013 Moumita B., age 13, Dhaka, Bangladesh\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHow do you know anything is real? Some things you can see directly, like your fingers. Other things, like your chin, you need a mirror or a camera to see. Other things can\u2019t be seen, but you believe in them because a parent or a teacher told you, or you read it in a book.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.physics.gatech.edu\/user\/d-zeb-rocklin\u0022\u003Ephysicist\u003C\/a\u003E, I use sensitive scientific instruments and complicated math to try to figure out what\u2019s real and what\u2019s not. But none of these sources of information is entirely reliable: Scientific measurements can be wrong, my calculations can have errors, even your eyes can deceive you, like the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2015\/02\/27\/the-dress-that-broke-the-internet.html\u0022\u003Edress that broke the internet\u003C\/a\u003E because nobody could agree on what colors it was.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBecause every source of information \u2013 even your teachers \u2013 can trick you some of the time, some people have always wondered \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/reasonandmeaning.com\/2022\/01\/23\/do-we-know-anything-for-sure\/\u0022\u003Ewhether we can ever trust any information\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you can\u2019t trust anything, are you sure you\u2019re awake? Thousands of years ago, Chinese philosopher \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/plato.stanford.edu\/entries\/zhuangzi\/\u0022\u003EZhuangzi dreamed he was a butterfly\u003C\/a\u003E and realized that he might actually be a butterfly dreaming he was a human. Plato wondered whether all we see could just be shadows of true objects. Maybe the world we live in our whole lives inside isn\u2019t the real one, maybe it\u2019s more like a big video game, or the movie \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.warnerbros.com\/movies\/matrix\u0022\u003EThe Matrix\u003C\/a\u003E.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/707999\/original\/file-20251211-56-la328h.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022screenshot of a landscape in a cartoonish video game\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/707999\/original\/file-20251211-56-la328h.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/707999\/original\/file-20251211-56-la328h.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=375\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/707999\/original\/file-20251211-56-la328h.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=375\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/707999\/original\/file-20251211-56-la328h.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=375\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/707999\/original\/file-20251211-56-la328h.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=471\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/707999\/original\/file-20251211-56-la328h.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=471\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/707999\/original\/file-20251211-56-la328h.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=471\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EAre we living in a very sophisticated version of Minecraft?\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Un_paysage_de_Minecraft.png\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003ETofli IV\/Wikimedia Commons\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003E, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca class=\u0022license\u0022 href=\u0022http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003ECC BY-SA\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe Simulation Hypothesis\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe simulation hypothesis is a modern attempt to use logic and observations about technology to finally answer these questions and prove that we\u2019re probably living in something like a giant video game. Twenty years ago, a philosopher named \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=oQwpz3QAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003ENick Bostrom\u003C\/a\u003E made \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/simulation-argument.com\/simulation.pdf\u0022\u003Esuch an argument\u003C\/a\u003E based on the fact that video games, virtual reality and artificial intelligence were improving rapidly. That trend has continued, so that today people can jump into immersive virtual reality or talk to seemingly conscious artificial beings.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBostrom projected these technological trends into the future and imagined a world in which we\u2019d be able to realistically simulate trillions of human beings. He also suggested that if someone could create a simulation of you that seemed just like you from the outside, it would feel just like you inside, with all of your thoughts and feelings.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESuppose that\u2019s right. Suppose that sometime in, say, the 31st century, humanity will be able to simulate whatever they want. Some of them will probably be fans of the 21st century and will run many different simulations of our world so that they can learn about us, or just be amused.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHere\u2019s Bostrom\u2019s shocking logical argument: If the 21st century planet Earth only ever existed one time, but it will eventually get simulated trillions of times, and if the simulations are so good that the people in the simulation feel just like real people, then you\u2019re probably living on one of the trillions of simulations of the Earth, not on the one original Earth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis argument would be even more convincing if you actually could run powerful simulations today, but as long as you believe that people will run those simulations someday, then you logically should believe that you\u2019re probably living in one today.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pmcrG7ZZKUc?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EScientist Neil deGrasse Tyson explains the simulation hypothesis and why he thinks the odds are about 50-50 we\u2019re part of a virtual reality.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ESigns We\u2019re Living in a Simulation \u2026Or Not\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf we are living in a simulation, does that explain anything? Maybe the simulation has glitches, and that\u2019s why your phone wasn\u2019t where you were sure you left it, or how you knew something was going to happen before it did, or why that dress on the internet looked so weird.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere are more fundamental ways in which our world resembles a simulation. There is a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/kids.kiddle.co\/Planck_length\u0022\u003Eparticular length\u003C\/a\u003E, much smaller than an atom, beyond which physicists\u2019 theories about the universe break down. And we can\u2019t see anything more than about 50 billion light-years away because the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/curious-kids-what-does-the-edge-of-the-universe-look-like-233111\u0022\u003Elight hasn\u2019t had time to reach us\u003C\/a\u003E since the Big Bang. That sounds suspiciously like a computer game where you can\u2019t see anything smaller than a pixel or anything beyond the edge of the screen.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOf course, there are other explanations for all of that stuff. Let\u2019s face it: You might have misremembered where you put your phone. But Bostrom\u2019s argument doesn\u2019t require any scientific proof. It\u2019s logically true as long as you really believe that many powerful simulations will exist in the future. That\u2019s why famous scientists like Neil deGrasse Tyson and tech titans like Elon Musk have been convinced of it, though Tyson now puts the odds at 50-50.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOthers of us are more skeptical. The technology required to run such large and realistic simulations is so powerful that Bostrom describes such simulators as godlike, and he admits that humanity may never get that good at simulations. Even though it is far from being resolved, the simulation hypothesis is an impressive logical and philosophical argument that has challenged our fundamental notions of reality and captured the imaginations of millions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EHello, curious kids! Do you have a question you\u2019d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:curiouskidsus@theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAnd since curiosity has no age limit \u2013 adults, let us know what you\u2019re wondering, too. We won\u2019t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/268177\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/is-the-whole-universe-just-a-simulation-268177\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EHow do you know anything is real? Some things you can see directly, like your fingers. Other things, like your chin, you need a mirror or a camera to see. Other things can\u2019t be seen, but you believe in them because a parent or a teacher told you, or you read it in a book.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"How do you know anything is real? Some things you can see directly, like your fingers. Other things, like your chin, you need a mirror or a camera to see."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-02-03 13:16:36","changed_gmt":"2026-04-01 13:19:50","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-02T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-02T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679171":{"id":"679171","type":"image","title":"Could the Earth and everything on it \u2013 and even the whole universe \u2013 be a simulation running on a giant computer? OsakaWayne Studios\/Moment via Getty Images","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECould the Earth and everything on it \u2013 and even the whole universe \u2013 be a simulation running on a giant computer? \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/planet-earth-from-space-with-cubical-segments-royalty-free-image\/1344831100\u0022\u003EOsakaWayne Studios\/Moment via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1770124682","gmt_created":"2026-02-03 13:18:02","changed":"1770124682","gmt_changed":"2026-02-03 13:18:02","alt":"Could the Earth and everything on it \u2013 and even the whole universe \u2013 be a simulation running on a giant computer? OsakaWayne Studios\/Moment via Getty Images","file":{"fid":"263299","name":"file-20251211-56-lzhkg5.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/03\/file-20251211-56-lzhkg5.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/03\/file-20251211-56-lzhkg5.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":217589,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/03\/file-20251211-56-lzhkg5.jpg?itok=VLC3NXiR"}}},"media_ids":["679171"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/is-the-whole-universe-just-a-simulation-268177","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"660369","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/zeb-rocklin-2510395\u0022\u003EZeb Rocklin\u003C\/a\u003E, Associate Professor of Physics, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689250":{"#nid":"689250","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Look to Bolster Technology Support for Menopause","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWomen in need of supportive maternal and menstrual healthcare in patriarchal societies have increasingly found outlets for disclosure in online communities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat support, however, begins to disappear in these restrictive cultures once women reach menopause, according to new research from Georgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENaveena Karusala, an assistant professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing, and master\u2019s student Umme Ammara are working toward improving existing technologies and designing new ones for a demographic they believe has been neglected.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKarusala and Ammara co-authored a paper based on a study they conducted with women in urban Pakistan experiencing menopause.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWomen\u2019s health is understudied in general, but menopause is more neglected than other women\u2019s health issues,\u201d Karusala said. \u201cOur choice to focus on menopause is motivated by expanding how we holistically think about women\u2019s well-being across their lifespan.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKarusala and Ammara will present their paper in April at the 2026 ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI) in Barcelona.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMasking Symptoms\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMenopause is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period, vaginal bleeding, or spotting. The transition to menopause, called perimenopause, usually happens over two to eight years.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHormone changes may cause symptoms such as irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, mood swings, and brain fog.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese symptoms can be debilitating in some cases and affect daily life. However, Ammara said women are pressured to remain silent, maintain appearances, and regulate their emotions to meet social expectations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cUnderstanding menopause is important because a woman would be experiencing all these symptoms, and people will not understand those as actual symptoms,\u201d Ammara said. \u201cThere\u2019s been resistance to the idea of the medicalization of menopause. People don\u2019t view it as an illness, but as a life transition and something that happens naturally.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFeeling Isolated\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe women interviewed by Karusala and Ammara either stayed at home full-time or were part of the workforce.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers discovered that trusted family members might be the only sources women who stay at home and do not work turn to for disclosure.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWomen at home have the flexibility to take breaks or work at their own pace, so a lot of their experience is shaped by the emotional barriers they face,\u201d Ammara said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat could come from their husbands and family members. Some are supportive and some are not. They might weaponize it and use that term against them, or they might dismiss what they\u2019re going through.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAmmara said it might be easier for women in the workforce to confide in their coworkers, but explaining to an employer that they need sick leave for menopause symptoms can be intimidating.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven in online communities that have enabled women to anonymously share their health experiences, menopause is seldom discussed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERaising Awareness\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKarusala and Ammara argue in their paper that a public health approach could be the most effective way to spark conversation about menopause in a patriarchal culture in which technology use varies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey said the challenge in implementing technologies geared toward menopause support is that the condition isn\u2019t well understood in public. Improving maternal health, for example, is easier to promote within these societies because of the general understanding that motherhood is important.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere must be an existing infrastructure to build on,\u201d Karusala said. \u201cFor example, menstrual and maternal health are taught in schools and regularly discussed in primary care. Cultural and social meaning and importance are placed on motherhood.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cA lot of that doesn\u2019t exist for menopause. Primary care doctors are unprepared to talk about menopause compared to other health issues.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDesign Solutions\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAmmara said that the most effective way for technologies to make an impact on women going through menopause is to directly address systemic power structures around women\u2019s health within Pakistani culture.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt can start with the husbands.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFraming the issue for husbands to understand menopause should be at the forefront of designing technology solutions,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn Islamic contexts, we suggest using faith-based framings. This has been proposed for maternal health in prior works that draw on Islamic principles to engage expectant fathers in providing care and support. Framing it around religious responsibility to involve men in the journey can also be done for menopause.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech assistant professor Naveena Karusala and master\u0027s student Umme Ammara are researching how to improve existing technologies and design new ones to better support women experiencing menopause. Their work is based on a study conducted with women in urban Pakistan, where patriarchal social norms pressure women to stay silent about menopause symptoms and limit their ability to seek support, even in online communities that have otherwise helped women discuss other health issues\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers are looking at how technology can better support women experiencing menopause in urban Pakistan, where patriarchal norms leave them largely isolated and without resources for managing their symptoms."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-03-31 12:09:13","changed_gmt":"2026-03-31 13:18:07","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-30T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-30T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679788":{"id":"679788","type":"image","title":"Ammara-Umme_86A2210.jpg","body":null,"created":"1774958961","gmt_created":"2026-03-31 12:09:21","changed":"1774958961","gmt_changed":"2026-03-31 12:09:21","alt":"Umme Ammar sits in a booth with laptop in front of her","file":{"fid":"263990","name":"Ammara-Umme_86A2210.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/Ammara-Umme_86A2210.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/Ammara-Umme_86A2210.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":95810,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/31\/Ammara-Umme_86A2210.jpg?itok=7jqYXbcn"}}},"media_ids":["679788"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"8900","name":"women\u0027s history month"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"3543","name":"women\u0027s health"},{"id":"171911","name":"women of pakistan"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:ndeen6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ENathan Deen\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Computing\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687881":{"#nid":"687881","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Hacking the Grid: How Digital Sabotage Turns Infrastructure Into a\u00a0Weapon","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe darkness that swept over the Venezuelan capital in the predawn hours of Jan. 3, 2026, signaled a profound shift in the nature of modern conflict: the convergence of physical and cyber warfare. While U.S. special operations forces carried out the dramatic \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2026\/01\/03\/us\/politics\/trump-capture-maduro-venezuela.html\u0022\u003Eseizure of Venezuelan President Nicol\u00e1s Maduro\u003C\/a\u003E, a far quieter but equally devastating offensive was taking place in the unseen digital networks that help operate Caracas.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe blackout was not the result of bombed transmission towers or severed power lines but rather a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2026\/01\/15\/us\/politics\/cyberattack-venezuela-military.html\u0022\u003Eprecise and invisible manipulation\u003C\/a\u003E of the industrial control systems that manage the flow of electricity. This synchronization of traditional military action with advanced cyber warfare represents a new chapter in international conflict, one where lines of computer code that manipulate critical infrastructure are among the most potent weapons.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo understand how a nation can turn an adversary\u2019s lights out without firing a shot, you have to look inside the controllers that regulate modern infrastructure. They are the digital brains responsible for opening valves, spinning turbines and routing power.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor decades, controller devices were considered simple and isolated. Grid modernization, however, has transformed them into sophisticated internet-connected computers. As a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?hl=en\u0026amp;user=kgFnNewAAAAJ\u0026amp;view_op=list_works\u0026amp;sortby=pubdate\u0022\u003Ecybersecurity researcher\u003C\/a\u003E, I track how advanced cyber forces exploit this modernization by using digital techniques to control the machinery\u2019s physical behavior.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EHijacked Machines\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMy colleagues and I have demonstrated how malware can compromise a controller to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.14722\/ndss.2017.23313\u0022\u003Ecreate a split reality\u003C\/a\u003E. The malware intercepts legitimate commands sent by grid operators and replaces them with malicious instructions designed to destabilize the system.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, malware could send commands to rapidly open and close circuit breakers, a technique known as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.systemoverflow.com\/learn\/resilience-patterns\/circuit-breaker\/circuit-breaker-failure-modes-flapping-stampedes-and-retry-amplification\u0022\u003Eflapping\u003C\/a\u003E. This action can physically damage massive transformers or generators by causing them to overheat or go out of sync with the grid. These actions can cause fires or explosions that take months to repair.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESimultaneously, the malware calculates what the sensor readings should look like if the grid were operating normally and feeds these fabricated values back to the control room. The operators likely see green lights and stable voltage readings on their screens even as transformers are overloading and breakers are tripping in the physical world. This decoupling of the digital image from physical reality leaves defenders blind, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1109\/TSG.2013.2280399\u0022\u003Eunable to diagnose or respond\u003C\/a\u003E to the failure until it is too late.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/713761\/original\/file-20260121-56-lzml1u.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022people wearing hardhats in front of electrical equipment the size of a small house\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/713761\/original\/file-20260121-56-lzml1u.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/713761\/original\/file-20260121-56-lzml1u.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=374\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/713761\/original\/file-20260121-56-lzml1u.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=374\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/713761\/original\/file-20260121-56-lzml1u.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=374\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/713761\/original\/file-20260121-56-lzml1u.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=470\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/713761\/original\/file-20260121-56-lzml1u.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=470\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/713761\/original\/file-20260121-56-lzml1u.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=470\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EToday\u2019s electrical transformers are accessible to hackers.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gao.gov\/products\/gao-23-106180\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EGAO\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHistorical examples of this kind of attack include the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/industrialcyber.co\/industrial-cyber-attacks\/zetter-details-how-stuxnet-marked-a-turning-point-in-cyberwarfare-by-enabling-physical-sabotage-through-code\/\u0022\u003EStuxnet\u003C\/a\u003E malware that targeted Iranian nuclear enrichment plants. The malware destroyed centrifuges in 2009 by causing them to spin at dangerous speeds while feeding false \u201cnormal\u201d data to operators.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnother example is the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.securityweek.com\/industroyer-ics-malware-linked-ukraine-power-grid-attack\/\u0022\u003EIndustroyer\u003C\/a\u003E attack by Russia against Ukraine\u2019s energy sector in 2016. Industroyer malware targeted Ukraine\u2019s power grid, using the grid\u2019s own industrial communication protocols to directly open circuit breakers and cut power to Kyiv.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMore recently, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.securityweek.com\/china-admitted-to-us-that-it-conducted-volt-typhoon-attacks-report\/\u0022\u003EVolt Typhoon\u003C\/a\u003E attack by China against the United States\u2019 critical infrastructure, exposed in 2023, was a campaign focused on pre-positioning. Unlike traditional sabotage, these hackers infiltrated networks to remain dormant and undetected, gaining the ability to disrupt the United States\u2019 communications and power systems during a future crisis.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo defend against these types of attacks, the U.S. military\u2019s Cyber Command has adopted a \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/government-cybersecurity-commission-calls-for-international-cooperation-resilience-and-retaliation-133610\u0022\u003Edefend forward\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d strategy, actively hunting for threats in foreign networks before they reach U.S. soil.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDomestically, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency promotes \u201csecure by design\u201d principles, urging manufacturers to eliminate default passwords and utilities to implement \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/zero-trust-security-assume-that-everyone-and-everything-on-the-internet-is-out-to-get-you-and-maybe-already-has-160969\u0022\u003Ezero trust\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d architectures that assume networks are already compromised.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ESupply Chain Vulnerability\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENowadays, there is a vulnerability lurking within the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/the-untold-story-of-solarwinds-the-boldest-supply-chain-hack-ever\/\u0022\u003Esupply chain of the controllers themselves\u003C\/a\u003E. A dissection of firmware from major international vendors reveals a significant reliance on third-party software components to support modern features such as encryption and cloud connectivity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis modernization comes at a cost. Many of these critical devices run on outdated software libraries, some of which are years \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1109\/MSEC.2023.3266775\u0022\u003Epast their end-of-life support\u003C\/a\u003E, meaning they\u2019re no longer supported by the manufacturer. This creates a shared fragility across the industry. A vulnerability in a single, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.heartbleed.com\/\u0022\u003Eubiquitous library like OpenSSL\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 an open-source software toolkit used worldwide by nearly every web server and connected device to encrypt communications \u2013 can expose controllers from multiple manufacturers to the same method of attack.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EModern controllers have become web-enabled devices that often host their own administrative websites. These embedded web servers present an often overlooked point of entry for adversaries.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAttackers can infect the web application of a controller, allowing the malware to execute within the web browser of any engineer or operator who logs in to manage the plant. This execution enables malicious code to piggyback on legitimate user sessions, bypassing firewalls and issuing commands to the physical machinery without requiring the device\u2019s password to be cracked.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe scale of this vulnerability is vast, and the potential for damage extends far beyond the power grid, including \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1145\/3658644.3690267\u0022\u003Etransportation\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1145\/3719027.3744837\u0022\u003Emanufacturing\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1109\/ICCPS48487.2020.00011\u0022\u003Ewater treatment\u003C\/a\u003E systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsing automated scanning tools, my colleagues and I have discovered that the number of industrial controllers exposed to the public internet is significantly \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1145\/3658644.3690195\u0022\u003Ehigher than industry estimates suggest\u003C\/a\u003E. Thousands of critical devices, from hospital equipment to substation relays, are visible to anyone with the right search criteria. This exposure provides a rich hunting ground for adversaries to conduct reconnaissance and identify vulnerable targets that serve as entry points into deeper, more protected networks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe success of recent U.S. cyber operations forces a difficult conversation about the vulnerability of the United States. The uncomfortable truth is that the American power grid relies on the same technologies, protocols and supply chains as the systems compromised abroad.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wnhCuYRYCdM?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EThe U.S. power grid is vulnerable to hackers.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ERegulatory Misalignment\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe domestic risk, however, is compounded by regulatory frameworks that struggle to address the realities of the grid. A comprehensive investigation into the U.S. electric power sector my colleagues and I conducted revealed \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1145\/3719027.3765184\u0022\u003Esignificant misalignment\u003C\/a\u003E between compliance with regulations and actual security. Our study found that while regulations establish a baseline, they often foster a checklist mentality. Utilities are burdened with excessive documentation requirements that divert resources away from effective security measures.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis regulatory lag is particularly concerning given the rapid evolution of the technologies that connect customers to the power grid. The widespread adoption of distributed energy resources, such as residential solar inverters, has created a large, decentralized vulnerability that current regulations barely touch.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnalysis supported by the Department of Energy has shown that these devices \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/ceser\/office-cybersecurity-energy-security-and-emergency-response\u0022\u003Eare often insecure\u003C\/a\u003E. By compromising a relatively small percentage of these inverters, my colleagues and I found that an attacker could manipulate their power output to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1109\/NAPS66256.2025.11272195\u0022\u003Ecause severe instabilities\u003C\/a\u003E across the distribution network. Unlike centralized power plants protected by guards and security systems, these devices sit in private homes and businesses.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EAccounting for the Physical\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDefending American infrastructure requires moving beyond the compliance checklists that currently dominate the industry. Defense strategies now require a level of sophistication that matches the attacks. This implies a fundamental shift toward security measures that take into account \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.14722\/ndss.2014.23043\u0022\u003Ehow attackers could manipulate physical machinery\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe integration of internet-connected computers into power grids, factories and transportation networks is creating a world where the line between code and physical destruction is irrevocably blurred.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEnsuring the resilience of critical infrastructure requires accepting this new reality and building defenses that verify every component, rather than unquestioningly trusting the software and hardware \u2013 or the green lights on a control panel.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/272874\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/hacking-the-grid-how-digital-sabotage-turns-infrastructure-into-a-weapon-272874\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETo understand how a nation can turn an adversary\u2019s lights out without firing a shot, you have to look inside the controllers that regulate modern infrastructure.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"To understand how a nation can turn an adversary\u2019s lights out without firing a shot, you have to look inside the controllers that regulate modern infrastructure. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-01-22 13:46:50","changed_gmt":"2026-03-31 11:57:19","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-22T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-22T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679143":{"id":"679143","type":"image","title":"Today\u2019s power grid equipment incorporates internet-connected \u2013 and therefore hackable \u2013 computers. Joe Raedle\/Getty Images","body":"\u003Cp\u003EToday\u2019s power grid equipment incorporates internet-connected \u2013 and therefore hackable \u2013 computers. Joe Raedle\/Getty Images\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1770040095","gmt_created":"2026-02-02 13:48:15","changed":"1770040095","gmt_changed":"2026-02-02 13:48:15","alt":"Today\u2019s power grid equipment incorporates internet-connected \u2013 and therefore hackable \u2013 computers. Joe Raedle\/Getty Images","file":{"fid":"263266","name":"file-20260121-66-2blqlf.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/file-20260121-66-2blqlf.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/file-20260121-66-2blqlf.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":572159,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/02\/file-20260121-66-2blqlf.jpg?itok=HoGH-mtB"}}},"media_ids":["679143"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/hacking-the-grid-how-digital-sabotage-turns-infrastructure-into-a-weapon-272874","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"367481","name":"SEI Energy"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"194974","name":"go-theconversation"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/saman-zonouz-2560004\u0022\u003ESaman Zonouz\u003C\/a\u003E, Associate Professor of Cybersecurity and Privacy and Electrical and Computer Engineering, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689246":{"#nid":"689246","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Auto Show Expands to Two-Day Event ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDrawing from the Institute\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/archive\/features\/need-speed-georgia-techs-racing-roots-part-2.shtml\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eracing roots\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/traditions.gatech.edu\/ramblinreck.html\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eaffinity for classic cars\u003C\/a\u003E, the Georgia Tech Auto Show has become a spring staple on campus since its inception in 2003. Its evolution continues this year with the addition of the Mobility Seminar on Friday, April 3, and a special presentation from Hyundai on Saturday, April 4. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELeading into Saturday\u2019s auto show, the Friday seminar \u2014 with a theme of alternative energy and design for sustainable mobility\u003Cem\u003E \u2014 \u003C\/em\u003Ewill feature a trio of experts offering insights into the industry and the technologies shaping the future of transportation.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESeminar Schedule\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERegistration is open from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 102 of the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons, where the seminar will begin after opening remarks from EunSookKwon, professor and chair of the School of Industrial Design. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1:15 \u2013 1:45 p.m.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBuilding for Adventure: The Rivian Design Process\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EJonathan James Szczupak, Senior Director of Design, Rivian\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1:45 \u2014 2:15 p.m.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBuilding a Future-Ready Workforce in the Age of AI\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EHolly Ma, Vice President of Data Engineering, Cox Automotive\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2:15 \u2013 2:45 p.m.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPanel Discussion With Szczupak and Ma \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3 \u2013 3:45 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDecades of Automotive Design\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ETom Shinall, Director of Curatorial Services, Savoy Automobile Museum\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3:45 \u2013 4:30 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudent Competition Center Presentation\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHosted by David Lynn, former race car designer and School of Industrial Design lecturer\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ELearn about seven of Georgia Tech\u2019s student engineering competition teams housed in the Student Competition Center (SCC). The \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scc.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESCC\u003C\/a\u003E offers extensive machining resources and fosters engineering innovation for students from across campus.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4:30 \u2013 5 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EClosing Remarks \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ESterling Skinner, a laboratory manager at the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, and David Lynn, a lecturer in the School of Industrial Design, started the auto show in 2003. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur goal all along has been to expand the auto show into more than just a one-day event, to bring in more speakers, and to provide an educational and informative opportunity that encourages interaction between industry experts and our audience surrounding relevant topics, and broaden the scope of our conversations,\u201d Lynn said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECurating the lineup of speakers and presentations, Nyasha Farrington, event coordinator in the College of Design, says the team worked to provide a comprehensive look at the auto manufacturing process. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe really wanted to gear this seminar toward our students, and what they are interested in pursuing as a career, so we hope to give them a start-to-finish takeaway \u2014 from the design to the manufacturing to the marketing aspects of the automotive industry,\u201d she said. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESaturday Slate\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., classic cars, concept vehicles, unfinished student projects, and everything in between will be parked in the center of campus \u2014 on the walkways surrounding the East and West Architecture Buildings, the John and Joyce Caddell Building, Koan Plaza, and Texas Instruments Plaza in front of the Van Leer Building. For younger car enthusiasts, the show will also feature a workshop with The Home Depot, where children can build their own race car. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA lifelong car enthusiast, Lynn sees the auto show as an opportunity for visitors to gain a new perspective on the automotive industry and the vehicles on display.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are all used to seeing cars in a parking lot, but when you see them there, sometimes you can take them for granted. When you see them out in this sculpture garden setup that we are trying to emulate, whether it\u2019s a Camry or a Lamborghini, you can appreciate their form much better and see them as art and in more of a historical context, and that\u0027s part of the educational process,\u201d Lynn said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBoth days of the event are free and open to the public. RSVP for Friday\u2019s seminar \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.office.com\/pages\/responsepage.aspx?id=u5ghSHuuJUuLem1_Mvqgg93_OjzHftNHssfIdixzcPtUNklZOTNMVFlHVlI5MDk2WlIzUzQxRUhITC4u\u0026amp;route=shorturl\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E, and Saturday\u2019s auto show and presentation \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.office.com\/pages\/responsepage.aspx?id=u5ghSHuuJUuLem1_Mvqgg93_OjzHftNHssfIdixzcPtUQTdDQVFTMEJBUjBZTVdVNlhKUjBNVTdNOS4u\u0026amp;route=shorturl\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.office.com\/pages\/responsepage.aspx?id=u5ghSHuuJUuLem1_Mvqgg93_OjzHftNHssfIdixzcPtUN0dUM1VBNDFRUzQyWTNSOFJNV1BLTjZZUi4u\u0026amp;route=shorturl\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EFill out this form\u003C\/a\u003E if you are interested in registering a vehicle for the auto show. Owners of classic antique cars, late-model modified cars, 4\u00d74 off-road trucks, hot rods, cars modified with alternative power delivery (electric, fuel cell), daily drivers, kit cars, race cars, concept cars, prototype cars, and all kinds of motorcycles are encouraged to participate. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"The Georgia Tech Auto Show has expanded its programming to include a seminar that offers insights into the automotive industry."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Tech Auto Show has expanded its programming to include a seminar that offers insights into the automotive industry.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Georgia Tech Auto Show has expanded its programming to include a seminar that offers insights into the automotive industry."}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-03-30 20:26:29","changed_gmt":"2026-03-30 20:57:04","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-30T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-30T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679784":{"id":"679784","type":"image","title":"2025 Georgia Tech Auto Show","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESubmitted photo.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1774903273","gmt_created":"2026-03-30 20:41:13","changed":"1774903273","gmt_changed":"2026-03-30 20:41:13","alt":"2025 Georgia Tech Auto Show","file":{"fid":"263986","name":"242-9Y5A1685.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/30\/242-9Y5A1685.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/30\/242-9Y5A1685.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2815390,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/30\/242-9Y5A1685.jpg?itok=Htq6ezNF"}}},"media_ids":["679784"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/autoshow.gatech.edu","title":"Georgia Tech Auto Show"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"42921","name":"Exhibitions"}],"keywords":[{"id":"27881","name":"Georgia Tech auto show"},{"id":"38451","name":"georgia tech school of industrial design"},{"id":"168831","name":"College of Design"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689215":{"#nid":"689215","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Built for the Long Run ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs vice provost for Enrollment Management, Rick Clark develops strategies to expand access to Georgia Tech and help students find their path here. As an ultra trail runner, Clark understands that, while there may be twists and turns along the way, perseverance and a steady approach are vital when the path ahead seems daunting.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe started running as conditioning for soccer, but as he looked for new challenges, he discovered ultra trail running \u2014 any course longer than a traditional marathon. The longest race he\u2019s completed was a 60-mile trek in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, in a torrential downpour. Not concerned with the leaderboards, Clark says he runs to test his limits and reach new personal highs.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSometimes you find yourself far from the finish line, wondering if you can keep going, but that\u2019s when you know you really have to dig deep. In those moments, I put my hands on my knees, look at the ground, count to three, and go again. Eventually, you\u2019ll have this moment where one second you\u2019re wondering \u2018Why am I doing this?\u2019 or thinking you won\u2019t do it again, and then a day later you\u2019re looking at what races are coming up and asking yourself, \u2018What can I do next?\u2019\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether it\u2019s training for his next race or working toward Institute-wide goals \u2014 becoming a top university for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/06\/25\/georgia-tech-tops-princeton-reviews-best-value-list\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ereturn on investment\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.em.gatech.edu\/2025\/08\/18\/over-5400-undergraduates-join-georgia-tech\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eenrolling students\u003C\/a\u003E from all 159 Georgia counties, or expanding access through \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/07\/29\/georgia-tech-has-historic-fundraising-year\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eneed-based scholarships\u003C\/a\u003E \u2014 Clark is energized by the work that precedes the payoff and sees that mindset on the trail and at Tech.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhat I love about being at Georgia Tech is that nobody\u2019s satisfied with the status quo. Nobody is satisfied with what we\u2019ve done. There\u2019s always this ambition among our students, faculty, staff, and alumni to ask how we can get better.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EClark has worked in various roles during his 25 years in higher education, including more than 20 years at Tech. Noting the parallel between his work and his hobby, Clark says that neither running 60 miles nor paying off a \u2018\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/09\/04\/georgia-techs-big-bets-delivering-record-results\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ebig bet\u003C\/a\u003E\u2019 happens all at once, and that it\u2019s important to celebrate small victories along the way.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHigher education is an ultramarathon,\u201d he said. \u201cIn trail running, there are aid stations along the course. You might go miles between them, but when you reach an intersection, and there\u2019s a group willing to share a snack and a drink by the fire, that\u2019s a point to celebrate that you\u2019ve made it that far. And that\u2019s higher education, too. We keep the end goals in mind, but it\u2019s a long course, and you\u2019re never going to just sprint to the end.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EClark also stresses that both on the trail and on campus, nothing is achieved alone. He says that his support system \u2014 family, friends, and fellow trail runners \u2014 is with him every step of the way during races, and that same level of support and collaboration is also critical to shared success at Tech.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFinding time to train can be challenging, but having learned from his experience co-authoring a book\u0026nbsp; \u2014 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.press.jhu.edu\/books\/title\/53665\/truth-about-college-admission?srsltid=AfmBOormi34Lhxq0gtLxa2o04E7WUuNPc8yFCokvcQ4IOsIAEdLzDJgF\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Truth About College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E \u003C\/em\u003E\u2014 Clark takes any opportunity to fit a \u201ctherapeutic\u201d run into his daily schedule, even if it\u2019s at 4 a.m. or 11 p.m. Training and planning for any hurdle that may arise are what Clark says keeps him calm, even when adversity hits.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEven success can create new challenges, and with that comes some long days and tough decisions where you don\u2019t know if you\u2019re taking the right path. With trail running, you may end up a mile off course sometimes, and while that can be discouraging, you know it\u2019s a chance to trust your training, not lose your composure, stay resilient, and keep going until the end,\u201d Clark said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcceptance to Georgia Tech can feel like the beginning of a race, and Clark and the enrollment management team want to ensure that every student has the opportunity to run it.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe believe strongly in the idea that talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not, and that\u0027s what we\u0027re focused on: expanding that opportunity. For a student who has the ability, we need to be a place that gives them the chance to come here, and then support them when they are here, to ensure they can take advantage of all the resources Tech has to offer.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":" With the mindset of an ultra trail runner, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Rick Clark approaches his goals one step at a time.  "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWith the mindset of an ultra trail runner, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Rick Clark approaches his goals one step at a time.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":" With the mindset of an ultra trail runner, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Rick Clark approaches his goals one step at a time.  "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-03-27 13:58:36","changed_gmt":"2026-03-30 14:21:16","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-27T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-27T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679769":{"id":"679769","type":"video","title":"The Long Run \u2014 Jackets of All Trades: Rick Clark","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIn this episode of Jackets of All Trades, we meet Rick Clark, Georgia Tech\u2019s Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and an ultra\u2011trail marathon runner. From navigating grueling endurance races to guiding students through one of the most consequential decisions of their lives, Rick reflects on how perseverance, discipline, and long\u2011term vision inform both his personal passions and his professional purpose.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1774807533","gmt_created":"2026-03-29 18:05:33","changed":"1774807533","gmt_changed":"2026-03-29 18:05:33","video":{"youtube_id":"A9-yAdoc6qY","video_url":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/A9-yAdoc6qY?si=6bSL4YZl-Sxi8eJn"}},"679755":{"id":"679755","type":"image","title":"Rick Clark","body":"\u003Cp\u003EVice Provost for Enrollment Management Rick Clark participates in an ultramarathon. Submitted photo.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1774620056","gmt_created":"2026-03-27 14:00:56","changed":"1774620056","gmt_changed":"2026-03-27 14:00:56","alt":"Rick Clark","file":{"fid":"263954","name":"Screenshot-2026-03-25-at-6.02.24-PM.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/27\/Screenshot-2026-03-25-at-6.02.24-PM.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/27\/Screenshot-2026-03-25-at-6.02.24-PM.png","mime":"image\/png","size":1304898,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/27\/Screenshot-2026-03-25-at-6.02.24-PM.png?itok=f01lHREk"}}},"media_ids":["679769","679755"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"132","name":"Institute Leadership"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194316","name":"enrollment management"},{"id":"27271","name":"Rick Clark"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EStory Produced by \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:meavenson@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMicah Eavenson\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:julian.hills@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJulian Hills\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689023":{"#nid":"689023","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Bracketology Driven by Data ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETens of millions of brackets have been filled out ahead of the NCAA men\u2019s and women\u2019s basketball tournaments. Some fans will choose winners based on the higher seed, others will try to predict shocking upsets, and some may choose who advances based on which mascot would win a fight, but a Georgia Tech professor has his bracket down to a (data) science. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince 2004, Joel Sokol, director of the Master of Science in Analytics program and the Harold E. Smalley Professor in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, has used a pair of analytic methods \u2014 logistic regression and Markov chains (LRMC) \u2014 to determine the best teams in college basketball. This year, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www2.isye.gatech.edu\/~jsokol\/lrmcclassic\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESokol\u2019s LRMC rankings\u003C\/a\u003E project the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www2.isye.gatech.edu\/~jsokol\/profspicks\/profspicks26-c.pdf\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMichigan Wolverines to cut down the nets\u003C\/a\u003E at the end of the men\u2019s tournament and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www2.isye.gatech.edu\/~jsokol\/profspicksW\/profspicks26w-c.pdf\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EConnecticut Huskies as the last team standing in the women\u2019s field\u003C\/a\u003E. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe algorithm compares all 350-plus Division I basketball teams against each other simultaneously during the regular season and calculates probabilities based on simple data points \u2014 who won each game, by how much, and where it was played. When the madness of March begins, Sokol\u2019s bracket forgoes the seeds assigned to teams and fills out his bracket based on the LRMC rankings.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EModels used by the tournament selection committee \u2014 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ncaa.com\/news\/basketball-men\/article\/2022-12-05\/college-basketballs-net-rankings-explained\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENET\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ncaa.com\/news\/basketball-men\/article\/2022-02-09\/mens-college-basketball-rankings-what-kpi\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EKPI\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/kenpom.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EKenPom\u003C\/a\u003E \u2014 measure advanced metrics like strength of schedule, possession-by-possession efficiency, opponent quality, and more, but Sokol, with expertise in sports analytics and data science, says the LRMC shows the value of simple data and a large sample size.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe LRMC can hold its own against those models that are based on much more advanced metrics than just scoreboard data. They may look at all kinds of information, from efficiencies down to individual player performance, but the message really is that if you have a good set of simple data, that\u2019s enough if you know how to interpret it.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESokol compares his algorithm to nearly 100 other ranking systems and says the LRMC is often among the top performers, with the higher-ranked teams (in the LRMC rankings) winning approximately 75% of the time \u2014 a statistic that holds true in the NCAA Tournament. Sokol says that 25% of tournament games result in an upset. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor 2026, Sokol\u2019s projections predict that all eight No. 1 seeds \u2014 four in both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s tournaments \u2014 will reach the Final Four, but it\u2019s not always a guarantee that the highest seeds make it out of their respective regions. The inaugural LRMC rankings accurately predicted the No. 3-seeded Yellow Jackets\u2019 Final Four run in 2004 \u2014 one of the only predictive models to do so.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESokol got the idea to compile the LRMC rankings one year before Tech\u2019s run to the national championship game, when the Yellow Jackets were left out of the NCAA Tournament as a bubble team, largely because of a December buzzer-beater loss to Tennessee. Since the first set of rankings, machine learning and artificial intelligence have become more accessible, yet Sokol says ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs) aren\u2019t quite ready to handle the level of analysis required to shape the rankings.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThese LLMs are good at sounding good, but they\u0027re not so good at doing these complex quantitative tasks,\u201d he said. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUltimately, though, luck is often a stubbornly unquantifiable factor when filling out a bracket, no matter the formula used to make selections, and the odds of filling out a perfect bracket are all but \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ncaa.com\/news\/basketball-men\/bracketiq\/2026-02-18\/perfect-ncaa-bracket-absurd-odds-march-madness-dream\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ea statistical impossibility\u003C\/a\u003E. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"For two decades, a Georgia Tech professor has used simple data to track the best teams in college basketball and predict who will win the NCAA Tournament.   "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFor two decades, a Georgia Tech professor has used simple data to track the best teams in college basketball and predict who will win the NCAA Tournament. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"For two decades, a Georgia Tech professor has used simple data to track the best teams in college basketball and predict who will win the NCAA Tournament.   "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-03-18 20:24:38","changed_gmt":"2026-03-27 14:20:39","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679681":{"id":"679681","type":"image","title":"Joel Sokol","body":"\u003Cp\u003EJoel Sokol, director of the Master of Science in Analytics program and the Harold E. Smalley Professor in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773865550","gmt_created":"2026-03-18 20:25:50","changed":"1773865550","gmt_changed":"2026-03-18 20:25:50","alt":"Joel Sokol","file":{"fid":"263871","name":"12C3046-P1-001.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/12C3046-P1-001.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/12C3046-P1-001.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2410903,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/18\/12C3046-P1-001.jpg?itok=b7bFdqK3"}}},"media_ids":["679681"],"groups":[{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"62061","name":"March Madness"},{"id":"181299","name":"ncaa tournament"},{"id":"12204","name":"men\u0027s basketball"},{"id":"4811","name":"women\u0027s basketball"},{"id":"79951","name":"college basketball"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688969":{"#nid":"688969","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Turning Carbon Into Chemistry","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe building blocks of proteins, amino acids are essential for all living things. Twenty different amino acids build the thousands of proteins that carry out biological tasks. While some are made naturally in our bodies, others are absorbed through the food we eat.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAmino acids also play a critical role commercially where they are manufactured and added to pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, cosmetics, animal feeds, and industrial chemicals \u2014 an energy-intensive process leading to greenhouse gas emissions, resource consumption, and pollution.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EA landmark new system developed at Georgia Tech could lead to an alternative: a commercially scalable, environmentally sustainable method for amino acid production that is carbon negative, using more carbon than it emits.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe breakthrough builds on\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/new-carbon-negative-method-produce-essential-amino-acids\u0022\u003Ea method that the team pioneered\u003C\/a\u003E in 2024 and solves a key issue \u2013 increasing efficiency to an unprecedented 97% and reducing the bioprocess cost by over 40%.\u0026nbsp;It\u2019s\u0026nbsp;the highest reported conversion of CO2 equivalents into amino acids using any synthetic biology system to date.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EPublished in the journal\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EACS Synthetic Biology,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Ethe study, \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/10.1021\/acssynbio.5c00352\u0022\u003ECell-Free-Based Thermophilic Biocatalyst for the Synthesis of Amino Acids From One-Carbon Feedstocks\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d was led by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/catalog.gatech.edu\/programs\/bioengineering-phd\/\u0022\u003EBioengineering\u003C\/a\u003E Ph.D. student\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ERay Westenberg\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eand\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/peralta-yahya.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProfessor Pamela Peralta-Yahya\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, who holds joint appointments in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E. The team also included\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EShaafique Chowdhury\u003C\/strong\u003E (Ph.D. ChBE 25) and\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EKimberly Wennerholm\u003C\/strong\u003E (ChBE 23)\u003Cstrong\u003E;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ealongside\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.washington.edu\/\u0022\u003EUniversity of Washington\u003C\/a\u003E collaborators\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chainreaction.anl.gov\/ryan-cardiff\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERyan Cardiff\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, then a Ph.D. student and now a Chain Reaction Innovations Fellow at Argonne National Laboratory, and Charles W. H. Matthaei Endowed Professor in Chemical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cheme.washington.edu\/facultyfinder\/james-carothers\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJames M. Carothers\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E; in addition to\u0026nbsp;Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Synthetic Biology Team Leader\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pnnl.gov\/people\/alex-beliaev\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlexander S. Beliaev\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0022This work shifts the narrative from simply reducing carbon emissions to actually consuming them to create value,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;Peralta-Yahya.\u0026nbsp;\u201cWe are taking low-cost carbon sources and building essential ingredients in a truly carbon-negative process that is efficient, effective, and scalable.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeat-Loving Organisms\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe work builds on the cell-free technology the team used in their earlier study. \u201cPreviously, we discovered that a system that uses the machinery of cells, without using actual living cells, could be used to create amino acids from carbon dioxide,\u201d Peralta-Yahya explains. \u201cBut to create a commercially viable system, we needed to increase the system\u2019s efficiency and reduce the cost.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe team discovered that bits of leftover cells were consuming starting materials, and \u2014 like a machine with unnecessary gears or parts \u2014 this limited the system\u2019s efficiency. To optimize their \u201cmachine,\u201d the team would need to remove the extra background machinery.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0022Leftover cell parts were using key resources without helping produce the amino acids we were looking for,\u201d says Peralta-Yahya. \u201cWe knew that heating the system could be one way to purify it because heat can denature these components.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe challenge was in how to protect the essential system components from the high temperatures, she adds. \u201cWe wondered if introducing enzymes produced by a heat-loving bacterium,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EMoorella thermoacetica,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Emight protect our system, while still allowing us to denature and remove that inefficient background machinery.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe results were astounding: after introducing the enzymes, heating and \u201ccleaning\u201d the system, and letting it cool to room temperature, synthesis of the amino acids serine and glycine leaped to 97% yield \u2014 nearly three times that of the team\u2019s previous system.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScaling for Sustainability\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETo make the system viable for large-scale use, the team also needed to reduce costs. \u201cOne of the most costly components in this system is the cofactor tetrahydrofolate (THF),\u201d Peralta-Yahya shares. \u201cReducing the amount of THF needed to start the process was one way to make the system more inexpensive and ultimately more commercially viable.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBy linking reaction steps so waste from one step fueled the next, the team devised a method to recycle THF within the system that reduces the amount of THF needed by five-fold \u2014 lowering bioprocessing costs by 42%.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis decrease in cost and increase in yield is a critical step forward in creating a method with real potential for use in industry and manufacturing,\u201d Peralta-Yahya says. \u201cThis system could pave the way for moving this carbon-negative technology out of the lab and onto the continuous, industrial scale.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EFunding: The Advanced Research Project Agency-Energy (ARPA-E); U.S. Department of Energy; and the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research Program.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDOI: \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/acssynbio.5c00352\u0022 title=\u0022DOI URL\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/acssynbio.5c00352\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers have developed a breakthrough system to manufacture valuable amino acids. It\u2019s the most efficient system of its kind \u2014 and removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers have developed a breakthrough system to manufacture valuable amino acids. It\u2019s the most efficient system of its kind \u2014 and removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits."}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2026-03-17 16:04:13","changed_gmt":"2026-03-25 14:16:42","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-17T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-17T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679657":{"id":"679657","type":"image","title":"Amino Acids","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAn illustration of a chain of amino acids forming a protein (Credit: Adobe Stock)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773763467","gmt_created":"2026-03-17 16:04:27","changed":"1773763467","gmt_changed":"2026-03-17 16:04:27","alt":"Blue and orange spirals against a light blue background.","file":{"fid":"263840","name":"AdobeStock_421110334_Preview.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/17\/AdobeStock_421110334_Preview.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/17\/AdobeStock_421110334_Preview.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":483310,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/17\/AdobeStock_421110334_Preview.jpeg?itok=nVtDwueb"}}},"media_ids":["679657"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"},{"id":"660370","name":"Space"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"141","name":"Chemistry and Chemical Engineering"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"194685","name":"Manufacturing"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"192259","name":"cos-students"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"},{"id":"39491","name":"Renewable Bioproducts"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWritten by:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689114":{"#nid":"689114","#data":{"type":"news","title":"ATDC Startups Secure Rare  FDA \u2018Breakthrough Device\u2019 Status ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s\u0026nbsp;uncommon\u0026nbsp;for any startup to receive the Food and\u0026nbsp;Drug\u0026nbsp;Administration\u2019s\u202f(FDA) Breakthrough Devices\u202fdesignation.\u0026nbsp;For the\u0026nbsp;roughly 40%\u0026nbsp;of applicants who receive the designation, it\u0026nbsp;shows that\u0026nbsp;the technology has real potential to improve patient outcomes and should get priority attention from the agency.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atdc.org\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAdvanced Technology Development Center\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(ATDC)\u0026nbsp;in Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/commercialization.gatech.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EOffice of Commercialization\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003Eannounced two of its\u0026nbsp;health technology\u0026nbsp;(HealthTech) portfolio\u0026nbsp;companies,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nephrodite.com\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENephrodite\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.orthopreserve.com\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EOrthoPreserve\u003C\/a\u003E, earned\u0026nbsp;the designation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAchieving this rare milestone\u0026nbsp;underscores\u0026nbsp;the caliber of founders, science, and support in ATDC\u2019s\u0026nbsp;30-company\u0026nbsp;HealthTech\u0026nbsp;portfolio, the incubator\u2019s largest focus\u0026nbsp;area.\u0026nbsp;It\u2019s\u0026nbsp;also a\u0026nbsp;win for\u0026nbsp;Georgia\u0026nbsp;because it\u0026nbsp;reflects\u0026nbsp;the strength of the state\u2019s\u0026nbsp;health\u0026nbsp;innovation\u0026nbsp;ecosystem.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis designation is one of the strongest signals the FDA gives that\u0026nbsp;a technology\u0026nbsp;could change the\u0026nbsp;standard of care,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;Greg Jungles, HealthTech catalyst at\u0026nbsp;ATDC.\u0026nbsp;\u201cFor ATDC to\u0026nbsp;have two in the same year is remarkable.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe\u202fBreakthrough Device\u202fProgram\u0026nbsp;doesn\u2019t\u0026nbsp;waive evidence requirements, but it\u202faccelerates learning\u202fwith the FDA, ATDC\u2019s Jungles said. \u201cThat means shorter response times,\u202fmore frequent meetings, and\u202fprioritized review. Teams avoid dead ends and align earlier on study designs and endpoints.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor the founders\u0026nbsp;of both startups,\u0026nbsp;their technologies\u0026nbsp;come one step closer to moving their innovations to market.\u0026nbsp;Nephrodite\u2019s\u0026nbsp;technology\u0026nbsp;improves\u0026nbsp;the lives of dialysis\u0026nbsp;patients.\u0026nbsp;OrthoPreserve\u2019s\u0026nbsp;device addresses challenges faced by\u0026nbsp;those who suffer from chronic knee pain.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENephrodite: Advancing Continuous Artificial Kidney Technology\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDr. Nikhil\u0026nbsp;Shah\u0026nbsp;and Dr. Hiep Nguyen,\u0026nbsp;cofounders\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;Nephrodite, aim\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;improve\u0026nbsp;care for dialysis patients\u0026nbsp;with end-stage kidney disease\u0026nbsp;who need transplants. These patients\u0026nbsp;often\u0026nbsp;spend\u0026nbsp;three to four hours in a\u0026nbsp;dialysis\u0026nbsp;clinic\u0026nbsp;up to\u0026nbsp;three times a week. Being\u0026nbsp;tethered to stationary machines\u0026nbsp;with needles\u0026nbsp;drawing blood via arm grafts\u0026nbsp;complicates\u0026nbsp;everyday\u0026nbsp;activities\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;from work\u0026nbsp;tasks\u0026nbsp;to the ability to travel.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDialysis addresses chronic kidney disease, which means kidneys no longer work properly. The treatments filter out toxins,\u0026nbsp;waste, and other fluids in the blood. Kidney disease\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/kidney-disease\/ckd-facts\/index.html\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ecosts Medicare\u0026nbsp;$124.5 billion\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And those costs are expected to rise because of increasing rates of kidney failure and chronic kidney disease.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cDialysis, while lifesaving\u0026nbsp;when it was pioneered\u0026nbsp;in 1952, is incredibly burdensome,\u201d Shah said.\u0026nbsp;Besides being\u0026nbsp;a long process\u0026nbsp;that keeps the patient in a fixed location,\u0026nbsp;it\u2019s\u0026nbsp;physically tiring.\u0026nbsp;\u201cTaking out your blood\u0026nbsp;continually\u0026nbsp;many, many times over, and over the course of four hours\u0026nbsp;is the equivalent of running\u0026nbsp;the Boston Marathon, hitting the finish line, and then someone saying, \u2018You\u0027re not done;\u0026nbsp;go do\u0026nbsp;it again,\u2019\u0026nbsp;\u201d\u0026nbsp;he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA surgeon by training,\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;expertise\u0026nbsp;in transplantation and oncology, Shah\u0026nbsp;is also an adjunct associate professor\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing. He\u0026nbsp;worked with\u0026nbsp;Nguyen\u0026nbsp;to develop a\u0026nbsp;continuously\u0026nbsp;functioning mechanical artificial kidney, leading to\u0026nbsp;Nephrodite\u2019s\u0026nbsp;formation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;FDA\u2019s\u0026nbsp;breakthrough designation\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;its\u0026nbsp;artificial kidney\u0026nbsp;allows the company\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;pursue approvals to\u0026nbsp;begin tests in\u0026nbsp;human trials.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe company traces its beginnings to a German aerospace facility outside Munich,\u0026nbsp;where\u0026nbsp;Nguyen and\u0026nbsp;Shah\u0026nbsp;watched engineers\u0026nbsp;demonstrate\u0026nbsp;a pediatric artificial heart\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.berlinheart.com\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EBerlin Heart\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat\u2019s\u0026nbsp;how we got started,\u201d Shah said.\u0026nbsp;\u201cSeeing\u0026nbsp;an artificial heart that led us to\u0026nbsp;think about doing this for kidneys\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;because the kidney space has been largely ignored for 70 years.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBacked by a German federal grant,\u0026nbsp;Nephrodite\u0026nbsp;grew, moving from Germany to Boston, Massachusetts, then\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;Austin, Texas, before calling Atlanta home.\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;company joined\u0026nbsp;ATDC\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;tapped\u0026nbsp;into other Georgia Tech programs.\u0026nbsp;This\u0026nbsp;included\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/medtech.gatech.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECenter for MedTech Excellence\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;Nephrodite\u0026nbsp;also\u0026nbsp;drew on\u0026nbsp;student talent as\u0026nbsp;the researchers\u0026nbsp;quietly\u0026nbsp;worked\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;their\u0026nbsp;continuous mechanical artificial kidney.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENephrodite\u0026nbsp;began\u0026nbsp;interviewing\u0026nbsp;patients\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;find out what they wanted\u0026nbsp;the artificial kidney needed to solve.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey learned patients\u0026nbsp;want\u0026nbsp;the ability to be mobile.\u0026nbsp;Patients also\u0026nbsp;desire\u0026nbsp;an alternative\u0026nbsp;therapy to large needles being inserted into arm grafts\u0026nbsp;because the injection sites are prone to\u0026nbsp;infection\u0026nbsp;and the grafts can fail. In addition, the process\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;painful and disfiguring. Finally,\u0026nbsp;patients want\u0026nbsp;a quality of life\u0026nbsp;independent of\u0026nbsp;machines.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThose\u0026nbsp;quality-of-life\u0026nbsp;needs, especially being free and mobile,\u0026nbsp;were\u0026nbsp;absolutely universal,\u201d Shah said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENephrodite\u0026nbsp;began developing the technology to\u0026nbsp;build\u0026nbsp;its device\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;a filter surgically implanted in the pelvis area.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe developed an implant designed to run\u0026nbsp;constantly, connected to larger blood vessels\u0026nbsp;in the pelvis\u0026nbsp;to\u202favoid arm graft failures, and paired with an external interface that lets patients sleep at night while the system removes toxins and excess fluid,\u201d Shah\u0026nbsp;explained.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe device also has\u0026nbsp;built-in sensors, with\u0026nbsp;data uploaded to the cloud,\u0026nbsp;enabling\u0026nbsp;medical care teams\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;remotely\u0026nbsp;monitor\u0026nbsp;their patients\u0026nbsp;while freeing\u0026nbsp;patients from frequent\u0026nbsp;in-clinic\u0026nbsp;visits.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShah said\u0026nbsp;Nephrodite\u2019s\u0026nbsp;device\u0026nbsp;could restore everyday\u202findependence,\u0026nbsp;while potentially\u202flowering infection risk.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u0027s like having an actual kidney, but\u0026nbsp;without\u0026nbsp;all the issues\u0026nbsp;of an unhealthy one,\u201d Shah said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOrthoPreserve: Innovating a Minimally Invasive Meniscus Implant\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EOrthoPreserve\u2019s technology aims\u0026nbsp;to address issues\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;people have with their meniscus,\u0026nbsp;the C\u2011shaped piece of cartilage in a knee joint that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh bone and shin bone.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThough\u0026nbsp;patients undergo a now-routine surgery to address it,\u0026nbsp;incomplete recoveries are\u0026nbsp;also\u0026nbsp;common.\u0026nbsp;An estimated\u0026nbsp;quarter\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;patients\u202flater experience\u0026nbsp;recurring knee pain.\u0026nbsp;No FDA-approved implant\u202fcurrently exists for this population.\u0026nbsp;Now,\u0026nbsp;OrthoPreserveis developing a minimally invasive,\u202fartificial meniscus implant\u202fto\u202frestore cushioning,\u0026nbsp;relieve pain, and\u202fdelay\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;or even\u0026nbsp;prevent\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;knee replacement\u202ffor\u0026nbsp;some patients.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are a million meniscus\u0026nbsp;surgeries every year, and 25% of those patients still live with recurring pain,\u201d said Jonathan Schwartz,\u0026nbsp;OrthoPreserve\u2019s\u0026nbsp;founder and CEO.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPatients\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;face\u202fdaily pain\u202ffrom\u0026nbsp;ordinary activities, such as\u0026nbsp;prolonged\u0026nbsp;standing\u0026nbsp;or\u0026nbsp;walking\u0026nbsp;a dog. Other activities like\u0026nbsp;jogging and\u0026nbsp;recreational sports\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;trigger flares\u202fthat\u0026nbsp;can lead to\u0026nbsp;swelling and\u0026nbsp;prolonged\u0026nbsp;discomfort, Schwartz said.\u0026nbsp;\u201cThose patients have\u202fno\u0026nbsp;reliable\u0026nbsp;options today,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re building a minimally invasive implant to\u202frestore cushioning\u202fand help people get back to the activities they love.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrhoPreserve\u2019s\u0026nbsp;durable implant\u0026nbsp;restores cushioning, and it\u0026nbsp;could help people\u202freturn to normal activities\u0026nbsp;and\u202fdelay invasive knee replacement. Along with this comes\u0026nbsp;potential cost and recovery benefits for the healthcare\u0026nbsp;system.\u202f \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESchwartz\u202fcreated the implant as his\u202f\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/tech-alum-launches-meniscus-implant-startup\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech master\u2019s thesis\u003C\/a\u003E\u202fin the lab of\u202f\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/ku\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDavid Ku\u003C\/a\u003E\u202fin\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;Lawrence P. Huang Endowed Chair for Engineering Entrepreneurship and Regents\u0027 Professor\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. After industry experience,\u0026nbsp;Schwartz\u0026nbsp;returned to\u0026nbsp;further\u0026nbsp;develop\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;technology,\u0026nbsp;building on Georgia Tech\u2019s translational\u0026nbsp;expertise\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrthoPreserve\u0026nbsp;has completed\u202fmechanical testing and a successful\u202fstudy. The company\u0026nbsp;is raising a\u202f$2 million seed\u202fto complete validations and begin human trials, which Schwartz expects to start in\u0026nbsp;18 months.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe\u0026nbsp;FDA\u0026nbsp;breakthrough designation validates that nothing like this\u0026nbsp;technology\u0026nbsp;exists,\u0026nbsp;and that it has the potential to disrupt the standard of care,\u201d Schwartz\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;adding the\u0026nbsp;U.S.\u2019\u0026nbsp;market\u0026nbsp;opportunity\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;roughly\u0026nbsp;$1.5 billion. \u201cWe finally have a minimally invasive\u0026nbsp;option to bridge the gap between meniscus surgery and knee replacement.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat FDA Breakthrough Designation Means for\u0026nbsp;ATDC\u2019s\u0026nbsp;HealthTech Startups\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHaving a\u0026nbsp;faster\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;clearer path is a\u202fderisking milestone\u202ffor investors\u0026nbsp;who are\u0026nbsp;evaluating\u0026nbsp;capital intensive\u0026nbsp;medical\u0026nbsp;device\u0026nbsp;technologies,\u0026nbsp;Jungles\u0026nbsp;said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis\u0026nbsp;breakthrough device designation is a really big deal for medical\u0026nbsp;device companies,\u201d Jungles said, adding\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;startups often fear navigating the FDA\u0026nbsp;approval\u0026nbsp;process.\u0026nbsp;\u201cBut this designation\u0026nbsp;adds to the legitimacy of their technologies\u0026nbsp;and the problemsthey are solving. The designation will help them get to market faster, assuming their data continues to meet expectations.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EATDC launched its\u202f\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atdc.org\/industry\/healthtech\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EHealthTech vertical\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;in 2018,\u0026nbsp;which is\u0026nbsp;now\u0026nbsp;sponsored by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/catalyst.wellstar.org\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECatalyst by Wellstar\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;ATDC\u2019s HealthTech\u0026nbsp;portfoilo\u0026nbsp;companies\u0026nbsp;include\u0026nbsp;medical devices, biotech, and digital health, among other segments.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EATDC\u2019s Role in Accelerating HealthTech Innovation\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENephrodite\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;OrthoPreserve\u2019s\u0026nbsp;founders\u0026nbsp;noted\u0026nbsp;ATDC\u2019s\u202fcoaching\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;programming\u0026nbsp;as critical in navigating fundraising and regulatory milestones.\u0026nbsp;Another\u0026nbsp;factor, they said,\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;ATDC\u2019s\u0026nbsp;connection\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;labs and facilities\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;prototyping support and clinical advisors\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;across\u0026nbsp;metro\u0026nbsp;Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe meet with ATDC coaches every two to four weeks to troubleshoot and plan,\u201d Schwartz said. \u201cHaving that level of seasoned guidance, all\u0026nbsp;without consultant-level costs,\u0026nbsp;has been huge.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJungles added\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;two\u0026nbsp;Breakthrough device\u0026nbsp;designations in the same year\u0026nbsp;reflects\u0026nbsp;ATDC\u2019s selection rigor, noting\u0026nbsp;he\u2019s\u0026nbsp;evaluated hundreds of technologies since the HealthTech vertical launched.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt reflects the caliber\u0026nbsp;of the companies in\u0026nbsp;ATDC, specifically in the medical\u0026nbsp;device space,\u201d Jungles said. \u201cIt\u2019s the strength of their teams, the persistence of the founders, and the collaboration of the ecosystem in Georgia and Atlanta.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFDA Breakthrough Device designation is rare for health technology startups.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Milestone designation signals strong potential to reshape care for dialysis patients and those with chronic knee pain."}],"uid":"28137","created_gmt":"2026-03-20 21:15:57","changed_gmt":"2026-03-24 15:34:46","author":"P\u00e9ralte Paul","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-20T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-20T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679705":{"id":"679705","type":"image","title":"Shah and Nguyen headshots","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDr. Nikhil\u0026nbsp;Shah\u0026nbsp;and Dr. Hiep Nguyen,\u0026nbsp;are cofounders\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;Nephrodite, an ATDC startup.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1774043491","gmt_created":"2026-03-20 21:51:31","changed":"1774043761","gmt_changed":"2026-03-20 21:56:01","alt":"Shah and Nguyen headshots","file":{"fid":"263896","name":"Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-17.49.33.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/20\/Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-17.49.33.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/20\/Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-17.49.33.png","mime":"image\/png","size":289138,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/20\/Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-17.49.33.png?itok=tG6Q9aU1"}},"679703":{"id":"679703","type":"image","title":"Jonathan Schwartz headshot","body":"\u003Cp\u003EJonathan Schwartz,\u0026nbsp;OrthoPreserve\u2019s\u0026nbsp;founder and CEO.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1774042486","gmt_created":"2026-03-20 21:34:46","changed":"1774042827","gmt_changed":"2026-03-20 21:40:27","alt":"Headshot of Jonathan Schwartz.","file":{"fid":"263894","name":"J-schwartz-headshot_W.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/20\/J-schwartz-headshot_W.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/20\/J-schwartz-headshot_W.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":514027,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/20\/J-schwartz-headshot_W.jpg?itok=fyQrz_1r"}}},"media_ids":["679705","679703"],"groups":[{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"}],"keywords":[{"id":"4238","name":"atdc"},{"id":"194965","name":"Greg Jungles"},{"id":"194966","name":"Catalyst by Wellstar"},{"id":"14713","name":"FDA"},{"id":"189701","name":"breakthrough device designation"},{"id":"194967","name":"Nephrodite"},{"id":"194968","name":"OrthoPreserve"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"},{"id":"193654","name":"Enterprise Innovation Institute"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"},{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EP\u00e9ralte C. Paul\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:peralte@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eperalte@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E404.316.1210\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["peralte@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689026":{"#nid":"689026","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Film Production Brings Temporary Disruptions to Tech Square","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech will host a film production requiring intermittent pedestrian and vehicular traffic holds as well as parking lane closures near the Historic Academy of Medicine\u202fand the George Tower | Scheller Tower\u202fbeginning\u202fSunday, March 22, and lasting through Tuesday, March 24.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAffected areas include:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAcademy of Medicine exterior spaces, parking lot, and interior spaces.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGeorge Tower | Scheller Tower exterior spaces, adjacent parking lot, and first floor event space.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStreet parking closures on West Peachtree Street, Biltmore Place, and Fifth Street.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIntermittent pedestrian and vehicular traffic holds on Biltmore Place and Fifth Street (only on Monday, March 23).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese temporary disruptions will occur at varying times, but expect the greatest impact to occur between\u202f\u003Cstrong\u003E7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday, March 23.\u003C\/strong\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPlease plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time. Signage and security officers will be on-site to assist.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech will host a film production requiring\u003Cstrong\u003E\u202f\u003C\/strong\u003Eintermittent\u003Cstrong\u003E\u202f\u003C\/strong\u003Epedestrian and vehicular traffic holds as well as parking lane closures in Tech Square.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech will host a film production requiring\u202fintermittent\u202fpedestrian and vehicular traffic holds as well as parking lane closures in Tech Square."}],"uid":"27164","created_gmt":"2026-03-18 20:49:57","changed_gmt":"2026-03-23 16:15:51","author":"Rachael Pocklington","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679683":{"id":"679683","type":"image","title":"Film-Crew-at-Work.jpg","body":null,"created":"1773869694","gmt_created":"2026-03-18 21:34:54","changed":"1773869694","gmt_changed":"2026-03-18 21:34:54","alt":"Filming crew at work","file":{"fid":"263873","name":"Film-Crew-at-Work.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/Film-Crew-at-Work.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/Film-Crew-at-Work.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3103243,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/18\/Film-Crew-at-Work.jpg?itok=rQi4Icmr"}}},"media_ids":["679683"],"groups":[{"id":"64319","name":"Administration and Finance"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAdam Hardy\u003Cbr\u003EFilm Logistics Project Lead\u003Cbr\u003E404.862.9377\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["thardy40@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689007":{"#nid":"689007","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Mobile App Turns Phones into At-Home Fetal Heart Monitors","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA new mobile app will soon put the ability to monitor a baby\u2019s prenatal heartbeat in the hands of pregnant women who may worry about their baby\u2019s health in between doctor\u2019s visits.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudies show that one in five pregnant women experiences \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/perinatal-anxiety-one-in-five-women-experience-it-but-many-still-suffer-alone-before-or-after-childbirth-133667\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eperinatal anxiety\u003C\/a\u003E, which is characterized by intense negative thoughts about their pregnancy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDopFone turns any smartphone speaker into a Doppler radar by emitting a low-pitched ultrasound and detecting reflected signals of abdominal surface vibrations caused by a fetal heartbeat.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.alexandertadams.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlex Adams\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, an assistant professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing, said he came up with the idea for DopFone as he and his wife, Elise, experienced two miscarriages. At the time, she couldn\u2019t reliably measure the fetal heart rate with a standard fetal Doppler monitor.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThose experiences exposed gaps in the maternal healthcare process.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are a lot of great devices in hospitals and clinics, but there\u2019s not much outside of those venues, even for high-risk pregnancies,\u201d Adams said. \u201cThis is about filling the gaps between checkups.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.poojitagarg.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPoojita Garg\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E joined Adams to work on DopFone while completing her master\u2019s degree at Georgia Tech. She is now pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Washington and is co-advised by Professor Swetak Patel, who earned his Ph.D. from Georgia Tech in 2008.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGarg is working with the University of Washington School of Medicine to conduct DopFone\u2019s first clinical trials.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGarg tested DopFone on 23 patients and achieved a plus-minus of 4.9 beats per minute, well within the clinical standard range of eight beats per minute for reliable fetal heart rate measurement.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdams said it measured within two beats per minute in most cases, with an error rate of less than one percent.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAbout one million pregnancies in the U.S. end in miscarriage, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/medicine.yale.edu\/news-article\/dr-harvey-kliman-study-finds-the-placenta-holds-answers-to-many-unexplained-pregnancy-losses\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eaccording to a study from the Yale School of Medicine\u003C\/a\u003E, and doctors know little about what causes them. Adams said that number is probably higher because many go unreported.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdams and Garg said it\u2019s unclear whether the innovation could reduce the number of miscarriages. However, consistent fetal heart rate data collection outside of the doctor\u2019s office could provide a better idea of what happens leading up to a miscarriage.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFrom there, we can take preventative action,\u201d Adams said. \u201cIf nothing else, we can give a sense of comfort to those who may be worried.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExpanding Access\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile couples can purchase portable fetal heart rate monitors, Adams and Garg see DopFone as a low-cost alternative for those who live in areas with limited or inaccessible healthcare systems.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of potential for using it in what doctors like to call maternity deserts,\u201d Garg said. \u201cThese are areas where a pregnant person, at the time of delivery, would have to travel long distances to reach a hospital. This technology will be useful globally in underdeveloped areas of the world.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers also mentioned that external add-ons and attachments aren\u2019t part of their design goals. They prefer to rely on the phone\u2019s built-in features to keep the technology accessible.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe real value is that 96% of America already has the technology in their pocket, along with 60% of the world\u2019s population,\u201d Adams said. \u201cHalf of the battle is having the right tools. The more we can get from what\u2019s already in the phone, the more we can guarantee people have access to it.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENot a Substitute\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome patients may feel a constant need to check their unborn child\u2019s heart rate, and Garg acknowledged that a tool like DopFone could increase that anxiety. She and Adams said a future version of the app will tell the parent if the heart rate is within a healthy range.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of tradeoffs between a tool that could provide reassurance or create anxiety,\u201d she said. \u201cWe want the use of this tool to be recommended by a doctor and for doctors and their care teams to be kept in the loop.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe also said DopFone is not meant to replace anything that is done in a clinic.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are devices that make the whole process possible at home, but this is something that should be done in a clinic, so that\u2019s the line we want to draw,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EDopFone uses smartphone speakers to emit a low-pitched ultrasound that detects reflected signals of abdominal surface vibrations caused by fetal cardiac activity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.alexandertadams.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlex Adams\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, an assistant professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing, said he came up with the idea for DopFone as he and his wife, Elise, suffered through two miscarriages.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.poojitagarg.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPoojita Garg\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E joined Adams to work on DopFone while completing her master\u2019s at Georgia Tech. She is now pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Washington and is co-advised by Professor Swetak Patel, who earned his Ph.D. from Georgia Tech in 2008.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGarg is working with the University of Washington School of Medicine to conduct DopFone\u2019s first clinical trials.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGarg tested DopFone on 23 patients and achieved a plus-minus of 4.9 beats per minute, well within the clinical standard for reliable fetal heart rate measurement of plus-minus 8 beats per minute.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A new app will allow pregnant women to conduct an ultrasound and receive an accurate fetal heart rate from their mobile phones."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-03-18 13:23:19","changed_gmt":"2026-03-23 13:16:06","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679666":{"id":"679666","type":"image","title":"DopFone-PR-Photo-with-blur.jpg","body":null,"created":"1773840209","gmt_created":"2026-03-18 13:23:29","changed":"1773840209","gmt_changed":"2026-03-18 13:23:29","alt":"Woman holds mobile phone to the belly of a pregnant woman","file":{"fid":"263850","name":"DopFone-PR-Photo-with-blur.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/DopFone-PR-Photo-with-blur.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/DopFone-PR-Photo-with-blur.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":113510,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/18\/DopFone-PR-Photo-with-blur.jpg?itok=A5qhfUr7"}}},"media_ids":["679666"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"181431","name":"maternal"},{"id":"7677","name":"ultrasound"},{"id":"34741","name":"mobile app"},{"id":"29561","name":"pregnancy"},{"id":"190383","name":"pregnant women"},{"id":"168908","name":"smartphone"},{"id":"188420","name":"babies"},{"id":"178046","name":"fetal monitoring"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688900":{"#nid":"688900","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Institute Launches With Inaugural Symposium","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership will officially launch April 2-3 with a two-day symposium exploring how to best prepare current and future leaders to engage with the most pressing issues shaping society today and in the future. The symposium will explore how best to position Georgia Tech research to inform these debates.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn April 2, the event will feature a keynote dialogue at 10 a.m. in the Scholars Event Theater (Price Gilbert 1280) with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/robertpgeorge.com\/\u0022\u003ERobert George\u003C\/a\u003E, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cornelwest.com\/\u0022\u003ECornel West\u003C\/a\u003E, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary, followed by panel discussions designed to provide perspectives from a range of peer institutions. George and West are the authors of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Truth-Matters-Dialogue-Fruitful-Disagreement\/dp\/B0DBR1PYWL\u0022\u003ETruth Matters: A Dialogue on Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOther topics will include: informing public debate and leading at the intersection of technology and policy, and engaging students and faculty successfully in civic leadership and technology policy initiatives.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn April 3, the event will feature a panel of Georgia Tech leaders sharing their perspectives, followed by breakout sessions designed for Georgia Tech community members to share their feedback.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EExplore the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/events\/item\/688756\/perspectives-technology-civic-leadership-inaugural-symposium\u0022\u003Esymposium agenda\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_6x0B8PyUF9qj3Tg\u0022\u003Eregister\u003C\/a\u003E to attend a portion or all of the symposium.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership reflects Georgia Tech\u2019s commitment to educating leaders who create new possibilities at the intersection of technology and human flourishing and exploring ways for Georgia Tech scholarship and research to inform pressing societal issues and opportunities. It will draw on rigorous research to develop and support civic-minded, technological leaders and policy-aware innovators, equipping them to lead in a pluralistic democracy and an interconnected, innovation-driven world.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe new Institute will give students the chance to explore a broad range of ideas about how innovation shapes communities, the economy, and public life. It aims to be a place where people can exchange ideas freely, learn from one another and find common ground \u2014 all anchored in open debate, scientific inquiry and evidence-based problem-solving.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt will also serve as a hub for bringing together leaders from government, industry, academia and other sectors to tackle pressing challenges and pursue science- and data-driven solutions.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership will officially launch April 2-3 with a two-day symposium exploring how to best prepare current and future leaders to engage with the most pressing issues shaping society today and in the future.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership will officially launch April 2-3 with a two-day symposium exploring how to best prepare current and future leaders to engage with the most pressing issues shaping society today and in the future. "}],"uid":"36009","created_gmt":"2026-03-12 16:19:31","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 15:48:52","author":"cwhittle9","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-12T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-12T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679603":{"id":"679603","type":"image","title":"Institute-for-Technology-and-Civic-Leadership.jpg","body":null,"created":"1773332379","gmt_created":"2026-03-12 16:19:39","changed":"1773332379","gmt_changed":"2026-03-12 16:19:39","alt":"Robert George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, and Cornel West, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary","file":{"fid":"263783","name":"Institute-for-Technology-and-Civic-Leadership.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/12\/Institute-for-Technology-and-Civic-Leadership.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/12\/Institute-for-Technology-and-Civic-Leadership.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":782472,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/12\/Institute-for-Technology-and-Civic-Leadership.jpg?itok=ovOgy3eg"}}},"media_ids":["679603"],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMegan McRainey\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:megan.mcrainey@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Emegan.mcrainey@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688798":{"#nid":"688798","#data":{"type":"news","title":"$8.9 Million Approved for Georgia Forestry Innovation Initiative ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia\u2019s forest industry has long been a pillar of the state\u2019s rural economy. But in recent years, mill closures and shifting markets have put pressure on landowners, workers, and entire communities, particularly in south Georgia. A recently approved $8.9 million \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatrees.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Forestry-Task-Force-Report-FINAL.pdf\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Forestry Innovation Initiative\u003C\/a\u003E will help chart a new path forward, creating more value from Georgia\u2019s abundant forest resources and expanding opportunities for the people and regions depending on them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech is pleased to partner with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatrees.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Forestry Commission\u003C\/a\u003E on the approved $8.9 million Georgia Forestry Innovation Initiative included in Gov. Brian Kemp\u2019s amended FY 2026 budget. This effort aims to transform low-value wood and mill byproducts into high-value materials, strengthening Georgia\u2019s forest-based economy and supporting new commercial opportunities across the state. The initiative will establish pilot facilities and accelerate technology to business transfer in partnership with industry, with the long-term goal of enabling multiple manufacturing sites across Georgia.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe appreciate the state\u2019s investment in helping move these innovations from the lab to Georgia businesses,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/2863\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECarson Meredith\u003C\/a\u003E, executive director of Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/renewablebioproducts.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ERenewable Bioproducts Institute\u003C\/a\u003E (RBI). \u201cWe also acknowledge the critical support of industry collaborators and partners like the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gfagrow.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Forestry Association\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gffgrow.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Forestry Foundation\u003C\/a\u003E.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe work builds on collaborative interdisciplinary research at Georgia Tech involving \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chbe.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E Professors \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/andreas-bommarius\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAndreas Bommarius\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/christopher-luettgen\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChris Luettgen\u003C\/a\u003E and Meredith; \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/a\u003E Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/people\/stefan-france\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EStefan France\u003C\/a\u003E and Professor of the Practice \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/people\/anthony-j-bo-arduengo\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EA.J. \u201cBo\u201d Arduengo\u003C\/a\u003E; and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EH. Milton Stewart School of Industrial Systems and Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/valerie-thomas\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EValerie Thomas\u003C\/a\u003E. Gary Black, RBI program manager, has also contributed to this effort. It is led by RBI\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/rbi1.gatech.edu\/research\/center-for-renewables-based-economy-from-wood\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECenter for a Renewables-Based Economy from Wood\u003C\/a\u003E (ReWOOD.) The effort reflects years of cross-disciplinary collaboration among faculty and staff committed to advancing sustainable, wood-based technologies.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech is pleased to partner with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatrees.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Forestry Commission\u003C\/a\u003E on the approved $8.9 million Georgia Forestry Innovation Initiative included in Gov. Brian Kemp\u2019s amended FY 2026 budget. This effort aims to transform low-value wood and mill byproducts into high-value materials, strengthening Georgia\u2019s forest-based economy and supporting new commercial opportunities across the state.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech is pleased to partner with the Georgia Forestry Commission on the approved $8.9 million Georgia Forestry Innovation Initiative included in Gov. Brian Kemp\u2019s amended FY 2026 budget. "}],"uid":"36757","created_gmt":"2026-03-06 17:18:30","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 13:02:58","author":"ychernet3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-10T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-10T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679569":{"id":"679569","type":"image","title":"georgia-forest.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech is pleased to partner with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatrees.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Forestry Commission\u003C\/a\u003E on the approved $8.9 million Georgia Forestry Innovation Initiative included in Gov. Brian Kemp\u2019s amended FY 2026 budget.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773166846","gmt_created":"2026-03-10 18:20:46","changed":"1773166846","gmt_changed":"2026-03-10 18:20:46","alt":"Tall pine trees in a sunlit forest with dense green grasses and undergrowth covering the forest floor.","file":{"fid":"263745","name":"georgia-forest.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/10\/georgia-forest.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/10\/georgia-forest.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1769985,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/10\/georgia-forest.jpeg?itok=tKeLvrC4"}}},"media_ids":["679569"],"groups":[{"id":"372221","name":"Renewable Bioproducts Institute (RBI)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39491","name":"Renewable Bioproducts"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EJennifer Martin\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jennifer.martin@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ejennifer.martin@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688806":{"#nid":"688806","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Effective Carbon Removal Requires Transparency, Says New Georgia Tech Research","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECarbon dioxide continues to push global temperatures toward dangerous thresholds that affect everything from public health to economies. To mitigate these effects, researchers are looking into carbon removal methods such as direct air capture machines that can chemically bind with carbon or simple ecological strategies like adding trees to unwooded areas. These approaches could potentially supplement the decarbonization of transport, industry, and the energy system.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut as carbon removal grows, so does a core problem: The carbon removal industry is largely unregulated, particularly for more novel technologies without long-standing norms around reporting and verification. In today\u2019s \u201cvoluntary carbon market,\u201d a private company can claim it removed a certain amount of carbon, list that amount for sale, and allow another company to buy it to offset its emissions \u2014 with little independent oversight or transparency.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA new \u003Cem\u003ENature NPJ Climate Action\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s44168-025-00324-4#additional-information\u0022\u003Earticle\u003C\/a\u003E argues that this system isn\u2019t enough to meet global climate goals, and could even end up causing harm. In the paper, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/chris-reinhard\u0022\u003EChris Reinhard\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;Georgia Power Chair and associate professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E, and Noah Planavsky of the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture call for a fundamental shift: Carbon removal should be quantifiable, economically viable, and pursued in ways that create benefits for local communities \u2014 and greater transparency in carbon removal practice is necessary.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe argue that it\u2019s important to understand and quantify carbon removal practices that can benefit local communities, like better crop yields, and that this understanding is really only possible if these practices are pursued transparently,\u201d Reinhard said. \u201cThe data used to quantify carbon removal and how much it costs need to be transparent \u2014 the surest route toward learning what works and building public trust in carbon removal as a solution.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETransparency Trouble\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EReinhard and Planavsky bring a unique technical and policy perspective to the issue. As geochemists, they study how Earth\u2019s chemical composition and geological processes control the carbon cycle. Reinhard also co-founded a carbon removal startup he has since divested from. That insider experience and academic background helped them see the disconnect between what\u2019s technologically possible and what market logic culturally or commercially incentivizes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToday\u2019s carbon removal startups often guard their methods and data as proprietary intellectual property. Without regulatory requirements or pressure from corporate carbon buyers, these startups have little reason to disclose carbon accounting practices, cost structures, or actual long-term impacts. The researchers argue that policy guidance and advocacy are needed to shift the industry toward meaningful openness.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur expertise is most firmly grounded in the technical dimensions of these carbon removal processes,\u201d Reinhard said, \u201cbut we saw an opportunity here to push for better policy and start this dialogue about what transparency really means, in part to foster more public debate about what carbon removal ought to be doing for society.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommunity Beyond Carbon\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe authors also stress that carbon removal should deliver benefits beyond atmospheric cleanup that communities can see and advocate for. For example, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/farming-future-planet-how-liming-could-be-key-carbon-removal\u0022\u003Eliming\u003C\/a\u003E, or adding limestone to soil, can remove carbon while also improving crop yields and reducing erosion. Coastal ecosystem\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/feature\/fixing-flooding\u0022\u003Erestoration\u003C\/a\u003E can\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/mitigating-climate-change-through-restoration-coastal-ecosystems\u0022\u003Esequester carbon\u003C\/a\u003E while strengthening shorelines and supporting fisheries. Georgia Tech\u2019s own\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/feature\/direct-air-capture\u0022\u003Edirect air capture work\u003C\/a\u003E builds community engagement into the process to ensure that carbon removal is equitable.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EReinhard and Planavsky say the next best step for the carbon removal industry is to identify which removal pathways offer the clearest benefits, what they cost, and where transparency gaps are most damaging. This foundation will help create policies that make carbon removal reliable, verifiable, and community-centered.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWithout oversight, they argue, carbon removal risks remaining a niche, market-defined practice \u2014 when the climate challenge demands a trusted, scalable, and democratically governed solution.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECITATION: Reinhard, C.T., Planavsky, N.J. The importance of radical transparency for responsible carbon dioxide removal. \u003Cem\u003Enpj Clim. Action\u003C\/em\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003E5\u003C\/strong\u003E, 7 (2026). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s44168-025-00324-4\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe researchers suggest that carbon removal can have clear benefits on the road to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but it needs more oversight to be responsibly adopted at large scales.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The researchers suggest that carbon removal can have clear benefits on the road to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but it needs more oversight to be responsibly adopted at large scales."}],"uid":"34541","created_gmt":"2026-03-09 13:52:38","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 13:01:54","author":"Tess Malone","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679553":{"id":"679553","type":"image","title":"Smole Stack from Adobe","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAdobeStock_480044761\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773075283","gmt_created":"2026-03-09 16:54:43","changed":"1773075368","gmt_changed":"2026-03-09 16:56:08","alt":"Smoke stack billowing smke","file":{"fid":"263728","name":"smoke-stack-adobeimage.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/09\/smoke-stack-adobeimage.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/09\/smoke-stack-adobeimage.png","mime":"image\/png","size":726512,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/09\/smoke-stack-adobeimage.png?itok=gzc0xV-8"}}},"media_ids":["679553"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:tess.malone@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ETess Malone\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Research Writer\/Editor\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688556":{"#nid":"688556","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Space Startups Take Off at Georgia Tech","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s faculty startup engine\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/quadrant-i.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EQuadrant-i\u003C\/a\u003E, together with the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/space.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESpace Research Institute\u003C\/a\u003E (SRI), launched the first cohort of the CreationsVC Space Fellows Program. Funded by space technology venture capital firm\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/creations.vc\/\u0022\u003ECreationsVC\u003C\/a\u003E, the program enables faculty to explore promising early-stage innovations and their potential for future commercial impact.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis first set of CreationsVC Fellows offers an exciting cross-section of innovative hardware and software technologies built on Georgia Tech\u2019s legacy of space exploration, hardware development, and product commercialization,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/w-jud-ready\u0022\u003EJud Ready\u003C\/a\u003E, SRI executive director.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the first year of the three-year program, CreationsVC provides $125,000 to promote and accelerate innovations that have both space and terrestrial applications. The series offers participants training focused on customer discovery, engaging and compelling storytelling, value proposition design and quantification, and lean\/agile project\/product management.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCreationsVC is centered on a deep appreciation for innovation and big thinking,\u201d said Steve Braverman, co-founder and managing partner of CreationsVC. \u201cWe felt this was the right time to align our efforts in sourcing and supporting dual-value technologies that will have an impact on both Earth and space.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe six startups tackle real-world space research problems like supply chain management, how artificial intelligence works in space, and navigation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are excited CreationsVC is providing us with an opportunity to try new approaches to accelerate deep tech development,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/jonathan-goldman\u0022\u003EJonathan Goldman\u003C\/a\u003E, Quadrant-i\u2019s director.\u0026nbsp;\u201cThese are the toughest kinds of startups to build, and we look forward to the learning we will gain from forcing our innovators out of their comfort zones to embrace some new and valuable skills.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMeet the cohort:\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECompany: \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cimtech.ai\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECIMTech.ai\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFounders:\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/shimeng-yu\u0022\u003EShimeng Yu\u003C\/a\u003E, James Read\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool:\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (ECE)\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObjective: \u003C\/strong\u003ETo develop energy-efficient, radiation-tolerant artificial intelligence processors using a persistent type of ferroelectric memory. The startup aims to improve applications requiring high power efficiency, such as battery-powered devices and space-based systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Q-i: \u201c\u003C\/strong\u003EThe advantage of Q-i is in helping technical founders turn their research into products that solve customers\u2019 problems,\u201d noted James Read. \u201cFor us, that means talking with potential customers and hearing their pain points directly from the source. Now we\u2019re use that information to build a convincing narrative around our startup\u2019s value for stakeholders and investors.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECompany: SkyCT\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFounders\u003C\/strong\u003E: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/directory\/morris-b-cohen\u0022\u003EMorris Cohen,\u003C\/a\u003E Matthew Strong\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool:\u003C\/strong\u003E ECE\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObjective:\u003C\/strong\u003E To provide\u0026nbsp;up-to-date mapping of the electrical properties of the upper atmosphere, with applications to GPS-free navigation, long-range communication, and satellite and launch vehicle viability.\u0026nbsp;The startup uses the radio energy released by lightning strikes to create this map.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Q-i: \u003C\/strong\u003E\u201cThis weird region about 50 miles up from Earth\u2019s surface is both really hard to track and measure, and also impacts a surprising array of applications,\u201d said Cohen. \u201cIt\u2019s sometimes called the `ignorosphere\u2019 because of how difficult it is to measure, and it\u2019s time we change that.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECompany: Penumbra Autonomy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFounders:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/panagiotis-tsiotras\u0022\u003EPanagiotis Tsiotras,\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jdflorez\/\u0022\u003EJuan Diego Florez-Castillo\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/iasonvelentzas\/\u0022\u003EIason Velentzas\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EDaniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (AE)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObjective:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003ETo commercialize algorithms that help spacecraft maneuver when they have limited information on their environment. The algorithms use state-of-the-art computer vision and localization techniques. This could benefit manufacturing, assembly, and refueling in orbit, as well as enable monitoring, situational awareness, and debris removal.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Q-i: \u003C\/strong\u003E\u201cThe program offers a conduit to entrepreneurship opportunities and spinoff companies in the space domain by providing guidance and commercialization \u2018know-how,\u2019\u201d said Panagiotis\u0026nbsp;Tsiotras.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECompany: TerraMorph\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFounders:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/yashwanth-kumar-nakka\u0022\u003EYashwanth Kumar Nakka\u003C\/a\u003E, Sadhana Kumar, Vincent Griffo, Sachin Kelkar\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool:\u003C\/strong\u003E AE\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObjective:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;To create an autonomous rover platform with adaptive, reconfigurable mobility. The rover will implement software and sensing algorithms to automatically detect terrain type and improve traction and energy usage. This could be used on the moon or Mars, or even terrestrial search and rescue.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Q-i: \u003C\/strong\u003E\u201cTerraMorph\u0026nbsp;was developed to address fundamental challenges in mobility and autonomy across uncertain\u0026nbsp;terrain, \u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;successfully translating that work into impact requires creative guidance, critical feedback, and experienced perspectives beyond the lab,\u201d said Yashwanth Kumar Nakka. \u201cQ-i\u2019s culture of leading by example and fostering strong, ethical teams aligns closely with how we want to build\u0026nbsp;TerraMorph: iteratively, thoughtfully, and with a focus on real-world deployment.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECompany: \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/openwerks.org\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOpenWerks\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFounders:\u003C\/strong\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/shreyes-melkote\u0022\u003EShreyes Melkote\u003C\/a\u003E, Mike Yan\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObjective:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;To deliver real-time manufacturing supply chain visibility for the space and national security industries. OpenWerks technology aims to dramatically reduce current sourcing cycles from eight months down to weeks by connecting corporate buyers directly with verified supplier manufacturing capability and capacity data.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Q-i:\u003C\/strong\u003E \u201cFrom the very beginning, principals at VentureLab and\u0026nbsp; Q-i offered a clear pathway to translate academic research into a viable business,\u201d said Mike Yan. \u201cTheir reputation for guiding Georgia Tech startups through both business and technology derisking, combined with their comprehensive ecosystem of programs and coaches, made them the natural partner for our entrepreneurial journey.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECompany: \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.8seven8.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E8Seven8\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFounders:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/chandra-raman\u0022\u003EChandra Raman\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObjective:\u003C\/strong\u003E To manufacture quantum hardware in Georgia. 8Seven8 aims to put high-precision atomic clocks and gyroscopes on a chip for applications ranging from aircraft navigation to industrial automation. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Q-i:\u003C\/strong\u003E \u201cThey have mentored me and my students through the commercialization process, providing opportunities such as the Space Fellows Cohort,\u201d Chandra Raman said. \u201cOne of my former students, Alexandra Crawford, gained valuable business experience through a Q-i entrepreneur\u2019s assistantship, and is now working at 8Seven8 full-time. They have also guided me through the process of obtaining funding through the Georgia Research Alliance for our commercialization effort.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThese six faculty- and student-led startups will tackle space innovations with terrestrial applications.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"These six faculty- and student-led startups will tackle space innovations with terrestrial applications. "}],"uid":"34541","created_gmt":"2026-02-26 20:51:28","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 13:01:10","author":"Tess Malone","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-26T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-26T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679462":{"id":"679462","type":"image","title":"Nasa.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPhoto courtesy of NASA\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1772139109","gmt_created":"2026-02-26 20:51:49","changed":"1772139109","gmt_changed":"2026-02-26 20:51:49","alt":"Northrop Grumman\u0027s Cygnus XL cargo craft approaches the International Space Station","file":{"fid":"263626","name":"Nasa.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/26\/Nasa.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/26\/Nasa.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":315029,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/26\/Nasa.jpg?itok=Nz3pjuAT"}}},"media_ids":["679462"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"},{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"194610","name":"National Interests\/National Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"},{"id":"193657","name":"Space Research Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:tess.malone@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ETess Malone\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Research Writer\/Editor\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685934":{"#nid":"685934","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Foreign Policy Research Institute and Georgia Tech Announce a Collaboration to Publish the \u0027Orbis Journal of World Affairs\u0027","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.fpri.org\/\u0022\u003EForeign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)\u003C\/a\u003E and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/inta.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022\u003ESam Nunn School of International Affairs\u003C\/a\u003E at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) announce the relaunch of the \u003Cem\u003EOrbis Journal of World Affairs.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFirst published in 1957, \u003Cem\u003EOrbis \u003C\/em\u003Ewas conceived as a forum for policymakers, scholars, and the informed public to publish scholarly articles focused on geopolitics, foreign affairs, and global security. The journal has featured work by notable authors such as Ian Brzezinski, Ash Carter, Elbridge Colby, William R. Van Cleave, Robert Kaplan, Albert Wohlstetter, and Dov Zakheim, and has been a critical resource for policymakers and professors for more than five decades.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver half a century later, the FPRI-Nunn School collaboration will continue the mission of the journal\u2019s first editor, Robert Strausz-Hup\u00e9. Hup\u00e9 believed that the contours of global affairs would be shaped both by geopolitical competition and technological change.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EOrbis\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Ewill continue to deliver informative and insightful articles and podcasts about foreign policy, national security, and geopolitics, with a particular focus on how emerging technologies are reshaping these fields.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EOrbis \u003C\/em\u003Ewill adopt an innovative new format that features both peer-reviewed scholarly research and contributions from policymakers and practitioners. The unique partnership between FPRI and the Nunn School, combining a blend of rigorous academic scholarship with timely policy insight, promises to explore the most pressing issues in international affairs from multiple perspectives.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAll future \u003Cem\u003EOrbis \u003C\/em\u003Earticles and archives will be available for all readers on a new website. The journal will continue to be published in a digital quarterly format, with the articles published online as soon as they have been edited and cleared for publication. The website will also feature a bimonthly podcast series, and both FPRI and the Nunn School will host thematic virtual and in-person events.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe editorial team will be headed by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.fpri.org\/contributor\/nikolas-gvosdev-2\/\u0022\u003ENikolas Gvosdev,\u003C\/a\u003E senior fellow at FPRI and the Captain Jerome E. Levy Chair in Economic Geography and National Security at the U.S. Naval War College, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/inta.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/lawrence-rubin\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022\u003ELawrence Rubin\u003C\/a\u003E, co-director of the Georgia Tech DC Program: Pathways to Policy and an associate professor in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI am delighted that FPRI and the Nunn School will join together in this partnership for a relaunch of \u003Cem\u003EOrbis\u003C\/em\u003E, and to renew Strauz-Hup\u00e9\u2019s mandate for a journal that \u2018will curate the most insightful articles that examine the issues that affect global security.\u2019 The 2021 special issue of Orbis dedicated to \u2018Emerging Technology and National Security\u2019\u003Cem\u003E \u003C\/em\u003Ewhich Larry served as guest editor \u2014 which was one of the most widely-read and cited issues of the journal in recent years \u2014 shows the potential of this partnership for the future of \u003Cem\u003EOrbis,\u003C\/em\u003E\u201d said Gvosdev.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are thrilled that after years of planning we will see these important efforts come to fruition. This partnership is about our commitment to demonstrating that both policy and academic partnership can be mutually beneficial,\u201d added Rubin.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u201cOrbis \u003C\/em\u003Ehas been at the forefront of geopolitical debate and discussion since 1957. I can\u2019t wait to take it from behind a paywall and to make it available to all our readers. And to really focus on bridging the divide between academia and policy,\u201d said Aaron Stein, president of FPRI.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdam N. Stulberg, Sam Nunn School Chair and professor, echoed the excitement surrounding this new partnership.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt marks a concerted effort not only at bridging gaps but at keeping pace with today\u2019s rapidly changing international landscape. With the rejuvenated \u003Cem\u003EOrbis\u003C\/em\u003E and accessible online formats, we aim to establish an uncommon dynamic forum where scholars, technical experts, and practitioners can engage different perspectives and distill insight into underlying drivers and strategic implications presented by emerging technologies and other contemporary problem-sets that confront U.S. national and international security.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe\u003Cem\u003E Orbis Journal of World Affairs\u003C\/em\u003E is set to relaunch in Spring 2026. To be the first to know about new content, be sure to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.fpri.org\/subscribe\/\u0022\u003Esubscribe \u003C\/a\u003Eto FPRI\u2019s mailing list.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout the Foreign Policy Research Institute\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Foreign Policy Research Institute is a nonpartisan Philadelphia-based think tank dedicated to producing the highest quality scholarship and nonpartisan policy analysis focused on crucial foreign policy and national security challenges facing the United States. FPRI educates those who make and influence policy, as well as the public at large, through the lens of history, geography, and culture. For more information, visit fpri.org.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFounded in 1990, the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology is dedicated to educating the next generation of scholars and practitioners on diverse approaches to tackling real-world problems to advance the global human condition. As one of the first professional schools of international affairs situated at major technological institute, we provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary, multi-method, and flexible undergraduate and graduate social science programming at the nexus of science and technology, with special attention to strategic, political economy, and comparative political perspectives on international security, global development, and governance.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EA version of this story \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.fpri.org\/news\/2025\/10\/foreign-policy-research-institute-and-georgia-tech-announce-a-collaboration-to-publish-the-orbis-journal-of-world-affairs\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Efirst appeared\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E on the FPRI website.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.fpri.org\/\u0022\u003EForeign Policy Research Institute\u003C\/a\u003E and Georgia Tech\u0027s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/inta.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022\u003ESam Nunn School of International Affairs\u003C\/a\u003E announce the relaunch of the \u003Cem\u003EOrbis Journal of World Affairs.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Foreign Policy Research Institute and Georgia Tech\u0027s Sam Nunn School of International Affairs announce the relaunch of the \u0022Orbis Journal of World Affairs.\u0022"}],"uid":"36009","created_gmt":"2025-10-22 19:39:46","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:57:55","author":"cwhittle9","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-22T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-22T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678430":{"id":"678430","type":"image","title":"inta-journal.png","body":null,"created":"1761161996","gmt_created":"2025-10-22 19:39:56","changed":"1761161996","gmt_changed":"2025-10-22 19:39:56","alt":"Rendering of a globe with the FPRI and INTA logos.","file":{"fid":"262453","name":"inta-journal.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/22\/inta-journal.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/22\/inta-journal.png","mime":"image\/png","size":3127675,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/22\/inta-journal.png?itok=hWuiclQa"}}},"media_ids":["678430"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.fpri.org\/news\/2025\/10\/foreign-policy-research-institute-and-georgia-tech-announce-a-collaboration-to-publish-the-orbis-journal-of-world-affairs\/","title":"Read This Article on FPRI.org"}],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1285","name":"Sam Nunn School of International Affairs"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMegan McRainey\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:megan.mcrainey@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Emegan.mcrainey@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685842":{"#nid":"685842","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Georgia Tech Report Shows State Has Significantly Cut Emissions Amid Economic Expansion","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia has made major progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the past two decades, even as its economy more than doubled and its population added nearly 2.5 million people, according to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/info.drawdownga.org\/sign-up-now-to-receive-drawdown-georgias-statewide-emissions-report\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ea new report\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;from the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cepl.gatech.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EClimate and Energy Policy Laboratory\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;at Georgia Tech\u2019s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/drawdownga.org\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDrawdown Georgia\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe report shows that between 2005 and 2024, statewide emissions fell by 33% while the carbon intensity of Georgia\u2019s economy dropped by more than two-thirds.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe carbon intensity of the economy is a way of measuring the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced per dollar of Gross Domestic Product. A lower carbon intensity indicates a greener economy, signifying progress in decoupling economic growth from the creation of carbon emissions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENet emissions fell from 141 megatons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2005 to 92 megatons in 2024. Over the same period, Georgia\u2019s gross domestic product surged from $389 billion to $883 billion, a 127% increase. The average carbon footprint per person declined by nearly half, from 15.8 to 8.2 metric tons per capita.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis demonstrates that climate solutions and economic growth can go hand in hand,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/marilyn-a-brown\u0022\u003EMarilyn A. Brown\u003C\/a\u003E, Regents\u0027 Professor and Brook Byers Professor of Sustainable Systems in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\u0022\u003ECarter School\u003C\/a\u003E and lead author of the report. \u201cBy transforming our electricity system, improving efficiency, and harnessing the power of our forests and wetlands, Georgia has achieved steep emissions cuts while building one of the fastest-growing economies in the country. To stay on this path, we must now turn more attention to transportation, natural gas use, and agriculture.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe report, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/info.drawdownga.org\/sign-up-now-to-receive-drawdown-georgias-statewide-emissions-report\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Peak to Progress: Shrinking the Carbon Intensity of Georgia\u2019s Economy and Society\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cem\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Ehighlights sector-by-sector trends:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EElectricity:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Retiring more than 5,000 megawatts of coal-fired power and adding 5,000 megawatts of solar capacity helped cut emissions from the grid by more than half \u2014 improving both air quality and public health.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELand Sinks:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Georgia\u2019s 22 million acres of forests and coastal wetlands offset nearly 27% of the state\u2019s emissions each year, making the state a national leader in natural carbon sequestration.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETransportation:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Now the largest source of emissions in Georgia, transportation produced nearly 60 megatons of CO2 equivalent in 2024. Freight growth and diesel fuel use remain major challenges, even as electric vehicle adoption has increased.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuildings \u0026amp; Industry:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Cleaner electricity reduced emissions from homes and businesses, but rising direct use of natural gas has slowed progress.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAgriculture:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Emissions have held steady overall, with reductions from improved soil management practices offset by increases in emissions from energy use and manure management.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJohn A. Lanier, executive director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and a founding partner of Drawdown Georgia, said the findings show what is possible when Georgia embraces climate solutions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia has proven that reducing emissions strengthens our economy, creates jobs, and spurs technological innovation. Continuing this momentum and remaining a leader for the South in delivering climate solutions that benefit our environment, our health, and our communities requires intention and political will \u2013 I hope we will make the right choices to keep moving forward,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWilliam Drummond, associate professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of City and Regional Planning, and contributor to the report, emphasized the importance of continued monitoring to understand the trends.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/drawdownga.org\/tracker\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGreenhouse Gas Emissions Tracker\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eallows us to see where progress is being made and where challenges remain,\u201d he said. \u201cThis kind of data is essential for policymakers, businesses, and communities to make informed decisions about the future of our state.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EA version of this story \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/info.drawdownga.org\/georgia-reduces-carbon-intensity-of-its-economy\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Efirst appeared\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E on the Drawdown Georgia website.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe research was led by Carter School Regents\u0027 Professor Marilyn A. Brown\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The research was led by Carter School Regents\u0027 Professor Marilyn A. Brown"}],"uid":"34600","created_gmt":"2025-10-20 17:34:53","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:57:43","author":"mpearson34","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-20T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-20T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678392":{"id":"678392","type":"image","title":"solar-panels.jpg","body":null,"created":"1760981700","gmt_created":"2025-10-20 17:35:00","changed":"1760981700","gmt_changed":"2025-10-20 17:35:00","alt":"\u0022\u0022","file":{"fid":"262412","name":"solar-panels.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/20\/solar-panels.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/20\/solar-panels.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1114684,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/20\/solar-panels.jpg?itok=_UdaA9Hx"}}},"media_ids":["678392"],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1289","name":"School of Public Policy"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:michael.pearson@iac.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EMichael Pearson\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["michael.pearson@iac.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686311":{"#nid":"686311","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech\u2019s French Program Joins National Network of Centers of Excellence","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudents studying French at Georgia Tech now have another reason to be proud of their hard work. The French program in the School of Modern Languages has been designated a member of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/villa-albertine.org\/frenchculture\/frenchcultures\/centers-of-excellence-university-network\/\u0022\u003ECenters of Excellence University Network\u003C\/a\u003E by Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis prestigious recognition places Georgia Tech\u2019s French program among 28 elite programs in the U.S., including those at Brown, Cornell, Harvard, and MIT. It highlights the program\u2019s distinctive approach to French and Francophone studies, which bridges language, literature, culture, technology, and sustainability.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are dedicated to offering Georgia Tech students outstanding instruction and opportunities in French and Francophone studies,\u201d said St\u00e9phanie Boulard, professor and director of the French Program at Georgia Tech who applied for the designation with Villa Albertine. \u201cThe Centers of Excellence Network opens up exciting new opportunities for our students.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough this new partnership, students can look forward to expanded exchange programs, collaborative projects with French universities, and access to research and cultural events organized by Villa Albertine. \u201cWe are eager to collaborate with other Centers of Excellence across the country,\u201d added \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/stephanie-boulard\u0022\u003EBoulard\u003C\/a\u003E, \u201cand to build connections that will enrich our students\u2019 global education.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVilla Albertine, a division of the French Embassy in the U.S., is dedicated to promoting and supporting French and Francophone studies on American campuses through a multidisciplinary lens that embraces the social sciences, humanities, and arts. With cultural offices in cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, Villa Albertine supports transatlantic research, artistic residencies, and public dialogues that foster cultural exchange and intellectual collaboration.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVilla Albertine\u2019s Centers of Excellence in the United States partner with higher education institutions in France to support joint research, student mobility, and visiting faculty exchanges, as well as seminars, lectures, and festivals. As a new member of this network, Georgia Tech\u2019s French Program will expand its international partnerships and offer students new pathways to engage with French and Francophone culture through study abroad, research, and creative collaboration.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis designation reflects the incredible energy of our students and faculty,\u201d said Boulard. \u201cIt shows that learning French at Georgia Tech is not only about language, it\u2019s about building bridges between cultures, disciplines, and ideas.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe French program in the Georgia Tech School of Modern Languages has been designated a member of the Centers of Excellence University Network by Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The French program in the Georgia Tech School of Modern Languages has been designated a member of the Centers of Excellence University Network by Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education."}],"uid":"35777","created_gmt":"2025-11-10 15:43:57","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:57:23","author":"Stephanie Kadel","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-10T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-10T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678584":{"id":"678584","type":"image","title":"St\u00e9phanie Boulard, Professor and Director of the French Program at Georgia Tech","body":null,"created":"1762789446","gmt_created":"2025-11-10 15:44:06","changed":"1762789446","gmt_changed":"2025-11-10 15:44:06","alt":"St\u00e9phanie Boulard stands next to a banister with a grid of decorative lighting in the background.","file":{"fid":"262638","name":"Stephanie-Boulard.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/10\/Stephanie-Boulard.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/10\/Stephanie-Boulard.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":30101,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/10\/Stephanie-Boulard.jpg?itok=9mWc8P5F"}}},"media_ids":["678584"],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1284","name":"School of Modern Languages"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"3016","name":"French"},{"id":"170955","name":"Stephanie Boulard"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:stephanie.kadel@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EStephanie N. Kadel\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["stephanie.kadel@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687527":{"#nid":"687527","#data":{"type":"news","title":"All-Powerful AI Isn\u2019t an Existential Threat, According to New Georgia Tech Research","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EEver since ChatGPT\u2019s debut in 2023, concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) potentially wiping out humanity have dominated\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/safe.ai\/work\/press-release-ai-risk\u0022\u003Eheadlines\u003C\/a\u003E. New research from Georgia Tech suggests that those anxieties are misplaced.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cComputer scientists often aren\u2019t good judges of the social and political implications of technology,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/milton-mueller\u0022\u003EMilton Mueller\u003C\/a\u003E, a professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EJimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cThey are so focused on the AI\u2019s mechanisms and are overwhelmed by its success, but they are not very good at placing it into a social and historical context.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the four decades Mueller has studied information technology policy, he has never seen any technology hailed as a harbinger of doom \u2014\u0026nbsp;until now. So, in a \u003Cem\u003EJournal of Cyber Policy\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/23738871.2025.2597194#abstract\u0022\u003Epaper\u003C\/a\u003E published late last year, he researched whether the existential AI threat was a real possibility.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat Mueller found is that deciding how far AI can go, and its limitations, is something society shapes. How policymakers get involved depends on the specific AI application.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDefining Intelligence\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe AI sparking all this alarm is called artificial general intelligence (AGI) \u2014 a \u201csuperintelligence\u201d that would be all-powerful and fully autonomous.\u0026nbsp;Part of the debate, Mueller realized, is that no one could agree on the definition of what artificial general intelligence is.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome computer scientists claim AGI would match human intelligence, while others argue it could surpass it. Both assumptions hinge on what \u201chuman intelligence\u201d really means. Today\u2019s AI is already better than humans at performing thousands of calculations in an instant, but that doesn\u2019t make it creative or capable of complex problem-solving.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUnderstanding Independence\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDeciding on the definition isn\u2019t the only issue.\u0026nbsp;Many computer scientists assume that as computing power grows, AI could eventually overtake humans and act autonomously.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMueller argued that this assumption is misguided.\u0026nbsp;AI is always directed or trained toward a goal and doesn\u2019t act autonomously right now. Think of the prompt you type into ChatGPT to start a conversation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen AI seems to disregard instructions, it\u2019s caused by inconsistencies in its instructions, not by the machine coming alive. For example, in a boat race video game Mueller studied, the AI discovered it could get more points by circling the course instead of winning the race against other challengers. This was a glitch in the system\u2019s reward structure, not AGI autonomy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAlignment gaps happen in all kinds of contexts, not just AI,\u201d Mueller said. \u201cI\u0027ve studied so many regulatory systems where we try to regulate an industry, and some clever people discover ways that they can fulfill the rules but also do bad things. But if the machine is doing something wrong, computer scientists can reprogram it to fix the problem.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERelying on Regulation\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn its current form, even misaligned AI can be corrected. Misalignment also doesn\u2019t mean the AI would snowball past the point where humans lose control of its outcomes. To do that, AI would need to have a physical capability, like robots, to do its bidding, and the power source and infrastructure to maintain itself. A mere data center couldn\u2019t do that and would need human intervention to become omnipotent. Basic laws of physics \u2014 how big a machine can be, how much it can compute \u2014 would also prevent a super AI.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMore importantly, AI is not one homogenous being. Mueller argued that different applications involve different laws, regulations, and social institutions. For example, the data scraping AI does is a copyright issue subject to copyright laws. AI used in medicine can be overseen by the Food and Drug Administration, regulated drug companies, and medical professionals. These are just a few areas where policymakers could intervene from a specific expertise level instead of trying to create universal AI regulations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe real challenge isn\u2019t stopping an AI apocalypse \u2014 it\u2019s crafting smart, sector-specific policies that keep technology aligned with human values.\u0026nbsp;To avoid being a victim of AI, humans can, and should, put up focused guardrails.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe study suggests that the fear of AI destroying society distracts from real policy interventions to better control computing applications.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The study suggests that the fear of AI destroying society distracts from real policy interventions to better control computing applications."}],"uid":"34541","created_gmt":"2026-01-20 22:19:23","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:57:11","author":"Tess Malone","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-20T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-20T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679043":{"id":"679043","type":"image","title":"GIGconference_MMatPodium2.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMilton Mueller speaking at the AI Governance and Global Economic Development, an o\ufb03cial pre-summit event of the AI Impact Summit 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1768947605","gmt_created":"2026-01-20 22:20:05","changed":"1768947605","gmt_changed":"2026-01-20 22:20:05","alt":"Milton at podium","file":{"fid":"263155","name":"GIGconference_MMatPodium2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/20\/GIGconference_MMatPodium2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/20\/GIGconference_MMatPodium2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1326513,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/20\/GIGconference_MMatPodium2.jpg?itok=S07ycvKV"}}},"media_ids":["679043"],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"},{"id":"187023","name":"go-data"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETess Malone\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Research Writer\/Editor\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:tess.malone@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Etess.malone@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688528":{"#nid":"688528","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Safe Artificial Intelligence Isn\u2019t Enough, According to New Georgia Tech Research ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EArtificial intelligence (AI) loves to cheat. When matched against a chess bot, an OpenAI model preferred hacking into its opponent\u2019s system to winning the game fairly, according to a recent\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/time.com\/7259395\/ai-chess-cheating-palisade-research\/\u0022\u003Estudy\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile chess doesn\u2019t have moral stakes, more serious ethical issues could arise in everything from medicine to self-driving cars as AI becomes even more pervasive. So, what does it mean for AI to be safe?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cNo one is saying developing safe AI will be easy, but we need to make sure we cover as many ethical concerns as possible,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.tylercookphd.com\/\u0022\u003ETyler Cook\u003C\/a\u003E, a research affiliate at the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EJimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech and assistant program director of the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ailearning.emory.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECenter for AI Learning\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;at Emory University. \u201cHumans also care about being treated fairly. We care about not being deceived. We should aim for much more than safety.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI is too complex for simple guardrails, Cook argues in a recent \u003Cem\u003EScience and Engineering Ethics\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/philpapers.org\/rec\/COOACF-3\u0022\u003Epaper\u003C\/a\u003E. But AI still needs to be limited and incorporated with human values of fairness, honesty, and transparency so it doesn\u2019t make ethically dubious decisions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI is not just a problem to manage. It\u2019s a technology whose impact depends on the values we choose to build in it, Cook claims. Developers must think carefully about the world their systems will shape. AI shouldn\u2019t make our world, but instead integrate into it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESafe vs. Autonomous AI\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome computer scientists would say \u201csafe\u201d AI, or AI that doesn\u2019t cause harm, is the answer. But AI is not a simple machine like a lawnmower that needs just a blade guard to prevent harm.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEstablishing AI safety is more complex than adding protective features. Being prudent with how much autonomy AI gets is also paramount.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe don\u0027t want AI systems deciding that they don\u0027t want to pursue fairness anymore,\u201d Cook said. \u201cWe don\u0027t want AI to be autonomous with respect to its ethical goals or values.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESuch ethical autonomy\u0026nbsp;could lead to unpredictable or undesirable outcomes. Consider algorithmic bias: Human biases, combined with machine automation, can lead to unequal consequences. An AI mortgage lender could favor certain applicant demographics over others, for example.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECook posits there is a middle ground between merely safe AI and autonomous ethical AI \u2014 \u201cend-constrained ethical AI.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAs designers of AI systems, computer scientists should choose what we want the AI to prioritize: fairness, honesty, transparency,\u201d Cook said. \u201cThat\u0027s why I use the language of constraint. We\u0027re constraining the AI\u2019s values so they can actually benefit society.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEnd\u2011constrained ethical AI asks designers to set those boundaries intentionally, not as an afterthought. And if developers take that responsibility seriously, AI doesn\u2019t have to reinvent our world \u2014 it can strengthen the one we already have.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0022\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11948-025-00577-6\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EA Case for End-Constrained Ethical Artificial Intelligence\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0022 \u003Cem\u003EScience and Engineering Ethics \u003C\/em\u003E32.7 (2026).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EDOI: 10.1007\/s11948-025-00577-6\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFairness, honesty, and transparency are needed in AI for it to benefit humanity.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Fairness, honesty, and transparency are needed in AI for it to benefit humanity. "}],"uid":"34541","created_gmt":"2026-02-25 20:09:25","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:56:26","author":"Tess Malone","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-25T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-25T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679437":{"id":"679437","type":"image","title":"TylerCook.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETyler Cook is a research affiliate at the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EJimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech and assistant program director of the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ailearning.emory.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECenter for AI Learning\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;at Emory University.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1772050249","gmt_created":"2026-02-25 20:10:49","changed":"1772050249","gmt_changed":"2026-02-25 20:10:49","alt":"Tyler Cook","file":{"fid":"263600","name":"TylerCook.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/25\/TylerCook.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/25\/TylerCook.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":10662433,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/25\/TylerCook.jpeg?itok=Klp1uhgX"}}},"media_ids":["679437"],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETess Malone, Senior Research Writer\/Editor\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003Etess.malone@gatech.edu\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687586":{"#nid":"687586","#data":{"type":"news","title":"AI Tool Turns Disaster Zones Into Living Classrooms","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAn AI-powered tool is changing how researchers study disasters and how students learn from them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atlas.gatech.edu\/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular\u0026amp;id=10139\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInternational Disaster Reconnaissance (IDR) course\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, students now use \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.filio.io\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFilio\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a platform built by School of Computing Instruction Senior Lecturer \u003Cstrong\u003EMax Mahdi Roozbahani\u003C\/strong\u003E, to capture immersive 360\u00b0 media, photos, and video that transform real disaster sites in India and Nepal into living digital classrooms.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOffered by the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and taught by IDR director and Regents\u2019 Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EDavid Frost\u003C\/strong\u003E, the course pairs traditional fieldwork with Roozbahani\u2019s expertise in immersive technology and data-driven learning, transforming on-the-ground observations into reusable, interactive educational resources.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow Computing Can Capture Data\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDisasters are not only physical events; they are also information events, Roozbahani says. Effective response and long-term resilience depend on the ability to observe, record, and communicate critical data under pressure. Georgia Tech\u2019s IDR course pairs structured on-campus preparation with international field experiences, enabling students to study the cascading effects of major disasters, including how local building practices, governance, and culture shape damage and recovery.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen students step into a disaster zone, they learn quickly that resilience is a systems problem: physical, social, and informational. Our job in computing is to help them capture and reason about that system responsibly,\u201d Roozbahani said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELearning from the 2025 Himalayas Expedition\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring spring break last year, the cohort traveled along the Teesta River corridor in Sikkim, India. The region is shaped by steep terrain, fast-moving water, and critical infrastructure in narrow valleys.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe visit followed the October 2023 glacial lake outburst flood from South Lhonak Lake, which destroyed the Teesta III hydropower dam and impacted downstream towns, including Dikchu and Rangpo. Field stops across India included Lachung, Chungthang, Dikchu, Rangpo, Gangtok, and New Delhi.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudents explored both upstream and downstream consequences.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUpstream, the team examined how steep terrain and river confinement amplify flood forces, creating cascading risks for infrastructure. Using Filio\u2019s interactive 360\u00b0 media, students captured conditions in Lachung and Chungthang, allowing viewers to explore the landscape through a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/app.filio.io\/photo-viewer?src=https:\/\/visual.filio.io\/f-67d1cabeb82b05102bf91a4c\/_d6LpRAkr0ymi1OqCtGeAYrXo8xBGTJmACPN0SGXP50QlCE8FLR-f-67da18bc11c485642674bf73_=s0-photo-r0\u0026amp;rotation=0\u0026amp;type=360\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E360\u00b0 photo\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/app.filio.io\/video-viewer?src=https:\/\/visual.filio.io\/f-67d1cabeb82b05102bf91a4c\/_IX5yWxXjRjtueg1qeGFhV62K8GDhLlarQ6uFC9g4zkjIl7rCM3-f-67dcd50f11c485642674d269_=s0-video\u0026amp;rotation=0\u0026amp;type=360\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E360\u00b0 video\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E that reveal how topography and river dynamics intensify disaster impacts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey studied community-scale effects downstream, including damaged buildings, disrupted access, and prolonged recovery timelines.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERangpo offered a glimpse of recovery in motion, with materials staged for rebuilding bridges and roads essential to commerce and emergency response.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUsing Immersive Media as a Learning Tool\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudents documented their field experience using \u003Cem\u003EFilio\u003C\/em\u003E, an AI-powered visual reporting platform developed by Roozbahani through Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECREATE-X\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E ecosystem. Filio captures high-resolution photos, video, and 360\u00b0 immersive media, preserving both the facts and the context of disaster sites; what the site felt like, what was lost, and what communities prioritized in recovery.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cA 360\u00b0 capture lets students return months later and ask better questions. That second look is where learning accelerates,\u201d Roozbahani said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESupported by alumni and faculty mentors, including Tech alumnus \u003Cstrong\u003EChris Klaus\u003C\/strong\u003E and Georgia Tech mentor \u003Cstrong\u003EBill Higginbotham\u003C\/strong\u003E, the platform is evolving into a reusable educational library for future courses on immersive technology, responsible AI, and global resilience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKathmandu: The Context of Culture\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe course concluded in Kathmandu, Nepal, where students examined how heritage, governance, and the everyday use of public space shape resilience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough Filio\u2019s immersive documentation \u2014 including a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/app.filio.io\/photo-viewer?src=https:\/\/visual.filio.io\/f-67d1cafeb82b05102bf91a4d\/_n2OFrWLzHNcdTkMl6uD9j0tSrOPybGLZccsNcarj8vwZaZIbuu-f-67dedf3f11c485642674d820_=s0-photo-r0\u0026amp;rotation=0\u0026amp;type=360\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E360\u00b0 photo\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/app.filio.io\/video-viewer?src=https:\/\/visual.filio.io\/f-67d1cafeb82b05102bf91a4d\/_CD25dUToZ6BgfmfrayfHHtsThQGJIQWu82xqmzSy884UXHnbEB-f-67dd5a9b11c485642674d302_=s0-video\u0026amp;rotation=0\u0026amp;type=360\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E360\u00b0 video\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E from Kathmandu \u2014 the focus broadened from hazard impacts to cultural context, highlighting how recovery is not only about rebuilding structures, but also about preserving identity, memory, and community.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELooking Ahead: A Growing Resource for All Students\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrost and Roozbahani envision the IDR immersive media library as a reusable resource for students even when they cannot travel, supporting future courses on immersive technology, responsible AI, and global resilience. Spring 2026 cohorts will continue to build on this foundation by documenting, analyzing, and sharing insights that can improve education and real-world disaster response.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAn AI-powered tool is changing how researchers study disasters and how students learn from them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atlas.gatech.edu\/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular\u0026amp;id=10139\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInternational Disaster Reconnaissance (IDR) course\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, students now use \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.filio.io\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFilio\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a platform built by School of Computing Instruction Senior Lecturer \u003Cstrong\u003EMax Mahdi Roozbahani\u003C\/strong\u003E, to capture immersive 360\u00b0 media, photos, and video that transform real disaster sites in India and Nepal into living digital classrooms.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"An AI-powered tool is changing how researchers study disasters and how students learn from them. "}],"uid":"36613","created_gmt":"2026-01-22 15:11:14","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:54:39","author":"Emily Smith","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-22T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-22T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679052":{"id":"679052","type":"image","title":"1-IDR-Spring-2025---Lachung---Chungthang03182025.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EStudents visited Lachung and Chungthang in Sikkim, India. Upstream in the Teesta Valley, students examined how steep terrain and river confinement amplify flood forces and how failures can cascade across an entire corridor of infrastructure.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1769095217","gmt_created":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","changed":"1769095217","gmt_changed":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","alt":"Students visited Lachung and Chungthang in Sikkim, India. Upstream in the Teesta Valley, students examined how steep terrain and river confinement amplify flood forces and how failures can cascade across an entire corridor of infrastructure. ","file":{"fid":"263164","name":"1-IDR-Spring-2025---Lachung---Chungthang03182025.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/1-IDR-Spring-2025---Lachung---Chungthang03182025.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/1-IDR-Spring-2025---Lachung---Chungthang03182025.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1897568,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/22\/1-IDR-Spring-2025---Lachung---Chungthang03182025.jpg?itok=zDRmcY2d"}},"679053":{"id":"679053","type":"image","title":"2-IDR-Spring-2025---Dikchu03172025.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDownstream in the town Dikchu in Sikkim, India, the class focused on community-scale consequences: damaged buildings, disrupted access, and long recovery timelines.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1769095217","gmt_created":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","changed":"1769095217","gmt_changed":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","alt":"Downstream in the town Dikchu in Sikkim, India, the class focused on community-scale consequences: damaged buildings, disrupted access, and long recovery timelines.","file":{"fid":"263165","name":"2-IDR-Spring-2025---Dikchu03172025.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/2-IDR-Spring-2025---Dikchu03172025.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/2-IDR-Spring-2025---Dikchu03172025.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":543269,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/22\/2-IDR-Spring-2025---Dikchu03172025.jpg?itok=vdI7egUR"}},"679054":{"id":"679054","type":"image","title":"3-IDR-Spring-2025---Rangpo03162025.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ERangpo in Sikkim, India offered a view of recovery in motion such as materials staged for rebuilding near bridges and roads that keep commerce and emergency response moving.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1769095217","gmt_created":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","changed":"1769095217","gmt_changed":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","alt":"Rangpo in Sikkim, India offered a view of recovery in motion such as materials staged for rebuilding near bridges and roads that keep commerce and emergency response moving.","file":{"fid":"263166","name":"3-IDR-Spring-2025---Rangpo03162025.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/3-IDR-Spring-2025---Rangpo03162025.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/3-IDR-Spring-2025---Rangpo03162025.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1479166,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/22\/3-IDR-Spring-2025---Rangpo03162025.jpg?itok=MuIfiKjX"}},"679055":{"id":"679055","type":"image","title":"4-IDR-Spring-2025---Kathmandu--Nepal03212025.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EIn Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, the course broadened from hazard impacts to cultural context, exploring how heritage, governance, and everyday use of public space shape resilience.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1769095217","gmt_created":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","changed":"1769095217","gmt_changed":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","alt":"In Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, the course broadened from hazard impacts to cultural context, exploring how heritage, governance, and everyday use of public space shape resilience.","file":{"fid":"263167","name":"4-IDR-Spring-2025---Kathmandu--Nepal03212025.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/4-IDR-Spring-2025---Kathmandu--Nepal03212025.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/4-IDR-Spring-2025---Kathmandu--Nepal03212025.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2316531,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/22\/4-IDR-Spring-2025---Kathmandu--Nepal03212025.jpg?itok=KBCQfvza"}},"679056":{"id":"679056","type":"image","title":"cover-photo.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESchool of Civil and Environmental Engineering students captured 360 media, using Filio, to study disaster sites in India and Nepal. Photos provided by Roozbahani.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1769095217","gmt_created":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","changed":"1769095217","gmt_changed":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","alt":"School of Civil and Environmental Engineering students captured 360 media, using Filio, to study disaster sites in India and Nepal. Photos provided by Roozbahani. ","file":{"fid":"263168","name":"cover-photo.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/cover-photo.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/cover-photo.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":833758,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/22\/cover-photo.jpg?itok=jiNPLFL8"}}},"media_ids":["679052","679053","679054","679055","679056"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660374","name":"School of Computing Instruction"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"142","name":"City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth"},{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"193866","name":"school of computing instruction"},{"id":"172752","name":"Georgia Tech School of Civil and Environmental Engineering"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:emily.smith@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EEmily Smith\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Computing\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688391":{"#nid":"688391","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Robot Pollinator Could Produce More, Better Crops for Indoor Farms","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA new robot could solve one of the biggest challenges facing indoor farmers: manual pollination.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIndoor farms, also known as vertical farms, are popular among agricultural researchers and are expanding across the agricultural industry. Some benefits they have over outdoor farms include:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EYear-round production of food crops\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELess water and land requirements\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENot needing pesticides\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EReducing carbon emissions from shipping\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EReducing food waste\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.agritecture.com\/blog\/2021\/7\/20\/5-ways-vertical-farming-is-improving-nutrition\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Esome studies\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E indicate that indoor farms produce more nutritious food for urban communities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, these farms are often inaccessible to birds, bees, and other natural pollinators, leaving the pollination process to humans. The tedious process must be completed by hand for each flower to ensure the indoor crop flourishes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/ai-ping-hu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAi-Ping Hu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a principal research engineer at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), has spent years exploring methods to efficiently pollinate flowering plants and food crops in indoor farms to find a way to efficiently pollinate flower plants and food crops in indoor farms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHu,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/shreyas-kousik\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAssistant Professor Shreyas Kousik of the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and a rotating group of student interns have developed a robot prototype that may be up to the task.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe robot can efficiently pollinate plants that have both male and female reproductive parts. These plants only require pollen to be transferred from one part to the other rather than externally from another flower.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENatural pollinators perform this task outdoors, but Hu said indoor farmers often use a paintbrush or electric tootbrush to ensure these flowers are pollinated.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKnowing the Pose\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAn early challenge the research team addressed was teaching the robot to identify the \u201cpose\u201d of each flower. Pose refers to a flower\u2019s orientation, shape, and symmetry. Knowing these details ensures precise delivery of the pollen to maximize reproductive success.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s crucial to know exactly which way the flowers are facing,\u201d Hu said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cYou want to approach the flower from the front because that\u2019s where all the biological structures are. Knowing the pose tells you where the stem is. Our device grasps the stem and shakes it to dislodge the pollen.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEvery flower is going to have its own pose, and you need to know what that is within at least 10 degrees.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EComputer Vision Breakthrough\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHarsh Muriki\u003C\/strong\u003E is a robotics master\u2019s student at Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing, who used computer vision to solve the pose problem while interning for Hu and GTRI.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMuriki attached a camera to a FarmBot to capture images of strawberry plants from dozens of angles in a small garden in front of Georgia Tech\u2019s Food Processing Technology Building. The\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/farm.bot\/?srsltid=AfmBOoqh1Z8vSs3WflZisgw5DsOUSo8shD4VtY0Y8_VmVpVyt0Iwalxo\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFarmBot\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is an XYZ-axis robot that waters and sprays pesticides on outdoor gardens, though it is not capable of pollination.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe reconstruct the images of the flower into a 3D model and use a technique that converts the 3D model into multiple 2D images with depth information,\u201d Muriki said. \u201cThis enables us to send them to object detectors.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMuriki said he used a real-time object detection system called YOLO (You Only Look Once) to classify objects. YOLO is known for identifying and classifying objects in a single pass.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVed Sengupta\u003C\/strong\u003E, a computer engineering major who interned with Muriki, fine-tuned the algorithms that converted 3D images into 2D.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis was a crucial part of making robot pollination possible,\u201d Sengupta said. \u201cThere is a big gap between 3D and 2D image processing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s not a lot of data on the internet for 3D object detection, but there\u2019s a ton for 2D. We were able to get great results from the converted images, and I think any sector of technology can take advantage of that.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESengupta, Muriki, and Hu co-authored a paper about their work that was accepted to the 2025 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) in Atlanta.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMeasuring Success\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe pollination robot, built in Kousik\u2019s Safe Robotics Lab, is now in the prototype phase.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHu said the robot can do more than pollinate. It can also analyze each flower to determine how well it was pollinated and whether the chances for reproduction are high.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt has an additional capability of microscopic inspection,\u201d Hu said. \u201cIt\u2019s the first device we know of that provides visual feedback on how well a flower was pollinated.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor more information about the robot, visit the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/saferoboticslab.me.gatech.edu\/research\/towards-robotic-pollination\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESafe Robotics Lab project page\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EManual pollination is one of the biggest challenges for indoor farmers. These farms are often inaccessible to birds, bees, and other natural pollinators, leaving the pollination process to humans. The tedious process must be completed by hand for each flower to ensure the indoor crop flourishes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA Georgia Tech research led by Ai-Ping Hu and Shreyas Kousik team is working to solve that. A robot they\u0027ve developed can efficiently pollinate plants that have both male and female reproductive parts. These plants only require pollen to be transferred from one part to the other rather than externally from another flower.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A research team that expands GTRI, the College of Engineering, and the College of Computing have developed a robot capable of pollinating flowers in indoor farms."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-02-19 18:58:12","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:54:01","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-19T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-19T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679370":{"id":"679370","type":"image","title":"Harsh-Muriki_86A0006.jpg","body":null,"created":"1771527500","gmt_created":"2026-02-19 18:58:20","changed":"1771527500","gmt_changed":"2026-02-19 18:58:20","alt":"Harsh Muriki","file":{"fid":"263520","name":"Harsh-Muriki_86A0006.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/19\/Harsh-Muriki_86A0006.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/19\/Harsh-Muriki_86A0006.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":140654,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/19\/Harsh-Muriki_86A0006.jpg?itok=rd0rv1Yt"}}},"media_ids":["679370"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"152","name":"Robotics"}],"keywords":[{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"187991","name":"go-robotics"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"11506","name":"computer vision"},{"id":"180840","name":"computer vision systems"},{"id":"669","name":"agriculture"},{"id":"194392","name":"AI in Agriculture"},{"id":"170254","name":"urban gardening"},{"id":"94111","name":"farming"},{"id":"14913","name":"urban farming"},{"id":"23911","name":"bees"},{"id":"6660","name":"flowers"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"},{"id":"39521","name":"Robotics"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:ndeen6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ENathan Deen\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Computing\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688478":{"#nid":"688478","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Student Getting Research Boost Through Google Ph.D. Fellowship","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA Georgia Tech Ph.D. candidate is getting a boost to his research into developing more efficient multi-tasking artificial intelligence (AI) models without fine-tuning.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Stoica is one of 38 Ph.D. students worldwide researching machine learning who were named a\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.google\/programs-and-events\/phd-fellowship\/recipients\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E 2025 Google Ph.D. Fellow\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStoica is designing AI training methods that bypass fine-tuning, which is the process of adapting a large pre-trained model to perform new tasks. Fine-tuning is one of the most common ways engineers update large-language models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to add new capabilities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf an AI company wants to give a model a new capability, it could create a new model from scratch for that specific purpose. However, if the model already has relevant training and knowledge of the new task, fine-tuning is cheaper.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStoica argues that fine-tuning still uses large amounts of data, and that other methods can help models learn more effectively and efficiently.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFull fine-tuning yields strong performance, but it can be costly, and it risks catastrophic forgetting,\u201d Stoica said. \u201cMy research asks if we can extend a model\u2019s capabilities by imbuing it with the expertise of others, without fine-tuning?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cReducing cost and improving efficiency is more important than ever. We have so many publicly available models that have been trained to solve a variety of tasks. It\u2019s redundant to train a new model from scratch. It\u2019s much more efficient to leverage the information that already exists to get a model up to speed.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStoica said the solution is a cost-effective method called model merging. This method combines two or more AI models into a single model, improving performance without fine-tuning.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn a basic level, Stoica said an example would be combining a model that is efficient at classifying cats with one that works well at dogs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMerging is cheap because you just take the parameters, the weights of your existing models, and combine them,\u201d he said. \u201cYou could take the average of the weights to create a new model, but that sometimes doesn\u2019t work. My work has aimed to rearrange the weights so they can communicate easily with each other.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough his Google fellowship, Stoica seeks to apply model merging to create a cutting-edge vision encoder. A vision encoder converts image or video data into numerical representations that computers can understand. This enables tasks such as image or facial recognition and generative image captioning.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI want to be at the frontier of the field, and Google is clearly part of that,\u201d Stoica said. \u201cThe vision encoder is very large-scale, and Google has the infrastructure to accommodate it.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Stoica is one of 38 Ph.D. students worldwide researching machine learning who were named a\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.google\/programs-and-events\/phd-fellowship\/recipients\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E 2025 Google Ph.D. Fellow\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStoica is designing AI training methods that bypass fine-tuning, which is the process of adapting a large pre-trained model to perform new tasks. Fine-tuning is one of the most common ways engineers update large-language models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to add new capabilities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Stoica is one of 38 Ph.D. students worldwide researching machine learning who were named a 2025 Google Ph.D. Fellow."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-02-23 17:43:54","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:53:05","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-23T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-23T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679394":{"id":"679394","type":"image","title":"IMG_2942-copy-2.jpg","body":null,"created":"1771868657","gmt_created":"2026-02-23 17:44:17","changed":"1771868657","gmt_changed":"2026-02-23 17:44:17","alt":"George Stoica","file":{"fid":"263553","name":"IMG_2942-copy-2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/23\/IMG_2942-copy-2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/23\/IMG_2942-copy-2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":112361,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/23\/IMG_2942-copy-2.jpg?itok=KCVheh-u"}}},"media_ids":["679394"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"3165","name":"google"},{"id":"9143","name":"Graduate Research Fellowship"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688487":{"#nid":"688487","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Study Could Show How TikTok\u2019s Algorithm Affects Youth Mental Health","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeta CEO Mark Zuckerberg\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/california\/story\/2026-02-18\/mark-zuckerberg-tesimony-la-social-media-trial?utm_source=chatgpt.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Etook the witness stand\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court to defend his company from accusations that social media harms children.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA lawsuit filed by a 20-year-old plaintiff alleges Instagram and other social media apps are designed to make young users addicted to their platforms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeanwhile, social media experts believe the algorithms that drive content on these platforms play a role in hooking users and keeping them scrolling for extensive periods of time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA new study led by Georgia Tech might confirm this suspicion.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsing recently acquired data from more than 10,000 adolescent users,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.munmund.net\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMunmun De Choudhury\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E will audit TikTok\u2019s recommendation algorithm and study its impact on young people\u2019s behavior and mental health.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDe Choudhury is leading a multi-institutional research team on a four-year, $1.7 million grant from the Huo Family Foundation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe hope to learn the different types of negative exposures that young people experience when using TikTok,\u201d De Choudhury said. \u201cThis can help us characterize what they\u2019re watching and build computational methods to understand the consumption behaviors of these participants and how they\u2019re affected by the algorithm.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDe Choudhury, a professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing, is collaborating with Amy Orben, a professor at the University of Cambridge, and Homa Hosseinmardi, an assistant professor at UCLA, on the project.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESocial media platforms have become increasingly reluctant to share their data in recent years, posing a challenge for researchers like De Choudhury.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe can\u2019t do the type of studies we did 10 years ago with X (formerly Twitter) because the API is much more restrictive,\u201d she said. \u201cThere are limited ways to programmatically access people\u2019s data now.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe must go through a tedious, manual process to get around declining access to social media data. This data-gathering process is essential given the sensitive nature of mental health research. You want data that is shared with consent.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrben collected TikTok data from more than 10,000 young people in the UK who consented to provide their personal data archives in accordance with the European Union\u2019s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe collected data includes watch histories, which De Choudhury said distinguishes this research from other social media studies that focus on what users post.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe don\u2019t understand passive social media consumption very well, so we hope to close that gap and learn what that looks like,\u201d she said. \u201cThat could complement or contrast what we know about people\u2019s active engagement on these platforms. Is what they\u2019re consuming directly related to what they\u2019re posting? How does passive consumption affect young people\u2019s mental health?\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA clearer picture of how algorithm-based content affects young people could result in design interventions to minimize negative effects. De Choudhury said studying data from young people is critical because it\u2019s not too late to steer them away from unhealthy behavioral patterns.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSome of the earliest signs or symptoms of mental health conditions appear in adolescence,\u201d she said. \u201cIf appropriate care and support are provided, maybe it\u2019s possible to prevent these symptoms from becoming full-blown in the future.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBeyond TikTok\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat the research team learns about TikTok could also provide broader insight into other social media platforms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETikTok has been influential in how social media platforms display video content. Competitors like Instagram and X modeled their video presentation after TikTok\u2019s, which can easily lead to doomscrolling.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur hope is that our findings can be generalized, with the caveat the data we have is exclusively from TikTok,\u201d De Choudhury said. \u201cOther platforms have similar video-sharing and consumption features where the video automatically plays from one to the next. We hope what we learn from TikTok will be applicable to people\u2019s activities elsewhere, though it will require future work beyond this project to draw concrete conclusions.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESimulating Feeds with AI\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDe Choudhury said an additional part of the study will be using artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate video feeds.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2024, Hosseinmardi led a study at the University of Pennsylvania on YouTube\u2019s recommendation algorithm and used bots that either followed or ignored the recommendations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDe Choudhury said they will use a similar method for TikTok.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe feeds will be realistic but generated by AI to see the potential pathways to consumption rabbit holes,\u201d she said. \u201cThis should give us some insight into how algorithms influence the negative and positive exposures people might be having on TikTok.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFoundation Expands Reach\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBased in the UK and established in 2009, the Huo Family Foundation supports community education initiatives in the UK, the U.S., and China.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe organization announced in January its launch of the Huo Family Foundation Science Programme.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/huofamilyfoundation.org\/news\/updates\/huo-family-foundation-awards-17-6m-for-groundbreaking-research\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe new program is committing $17.6 million to fund 20 new multi-year research grants\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E that explore the impact of digital technology on the brain development, social behavior, and mental health of young people.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cDigital technology is profoundly shaping childhood and young adulthood, yet there is limited causal evidence of its effects,\u201d\u0026nbsp;said Yan Huo, founder of the Huo Family Foundation, in a press release.\u0026nbsp;\u201cWe are proud to support exceptional researchers advancing vital scientific understanding.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELed by Georgia Tech professor Munmun De Choudhury, a multi-institutional research team is launching a $1.7 million study to examine how TikTok\u2019s recommendation algorithm influences the mental health of adolescent users. The project focuses on passive consumption by analyzing the watch histories of over 10,000 young participants and using AI to simulate content \u0022rabbit holes.\u0022 By identifying patterns of negative exposure, the researchers aim to develop design interventions that can steer teenagers away from unhealthy behavioral patterns and support early mental health care.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A Georgia Tech-led research team is conducting a multi-year study using data from more than 10,000 adolescents to investigate how TikTok\u2019s recommendation algorithm and passive content consumption impact youth mental health."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-02-24 14:29:28","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:52:52","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679406":{"id":"679406","type":"image","title":"208A9267-2.jpg","body":null,"created":"1771943377","gmt_created":"2026-02-24 14:29:37","changed":"1771943377","gmt_changed":"2026-02-24 14:29:37","alt":"Munmun De Choudhury","file":{"fid":"263567","name":"208A9267-2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/24\/208A9267-2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/24\/208A9267-2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":104533,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/24\/208A9267-2.jpg?itok=3fEZjVVt"}}},"media_ids":["679406"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"143","name":"Digital Media and Entertainment"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"167543","name":"social media"},{"id":"190947","name":"tiktok"},{"id":"10343","name":"mental health"},{"id":"10824","name":"Children And Adolescents"},{"id":"5660","name":"algorithms"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688516":{"#nid":"688516","#data":{"type":"news","title":" Is This Your AI? Researchers Crack AI Blackbox","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArtificial intelligence (AI) systems power everything from chatbots to security cameras, yet many of the most advanced models operate as \u201cblack boxes.\u201d Companies can use them, but outsiders can\u2019t see how they were built, where they came from, or whether they contain hidden flaws.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis lack of transparency creates real risks. A model could contain security vulnerabilities or hidden backdoors. It could also be a lightly modified version of an open-source system \u2014 repackaged in violation of its license \u2014 with no easy way to prove it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new framework, ZEN, to help solve this problem. The tool can recover a model\u2019s unique \u201cfingerprint\u201d directly from its memory, allowing experts to trace its origins and reconstruct how it was assembled.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAnalyzing a proprietary AI model without identifying where it came from and how it is constructed is like trying to fix a car engine with the hood welded shut,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/davidoygenblik.github.io\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDavid Oygenblik\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a Ph.D. student at Georgia Tech and the study\u2019s lead author.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cZEN not only X-rays the engine but also provides the complete wiring diagram.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZEN works by taking a snapshot of a running AI system and extracting information about both its mathematical structure and the code that defines it. It compares that fingerprint against a database of known open-source models to determine the system\u2019s origin.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf it finds a match, ZEN identifies the exact changes and generates software patches that allow investigators to recreate a working replica of the proprietary model for testing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat capability has major implications for both security and intellectual property protection.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWith ZEN, a security analyst can finally test a black-box model for hidden backdoors, and a company can gather concrete evidence to prove its software license was infringed,\u201d Oygenblik said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo evaluate the system, the research team tested ZEN on 21 state-of-the-art AI models, including Llama 3, YOLOv10, and other well-known systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZEN correctly traced every customized model back to its original open-source foundation \u2014 achieving 100% attribution accuracy. Even when models had been heavily modified \u2014 differing by more than 83% from their original versions \u2014 ZEN successfully identified the changes and enabled full reconstruction for security testing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers will present their findings at the 2026 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ndss-symposium.org\/\u0022\u003ENetwork and Distributed System Security (NDSS) Symposium\u003C\/a\u003E. The paper, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ndss-symposium.org\/ndss-paper\/achieving-zen-combining-mathematical-and-programmatic-deep-learning-model-representations-for-attribution-and-reuse\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAchieving Zen: Combining Mathematical and Programmatic Deep Learning Model Representations for Attribution and Reuse\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, was authored by Oygenblik, master\u2019s student \u003Cstrong\u003EDinko Dermendzhiev\u003C\/strong\u003E, Ph.D. students \u003Cstrong\u003EFilippos Sofias\u003C\/strong\u003E, \u003Cstrong\u003EMingxuan Yao\u003C\/strong\u003E, \u003Cstrong\u003EHaichuan Xu\u003C\/strong\u003E, and \u003Cstrong\u003ERunze Zhang\u003C\/strong\u003E, post-doctorate scholars \u003Cstrong\u003EJeman Park\u003C\/strong\u003E, and \u003Cstrong\u003EAmit Kumar Sikder\u003C\/strong\u003E, as well as Associate Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EBrendan Saltaformaggio\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers have developed a technique to identify the origins of proprietary \u201cblack-box\u201d AI models, even when their internal structure and training data are hidden. Because many commercial AI systems cannot be externally inspected, it is difficult to detect security vulnerabilities, intellectual property theft, licensing violations, or trace a model\u2019s lineage. The new approach enables researchers to attribute models, determine whether one was derived from another, and identify potential misuse of protected data. By improving transparency and enabling verification of model provenance, the work strengthens accountability and trust in AI systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers have developed a technique to identify the origins of proprietary \u201cblack-box\u201d AI models, even when their internal structure and training data are hidden."}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2026-02-25 17:33:20","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:52:42","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-25T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-25T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679429":{"id":"679429","type":"image","title":"Is-this-your-AI.jpg","body":null,"created":"1772040810","gmt_created":"2026-02-25 17:33:30","changed":"1772040810","gmt_changed":"2026-02-25 17:33:30","alt":"A graphic showing an AI model in an outstretched hand. ","file":{"fid":"263592","name":"Is-this-your-AI.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/25\/Is-this-your-AI.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/25\/Is-this-your-AI.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1346270,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/25\/Is-this-your-AI.jpg?itok=ehbGALRW"}}},"media_ids":["679429"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.ndss-symposium.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026-s1628-paper.pdf","title":"Read the Paper"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2835","name":"ai"},{"id":"193860","name":"Artifical Intelligence"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"365","name":"Research"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJohn Popham\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Officer II\u0026nbsp;School of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jpopham3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688223":{"#nid":"688223","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Department of Energy Award to Power Nuclear Research With Machine Learning","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe future of clean energy depends on algorithms as much as it does atoms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cse.gatech.edu\/people\/qi-tang\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EQi Tang\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is building machine learning (ML) models to accelerate nuclear fusion research, making it more affordable and more accurate. Backed by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Tang\u2019s work brings clean, sustainable energy closer to reality.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang has received an\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/science.osti.gov\/early-career\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEarly Career Research Program (ECRP) award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E from the DOE Office of Science. The grant supports Tang with $875,000 disbursed over five years to craft ML and data processing tools that help scientists analyze massive datasets from nuclear experiments and simulations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang is the first faculty member from Georgia Tech\u2019s College of Computing and School of Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) to receive the ECRP. He is the seventh Georgia Tech researcher to earn the award and the only GT awardee among this year\u2019s 99 recipients.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMore than a milestone, the award reflects a shift in how nuclear research is done. Today, progress depends on computing and data science as much as on physics and engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI am honored and excited to receive the ECRP award through DOE\u2019s Advanced Scientific Computing Research program, an organization I care about deeply,\u201d said Tang, an assistant professor in the School of CSE.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI am grateful to my former colleagues at Los Alamos National Laboratory and collaborators at other national laboratories, including Lawrence Livermore, Sandia, and Argonne. I am also thankful for my Ph.D. students at Georgia Tech, whose dedication and creativity make this award possible.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E[Related:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/new-faculty-applies-high-performance-computing-scientific-machine-learning-interests-studies\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENew Faculty Applies High-Performance Computing, Scientific Machine Learning Interests to Studies in Plasma Physics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E]\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA problem in nuclear research is that fusion simulations are challenging to understand and use. These simulations generate enormous datasets that are too large to store, move, and analyze efficiently.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pamspublic.science.energy.gov\/WebPAMSExternal\/Interface\/Common\/ViewPublicAbstract.aspx?rv=a756f612-3409-44b8-89ea-7421bf0840e5\u0026amp;rtc=24\u0026amp;PRoleId=10\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIn his ECRP proposal to DOE\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Tang introduced new ML methods to improve the analysis and storage of particle data.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang\u2019s approach balances shrinking data so it is easier to store and transfer while preserving the most important scientific features. His multiscale ML models are informed by physics, so the reduced data still reflects how fusion systems really behave.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith Tang\u2019s research, scientists can run larger, more realistic fusion models and analyze results more quickly. This accelerates progress toward practical fusion energy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn contrast to generic black-box-type compression tools, we aim at preserving the intrinsic structures of the particle dataset during the data reduction processes,\u201d Tang said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTaking this approach, we can meet our goal of achieving high-fidelity preservation of critical physics with minimum loss of information.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EComputing is essential in modern research because of the amount of data produced and captured from experiments and simulations. In the era of exascale supercomputers, data movement is a greater bottleneck than actual computation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDOE operates three of the world\u2019s four exascale supercomputers. These machines can calculate one quintillion (a billion billion) operations per second.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe exascale era began in 2022 with the launch of Frontier at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Aurora followed in 2023 at Argonne National Laboratory. El Capitan arrived in 2024 at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith Tang\u2019s data reduction approaches, all of DOE\u2019s supercomputers spend more time on science and less time waiting for data transfers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cQi\u2019s work in computational plasma physics and nuclear fusion modeling has been groundbreaking,\u201d said \u003Cstrong\u003EHaesun Park\u003C\/strong\u003E, Regents\u2019 Professor and Chair of the School of CSE.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are proud of Qi and what this award means for him, Georgia Tech, and the Department of Energy toward leveraging computation to solve challenges in science and engineering, such as sustainable energy.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch6\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPrevious Georgia Tech recipients of DOE Early Career Research Program awards include:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h6\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2024\/09\/26\/doe-recognizes-georgia-tech-researchers-prestigious-early-career-awards\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EItamar Kimchi\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor, School of Physics\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2024\/09\/26\/doe-recognizes-georgia-tech-researchers-prestigious-early-career-awards\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESourabh Saha\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/wenjing-liao-awarded-doe-early-career-award-model-simplification-deep-learning\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWenjing Lao\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor, School of Mathematics\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chbe.gatech.edu\/news\/2018\/06\/professor-lively-receives-does-early-career-award\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERyan Lively\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Thomas C. DeLoach Professor, School of Chemical \u0026amp; Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mse.gatech.edu\/people\/josh-kacher\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJosh Kacher\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor, School of Materials Science and Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/khabar.com\/community-newsmakers\/devesh-ranjan-receives-early-career-award-from-u-s-department-of-energy\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDevesh Ranjan\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Eugene C. Gwaltney Jr. School Chair and professor, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cse.gatech.edu\/people\/qi-tang\u0022\u003EQi Tang\u003C\/a\u003E is building machine learning (ML) models to accelerate nuclear fusion research, making it more affordable and more accurate. Backed by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Tang\u2019s work brings clean, sustainable energy closer to reality.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang has received an\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/science.osti.gov\/early-career\u0022\u003EEarly Career Research Program (ECRP) award\u003C\/a\u003E from the DOE Office of Science. The grant supports Tang with $875,000 disbursed over five years to craft ML and data processing tools that help scientists analyze massive datasets from nuclear experiments and simulations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang is the first faculty member from Georgia Tech\u2019s College of Computing and School of Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) to receive the ECRP. He is the seventh Georgia Tech researcher to earn the award and the only GT awardee among this year\u2019s 99 recipients.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech\u0027s Qi Tang has received an Early Career Research Program award from the Department of Energy\u0027s Office of Science. The $875,000 grant supports Tang for five years to craft ML tools that analyze data from nuclear experiments and simulations. "}],"uid":"36319","created_gmt":"2026-02-12 15:11:55","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:52:31","author":"Bryant Wine","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-12T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-12T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679267":{"id":"679267","type":"image","title":"Qi-TangStory-Cover.jpg","body":null,"created":"1770909124","gmt_created":"2026-02-12 15:12:04","changed":"1770909124","gmt_changed":"2026-02-12 15:12:04","alt":"DOE ECRP Qi Tang","file":{"fid":"263400","name":"Qi-TangStory-Cover.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/12\/Qi-TangStory-Cover.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/12\/Qi-TangStory-Cover.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":125283,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/12\/Qi-TangStory-Cover.jpg?itok=mPLUykJZ"}}},"media_ids":["679267"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/department-energy-award-power-nuclear-research-machine-learning","title":"Department of Energy Award to Power Nuclear Research with Machine Learning"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50877","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"166983","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"},{"id":"9167","name":"machine learning"},{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"663","name":"Department of Energy"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBryant Wine, Communications Officer\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:bryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688603":{"#nid":"688603","#data":{"type":"news","title":"From Industry to Instruction: Aibek Musaev Brings Real-World Insight to the CS Classroom","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERaised in Kyrgyzstan, \u003Cstrong\u003EAibek Musaev\u003C\/strong\u003E discovered his passion for computer science (CS) in a small yet pivotal place: the computer lab at his high school, Physics-Mathematical Lyceum No. 61.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe first time I worked on a computer there and wrote my first program, I was hooked,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere is something uniquely satisfying about seeing the immediate results of your work. I also appreciated how objective coding is. It either works or it does not.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMusaev\u2019s journey in CS continued at Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, where a chance discovery set the stage for his academic path abroad. After spotting a leaflet for a presidential scholarship, he applied and was among the ten winners out of roughly 1,500 applicants.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAs part of the scholarship, the organizers selected an American university for me, Georgia Institute of Technology, which I had not heard of at the time,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt Tech, Musaev earned his bachelor\u2019s in CS. He later continued his studies as a graduate research assistant and earned his master\u2019s in CS.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat early fascination with problem-solving and clarity continues to shape Musaev\u2019s approach to teaching today. As a lecturer in the School of Computing Instruction (SCI), he teaches CS 2316 \u003Cem\u003EData Input and Manipulation \u003C\/em\u003Eand his favorite course, CS 1331 \u003Cem\u003EIntroduction to Object-Oriented Programming\u003C\/em\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFrom the moment I started teaching it, something just felt natural,\u201d he said. \u201cI enjoy coding live in class, watching students grasp new ideas, and explaining not only how things work, but why they were designed that way.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlthough Musaev is now rooted in academia, his career has included significant time in industry. After completing his degrees, he worked at Siebel Systems, where he developed customer relationship management software and helped transition a flagship product from desktop to the web. He then returned to Kyrgyzstan to found and manage a successful software company before returning to the United States to earn his Ph.D.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe believes those experiences provide perspective that cannot be learned in a classroom alone.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMy advice may be nontraditional,\u201d he said. \u201cSpend time in industry. Seeing how the concepts you teach are applied in practice provides an invaluable perspective. This is something you simply cannot gain from textbooks alone.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince joining SCI in January 2020, Musaev has found a strong sense of community.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI am very happy to be part of this team,\u201d he said. \u201cEveryone is supportive and willing to help. It truly feels like a collaborative environment.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Musaev, the most meaningful moments come from students, often unexpectedly.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cRecently, I was walking with a head TA discussing course-related topics when a student suddenly stepped in front of us and interrupted our conversation. He told me I was the best professor he had ever had. Moments like that are difficult to put into words, but they mean everything to us as instructors,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe said he hopes students find value in his classes and leave each lecture having learned something new. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI also want them to genuinely enjoy CS. It is an incredible field, and I cannot imagine doing anything else.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERaised in Kyrgyzstan, \u003Cstrong\u003EAibek Musaev\u003C\/strong\u003E discovered his passion for computer science (CS) in a small yet pivotal place: the computer lab at his high school, Physics-Mathematical Lyceum No. 61.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe first time I worked on a computer there and wrote my first program, I was hooked,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Musaev\u2019s journey in CS continued at Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, where a chance discovery set the stage for his academic path abroad."}],"uid":"36613","created_gmt":"2026-02-27 17:15:07","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:52:18","author":"Emily Smith","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-27T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-27T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679473":{"id":"679473","type":"image","title":"aibekprofile1.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAibek Musaev earned CS degrees at Georgia Tech and is now a lecturer in the School of Computing Instruction. Photos by Kevin Beasley\/ College of Computing.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1772212522","gmt_created":"2026-02-27 17:15:22","changed":"1772212522","gmt_changed":"2026-02-27 17:15:22","alt":"Aibek Musaev earned CS degrees at Georgia Tech and is now a lecturer in the School of Computing Instruction. Photos by Kevin Beasley\/ College of Computing.","file":{"fid":"263640","name":"aibekprofile1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/27\/aibekprofile1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/27\/aibekprofile1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1083803,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/27\/aibekprofile1.jpg?itok=YrPBsnC_"}},"679474":{"id":"679474","type":"image","title":"aibekprofile2.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EBefore working in academia, Musaev\u0027s career path included significant time in industry. Photos by Kevin Beasley\/ College of Computing.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1772212522","gmt_created":"2026-02-27 17:15:22","changed":"1772212522","gmt_changed":"2026-02-27 17:15:22","alt":"Before working in academia, Musaev\u0027s career path included significant time in industry. Photos by Kevin Beasley\/ College of Computing.","file":{"fid":"263641","name":"aibekprofile2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/27\/aibekprofile2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/27\/aibekprofile2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":56853,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/27\/aibekprofile2.jpg?itok=PkvHsNtX"}},"679475":{"id":"679475","type":"image","title":"aibekprofile3.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAibek Musaev earned CS degrees at Georgia Tech and is now a lecturer in the School of Computing Instruction. Photos by Kevin Beasley\/ College of Computing.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1772212522","gmt_created":"2026-02-27 17:15:22","changed":"1772212522","gmt_changed":"2026-02-27 17:15:22","alt":"Aibek Musaev earned CS degrees at Georgia Tech and is now a lecturer in the School of Computing Instruction. Photos by Kevin Beasley\/ College of Computing.","file":{"fid":"263642","name":"aibekprofile3.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/27\/aibekprofile3.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/27\/aibekprofile3.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1164221,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/27\/aibekprofile3.jpg?itok=qttdh7u2"}},"679476":{"id":"679476","type":"image","title":"aibekprofile4.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EMusaev advises students to gain experience and perspective by working in industry. Photos by Kevin Beasley\/ College of Computing.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1772212522","gmt_created":"2026-02-27 17:15:22","changed":"1772212522","gmt_changed":"2026-02-27 17:15:22","alt":"Musaev advises students to gain experience and perspective by working in industry. Photos by Kevin Beasley\/ College of Computing.","file":{"fid":"263643","name":"aibekprofile4.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/27\/aibekprofile4.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/27\/aibekprofile4.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1595763,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/27\/aibekprofile4.jpg?itok=zZbXF5H-"}}},"media_ids":["679473","679474","679475","679476"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"660374","name":"School of Computing Instruction"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"},{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"194609","name":"Industry"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"193866","name":"school of computing instruction"},{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"104601","name":"faculty profile"},{"id":"506","name":"alumni"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["emily.smith@cc.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688648":{"#nid":"688648","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New \u2018Touchable Sound\u2019 Museum Display Makes Data More Accessible","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBlind and low vision (BLV) people may soon have access to and more easily understand scientific data in museum exhibits through new \u201ctouchable sound\u201d displays.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAssociate Professor Jessica Roberts and Ph.D. student Emily Amspoker of Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing are working with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gacoast.uga.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUniversity of Georgia\u2019s Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant in Savannah\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. Together, they\u2019ve developed a prototype display that uses sonification and texture to convey sea floor habitat information from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/graysreef.noaa.gov\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGray\u2019s Reef National Marine Sanctuary\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E off the coast of Georgia.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESonification is the process of translating data points into sound.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe display functions as a map that BLV users can follow to learn about each habitat. It is made from a wooden board with laser-cut patterns engraved into the surface. Each pattern represents information about the four types of habitats found in Gray\u2019s Reef. Each pattern has a distinct sound that corresponds to a legend on the board, which provides an audio description of each habitat.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe four habitats are:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFlat sand \u2014 smooth sandy seafloor with little topographic variation that provides habitat for burrowing organisms such as worms, clams, and sand dollars.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERippled sand \u2014 sandy bottom shaped into small wave-like ridges by currents and wave action; supports microhabitats of small invertebrates and attracts fish feeding on buried prey.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESparse live bottom \u2014 areas of exposed hard surfaces with scattered attached organisms like sponges, corals, and algae, offering structure and shelter for reef-associated fish and invertebrates.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDense live bottom \u2014 hard-bottom reef areas with abundant attached marine life, providing high biodiversity and offering food, and breeding sites for numerous species.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy allowing learners to explore these habitats, the team hopes to emphasize the importance of protecting diverse ocean habitats.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur job was to figure out how we can use sounds and touch to represent each of the four habitat types so our visitors can explore the ocean without being able to see it,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERoberts said the project is critical to advance understanding of how science and informal learning can be more inclusive to those who have difficulty processing visual data displays.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis was particularly exciting to figure out how we could broaden accessibility to data sets because just like so much other scientific data, it\u2019s out there and available, but when it\u2019s presented to the public, it\u2019s usually in visual form,\u201d she said. \u201cThere are many open questions about how to do this well within a museum with complex scientific data. We\u2019re moving the needle on that, but there\u2019s a long way to go.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERight Combination\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAmspoker and Roberts created three different versions of the prototype. One was sound-only, one was texture-only, and the other was a combination of sound and texture.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe expected the multimodal version would work best,\u201d Amspoker said. \u201cWe found people used sound and texture in different ways when interacting with it. In cases where people relied on texture, it was still difficult to tell when they crossed the barrier from one texture to another. Sound was very useful in that case.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAmspoker said computer vision and an app she designed allow the technology to be deployed on any surface, whether a mobile device, a wooden board, or even a classroom floor. A camera set up above the display tracks the user\u2019s hand movements.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt figures out where you are on the board, and then our code uses the location of your finger to decide what sound should play from the computer,\u201d she said. \u201cWhat\u2019s nice about our system is it only needs a computer and a webcam, and you can use whatever materials you have on hand for the map.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuilding on a Legacy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERoberts said she is building on the work of a previous NSF-funded collaboration with Dr. Amy Bower, a senior scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts who is blind.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBower lost her vision in graduate school, but because of her lifelong interest in oceanography, she set out to create ways to learn about ocean data through sound.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2021, she launched the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/accessibleoceans.whoi.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAccessible Oceans\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E project through the National Science Foundation\u2019s Advancing Informal STEM Learning program. The interdisciplinary team, including Roberts and collaborators Leslie Smith of Your Ocean Consulting and Jon Bellona of the University of Oregon, created auditory displays of sonified data for museums.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2023, the team published \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/tos.org\/oceanography\/article\/expanding-access-to-ocean-science-through-inclusively-designed-data-sonifications\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ean article in \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOceanography,\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E the official magazine of the Oeanography Society\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cInformal learning environments are increasingly recognizing the importance of employing multiple modalities to engage all learners and are leveraging sound to enhance visitor experience,\u201d the authors wrote.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhile sonic additions of music, soundscapes, and field recordings add qualitative value, there is a need to explore the potential of sound to facilitate engagement with quantitative information. Data sonification is a promising avenue for increasing accessibility to data within the museum context.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers have created a prototype \u201ctouchable sound\u201d museum exhibit that helps blind and low-vision visitors explore scientific data by combining tactile maps with sonification of seafloor habitats. The display translates information about different ocean environments into distinctive textures and sounds so users can follow a physical map of Gray\u2019s Reef National Marine Sanctuary and hear data-driven audio cues. The team hopes this multimodal approach will make complex visual data more inclusive and broaden access to informal science learning.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers have developed a prototype \u201ctouchable sound\u201d museum display that uses sonification and tactile maps to make complex scientific data about ocean habitats more accessible to blind and low-vision visitors."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-03-03 15:13:03","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:52:09","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-03T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-03-03T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679503":{"id":"679503","type":"image","title":"2026-Jessica-Roberts-Reef-Data-Sonification-2.jpg","body":null,"created":"1772550793","gmt_created":"2026-03-03 15:13:13","changed":"1772550793","gmt_changed":"2026-03-03 15:13:13","alt":"Jessica Roberts","file":{"fid":"263675","name":"2026-Jessica-Roberts-Reef-Data-Sonification-2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/03\/2026-Jessica-Roberts-Reef-Data-Sonification-2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/03\/2026-Jessica-Roberts-Reef-Data-Sonification-2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":118705,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/03\/2026-Jessica-Roberts-Reef-Data-Sonification-2.jpg?itok=UaqIj7yh"}}},"media_ids":["679503"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"360","name":"accessibility"},{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"9092","name":"museums"},{"id":"181370","name":"oceanography"},{"id":"176552","name":"data sonification"},{"id":"1102","name":"blind"},{"id":"2751","name":"visually impaired"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688916":{"#nid":"688916","#data":{"type":"news","title":" Undergrads Earn National Recognition for Computing Research","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETwo Georgia Tech undergraduates are being recognized for their contributions to computing research.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERyan\u0026nbsp;Punamiya\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;(CS 2025)\u0026nbsp;and \u003Cstrong\u003ESummer Abramson\u003C\/strong\u003E, a third-year\u0026nbsp;computational\u0026nbsp;media student, have been honored by the Computing Research Association (CRA) through its 2025\u20132026 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cra.org\/about\/awards\/outstanding-undergraduate-researcher-award\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOutstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award (URA) program.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;was named a runner-up for the prestigious award, while Abramson received an honorable mention among hundreds of applicants from universities across North America.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cra.org\/about\/awards\/outstanding-undergraduate-researcher-award\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECRA Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award program\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;recognized eight awardees in 2026, along with eight runners-up, nine finalists, and over 200 honorable mentions from thousands of applications.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdvancing\u0026nbsp;Robotics Research\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;knew early on that he\u0026nbsp;didn\u2019t\u0026nbsp;want to wait until starting his Ph.D. to do meaningful and impactful robotics research.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;joined the Robot Learning and Reasoning Lab (RL2) directed by Assistant Professor\u0026nbsp;Danfei\u0026nbsp;Xu. While there, he contributed to the lab\u2019s Meta-sponsored\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/new-algorithm-teaches-robots-through-human-perspective\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEgoMimic\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;project, which trains robots to perform human tasks using recordings captured by Meta\u2019s Project Aria research glasses.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;also the first author of a paper accepted to the 2025 Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS),\u0026nbsp;one of the world\u2019s most prestigious artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning conferences.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cRyan is the strongest undergraduate I\u0027ve worked with,\u201d Xu said, \u201cincluding students who went on to Stanford, Berkeley, and leadership roles in major tech companies.\u0026nbsp;He\u2019s\u0026nbsp;already\u0026nbsp;operating\u0026nbsp;at the level of a strong\u0026nbsp;third-year Ph.D.\u0026nbsp;student.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;said it was a challenge to balance his undergraduate coursework with his research in Xu\u2019s lab.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cYou get out how much you put in,\u201d\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;said.\u0026nbsp;\u201cI built my class schedule to give myself as much time to do research as possible. It also boils down to having the right research mentors.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201c(Xu) never saw me as an\u0026nbsp;undergrad\u0026nbsp;who\u2019s\u0026nbsp;just there to do grunt work. I was\u0026nbsp;fortunate\u0026nbsp;he saw my curiosity and cultivated me as a researcher.\u0026nbsp;That\u2019s\u0026nbsp;really how\u0026nbsp;you get more\u0026nbsp;undergrads\u0026nbsp;motivated to research \u2014 giving them the chance to be independent and explore ideas of their own.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;said his work in Xu\u2019s lab has already helped him identify the research areas he wants to focus on as he considers his next steps. He will continue developing generalized training models for robots using human data so they can perform tasks instantly upon deployment.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022The amount of data needed to train a robot is difficult to obtain even for top industry companies,\u0022 he said. \u0022We have embodied robot data available in billions of humans. With the advent of extended reality devices, we can get a scalable source of diverse interactions within environments.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;graduated in December and recently started an internship at Nvidia. He mentioned he has been accepted into several Ph.D. programs, including Georgia Tech, and he is choosing where to continue his research.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s the first time my research has been\u0026nbsp;acknowledged\u0026nbsp;externally by the robotics community,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s\u0026nbsp;good to\u0026nbsp;know\u0026nbsp;the problem\u0026nbsp;I\u2019m\u0026nbsp;working on is important, and that motivates me. Robotics is an exciting field. We are doing things now that two years ago were difficult to do.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResearching Inclusion in Computing Education\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAbramson conducts research in the People-Agents Research for Computing Education (PARCE) Laboratory under the mentorship of\u0026nbsp;Pedro Guillermo Feij\u00f3o-Garc\u00eda, a faculty member\u0026nbsp;in the School of Computing Instruction. He and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, Olufisayo Omojokun, nominated her for the award.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHer work focuses on the intersection of computing education and human-AI interaction, where she\u2019s been exploring ways to create more equitable technology.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis is such a huge milestone, and I couldn\u0027t be prouder of Summer,\u201d Feij\u00f3o-Garc\u00eda said. \u201cMentoring her for almost two years has been an amazing experience.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAbramson has received the Georgia Tech President\u2019s Undergraduate Research Award (PURA) twice, which supports her research exploring how user-centered design curricula can help address attrition among women in computing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019ve had the amazing opportunity to pursue research at the intersection of student identity, community belonging, and how we can build tools that support our diverse student population,\u201d Abramson said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cDr. Pedro and I have a goal to build community through a human-first approach, and I could not be more grateful for his support and guidance in my own journey. The CRA highlights the best of what the computing discipline has to offer, and I am incredibly honored for our work to be recognized.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAbramson will spend the summer researching how user-centered design curricula can help promote confidence, belonging, and retention for women in computing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENominees for the PURA program were recognized for contributing to multiple research projects, authoring or coauthoring papers, presenting at conferences, developing widely used software artifacts, and supporting their communities as teaching assistants, tutors, and mentors.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESchool of Computing Instruction Communications Officer Emily Smith contributed to this story.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EMain Photo: Ryan Punamiya works with a robot during the 2025 International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Atlanta. Photo by Terence Rushin\/College of Computing.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERyan\u0026nbsp;Punamiya\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;(CS 2025)\u0026nbsp;and \u003Cstrong\u003ESummer Abramson\u003C\/strong\u003E, a third-year\u0026nbsp;computational\u0026nbsp;media student, have been honored by the Computing Research Association (CRA) through its 2025\u20132026 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cra.org\/about\/awards\/outstanding-undergraduate-researcher-award\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOutstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award (URA) program.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;was named a runner-up for the prestigious award, while Abramson received an honorable mention among hundreds of applicants from universities across North America.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cra.org\/about\/awards\/outstanding-undergraduate-researcher-award\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECRA Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award program\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;recognized eight awardees in 2026, along with eight runners-up, nine finalists, and over 200 honorable mentions from thousands of applications.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Ryan Punamiya (CS 2025) and Summer Abramson, a third-year computational media student, have been honored by the Computing Research Association (CRA) through its 2025\u20132026 Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award (URA) program. "}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-03-13 14:57:26","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:51:21","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679613":{"id":"679613","type":"image","title":"ICRA-2025_P9A0421-Enhanced-NR.jpg","body":null,"created":"1773413856","gmt_created":"2026-03-13 14:57:36","changed":"1773413856","gmt_changed":"2026-03-13 14:57:36","alt":"Ryan Punamiya","file":{"fid":"263795","name":"ICRA-2025_P9A0421-Enhanced-NR.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/13\/ICRA-2025_P9A0421-Enhanced-NR.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/13\/ICRA-2025_P9A0421-Enhanced-NR.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":133995,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/13\/ICRA-2025_P9A0421-Enhanced-NR.jpg?itok=r8p0C5IW"}}},"media_ids":["679613"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"193158","name":"Student Competition Winners (academic, innovation, and research)"},{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"101271","name":"Computing Research Association"},{"id":"22861","name":"undergraduate research awards"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688962":{"#nid":"688962","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Chef and Humanitarian Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s Receives Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EWorld-renowned chef Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s believes that food is a powerful tool in \u201cbuilding longer tables\u201d and forging unity in times of crisis. In pursuit of this mission, he founded World Central Kitchen in 2010.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003ETraveling to war zones and natural disasters around the world, Andr\u00e9s and the organization have delivered nearly one billion meals to those in need. For his efforts, the internationally recognized humanitarian received the 2026 Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage, which is awarded to individuals who, by standing up for moral principles at great personal risk, have made a significant impact on society.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EThe prize honors the legacy of Ivan Allen Jr., former mayor of Atlanta and a Georgia Tech alumnus known for his courageous leadership during the Civil Rights Movement. It was presented to Andr\u00e9s by President \u00c1ngel Cabrera.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cHe has turned culinary skill into a weapon against despair, and his unwavering stand for human dignity amid gunfire and rubble demonstrates unparalleled courage. He confronts famine, war, and disaster with unyielding moral conviction \u2014 not from an office thousands of miles away from harm, but right at the heart of our most pressing global crises,\u201d Cabrera said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EGrowing up in Spain, Andr\u00e9s watched as his mother made the most of every ingredient between paychecks, and his father invited all who were hungry to their table. As a chef and a humanitarian, Andr\u00e9s feels that he embodies the ideals instilled in him at a young age.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cMy mother taught me to cook for the few and do it with love. From my father, I learned how to feed anyone who showed up; to care for the many. Those early lessons of the power of food to nurture a family, to take care of friends or people who you didn\u2019t know but that you were welcoming to your longer table anyway, became very important to me,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EAs a sailor in the Spanish Navy, Andr\u00e9s traveled the world before eventually moving to New York City, where he began his career as a cook at Eldorado Petit, a Spanish restaurant. Now, among the most decorated chefs in the culinary industry, as a two-star Michelin recipient, the Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s Group operates 40 restaurants. In 2010, when tragedy struck Haiti in the form of a devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake, Andr\u00e9s knew he wanted to do more to spread hope through food.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cWhen you go to many situations \u2014 war, hurricanes, or other disasters \u2014 you realize that food and water are one of the most important things that you can do for people. It is the very basis of starting to look to the future with hope,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EWorld Central Kitchen was operational in Ukraine within hours of the Russian invasion in 2022, and missions continue today both in Ukraine and Gaza. In 2025, Andr\u00e9s was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden. To an audience inside the Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech, Andr\u00e9s explained how World Central Kitchen has illuminated the goodness of humanity as thousands of restaurant employees, volunteers, and community members join together in missions across the globe.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cWhen I go to emergencies, I always realize that in the worst moments of humanity, the best of humanity always shows up. I often feel selfish because when I go, I come back so fulfilled by the hope and empathy I find everywhere,\u201d Andr\u00e9s said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EAlong with his humanitarian work, Andr\u00e9s is an Emmy Award-winning television personality,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003ENew York Times\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;bestselling author, and educator, and has twice been named one of\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003ETime\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;magazine\u2019s \u201c100 Most Influential People.\u201d Despite the accolades, his friends say that Andr\u00e9s is most fulfilled when he is helping others; at the event, he was introduced by Jon Riberas, chairman of Gonvarri Steel Industries in Madrid, and Enric Sala, founder and leader of Pristine Seas, a global conservation initiative.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cWhen people think of Jos\u00e9, they often think of the world-class chef. The man who brought the soul of Spain to the American table. But those of us who know him well, and those who have seen him in the mud of a hurricane or the dust of a conflict, know that the apron is merely the armor,\u201d Sala said. \u201cIvan Allen Jr. risked his career because he knew that the human condition Georgia Tech talks about is not just a theory, it\u2019s a responsibility. Jos\u00e9 lives that same responsibility.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EDuring a fireside chat with Cabrera, Andr\u00e9s also spoke about the importance of reducing food waste, the role of food in driving economic development for communities, and investing in programs that train people to staff kitchens and restaurants.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EPrevious recipients of the award include John Lewis, Andrew Young, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Christiane Amanpour.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EThanks to a generous grant from the Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Foundation, the Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage includes a $100,000 stipend.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s, chef, humanitarian, and founder of World Central Kitchen, received the Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage for his leadership in providing meals to communities in crisis. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s, chef, humanitarian, and founder of World Central Kitchen, received the\u0026nbsp;Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage\u0026nbsp;for his leadership in providing meals to communities in crisis.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s, chef, humanitarian, and founder of World Central Kitchen, received the Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage for his leadership in providing meals to communities in crisis.\u00a0"}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-03-17 13:34:36","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 00:33:37","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-17T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-17T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679699":{"id":"679699","type":"video","title":"Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s Receives the Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage ","body":null,"created":"1773966777","gmt_created":"2026-03-20 00:32:57","changed":"1773966777","gmt_changed":"2026-03-20 00:32:57","video":{"youtube_id":"lGKWr7Z_y2Q","video_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lGKWr7Z_y2Q"}},"679653":{"id":"679653","type":"image","title":"Georgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera presents the 2026 Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage to Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s. ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera presents the 2026 Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage to Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s. Photo by Joya Chapman.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773754627","gmt_created":"2026-03-17 13:37:07","changed":"1773754627","gmt_changed":"2026-03-17 13:37:07","alt":"Georgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera presents the 2026 Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage to Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s. ","file":{"fid":"263836","name":"DSC_8723-web.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/17\/DSC_8723-web.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/17\/DSC_8723-web.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1133700,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/17\/DSC_8723-web.jpg?itok=luB2iaiC"}}},"media_ids":["679699","679653"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/ivanallenprize.gatech.edu\/","title":"Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage"},{"url":"https:\/\/wck.org\/story\/","title":"World Central Kitchen"}],"groups":[{"id":"58132","name":"Ivan Allen Prize"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"178928","name":"Ivan Allen Jr Prize for Social Courage"},{"id":"9895","name":"Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage"},{"id":"182236","name":"President \u00c1ngel Cabrera"},{"id":"167378","name":"special events"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689061":{"#nid":"689061","#data":{"type":"news","title":"A Guide to Spring Break in Atlanta","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFlowers are beginning to blossom around campus, and that means spring break is\u0026nbsp;almost here. For those staying on campus during the break, March 23 \u2013 27,\u0026nbsp;don\u2019t\u0026nbsp;fret \u2014 Atlanta\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;a vibrant city full of exciting events and activities for students to enjoy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECheer On the Yellow Jackets\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESoftball\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003Evs. Duke University\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFriday, March 20, 6 p.m. \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESaturday, March 21, 3 p.m. \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESunday, March 22, 4 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003Evs. University of West Georgia\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETuesday, March 24, 6 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003Evs. Georgia State University\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWednesday, March 25, 6 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESwimming and Diving\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENCAA Men\u2019s Swimming Championships\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMarch 25 \u2013 28, all day\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBaseball\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003Evs. NC State\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFriday, March 27, 7 p.m. \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESaturday, March 28, 7 p.m. \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESunday, March 29, 3 p.m. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWomen\u2019s Tennis\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003Evs. Penn State\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESunday, March 22, noon\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003Evs. University of Miami\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFriday, March 27, 4 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003Evs. Florida State University\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESunday, March 29, noon\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMen\u2019s Tennis\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003Evs. Stanford University\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThursday, March 26, 4 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003Evs. University of California\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESaturday, March 28, 11 a.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003Evs. The Citadel\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESaturday, March 28, 4 p.m. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETrack and Field\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYellow Jacket Invitational\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMarch 20 \u2013 21, all day\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EView the complete schedule of athletic events at\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramblinwreck.com\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eramblinwreck.com\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAtlanta Science Festival\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Through March 21, 10 a.m. \u2013 4 p.m. each day\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: Various locations\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOpen to all, the Atlanta Science Festival\u0026nbsp;showcases\u0026nbsp;a variety of events in and around metro Atlanta, ranging from hydroponics and the physics of rock \u2019n\u2019 roll to theater productions and escape rooms.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atlantasciencefestival.org\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHope Beneath the Wings Community Mural Paint Day\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: March 21, 10 a.m. \u2013 noon\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: All Saints\u2019 Episcopal Church\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoin artist\u0026nbsp;Aysha\u0026nbsp;Pennerman\u0026nbsp;for a community\u0026nbsp;paint\u0026nbsp;day. Wear clothes you\u0026nbsp;don\u2019t\u0026nbsp;mind getting paint on, because\u0026nbsp;it\u2019s\u0026nbsp;you who will be helping to paint the mural! The project invites the community to meditate on the concept of hope.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.midtownatl.com\/do\/hope-mural-by-aysha-pennerman-community-paint-day\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUSA Jigsaw Nationals and Convention\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: March 27 \u2013 29, 8:30 a.m. \u2013 6:30 p.m. each day\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: Atlanta Convention Center at America\u2019s Mart\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe USA Jigsaw Nationals showcase speed puzzling, including individual competitors racing to finish 500-piece puzzles, and teams of four competing to finish two 1,000-piece puzzles. The event also features casual puzzling and seminars for attendees.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usajigsaw.org\/2026-nationals\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELittle 5 Fest\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: March 28, 1 \u2013 8 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: Little 5 Points\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEnjoy live music, skate ramps, and vendors at the Little 5 Fest. The\u0026nbsp;festival\u0026nbsp;features a variety of bands from Atlanta and beyond, along with a range of food and drinks to try. Come experience the culture of one of Atlanta\u2019s most eclectic and lively neighborhoods.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.little5pointsofficial.com\/l5fest\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u2018Spinning a Yarn\u2019: The Exhibit\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Through April 4, during museum hours\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSpinning a yarn\u201d is typically associated with women\u2019s storytelling, and this exhibit invites attendees to contemplate how stories are shaped by memory and imagination, rather than in a linear fashion. The exhibit\u0026nbsp;showcases\u0026nbsp;a variety of artistic mediums, including oil painting.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.adamatl.org\/spinningayarn\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESee the Sights\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether\u0026nbsp;you\u2019re\u0026nbsp;an Atlanta native or new to the city, there are plenty of attractions for you to fit into your spring break schedule.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.georgiaaquarium.org\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Aquarium\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.worldofcoca-cola.com\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EWorld of Coca-Cola\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/zooatlanta.org\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EZoo Atlanta\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cfbhall.com\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECollege Football Hall of Fame\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/high.org\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EHigh Museum of Art\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/malu\/index.htm\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMartin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EJimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atlantabg.org\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAtlanta Botanical Garden\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.fernbankmuseum.org\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EFernbank\u0026nbsp;Museum of Natural History\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETake a Hike\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs spring nears and the weather warms up, take a walk on the Beltline or enjoy a hike on\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.atlantatrails.com\/hiking-trails\/atlantas-best-hiking-trails-our-top-10-favorite-hikes\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Etrails around the metro area\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"If you\u0027re staying in town for Spring Break, there are exciting events and activities to explore. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u0027re staying in town for Spring Break, there are exciting events and activities to explore.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"If you\u0027re staying in town for Spring Break, there are exciting events and activities to explore. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-03-19 18:28:27","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 20:47:31","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-19T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-19T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679697":{"id":"679697","type":"image","title":"_WestGA_031026_DK-35.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA rainbow forms over Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium as Georgia Tech baseball takes on West Georgia. Photo by Danny Karnik\/Georgia Tech Athletics.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773952304","gmt_created":"2026-03-19 20:31:44","changed":"1773952304","gmt_changed":"2026-03-19 20:31:44","alt":"Rainbow over Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium","file":{"fid":"263889","name":"_WestGA_031026_DK-35.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/19\/_WestGA_031026_DK-35.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/19\/_WestGA_031026_DK-35.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":21995835,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/19\/_WestGA_031026_DK-35.jpg?itok=eDqgQvLZ"}}},"media_ids":["679697"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"167637","name":"spring break"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:stucomm@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EEllie Jenkins\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688745":{"#nid":"688745","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Mentor Spotlight: Alison Sizer \u2014 From Apple and Nike to Supporting Founders ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAlison Sizer started as someone who loved innovation and problem-solving. For 14 years, she worked at Apple and Nike, where she learned how to blend innovation with customer insight: how to spot patterns, translate problems into opportunities, and turn ideas into strategies for growth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EApplying what she\u2019d learned along the way, Sizer started Growth Impact to support startups and stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. As a part of her business, she created partnerships and networks between the U.S. and South Africa, bridging the gap between startups and corporations to encourage co-creation and pilot projects. During this time, she saw how much early\u2011stage founders needed clear frameworks, honest guidance, and hands\u2011on support.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI started Growth Impact to support startups and stakeholders such as venture studios, investors, and accelerators. I support early-stage startups in finding product-market fit, customer understanding, go-to-market strategy, and business model development,\u201d she said. \u201cI also help startups with fundraising readiness and enterprise readiness. I support stakeholders by helping to assess viability, and de-risk new ventures, as well as connecting startups to enterprises.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEventually, her work brought her in contact with Georgia Tech. She was working with a South African innovation lab to enable pilot projects between startups and enterprises with the goal of facilitating the co-creation of digital solutions, which led her to Rahul Saxena, director of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECREATE-X\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESizer said she reached out to see if any potential CREATE-X startups or enterprises would want to connect to the companies she was working with in South Africa.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOver the last few years, there\u0027s been quite a lot of interest in Georgia Tech and Atlanta in terms of a tech and innovation hub in the U.S., and there\u0027s a lot of investment happening too, in both the city of Atlanta and in Georgia Tech, in entrepreneurship and innovation and technology,\u201d she said. \u201cI think it\u0027s an interesting market.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnce connected, she kept meeting Georgia Tech founders, many from CREATE\u2011X.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EQuietly, she began helping where she could, making introductions for CREATE-X founders outside of Atlanta. For Augment Health, she made investor and potential partner introductions. For the founder of Strapt, she made introductions to investors, shared market insight, and highlighted the company in her own newsletter, which has an audience of innovation ecosystem stakeholders, including more investors. And for ZenVR, she made a connection to WeFunder for funding, which resulted in $250,000 raised. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECollaborating with CREATE-X on a webinar, Sizer also taught \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/launch\/startup-launch\u0022\u003EStartup Launch\u003C\/a\u003E alumni about customer understanding and segmentation, value proposition, and other topics for health and wellness founders. Beyond connecting, Sizer shaped mindsets.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn her business, one founder she worked with was building non\u2011toxic performance apparel for women \u2014 a product selling through Amazon, REI, and even the U.S. military. The founder had ambition but struggled to balance DTC (direct to consumer) sales, retail, and B2B opportunities. Sizer helped her analyze her data, identify her real early adopters, and rebuild her value proposition and messaging. With a clearer customer understanding and stronger brand direction, the founder revamped her website and refined her pitch.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI love that thrill of them being excited about implementing some of the ideas and things we talk about, seeing the growth in their business, and the positive change in their business. That really excites me,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAtlanta is an enterprise-heavy city with Fortune 500 companies, SaaS (Software as a Service) companies, and a growing biotech sector. The startup ecosystem is growing in Atlanta, and with that comes advantages.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI have noticed that there\u0027s a lot of strong support for Atlanta and Georgia entrepreneurs from other Atlanta and Georgia entrepreneurs,\u201d she said. \u201cThey all support each other.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver the years, Sizer has advised or mentored over 100 startups and built investor connections. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMy business is Growth Impact, because growth and impact are part of my core values. I\u0027m glad to give back and support early entrepreneurs, sharing knowledge, tools, and resources,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a founder, Sizer went through her own learning curve. When she first launched her company, she assumed her target customers would be venture capital firms and spent months talking to pre\u2011seed and seed investors, only to discover that VCs either didn\u2019t fund the kind of operational support she offered or they expected founders to pay for it themselves. Meanwhile, the founders she spoke with said they needed her help but didn\u2019t have the budget. She said it was a classic chicken\u2011and\u2011egg problem.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI said, OK, this is not my target customer. The target customer is the startup,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u0027s where the pivot point was for me.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003EThat shift reshaped her entire business and reinforced the same advice she now gives students: Talk to customers, listen deeply, and don\u2019t be afraid to adjust when the data points you in a new direction.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe officially joined the CREATE\u2011X mentor community last year to help more founders, guiding them in finding product-market fit, and understanding who needs this solution and why.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne thing Sizer emphasized, however, is the need for founders to continue to take initiative and be resilient in the face of challenges.\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cA mentor can guide you or ask the right questions, but the founder has to find the path,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EReady to build something real?\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeet mentors like Alison Sizer in Startup Launch, where you can develop a startup to solve real-world problems and build entrepreneurial skills. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form\u0022\u003EApply to Startup Launch\u003C\/a\u003E today; applications close Tuesday, March 17.\u003Cbr\u003EInterested in mentoring?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWant to mentor and support the next generation of Georgia Tech founders?\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFill out our \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/airtable.com\/app1gcnb0ECVgdEF4\/pag4g0e8mxV9qWn8k\/form\u0022\u003Eengagement form\u003C\/a\u003E to join CREATE\u2011X\u2019s mentor network.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EAlison Sizer brings more than a decade of innovation experience from Apple and Nike to her work supporting early\u2011stage founders through her company, Growth Impact. After building cross\u2011continental partnerships between the U.S. and South Africa, she connected with CREATE-X and began advising founders on customer insight, product\u2011market fit, and go\u2011to\u2011market strategy. She has since made high\u2011impact investor and partner introductions, taught customer discovery frameworks, and helped entrepreneurs rethink their value propositions through data\u2011driven guidance. Now an official CREATE\u2011X mentor, Sizer continues to champion founders by sharing tools, networks, and honest insight to help them build resilient, customer\u2011focused ventures.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Alison Sizer, a former Apple and Nike strategist turned founder of Growth Impact, now mentors CREATE\u2011X startups by helping them deepen customer understanding, refine value propositions, and build pathways to growth through her global innovation network."}],"uid":"36436","created_gmt":"2026-03-05 15:20:30","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 19:25:50","author":"bdurham31","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-04T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-03-04T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679530":{"id":"679530","type":"image","title":"Alison Sizer ","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003EThe image shows Alison Sizer \u0026nbsp;standing in a modern, well\u2011lit workspace with open shelving, plants, and a large \u201cLet\u2019s...\u201d wall sign visible in the background. She\u0027s wearing a light gray blazer over a teal top and is posed with one arm resting on a wooden table. The setting includes contemporary furniture, natural light from large windows, and a neutral, inviting color palette that conveys a professional yet relaxed environment.\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1772722040","gmt_created":"2026-03-05 14:47:20","changed":"1772723141","gmt_changed":"2026-03-05 15:05:41","alt":"Alison Sizer in a blazer standing in a modern workspace with wooden tables, open shelving, and natural light.","file":{"fid":"263703","name":"Alison-TRT_3162.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/05\/Alison-TRT_3162.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/05\/Alison-TRT_3162.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":103307,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/05\/Alison-TRT_3162.jpeg?itok=lco1cU-e"}}},"media_ids":["679530"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form","title":"Apply to Startup Launch"},{"url":"https:\/\/airtable.com\/app1gcnb0ECVgdEF4\/pag4g0e8mxV9qWn8k\/form","title":"Mentor with CREATE-X"}],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:breanna.durham@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EBreanna Durham\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMarketing Strategist\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689055":{"#nid":"689055","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Hundreds of Hungry Mosquitoes, a Student Volunteer and a Mesh Suit","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFour minutes is too long.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-right zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724202\/original\/file-20260316-57-8quhxt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Man\u0026apos;s arm with multiple pink raised welts\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724202\/original\/file-20260316-57-8quhxt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=237\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724202\/original\/file-20260316-57-8quhxt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=827\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724202\/original\/file-20260316-57-8quhxt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=827\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724202\/original\/file-20260316-57-8quhxt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=827\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724202\/original\/file-20260316-57-8quhxt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=1040\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724202\/original\/file-20260316-57-8quhxt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=1040\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724202\/original\/file-20260316-57-8quhxt.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=1040\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003ESome of Chris Zuo\u2019s itchy results after his session with the mosquitoes.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution source\u0022\u003EDavid L. Hu\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat\u2019s the note undergraduate Chris Zuo sent me along with photos of countless mosquito bites on his bare skin. This full-body massacre wasn\u2019t the result of a camping trip gone awry. He\u2019d spent that limited amount of time in a room with 100 hungry mosquitoes while wearing nothing but a mesh suit we thought would have protected him.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThus began our three-year journey trying to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/sciadv.adz7063\u0022\u003Eunderstand the behavior\u003C\/a\u003E of a deceivingly simple insect, the mosquito. It may sound like a professor\u2019s sadistic plan, but, really, we did everything by the book. Our university\u2019s institutional review board approved our procedures, making sure Chris was safe and not coerced in any way. The mosquitoes were disease-free and native to our home state of Georgia. And this session resulted in the first and last bites anyone received during the study.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBesides my role as torturer of students, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=pydtIvYAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0026amp;oi=ao\u0022\u003EI\u003C\/a\u003E am an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/press.princeton.edu\/our-authors\/hu-david\u0022\u003Eauthor\u003C\/a\u003E and professor at Georgia Tech with over 20 years of experience studying the movement of animals.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMosquitoes are the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ourworldindata.org\/deadliest-animals\u0022\u003Eworld\u2019s most dangerous animal\u003C\/a\u003E. The diseases they carry, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/malaria\u0022\u003Efrom malaria\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/dengue-and-severe-dengue\u0022\u003Eto dengue\u003C\/a\u003E, cause over \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/vector-borne-diseases\u0022\u003E700,000 deaths per year\u003C\/a\u003E. More people have died from mosquitoes than wars.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe world \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2023\/09\/29\/health\/mosquitoes-malaria-strategies-house.html\u0022\u003Espends US$22 billion per year\u003C\/a\u003E on billions of liters of insecticides, millions of pounds of larvicides, and millions of insecticide-treated bed nets \u2013 all to fight a tiny insect that weighs 10 times less than a grain of rice and has only \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pone.0250381\u0022\u003E200,000 neurons\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYet, people are losing the war on mosquitoes. These insects are evolving to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/science.aam8327\u0022\u003Ethrive in cities\u003C\/a\u003E and spreading disease \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.pt.2017.11.006\u0022\u003Emore rapidly with climate change\u003C\/a\u003E. How can such simple animals find us so easily?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScientists know mosquitoes have terrible eyesight and depend on chemical cues to make up for it. Knowing what attracts a mosquito, though, isn\u2019t enough to predict its behavior. You can know a heat-seeking missile is drawn to heat, but you still won\u2019t know how a missile works.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEnter Chris and his self-sacrifice in the mosquito room. By tracking the flight of many mosquitoes around him, we hoped to determine how they made decisions in response to his presence. Understanding how mosquitoes respond to humans is a first step to controlling them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EHow Mosquitoes Zero In On Their Meal\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOut of 3,500 species of mosquitoes, over 100 species are classified as anthropophilic, meaning they prefer humans for lunch. Certain species of mosquitoes will find the one person among a whole herd of cattle in order to suck human blood.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is quite a feat considering mosquitoes are weak flyers. They stop flying in a slight \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1242\/jeb.178905\u0022\u003E2-3 mph breeze\u003C\/a\u003E, the same air speed generated by a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1242\/jeb.178905\u0022\u003Ehorse\u2019s swinging tail\u003C\/a\u003E. In calmer conditions, mosquitoes use their minuscule brains to follow \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10905-022-09796-2\u0022\u003Ehuman heat, moisture and odors\u003C\/a\u003E that are carried downwind.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECarbon dioxide, the byproduct of respiration of all living animals, is particularly attractive. Mosquitoes notice carbon dioxide as well as you notice the stink of a full dumpster, detecting it up to 30 feet (9 meters) away from a host, where concentrations dip to a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/jmedent\/44.4.617\u0022\u003Efew parts per million\u003C\/a\u003E, like a few cups of dye in an Olympic-size pool.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724198\/original\/file-20260316-57-vumrcy.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Black outline of a G and T in left panel, in right panel black squiggles showing flight paths of mosquitoes around the letters\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724198\/original\/file-20260316-57-vumrcy.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724198\/original\/file-20260316-57-vumrcy.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=320\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724198\/original\/file-20260316-57-vumrcy.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=320\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724198\/original\/file-20260316-57-vumrcy.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=320\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724198\/original\/file-20260316-57-vumrcy.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=402\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724198\/original\/file-20260316-57-vumrcy.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=402\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724198\/original\/file-20260316-57-vumrcy.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=402\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003ELike superfans, mosquitoes are drawn to the dark outline of the Georgia Tech logo.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution source\u0022\u003EDavid L. Hu, Georgia Tech\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMosquitoes\u2019 vision isn\u2019t much help as they hunt for their next blood meal. Their two compound eyes have several hundred individual lenses called ommatidia, each about the width of a human hair. They produce a somewhat blurry mosaic or pixelated image. Due to the laws of optics, mosquitoes can discern an adult-size human only at a few meters away. With their vision alone, they cannot distinguish a human from a small tree. They inspect every dark object.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EGathering the Flight-Path Data\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe challenge with studying mosquito flight is that, like trash-talking teenagers, most of what they do is meaningless noise. Mosquitoes flying in an empty room are largely making random changes in flight speed and direction. We needed many flight trajectories to cut through the noise.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724200\/original\/file-20260316-57-z0f39m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A man lying on the ground, and shown in two images on a laptop screen in the foreground\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724200\/original\/file-20260316-57-z0f39m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724200\/original\/file-20260316-57-z0f39m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=326\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724200\/original\/file-20260316-57-z0f39m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=326\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724200\/original\/file-20260316-57-z0f39m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=326\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724200\/original\/file-20260316-57-z0f39m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=410\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724200\/original\/file-20260316-57-z0f39m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=410\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724200\/original\/file-20260316-57-z0f39m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=410\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EIn a mesh suit, Chris Zuo awaits the mosquitoes while questioning his life choices.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution source\u0022\u003EDavid L. Hu, Georgia Tech\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of our collaborators, University of California, Riverside, biologist \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=XOveQssAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0026amp;oi=ao\u0022\u003ERing Card\u00e9\u003C\/a\u003E, told us that back in the 1980s, scientists conducted \u201cbite studies\u201d by stripping down to their underwear and slapping the mosquitoes that landed on their naked bodies. He said nudity prevented confounding variables, such as the color of a shirt\u2019s fabric.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EChris and I looked at each other. Sit naked and wait to become mosquito prey? Instead, we designed the mesh suit that Chris originally wore into the mosquito room. But after seeing Chris\u2019 bites, we needed a better way.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstead, Chris washed long-sleeved clothes in unscented detergent and wore gloves and a face mask. Fully protected, Chris only had to stand and wait, while a cloud of mosquitoes swarmed him.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention introduced us to the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/photonicsentry.com\/\u0022\u003EPhotonic Sentry\u003C\/a\u003E, a camera that simultaneously tracks hundreds of flying insects in a room. It records 100 frames per second at 5 mm resolution for a space like a large studio apartment. In just a few hours, Chris and another graduate student, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=pJLlOo8AAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0026amp;oi=sra\u0022\u003ESoohwan Kim\u003C\/a\u003E, generated more mosquito flight data than had previously been measured in human history.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/A4WUw-ZCoFk?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003E100 mosquitoes flying around Chris Zuo for 10 minutes. Only a fraction of tracks are shown.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=YJlkBuAAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0026amp;oi=ao\u0022\u003EJ\u00f6rn Dunkel\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=3V6dgsoAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0026amp;oi=sra\u0022\u003EChenyi Fei\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=89drxM4AAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0026amp;oi=sra\u0022\u003EAlex Cohen\u003C\/a\u003E, our mathematician collaborators at MIT, told us that the geometry of Chris\u2019 body was still too complicated to study the mosquitoes\u2019 reactions. Mathematicians excel at simplifying complex problems to their essence. Chenyi suggested we go easy on Chris \u2013 why not replace him with a simple dummy: a black Styrofoam ball on a stick combined with a canister of carbon dioxide.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver the next two years, Chris filmed the mosquitoes circling the Styrofoam dummies mercilessly. Then he vacuumed up the mosquitoes, trying not to get bitten.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EDeciphering the Trajectories\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA mosquito flies like you would an airplane: it turns left or right, accelerates or hits the brakes. We determined a mosquito\u2019s flight behavior as a function of its speed, location and direction with respect to the target as the first step in creating our model of their behavior.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur confidence in our behavioral rules increased as we read more trajectories, ultimately using 20 million mosquito positions and speeds. This idea of incorporating observations to support a mathematical hypothesis is a 200-year-old idea called \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/medium.com\/@chonghankhai\/bayesian-thinking-in-everyday-life-bf82fe2ab0af\u0022\u003EBayesian inference\u003C\/a\u003E. We illustrated the mosquito behavior we\u2019d observed in a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/acoh64.github.io\/mosquito_app\/\u0022\u003Eweb application\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724564\/original\/file-20260318-57-2aq2gy.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u00224 panels showing trajectory of a mosquito in the presence of no target, visual target, CO2 target or both.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724564\/original\/file-20260318-57-2aq2gy.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724564\/original\/file-20260318-57-2aq2gy.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=169\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724564\/original\/file-20260318-57-2aq2gy.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=169\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724564\/original\/file-20260318-57-2aq2gy.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=169\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724564\/original\/file-20260318-57-2aq2gy.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=212\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724564\/original\/file-20260318-57-2aq2gy.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=212\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/724564\/original\/file-20260318-57-2aq2gy.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=212\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EA mosquito\u2019s flight changes with the kind of target presented.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution source\u0022\u003EDavid L. Hu\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsing our model, we showed how different targets cause mosquitoes to fly differently. Visual targets cause fly-bys, where mosquitoes fly past the target. Carbon dioxide causes double takes, where mosquitoes slow down near the target. The combination of a visual cue and carbon dioxide creates high-speed orbiting patterns.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUp until now, we had used only experiments with Styrofoam spheres to train our model. The true test was whether it could predict mosquito flights around a human. Chris returned to the chamber, this time wearing all white clothes and a black hat, turning himself into a bull\u2019s-eye. Our model successfully predicted the distribution of mosquitoes around him. We identified zones of danger, where there was a high chance of a mosquito circling around him.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPredicting mosquito behavior is a first step toward outsmarting them. In mosquito-prone areas, people design \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fpubh.2024.1404493\u0022\u003Ehouses with features to prevent mosquitoes\u003C\/a\u003E from following human cues and entering. Similarly, mosquito traps suck in mosquitoes when they get too close but still allow between \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/jme\/tjz243\u0022\u003E50% and 90% of mosquitoes to escape\u003C\/a\u003E. Many of these designs are based on trial and error. We hope that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/sciadv.adz7063\u0022\u003Eour study provides a more precise tool\u003C\/a\u003E for designing methods for mosquito capture or deterrence.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen Chris\u2019 mother attended his master\u2019s degree defense, I asked her how she felt about her son using himself as bait for mosquitoes. She said she was very proud. So am I \u2013 and not just because I\u2019m relieved Chris didn\u2019t ask me to take his place in the mosquito chamber.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/278486\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/hundreds-of-hungry-mosquitoes-a-student-volunteer-and-a-mesh-suit-helped-us-figure-out-how-these-deadly-insects-reach-their-targets-278486\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBy tracking the flight of many mosquitoes around a student volunteer, we hoped to determine how they made decisions in response to his presence. Understanding how mosquitoes respond to humans is a first step to controlling them.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"By tracking the flight of many mosquitoes around a student volunteer, we hoped to determine how they made decisions in response to his presence. Understanding how mosquitoes respond to humans is a first step to controlling them."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-03-18 16:52:12","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 16:57:10","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679694":{"id":"679694","type":"image","title":"Trajectories of mosquitoes flying around a human target. David L. Hu, Georgia Tech","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETrajectories of mosquitoes flying around a human target. David L. Hu, Georgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773939193","gmt_created":"2026-03-19 16:53:13","changed":"1773939193","gmt_changed":"2026-03-19 16:53:13","alt":"Trajectories of mosquitoes flying around a human target. David L. Hu, Georgia Tech","file":{"fid":"263886","name":"file-20260317-57-gbcbz7.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/19\/file-20260317-57-gbcbz7.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/19\/file-20260317-57-gbcbz7.png","mime":"image\/png","size":2835625,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/19\/file-20260317-57-gbcbz7.png?itok=JyAHkg79"}}},"media_ids":["679694"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/hundreds-of-hungry-mosquitoes-a-student-volunteer-and-a-mesh-suit-helped-us-figure-out-how-these-deadly-insects-reach-their-targets-278486","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"},{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"142761","name":"IRIM"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"},{"id":"108731","name":"School of Mechanical Engineering"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/david-hu-204122\u0022\u003EDavid Hu\u003C\/a\u003E, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Biology, Adjunct Professor of Physics, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689054":{"#nid":"689054","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Develop Biodegradable, Plant\u2011Based Packaging From Natural Fibers","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=YpxchNkAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003EJie Wu\u003C\/a\u003E, an engineering graduate student, was studying a type of striking white beetle found in Southeast Asia and attempting to figure out how to mimic its brilliant color when an unexpected discovery upended the experiment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJie and I had been hoping to identify naturally occurring whitening pigments that could be used in paper and paints. The beetle\u2019s white exoskeleton is made from a compound called chitin, which is a type of carbohydrate \u2013 one that is also commonly found in crab and lobster shells.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFirst, Jie extracted chitin nanofibers from crab shells obtained from food waste that are chemically the same as those found in the white beetles. But instead of creating a white material as intended, Jie produced dense, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/bm501416q\u0022\u003Etransparent films\u003C\/a\u003E. The nanofibers more readily assembled in tightly packed films than in the porous structures Jie desired.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-right zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721546\/original\/file-20260303-57-g7dkdj.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Two white beetles\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721546\/original\/file-20260303-57-g7dkdj.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=237\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721546\/original\/file-20260303-57-g7dkdj.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=882\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721546\/original\/file-20260303-57-g7dkdj.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=882\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721546\/original\/file-20260303-57-g7dkdj.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=882\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721546\/original\/file-20260303-57-g7dkdj.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=1109\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721546\/original\/file-20260303-57-g7dkdj.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=1109\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/721546\/original\/file-20260303-57-g7dkdj.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=1109\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EAn attempt to mimic the striking white color of \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003ECyphochilus\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003E beetles led researchers to a unique discovery.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cyphochilus#\/media\/File:Cyphochilus_beetles.jpg\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EOlimpia1lli\/Wikimedia Commons\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003E, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca class=\u0022license\u0022 href=\u0022http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-nd\/4.0\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003ECC BY-NC-ND\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn a whim, Jie measured the rate at which oxygen passed through the film. The result was astonishing: The barrier allowed less oxygen through than many existing packaging plastics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat serendipitous finding in 2014 shifted \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=3qOG6PUAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Emy team\u003C\/a\u003E of engineering students\u2019 focus from color to packaging. We asked whether natural materials could rival the performance of common plastics. In the years since, our team has used this discovery to create biodegradable films that offer a more sustainable and effective alternative to plastic packaging.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EChallenges of Plastic Packaging\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPlastic packaging is commonly used to protect food, pharmaceuticals and personal care products. These plastics keep out moisture and oxygen from the air, so products stay \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/C2012-0-00246-3\u0022\u003Efresh and safe\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost packaging has several layers that work together to keep air out, but these layers hinder reuse and recycling efforts. As a result, most of this plastic barrier packaging is discarded to landfills as single-use materials.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany researchers have sought alternatives that are renewable, biodegradable or recyclable, yet just as effective. At Georgia Tech, my team of students and post-docs has spent more than a decade tackling this problem. This journey began with that beetle.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EBuilding a Better Barrier\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/chitin\u0022\u003EChitin\u003C\/a\u003E is widely available in food waste and mushrooms, and it is used in products such as water filters and wound dressing. However, our early attempts to scale up the film technology based on the beetle-inspired experiment failed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2018, the team made an important leap forward by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/acssuschemeng.8b01536\u0022\u003Eusing spray coating to create layers\u003C\/a\u003E of chitin and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.niehs.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/agents\/sya-nano\u0022\u003Ecellulose nanomaterials\u003C\/a\u003E. Cellulose, like chitin, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/cellulose\u0022\u003Eis a carbohydrate polymer\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 a chain of repeating carbohydrate units \u2013 and it is obtained from plants. These abundant natural materials have opposite electric charges, which led to better barrier performance when we combined them than either material alone.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn this approach, the team sprayed down a layer of chitin, followed by a layer of cellulose. The opposite charges between the chitin and cellulose created a long-range attraction between them that binds the layers to create a dense interface.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELater, in collaboration with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=BrXwtO4AAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003EMeisha Shofner\u003C\/a\u003E, a materials scientist, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/harris\u0022\u003ETequila Harris\u003C\/a\u003E, a mechanical engineer, other students showed these coatings could be applied with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/acsami.2c09925\u0022\u003Escalable, roll-to-roll techniques\u003C\/a\u003E. Roll-to-roll coating methods are preferred in industry because the coatings are applied continuously to large rolls of a substrate material, such as paper or other biodegradable plastics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EBNyjJFB8Zc?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003ERoll-to-roll coating allows manufacturers to easily apply thin layers of coating to a base material, called a substrate.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStill, humidity posed a major challenge, limiting any real-world applications. Moisture swelled the film, allowing more oxygen to sneak through.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThen came another breakthrough. In 2024, another collaborator, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=ZILIcOwAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003ENatalie Stingelin\u003C\/a\u003E, and I discovered that two common food components resisted water vapor when combined: carboxymethylcellulose \u2013 which is found in ice cream, for example \u2013 and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/compound\/Citric-Acid\u0022\u003Ecitric acid\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe result was a film that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1039\/D4SU00425F\u0022\u003Ehindered the transmission of moisture\u003C\/a\u003E. The citric acid reacted with the cellulose to form cross-links, which are chemical junctions that bind the cellulose molecules. Once bound, they reduced the film\u2019s moisture uptake.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe integrated this new discovery with the prior work by combining the citric acid and cellulose, and then casting this mixture as a freestanding film by coating it onto a substrate, such as chitin.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, that formulation did not have strong oxygen barrier properties because it did not contain the highly crystalline cellulose nanomaterials from our first film. Our team\u2019s most \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/acsapm.5c02909\u0022\u003Erecent achievement\u003C\/a\u003E, from October 2025, combines the above innovations. As a result, we\u2019ve created a bio-based film that is an excellent barrier to both oxygen and moisture.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710006\/original\/file-20251220-56-gcunhe.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A diagram showing a rectangle representing a biodegradable film, with an arrow deflecting off of it showing how it keeps out water vapor and oxygen. On the right is the film.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710006\/original\/file-20251220-56-gcunhe.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710006\/original\/file-20251220-56-gcunhe.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=300\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710006\/original\/file-20251220-56-gcunhe.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=300\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710006\/original\/file-20251220-56-gcunhe.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=300\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710006\/original\/file-20251220-56-gcunhe.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=377\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710006\/original\/file-20251220-56-gcunhe.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=377\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710006\/original\/file-20251220-56-gcunhe.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=377\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EAn oxygen and water vapor barrier film composed of blended cellulose and chitin.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution source\u0022\u003EJ. Carson Meredith\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EScaling Up Production\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen cast into thin films, these components self-organize into a dense structure that resists swelling with water vapor. Tests showed that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/acsapm.5c02909\u0022\u003Eeven at 80% humidity\u003C\/a\u003E the film matched or outperformed common packaging plastics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe materials are renewable, biodegradable and compostable. Our team has filed several patent applications, and we are working with industry partners to develop specific packaging uses.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne challenge that applications face is a limited supply of the bio-based components compared to the high volume of conventional plastics. Like any new material, it would take time for manufacturers to develop supply chains as the films begin to be used.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, the market demand for purified chitin is small right now, as it is used in niche applications, such as wound dressings and water filtration. Due to its variety of uses, packaging could increase that market demand.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe next challenge is scaling up from experimental films to industrial production, which would likely take several years. The team is exploring roll-to-roll coating techniques and working with industry partners to integrate these materials into existing packaging lines.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPolicy and consumer demand will also play a role. As governments push for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/why-stop-at-plastic-bags-and-straws-the-case-for-a-global-treaty-banning-most-single-use-plastics-109857\u0022\u003Ebans on single-use plastics\u003C\/a\u003E and companies set sustainability targets, bio-based films could become part of the solution.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe story of this breakthrough reminds me that science often advances through unexpected results. From a failed attempt to mimic a beetle\u2019s color to a promising alternative to plastic, this research shows how curiosity can lead to solutions for some of our biggest challenges.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/271262\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/researchers-develop-biodegradable-plant-based-packaging-from-natural-fibers-new-research-271262\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJie Wu, an engineering graduate student, was studying a type of striking white beetle found in Southeast Asia and attempting to figure out how to mimic its brilliant color when an unexpected discovery upended the experiment.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Jie Wu, an engineering graduate student, was studying a type of striking white beetle found in Southeast Asia and attempting to figure out how to mimic its brilliant color when an unexpected discovery upended the experiment."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-03-17 16:36:23","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 16:43:18","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-17T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-17T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679693":{"id":"679693","type":"image","title":"Plastic packaging fills up landfills \u2013 engineers are working on a bio-based alternative that could replace the kind shown here. tuk69tuk\/iStock via Getty Images","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPlastic packaging fills up landfills \u2013 engineers are working on a bio-based alternative that could replace the kind shown here. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/white-plastic-bag-on-black-background-royalty-free-image\/1211742906?phrase=plastic%2Bwrap\u0022\u003Etuk69tuk\/iStock via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773938347","gmt_created":"2026-03-19 16:39:07","changed":"1773938347","gmt_changed":"2026-03-19 16:39:07","alt":"Plastic packaging fills up landfills \u2013 engineers are working on a bio-based alternative that could replace the kind shown here. tuk69tuk\/iStock via Getty Images","file":{"fid":"263885","name":"file-20260303-57-8ad4eq.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/19\/file-20260303-57-8ad4eq.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/19\/file-20260303-57-8ad4eq.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":128914,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/19\/file-20260303-57-8ad4eq.jpg?itok=MPEKR6lv"}}},"media_ids":["679693"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/researchers-develop-biodegradable-plant-based-packaging-from-natural-fibers-new-research-271262","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"117301","name":"Renewable Bioproducts Institute"},{"id":"372221","name":"Renewable Bioproducts Institute (RBI)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1240","name":"School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering"},{"id":"660398","name":"Sustainability Hub"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/j-carson-meredith-2540164\u0022\u003EJ. Carson Meredith\u003C\/a\u003E, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689043":{"#nid":"689043","#data":{"type":"news","title":"When GPS Lies at Sea: How Electronic Warfare is Threatening Ships and Their\u00a0Crews","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe war in Iran has dominated headlines with reports of airstrikes and escalating military activity. But beyond the immediate devastation, the conflict has also illuminated a quieter and rapidly \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2026\/03\/06\/science\/gps-jamming-ships-planes-iran-war\u0022\u003Egrowing danger\u003C\/a\u003E: the vulnerability of ships, and the people who operate them, to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/gps-attacks-near-iran-are-wreaking-havoc-on-delivery-and-mapping-apps\/\u0022\u003Edisruption of their navigation systems\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EModern shipping depends heavily on GPS satellite navigation. When those signals are disrupted or manipulated, ships can suddenly appear to their navigators and to other ships to be \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/gps-spoofing-is-scrambling-ships-in-the-strait-of-hormuz\/\u0022\u003Esomewhere they are not\u003C\/a\u003E. In some cases, vessels have been shown jumping across maps, drifting miles inland or appearing to circle in impossible patterns. The risk is even higher in war zones, where ships could be misdirected into harm\u2019s way.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=tK7pFfsAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Ecybersecurity researcher\u003C\/a\u003E studying critical infrastructure and maritime systems, I investigate how digital threats affect ships and the people who operate them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo understand the threat from GPS disruptions, it helps to first understand \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/electronics.howstuffworks.com\/gadgets\/travel\/gps.htm\u0022\u003Ehow GPS works\u003C\/a\u003E. GPS systems determine location using signals from satellites orbiting Earth. A receiver calculates its position by measuring how long those signals take to arrive. Because those signals are extremely weak by the time they reach Earth, they are relatively easy to disrupt.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EGPS Jamming and Spoofing\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn GPS jamming, an attacker blocks the real satellite signals by overwhelming them with electromagnetic noise so receivers cannot detect them. When this happens, navigation systems lose their position. On a phone, it might look like the map freezing or jumping erratically.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGPS spoofing is more sophisticated. Instead of blocking signals, an attacker transmits fake satellite signals designed to mimic the real ones. The receiver accepts these signals and gives a false location. Imagine driving north while your navigation system suddenly insists you are traveling south. The receiver is not malfunctioning; it has simply been tricked.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723498\/original\/file-20260312-57-iw7xin.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022a map showing numerous red dots and three red circles\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723498\/original\/file-20260312-57-iw7xin.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723498\/original\/file-20260312-57-iw7xin.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=352\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723498\/original\/file-20260312-57-iw7xin.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=352\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723498\/original\/file-20260312-57-iw7xin.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=352\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723498\/original\/file-20260312-57-iw7xin.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=442\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723498\/original\/file-20260312-57-iw7xin.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=442\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723498\/original\/file-20260312-57-iw7xin.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=442\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003ECircular loops in the Black Sea show spoofed ship positions recorded in January 2025. The red points represent false GPS locations broadcast during spoofing events, making vessels appear to move in perfect circles on tracking maps even though they were actually hundreds of miles away. These disruptions are widely believed to be linked to electronic interference in the region during the war in Ukraine. Image created with data from Spire Global.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/spire.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EAnna Raymaker\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor mariners at sea, spoofing can have serious consequences. In the open ocean, there are few landmarks to verify a ship\u2019s position if GPS behaves strangely. Nearshore, the margin for error disappears: Water depths change quickly and hazards are everywhere, especially in narrow routes like the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gcaptain.com\/electronic-fog-of-war-gps-spoofing-distorts-ship-traffic-near-hormuz\/\u0022\u003EStrait of Hormuz near Iran\u003C\/a\u003E, where reports indicate that GPS spoofing has been happening since the outbreak of the war. Because ships are large and slow to maneuver, even small navigation errors can lead to groundings or collisions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ERed Sea Grounding\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne example came in May 2025. While transiting the Red Sea, the container ship MSC Antonia began showing positions far from its true location. To navigators onboard, this looked like they had jumped hundreds of miles south on the map and started moving in a new direction. This caused the crew to become disoriented, and the ship eventually ran aground. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.lloydslist.com\/LL1154079\/MSC-ship-sails-through-Bab-el-Mandeb-for-first-time-since-Red-Sea-exodus\u0022\u003EThe grounding\u003C\/a\u003E caused millions of dollars in damage and required a salvage operation that lasted over five weeks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723496\/original\/file-20260312-63-pvsmuu.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022two copies of a map side-by-side showing a body of water\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723496\/original\/file-20260312-63-pvsmuu.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723496\/original\/file-20260312-63-pvsmuu.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=280\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723496\/original\/file-20260312-63-pvsmuu.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=280\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723496\/original\/file-20260312-63-pvsmuu.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=280\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723496\/original\/file-20260312-63-pvsmuu.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=352\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723496\/original\/file-20260312-63-pvsmuu.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=352\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723496\/original\/file-20260312-63-pvsmuu.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=352\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EMSC Antonia route comparison showing the vessel\u2019s true route and grounding point, left, versus the spoofed route, right. The red and black lines on the right show the spoofed locations where the ship appeared to suddenly jump to on GPS. These lines confused the navigators and caused them to run aground. Images created with data from VT Explorer.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.vtexplorer.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EAnna Raymaker\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIncidents like the MSC Antonia are not isolated. Vessel-tracking data has revealed clusters of ships suddenly appearing in impossible locations, sometimes far inland or moving in perfect circles. These anomalies are increasingly linked to GPS spoofing in regions experiencing geopolitical conflict.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut GPS interference is only one type of cyber threat facing ships. Industry reports have documented \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.lrqa.com\/en\/insights\/articles\/notpetya-ransomware-attack-on-maersk-key-learnings\/\u0022\u003Eransomware attacks\u003C\/a\u003E on shipping companies, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/industrialcyber.co\/supply-chain-security\/lab-dookhtegan-cyberattack-on-iranian-oil-tankers-traced-to-supply-chain-compromise-of-fanavas-infrastructure\/\u0022\u003Esupply chain compromises\u003C\/a\u003E and increasing concern about the security of onboard control systems, including engines, propulsion and navigation equipment. As ships become more connected through satellite internet systems and remote monitoring tools, the number of potential entry points for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/industrialcyber.co\/reports\/maritime-cyber-incidents-jump-103-as-cytur-warns-smart-ships-under-fire-urges-secure-by-design-overhaul\/\u0022\u003Ecyberattacks\u003C\/a\u003E is growing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMilitary vessels often address these risks through \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usni.org\/magazines\/proceedings\/2024\/august\/address-risks-starlink-fleet\u0022\u003Estricter network segregation\u003C\/a\u003E and regular training exercises such as \u201cmission control\u201d drills, which simulate operating with compromised communications or navigation systems. Some cybersecurity experts argue that similar practices could help commercial shipping improve its resilience, although smaller crews and limited resources make adopting military-style procedures more difficult.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMariners\u2019 Experiences\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMuch of the public discussion around maritime cybersecurity focuses on technical vulnerabilities in ship systems. But an equally important piece of the puzzle is the people who must interpret and respond to these technologies when something goes wrong.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn recent research, my colleagues and I interviewed professional mariners about their experiences with cyber incidents and their preparedness to respond to them. The interviews included navigation officers, engineers and other crew members responsible for ship systems. What emerged was a consistent picture: Cyber threats are increasingly occurring at sea, but crews are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1145\/3719027.3744816\u0022\u003Enot well prepared\u003C\/a\u003E to deal with them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany mariners told us that their cybersecurity training focused almost entirely on email phishing and USB drives. That kind of training may make sense in an office, but it does little to prepare crews for cyber incidents on a ship, where navigation and control systems can be the primary targets. As a result, many mariners lack clear guidance on how cyberattacks might affect the equipment they rely on every day.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723678\/original\/file-20260312-57-scxx0h.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022a man inside the bridge of a large ship at sea looks through binoculars with another ship in the background\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723678\/original\/file-20260312-57-scxx0h.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723678\/original\/file-20260312-57-scxx0h.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=384\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723678\/original\/file-20260312-57-scxx0h.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=384\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723678\/original\/file-20260312-57-scxx0h.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=384\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723678\/original\/file-20260312-57-scxx0h.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=483\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723678\/original\/file-20260312-57-scxx0h.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=483\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/723678\/original\/file-20260312-57-scxx0h.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=483\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003ECommercial shipping crews are generally poorly trained to deal with cyber threats.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/navigation-bridge-of-oil-tanker-with-watch-officer-royalty-free-image\/520707142\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EMenzhiliyAnantoly\/iStock via Getty Images\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis becomes a problem when ship systems begin behaving strangely. Mariners described GPS showing incorrect positions or temporarily losing signal. It can be difficult to tell whether these incidents are equipment failures or signs of cyber interference.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven when mariners suspect something may be wrong, many ships lack clear procedures for responding to cyber incidents. Participants frequently described situations where they would have to improvise if navigation or other digital systems behaved unexpectedly. Unlike equipment failures, which have established checklists and procedures, cyber incidents often fall into a gray area where responsibility and response plans are unclear.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnother challenge is the gradual disappearance of traditional navigation practices. For centuries, mariners relied on paper charts and celestial navigation to determine their position. Today, most commercial vessels rely almost entirely on electronic systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany mariners noted that paper charts are not available onboard, and celestial navigation is rarely practiced. If GPS or electronic navigation systems fail, crews have limited ways to independently verify their position. One mariner bluntly described the risk to us: \u201cIf you don\u2019t have charts and you\u2019re being spoofed, you\u2019re a little screwed.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SKTdOhUUKDA?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EA crew member explains the instruments on the bridge of an oil tanker.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EIncreasing Connectivity, Increasing Risk\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the same time, ships are becoming more connected. Modern vessels increasingly rely on satellite internet systems like Starlink and remote monitoring tools to manage operations and communicate with shore.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile these technologies improve efficiency, they also \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.navytimes.com\/news\/your-navy\/2024\/09\/03\/how-navy-chiefs-conspired-to-get-themselves-illegal-warship-wi-fi\/\u0022\u003Eexpand the vulnerability of ship systems\u003C\/a\u003E. Connectivity that allows crews to send emails or access the internet can also provide pathways for cyber threats to reach onboard systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs GPS spoofing becomes more common in regions experiencing geopolitical conflict, the challenges mariners described in our research are becoming harder to ignore. The oceans may seem vast and empty, but the digital signals that guide modern ships travel through crowded and contested space.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen those signals are manipulated, the consequences do not stay confined to military systems. They reach the commercial vessels that carry most of the world\u2019s goods and the crews responsible for navigating them safely.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/278181\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/when-gps-lies-at-sea-how-electronic-warfare-is-threatening-ships-and-their-crews-278181\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe war in Iran has dominated headlines with reports of airstrikes and escalating military activity. But beyond the immediate devastation, the conflict has also illuminated a quieter and rapidly growing danger: the vulnerability of ships, and the people who operate them, to disruption of their navigation systems.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The war in Iran has dominated headlines with reports of airstrikes and escalating military activity. But beyond the immediate devastation, the conflict has also illuminated a quieter and rapidly growing danger."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-03-12 12:50:22","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 15:28:16","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-12T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-12T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679688":{"id":"679688","type":"image","title":"Cyberattacks like GPS spoofing threaten oil supertankers and cargo ships at sea. Ping Shu\/Moment via Getty Images","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECyberattacks like GPS spoofing threaten oil supertankers and cargo ships at sea. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/deck-of-supertanker-royalty-free-image\/1445476540\u0022\u003EPing Shu\/Moment via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773933826","gmt_created":"2026-03-19 15:23:46","changed":"1773933826","gmt_changed":"2026-03-19 15:23:46","alt":"Cyberattacks like GPS spoofing threaten oil supertankers and cargo ships at sea. Ping Shu\/Moment via Getty Images","file":{"fid":"263879","name":"file-20260312-69-xu1md2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/19\/file-20260312-69-xu1md2_0.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/19\/file-20260312-69-xu1md2_0.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":162557,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/19\/file-20260312-69-xu1md2_0.jpg?itok=dj8-Nb4J"}}},"media_ids":["679688"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/when-gps-lies-at-sea-how-electronic-warfare-is-threatening-ships-and-their-crews-278181","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1255","name":"School of Electrical and Computer Engineering"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/anna-raymaker-2620037\u0022\u003EAnna Raymaker\u003C\/a\u003E, Ph.D. Candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"682575":{"#nid":"682575","#data":{"type":"news","title":"The Hidden Costs of Trade Wars: Expert Analysis on Economic Shifts","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFrom grocery bills to gas prices and the cost of new cars, Americans are feeling the ripple effects of an increasingly uncertain global economy. According to Georgia Tech experts, while headlines often focus on trade wars or interest rates, the underlying forces at play \u2014 and their long-term consequences \u2014 are more complex.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERecession Risks and the Current Economic Climate\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/directory\/faculty\/hsu\/index.html\u0022\u003EAlex Hsu\u003C\/a\u003E, a finance professor in the Scheller College of Business, suggests we may already be in a mild recession, even if it\u2019s not yet officially declared.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cRecession declarations are always made after the fact,\u201d he explains. \u201cA real-time clue? Look at crude oil prices \u2014 they\u2019re down 15% this year, often signaling slowing economic activity.\u201d That\u2019s similar to the trend seen in the early months of the 2008 recession, when oil prices dropped sharply as demand weakened. Despite this, the labor market remains strong in certain sectors, creating a mixed economic picture that\u2019s tough to navigate.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf you\u2019re trying to get a sense of where the economy is going,\u201d Hsu adds, \u201cwatch weekly jobless claims and energy prices \u2014 those are among the most timely indicators available.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow Tariffs Are (and Aren\u2019t) Affecting Prices\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/expert\/tibor-besedes\u0022\u003ETibor Besede\u0161\u003C\/a\u003E, a professor in the School of Economics, likens tariffs to sales taxes \u2014 costs added at the border that can eventually be passed to consumers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf a $20,000 imported car is hit with a 25% tariff, someone\u2019s paying that $5,000,\u201d he says. Besede\u0161 warns that most tariffs imposed since early 2025 affect nearly all imported goods \u2014 cars, electronics, toys, and clothing. He cites past studies showing tariffs on Chinese goods were largely paid by U.S. consumers, and this time may be no different. \u201cChina has told its firms not to lower prices. So, we should expect prices here to rise.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, the recent agreement that began on May 14 between the U.S. and China on a new trade deal has offered a moment of relief. As part of the agreement, both countries will temporarily ease tariffs announced in April for 90 days, with China suspending its planned 34% tariff on U.S. goods, while maintaining a 10% tariff during the pause. Similarly, the United States will suspend its 34% reciprocal tariff while keeping a 10% tariff in place.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s a welcome sign that hopefully trade tensions are subsiding and that after 90 days there will be a more permanent deal whereby the tariffs at least do not increase from these reduced levels,\u201d Besede\u0161 says. \u201cIt\u2019s difficult to say anything more concrete but, overall, I take this as a positive sign that we may be stepping back from the brink of an all-out trade war and empty shelves in stores.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYet even with signs of progress, uncertainty lingers. Hsu, while cautiously optimistic, adds that \u201cThe 90-day pause only prolongs the trade instability. Although it is a good sign that the administration seems willing to negotiate, businesses are still in a holding pattern until a more definitive resolution is reached.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Bigger Picture: Global Alliances and Economic Protectionism\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs countries reorient their trade relations in response to shifting U.S. policies, Besede\u0161 warns that the long-term consequences could leave the U.S. isolated on the global stage.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCountries are starting to look for alternative trading partners,\u0022 he says. \u201cIf the U.S. is not careful, it could lose its influence in global trade, leading to slower economic growth.\u201d He suggests that the growing shift toward regional trade blocs and alternative alliances \u2014 such as the EU-China partnership \u2014 could erode U.S. competitiveness.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHsu concurs, noting that global economic shifts, coupled with increasing tariffs, could exacerbate the risks of a financial crisis. \u201cPay attention to the credit market,\u201d he advises. \u201cWhen liquidity dries up, it can cause the financial system to freeze, leading to contagion.\u201d He notes that the Federal Reserve is closely monitoring these risks and still has a range of policy tools at its disposal to help stabilize the system in the event of a crisis.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Road Ahead\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs Americans navigate rising prices and economic uncertainty, these experts suggest focusing on fundamentals \u2014 energy prices, jobless claims, and the broader flow of trade and investment. Whether tariffs prove to be a temporary disruption or a lasting shift in global commerce, the trade policies of today are shaping the economic realities of tomorrow. And while the recent U.S.-China agreement marks a hopeful step, the full extent of its impact on consumers, businesses, and global relationships remains to be seen.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs Americans face rising prices at the pump, grocery store, and car dealership, Georgia Tech experts say the signals behind today\u2019s economic uncertainty go deeper than headlines suggest. Finance professor Alex Hsu points to falling crude oil prices and weekly jobless claims as timely indicators that may show the U.S. is already in a mild recession \u2014 even if it hasn\u0027t been officially declared. Meanwhile, economist Tibor Besede\u0161 explains how recent tariffs function like hidden taxes, raising consumer costs and risking long-term damage to U.S. global trade influence. A temporary U.S.-China trade truce offers short-term relief, but both experts warn that lasting instability and shifting global alliances could reshape the economy for years to come.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech experts unpack the hidden economic signals driving today\u2019s prices, trade tensions, and global uncertainty."}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2025-05-28 19:57:37","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:17:20","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-05-28T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-05-28T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677152":{"id":"677152","type":"image","title":"Trade Tensions","body":null,"created":"1748462265","gmt_created":"2025-05-28 19:57:45","changed":"1748462265","gmt_changed":"2025-05-28 19:57:45","alt":"America dollar and Yuan banknote with USA and China flags.","file":{"fid":"261021","name":"AdobeStock_1113957903.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/05\/28\/AdobeStock_1113957903.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/05\/28\/AdobeStock_1113957903.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":6187109,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/05\/28\/AdobeStock_1113957903.jpeg?itok=3Qa830Ko"}}},"media_ids":["677152"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/03\/11\/trade-agreements-keep-global-economies-stable","title":" Trade Agreements Keep Global Economies Stable"}],"groups":[{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"167003","name":"tariffs"},{"id":"180822","name":"Trade War"},{"id":"6605","name":"Trade"},{"id":"290","name":"Economy"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:aisles3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Media Relations\u0026nbsp;Representative\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:media@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Emedia@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"682869":{"#nid":"682869","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Nuclear Scientists Have Long Been Targets in Covert Ops \u2013 Israel Has Brought That Policy Out of the\u00a0Shadows","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAt least \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/china\/how-much-damage-have-israeli-strikes-caused-irans-nuclear-programme-2025-06-16\/\u0022\u003E14 nuclear scientists\u003C\/a\u003E are believed to be among those killed in Israel\u2019s Operation \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/livecoverage\/israel-iran-strike-conflict\/card\/netanyahu-says-rising-lion-operation-will-last-as-many-days-as-it-takes--awFq7ykuEj4Mq9D4i0gw?gaa_at=eafs\u0026amp;gaa_n=ASWzDAg2Mjph3LQovyuPsnLTYLAVRZoFSXuoF4exuo_kc7d3RmpImSr6d2xJ\u0026amp;gaa_ts=6851d7f7\u0026amp;gaa_sig=ztPAqgbhbKOzEeSy-6O5L8OMsGbzS0KUQ-0WGvYhqLXH9AUIxSK7wuXNBYgjEAWOAB_B78lrssm5TeZsoK5kVw%3D%3D\u0022\u003ERising Lion\u003C\/a\u003E, launched on June 13, 2025, ostensibly to destroy or degrade Iran\u2019s nuclear program and military capabilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDeliberately targeting scientists in this way \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/x.com\/IDF\/status\/1933830006557286549\u0022\u003Eaims to disrupt\u003C\/a\u003E Iran\u2019s knowledge base and continuity in nuclear expertise. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/news\/2025\/6\/13\/israel-kills-nuclear-scientists-strikes-sites-in-iran-who-did-it-target\u0022\u003EAmong those assassinated\u003C\/a\u003E were \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2025\/06\/13\/world\/middleeast\/iran-military-generals-killed-israel.html\u0022\u003EMohammad Mehdi Tehranchi\u003C\/a\u003E, a theoretical physicist and head of Iran\u2019s Islamic Azad University, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2025\/06\/13\/world\/middleeast\/iran-military-generals-killed-israel.html\u0022\u003EFereydoun Abbasi-Davani\u003C\/a\u003E, a nuclear engineer who led Iran\u2019s Atomic Energy Organization.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECollectively, these experts in physics and engineering were \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.timesofisrael.com\/liveblog_entry\/idf-names-9-iranian-nuclear-scientists-killed-in-simultaneous-opening-strikes-says-they-advanced-efforts-toward-bomb\/\u0022\u003Epotential successors\u003C\/a\u003E to Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, widely regarded as the architect of the Iranian nuclear program, who \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2021\/09\/18\/world\/middleeast\/iran-nuclear-fakhrizadeh-assassination-israel.html\u0022\u003Ewas assassinated\u003C\/a\u003E in a November 2020 attack many blame on Israel.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs two \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/inta.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/rachel-whitlark\u0022\u003Epolitical\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/inta.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/jenna-jordan\u0022\u003Escientists\u003C\/a\u003E writing a book about state targeting of scientists as a counterproliferation tool, we understand well that nuclear scientists have been targeted since the nuclear age began. We have gathered data on nearly 100 instances of what we call \u201cscientist targeting\u201d from 1944 through 2025.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe most recent assassination campaign against Iranian scientists is different from many of the earlier episodes in a few key ways. Israel\u2019s recent attack targeted multiple nuclear experts and took place simultaneously with military force to destroy Iran\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2025\/06\/14\/middleeast\/iran-israel-nuclear-facilities-damage-impact-intl\u0022\u003Enuclear facilities\u003C\/a\u003E, air defenses and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/news\/2025\/6\/15\/which-iranian-oil-and-gas-fields-has-israel-hit-and-why-do-they-matter\u0022\u003Eenergy infrastructure\u003C\/a\u003E. Also, unlike previous covert operations, Israel immediately \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/iran-explosions-israel-tehran-00234a06e5128a8aceb406b140297299\u0022\u003Eclaimed responsibility\u003C\/a\u003E for the assassinations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut our research indicates that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sup.org\/books\/politics\/leadership-decapitation\u0022\u003Etargeting\u003C\/a\u003E scientists may not be effective for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cornellpress.cornell.edu\/book\/9781501760341\/all-options-on-the-table\/\u0022\u003Ecounterproliferation\u003C\/a\u003E. While removing individual expertise may delay nuclear acquisition, targeting alone is unlikely to destroy a program outright and could even increase a country\u2019s desire for nuclear weapons. Further, targeting scientists may trigger blowback given concerns regarding \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.legitimacyasatarget.com\/books\/drones\/\u0022\u003Elegality and morality\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA Policy With a Long History\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETargeting nuclear scientists began during World War II when Allied and Soviet forces \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ahf.nuclearmuseum.org\/ahf\/history\/alsos-mission\/\u0022\u003Eraced to capture\u003C\/a\u003E Nazi scientists, degrade Adolf Hitler\u2019s ability to build a nuclear bomb and use their expertise to advance the U.S. and Soviet nuclear programs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe class=\u0022tc-infographic-datawrapper\u0022 style=\u0022border-width:0;\u0022 id=\u0022FZnJE\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/FZnJE\/5\/\u0022 height=\u0022400px\u0022 width=\u0022100%\u0022 scrolling=\u0022no\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn our data set, we classified \u201ctargeting\u201d as cases in which scientists were captured, threatened, injured or killed as nations tried to prevent adversaries from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Over time, at least four countries have targeted scientists working on nine national nuclear programs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe United States and Israel have allegedly carried out the most attacks on nuclear scientists. But the United Kingdom and Soviet Union have also been behind such attacks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeanwhile, scientists working for the Egyptian, Iranian and Iraqi nuclear programs have been the most frequent targets since 1950. Since 2007 and prior to the current Israeli operation, 10 scientists involved in the Iranian nuclear program were killed in attacks. Other countries\u2019 nationals have also been targeted: In 1980, Mossad, Israel\u2019s intelligence service, allegedly bombed Italian engineer Mario Fiorelli\u2019s home and his firm, SNIA Techint, as a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.routledge.com\/Two-Minutes-Over-Baghdad\/Bar-Joseph-Handel-Perlmutter\/p\/book\/9780714683478?srsltid=AfmBOor77WE0sofh2anZN3uhYqQXqnmPVKGo0Wqxo6Hnvj_Dd3mc2W2s\u0022\u003Ewarning to Europeans\u003C\/a\u003E involved in the Iraqi nuclear project.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGiven this history, the fact that Israel attacked Iran\u2019s nuclear program is not itself surprising. Indeed, it has been a strategic goal of successive Israeli prime ministers to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chathamhouse.org\/2024\/09\/could-israels-attacks-hezbollah-open-way-strike-irans-nuclear-facilities\u0022\u003Eexperts had been warning\u003C\/a\u003E of the increased likelihood of an Israeli military operation since mid-2024, due to regional dynamics and Iranian nuclear development.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center \u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A damaged car at the scene of explosion.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675434\/original\/file-20250619-62-x39kdh.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675434\/original\/file-20250619-62-x39kdh.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=399\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675434\/original\/file-20250619-62-x39kdh.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=399\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675434\/original\/file-20250619-62-x39kdh.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=399\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675434\/original\/file-20250619-62-x39kdh.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=502\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675434\/original\/file-20250619-62-x39kdh.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=502\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675434\/original\/file-20250619-62-x39kdh.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=502\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EThe wrecked cars in which four of Iran\u2019s nuclear scientists were assassinated in recent years are displayed on the grounds of a museum in Tehran in 2014.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/the-wrecked-cars-in-which-four-of-irans-nuclear-scientists-news-photo\/467875059?adppopup=true\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EScott Peterson\/Getty Images\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy then, the balance of power in the Middle East had changed dramatically. Israel systematically degraded the leadership and infrastructure of Iranian proxies \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/c7v7p9p0rn7o\u0022\u003EHamas\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.aei.org\/articles\/israels-victory-in-lebanon\/\u0022\u003EHezbollah\u003C\/a\u003E. It \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/world\/2025\/06\/19\/iran-israel-conflict-history\/\u0022\u003Elater destroyed\u003C\/a\u003E Iranian air defenses around Tehran and near key nuclear installations. The subsequent fall of Syria\u2019s Assad regime \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/news\/world\/assad-regimes-collapse-devastating-defeat-iran-rcna183369\u0022\u003Ecost Tehran another long-standing ally\u003C\/a\u003E. Together, these developments have \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2025\/06\/16\/world\/middleeast\/iran-military-defense.html\u0022\u003Esignificantly weakened Iran\u003C\/a\u003E, leaving it vulnerable to external attack and stripped of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2025\/06\/13\/world\/middleeast\/iran-proxies-axis-hezbollah-israel.html\u0022\u003Eits once-feared proxy network\u003C\/a\u003E, which had been expected to retaliate on its behalf in the event of hostilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith its proxy \u201caxis of resistance\u201d defanged and conventional military capacity degraded, Iranian leadership may have thought that expanding its enrichment capability was its best bet going forward.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd in the months leading up to Israel\u2019s recent attack, Iran expanded its nuclear production capacity, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/cn9yll5yjx5o\u0022\u003Emoving beyond 60% uranium enrichment\u003C\/a\u003E, a technical step just short of weapons-grade material. During Donald Trump\u2019s first term, the president \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2018\/05\/08\/world\/middleeast\/trump-iran-nuclear-deal.html\u0022\u003Ewithdrew the U.S.\u003C\/a\u003E from a multilateral nonproliferation agreement aimed at curbing Iran\u2019s nuclear program. After being reelected, Trump \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/in-talking-with-tehran-trump-is-reversing-course-on-iran-could-a-new-nuclear-deal-be-next-254770\u0022\u003Eappeared to change tack\u003C\/a\u003E by pursuing new diplomacy with Iran, but those talks have so far failed to deliver an agreement \u2013 and may be put on hold for the foreseeable future amid the war.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost recently, the International Atomic Energy Agency board of governors \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/china\/iaea-board-declares-iran-breach-non-proliferation-duties-diplomats-say-2025-06-12\/\u0022\u003Edeclared Iran in non-compliance\u003C\/a\u003E with its nuclear-nonproliferation obligations. In response, Iran announced it was \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/iran-nuclear-iaea-sanctions-728b811da537abe942682e13a82ff8bd\u0022\u003Efurther expanding its enrichment capacity\u003C\/a\u003E by adding advanced centrifuge technology and a third enrichment site.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven if the international community anticipated the broader attack on Iran, characteristics of the targeting itself are surprising. Historically, states have covertly targeted individual scientists. But the recent multiple-scientist attack occurred openly, with Israel taking responsibility, publicly indicating the attacks\u2019 purpose. Further, while it is not new for a country to use multiple counter-proliferation tools against an adversary over time, that Israel is using both \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/goodauthority.org\/news\/israel-june-2025-attack-on-iran-preemptive-or-preventive\/\u0022\u003Epreventive military force\u003C\/a\u003E against infrastructure and targeting scientists at once is atypical.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally, such attacks against scientists are historically lower tech and low cost, with death or injury stemming from gunmen, car bombs or accidents. In fact, Abbasi \u2013 who was killed in the most recent attacks \u2013 survived a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2011\/07\/23\/world\/middleeast\/23iran.html#:%7E:text=acquire%20nuclear%20arms.-,Mr.,Mossad%20and%20the%20United%20States.\u0022\u003E2010 car bombing\u003C\/a\u003E in Tehran. There are outliers, however, including the Fakhrizadeh assassination, which featured a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2021\/09\/18\/world\/middleeast\/iran-nuclear-fakhrizadeh-assassination-israel.html\u0022\u003Eremotely operated machine gun\u003C\/a\u003E smuggled into Iranian territory.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EIsrael\u2019s Logic In Going After Scientists\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhy target nuclear scientists?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn foreign policy, there are numerous tools available if one state aims to prevent another state from acquiring nuclear weapons. Alongside targeting scientists, there are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cambridge.org\/core\/journals\/international-organization\/article\/abs\/secret-success-of-nonproliferation-sanctions\/D0090E1163F6962CAD93BFF45A0C7C62\u0022\u003Esanctions\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/obamawhitehouse.archives.gov\/node\/328996\u0022\u003Ediplomacy\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/09636412.2013.816122\u0022\u003Ecyberattacks\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/09636412.2017.1331628\u0022\u003Emilitary force\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETargeting scientists may remove critical scientific expertise and impose costs that increase the difficulty of building nuclear weapons. Proponents argue that targeting these experts may undermine a state\u2019s efforts, deter it from continuing nuclear developments and signal to others the perils of supporting nuclear proliferation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECountries that target scientists therefore believe that doing so is an effective way to degrade an adversary\u2019s nuclear program. Indeed, the Israel Defense Forces \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/x.com\/IDF\/status\/1933830006557286549\u0022\u003Edescribed the most recent attacks\u003C\/a\u003E as \u201ca significant blow to the regime\u2019s ability to acquire weapons of mass destruction.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center \u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A man\u0026apos;s image appears on a street sign poster.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675440\/original\/file-20250619-62-u3vgl1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675440\/original\/file-20250619-62-u3vgl1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675440\/original\/file-20250619-62-u3vgl1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675440\/original\/file-20250619-62-u3vgl1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675440\/original\/file-20250619-62-u3vgl1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675440\/original\/file-20250619-62-u3vgl1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675440\/original\/file-20250619-62-u3vgl1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EPosters featuring images of Iranian nuclear scientists are displayed in Tehran, Iran, on June 14, 2025.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/posters-featuring-images-of-iranian-nuclear-scientists-news-photo\/2219349710?adppopup=true\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EFatemeh Bahrami\/Anadolu via Getty Images\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite Israel\u2019s focus on scientists as sources of critical knowledge, there may be \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nti.org\/education-center\/facilities\/isfahan-esfahan-nuclear-technology-center-intc\/\u0022\u003Ethousands more\u003C\/a\u003E working inside Iran, calling into question the efficacy of targeting them. Further, there are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/brill.com\/view\/journals\/icla\/14\/4-5\/article-p789_7.xml\u0022\u003Elegal, ethical and moral concerns\u003C\/a\u003E over targeting scientists.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMoreover, it is a risky option that may fail to disrupt an enemy nuclear program while sparking public outrage and calls for retaliation. This is especially the case if scientists, often regarded as civilians, are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jpost.com\/middle-east\/iran-news\/article-857593\u0022\u003Eelevated as martyrs\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETargeting campaigns may, as a result, reinforce domestic support for a government, which could then redouble efforts toward nuclear development.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERegardless of whether targeting scientists is an effective counter-proliferation tool, it has been around since the start of the nuclear age \u2013 and will likely persist as part of the foreign policy toolkit for states aiming to prevent proliferation. In the case of the current Israeli conflict with Iran and its targeting of nuclear scientists, we expect the tactic to continue for the duration of the war and beyond.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/259263\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/nuclear-scientists-have-long-been-targets-in-covert-ops-israel-has-brought-that-policy-out-of-the-shadows-259263\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAt least 14 nuclear scientists are believed to be among those killed in Israel\u2019s Operation Rising Lion, launched on June 13, 2025, ostensibly to destroy or degrade Iran\u2019s nuclear program and military capabilities.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"At least 14 nuclear scientists are believed to be among those killed in Israel\u2019s Operation Rising Lion, launched on June 13, 2025, ostensibly to destroy or degrade Iran\u2019s nuclear program and military capabilities."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-06-24 14:35:34","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:17:15","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-06-19T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-06-19T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677269":{"id":"677269","type":"image","title":"Heavy smoke and fire rise from an oil refinery in southern Tehran","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPortraits of Iranian military generals and nuclear scientists killed in Israel\u2019s June 13, 2025, attack are displayed on a sign as a plume of heavy smoke and fire rise from an oil refinery in southern Tehran. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/portraits-of-iranian-military-generals-and-nuclear-news-photo\/2219542580?adppopup=true\u0022\u003EAtta Kenare\/AFP via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1750778391","gmt_created":"2025-06-24 15:19:51","changed":"1750778391","gmt_changed":"2025-06-24 15:19:51","alt":"Heavy smoke and fire rise from an oil refinery in southern Tehran","file":{"fid":"261152","name":"file-20250619-62-2e3xmo.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/06\/24\/file-20250619-62-2e3xmo.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/06\/24\/file-20250619-62-2e3xmo.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":437986,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/06\/24\/file-20250619-62-2e3xmo.jpg?itok=MmGfs28N"}}},"media_ids":["677269"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/nuclear-scientists-have-long-been-targets-in-covert-ops-israel-has-brought-that-policy-out-of-the-shadows-259263","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/jenna-jordan-2416124\u0022\u003EJenna Jordan\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor and associate chair, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/rachel-whitlark-2416125\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERachel Whitlark\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"682802":{"#nid":"682802","#data":{"type":"news","title":"RNA Has Newly Identified Role: Repairing Serious DNA Damage to Maintain the\u00a0Genome","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYour \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/scitable\/topicpage\/dna-damage-repair-mechanisms-for-maintaining-dna-344\/\u0022\u003EDNA is continually damaged\u003C\/a\u003E by sources both inside and outside your body. One especially severe form of damage called a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/scitable\/topicpage\/repairing-double-strand-dna-breaks-14432332\/\u0022\u003Edouble-strand break\u003C\/a\u003E involves the severing of both strands of the DNA double helix.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDouble-strand breaks are among the most difficult forms of DNA damage for cells to repair because they disrupt the continuity of DNA and leave no intact template to base new strands on. If misrepaired, these breaks can lead to other mutations that make the genome unstable and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/2041-9414-1-15\u0022\u003Eincrease the risk of many diseases\u003C\/a\u003E, including cancer, neurodegeneration and immunodeficiency.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECells primarily \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1146\/annurev-genet-051710-150955\u0022\u003Erepair double-strand breaks\u003C\/a\u003E by either rejoining the broken DNA ends or by using another DNA molecule as a template for repair. However, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/storicilab.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Emy team\u003C\/a\u003E and I discovered that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-does-rna-know-where-to-go-in-the-city-of-the-cell-using-cellular-zip-codes-and-postal-carrier-routes-191155\u0022\u003ERNA, a type of genetic material\u003C\/a\u003E best known for its role in making proteins, surprisingly \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-024-51457-9\u0022\u003Eplays a key role in facilitating the repair\u003C\/a\u003E of these harmful breaks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese insights could not only pave the way for new treatment strategies for genetic disorders, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, but also enhance gene-editing technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ESealing a Knowledge Gap in DNA Repair\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI have spent the past two decades \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=8ZwKgNUAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Einvestigating the relationship\u003C\/a\u003E between RNA and DNA in order to understand how cells maintain genome integrity and how these mechanisms could be harnessed for genetic engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA long-standing question in the field has been whether RNA in cells helps keep the genome stable beyond acting as a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.khanacademy.org\/science\/ap-biology\/gene-expression-and-regulation\/transcription-and-rna-processing\/a\/overview-of-transcription\u0022\u003Ecopy of DNA\u003C\/a\u003E in the process of making proteins and a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.semcdb.2011.02.017\u0022\u003Eregulator of gene expression\u003C\/a\u003E. Studying how RNA might do this has been especially difficult due to its similarity to DNA and how fast it degrades. It\u2019s also technically challenging to tell whether the RNA is directly working to repair DNA or indirectly regulating the process. Traditional models and tools for studying DNA repair have for the most part focused on proteins and DNA, leaving RNA\u2019s potential contributions largely unexplored.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/j6YaOqKORYY?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003ERNA plays a key role in protein synthesis.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMy team and I were curious about whether RNA might actively participate in fixing double-strand breaks as a first line of defense. To explore this, we used the gene-editing tool \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/nobel-prize-for-chemistry-honors-exquisitely-precise-gene-editing-technique-crispr-a-gene-engineer-explains-how-it-works-147701\u0022\u003ECRISPR-Cas9\u003C\/a\u003E to make breaks at specific spots in the DNA of human and yeast cells. We then analyzed how RNA influences various aspects of the repair process, including efficiency and outcomes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe found that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-024-51457-9\u0022\u003ERNA can actively guide the repair process\u003C\/a\u003E of double-strand breaks. It does this by binding to broken DNA ends, helping align sequences of DNA on a matching strand that isn\u2019t broken. It can also seal gaps or remove mismatched segments, further influencing whether and how the original sequence is restored.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally, we found that RNA aids in double-strand break repair in both yeast and human cells, suggesting that its role in DNA repair is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-024-51457-9\u0022\u003Eevolutionary conserved\u003C\/a\u003E across species. Notably, even low levels of RNA were sufficient to influence the efficiency and outcome of repair, pointing to its broad and previously unrecognized function in maintaining genome stability.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ERNA in Control\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy uncovering RNA\u2019s previously unknown function to repair DNA damage, our findings show how RNA may directly contribute to the stability and evolution of the genome. It\u2019s not merely a passive messenger, but an active participant in genome maintenance.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-right zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/673463\/original\/file-20250610-68-mu3egb.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Diagram of DNA transcription, showing mRNA building from a template strand of DNA\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/673463\/original\/file-20250610-68-mu3egb.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=237\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/673463\/original\/file-20250610-68-mu3egb.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=750\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/673463\/original\/file-20250610-68-mu3egb.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=750\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/673463\/original\/file-20250610-68-mu3egb.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=750\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/673463\/original\/file-20250610-68-mu3egb.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=942\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/673463\/original\/file-20250610-68-mu3egb.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=942\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/673463\/original\/file-20250610-68-mu3egb.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=942\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EOne type of RNA that has been effectively used in treatments is mRNA.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/illustration\/simple-diagram-of-transcription-elongation-royalty-free-illustration\/1256666027\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EAldona\/iStock via Getty Images Plus\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese insights could help researchers develop new ways to target the genomic instability that underlies many diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration. Traditionally, treatments and gene-editing tools have focused almost exclusively on DNA or proteins. Our findings suggest that modifying RNA in different ways could also influence how cells respond to DNA damage. For example, researchers could design \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41419-022-05075-2\u0022\u003ERNA-based therapies\u003C\/a\u003E to enhance the repair of harmful breaks that could cause cancer, or selectively disrupt DNA break repair in cancer cells to help kill them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition, these findings could \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12929-023-00943-1\u0022\u003Eimprove the precision of gene-editing technologies\u003C\/a\u003E like CRISPR by accounting for interactions between RNA and DNA at the site of the cut. This could reduce off-target effects and increase editing precision, ultimately contributing to the development of safer and more effective gene therapies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere are still many unanswered questions about how RNA interacts with DNA in the repair process. The evolutionary role that RNA plays in maintaining genome stability is also unclear. But one thing is certain: RNA is no longer just a messenger, it is a molecule with a direct hand in DNA repair, rewriting what researchers know about how cells safeguard their genetic code.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/256429\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/rna-has-newly-identified-role-repairing-serious-dna-damage-to-maintain-the-genome-256429\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EInsights could not only pave the way for new treatment strategies for genetic disorders, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, but also enhance gene-editing technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Insights could not only pave the way for new treatment strategies for genetic disorders, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, but also enhance gene-editing technologies."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-06-17 00:43:34","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:17:05","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-06-16T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-06-16T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677239":{"id":"677239","type":"image","title":"Double-strand breaks in DNA can be deadly","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDouble-strand breaks in DNA can be deadly. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/human-dna-structure-with-glass-helix-destroyed-royalty-free-image\/1486775339\u0022\u003EVictor Golmer\/iStock via Getty Images Plus\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1750121134","gmt_created":"2025-06-17 00:45:34","changed":"1750121134","gmt_changed":"2025-06-17 00:45:34","alt":"Double-strand breaks in DNA can be deadly","file":{"fid":"261120","name":"file-20250610-56-ibwiiz.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/06\/16\/file-20250610-56-ibwiiz.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/06\/16\/file-20250610-56-ibwiiz.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":106718,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/06\/16\/file-20250610-56-ibwiiz.jpg?itok=JJGhK1dx"}}},"media_ids":["677239"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/rna-has-newly-identified-role-repairing-serious-dna-damage-to-maintain-the-genome-256429","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/francesca-storici-2391930\u0022\u003EFrancesca Storici\u003C\/a\u003E, professor of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"682797":{"#nid":"682797","#data":{"type":"news","title":"How Was the Wheel Invented?","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EImagine you\u2019re a copper miner in southeastern Europe in the year 3900 B.C.E. Day after day you haul copper ore through the mine\u2019s sweltering tunnels.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou\u2019ve resigned yourself to the grueling monotony of mining life. Then one afternoon, you witness a fellow worker doing something remarkable.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith an odd-looking contraption, he casually transports the equivalent of three times his body weight on a single trip. As he returns to the mine to fetch another load, it suddenly dawns on you that your chosen profession is about to get far less taxing and much more lucrative.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat you don\u2019t realize: You\u2019re witnessing something that will change the course of history \u2013 not just for your tiny mining community, but for all of humanity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/669226\/original\/file-20250521-86-2c6okj.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/669226\/original\/file-20250521-86-2c6okj.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 alt=\u0022AI-generated image of a wheeled cart inside a mine tunnel.\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAn illustration of what the original mine carts used in the Carpathian mountains may have looked like in 3900 B.C.E. Kai James via DALL\u00b7E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite the wheel\u2019s immeasurable impact, no one is certain as to who invented it, or when and where it was first conceived. The hypothetical scenario described above is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cup.columbia.edu\/book\/the-wheel\/9780231173384\u0022\u003Ebased on a 2015 theory\u003C\/a\u003E that miners in the Carpathian Mountains \u2013 in present-day Hungary \u2013 first invented the wheel nearly 6,000 years ago as a means to transport copper ore.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe theory is supported by the discovery of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ri.abtk.hu\/images\/letoltes_publ\/bondar.maria\/Bondar_Acta_2018_dec_102_tetelhez.pdf\u0022\u003Emore than 150 miniaturized wagons\u003C\/a\u003E by archaeologists working in the region. These pint-sized, four-wheeled models were made from clay, and their outer surfaces were engraved with a wickerwork pattern reminiscent of the basketry used by mining communities at the time. Carbon dating later revealed that these wagons are the earliest known depictions of wheeled transport to date.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis theory also raises a question of particular interest to me, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=CdazOWQAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Ean aerospace engineer\u003C\/a\u003E who studies the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/kai-james\u0022\u003Escience of engineering design\u003C\/a\u003E. How did an obscure, scientifically naive mining society discover the wheel, when highly advanced civilizations, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/25148110\u0022\u003Esuch as the ancient Egyptians\u003C\/a\u003E, did not?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA controversial idea\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt has long been assumed that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2307\/2841649\u0022\u003Ewheels evolved from simple wooden rollers\u003C\/a\u003E. But until recently no one could explain how or why this transformation took place. What\u2019s more, beginning in the 1960s, some researchers started to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/ojoa.12142\u0022\u003Eexpress strong doubts\u003C\/a\u003E about the roller-to-wheel theory.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter all, for rollers to be useful, they require flat, firm terrain and a path free of inclines and sharp curves. Furthermore, once the cart passes them, used rollers need to be continually brought around to the front of the line to keep the cargo moving. For all these reasons, the ancient world \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1098\/rsos.240373\u0022\u003Eused rollers sparingly\u003C\/a\u003E. According to the skeptics, rollers were too rare and too impractical to have been the starting point for the evolution of the wheel.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut a mine \u2013 with its enclosed, human-made passageways \u2013 would have provided favorable conditions for rollers. This factor, among others, compelled my team to revisit the roller hypothesis.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA turning point\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe transition from rollers to wheels requires two key innovations. The first is a modification of the cart that carries the cargo. The cart\u2019s base must be outfitted with semicircular sockets, which hold the rollers in place. This way, as the operator pulls the cart, the rollers are pulled along with it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis innovation may have been motivated by the confined nature of the mine environment, where having to periodically carry used rollers back around to the front of the cart would have been especially onerous.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe discovery of socketed rollers represented a turning point in the evolution of the wheel and paved the way for the second and most important innovation. This next step involved a change to the rollers themselves. To understand how and why this change occurred, we turned to physics and computer-aided engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ESimulating the wheel\u2019s evolution\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo begin \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1098\/rsos.240373\u0022\u003Eour investigation\u003C\/a\u003E, we created a computer program designed to simulate the evolution from a roller to a wheel. Our hypothesis was that this transformation was driven by a phenomenon called \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/energyeducation.ca\/encyclopedia\/Mechanical_advantage\u0022\u003Emechanical advantage\u003C\/a\u003E.\u201d This same principle allows pliers to amplify a user\u2019s grip strength by providing added leverage. Similarly, if we could modify the shape of the roller to generate mechanical advantage, this would amplify the user\u2019s pushing force, making it easier to advance the cart.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur algorithm worked by modeling hundreds of potential roller shapes and evaluating how each one performed, both in terms of mechanical advantage and structural strength. The latter was used to determine whether a given roller would break under the weight of the cargo. As predicted, the algorithm ultimately converged upon the familiar wheel-and-axle shape, which it determined to be optimal.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/666635\/original\/file-20250508-56-xsvmkr.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/666635\/original\/file-20250508-56-xsvmkr.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 alt=\u0022This diagram shows twelve illustrations, progressing from images of rollers to a wheel-and-axle structure.\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA computer simulation of the evolution from a roller to a wheel-and-axle structure. Each image represents a design evaluated by the algorithm. The search ultimately converges upon the familiar wheel-and-axle design. Kai James\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring the execution of the algorithm, each new design performed slightly better than its predecessor. We believe a similar evolutionary process played out with the miners 6,000 years ago.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt is unclear what initially prompted the miners to explore alternative roller shapes. One possibility is that friction at the roller-socket interface caused the surrounding wood to wear away, leading to a slight narrowing of the roller at the point of contact. Another theory is that the miners began thinning out the rollers so that their carts could pass over small obstructions on the ground.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEither way, thanks to mechanical advantage, this narrowing of the axle region made the carts easier to push. As time passed, better-performing designs were repeatedly favored over the others, and new rollers were crafted to mimic these top performers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EConsequently, the rollers became more and more narrow, until all that remained was a slender bar capped on both ends by large discs. This rudimentary structure marks the birth of what we now refer to as \u201cthe wheel.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to our theory, there was no precise moment at which the wheel was invented. Rather, just like the evolution of species, the wheel emerged gradually from an accumulation of small improvements.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is just one of the many chapters in the wheel\u2019s long and ongoing evolution. More than 5,000 years after the contributions of the Carpathian miners, a Parisian bicycle mechanic \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/transportationhistory.org\/2017\/08\/03\/today-in-transportation-history-1869-a-big-little-invention-for-bicycles\/\u0022\u003Einvented radial ball bearings\u003C\/a\u003E, which once again revolutionized wheeled transportation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIronically, ball bearings are conceptually identical to rollers, the wheel\u2019s evolutionary precursor. Ball bearings \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=RihQOUNsN9c\u0022\u003Eform a ring around the axle\u003C\/a\u003E, creating a rolling interface between the axle and the wheel hub, thereby circumventing friction. With this innovation, the evolution of the wheel came full circle.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis example also shows how the wheel\u2019s evolution, much like its iconic shape, traces a circuitous path \u2013 one with no clear beginning, no end, and countless quiet revolutions along the way.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/244038\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-was-the-wheel-invented-computer-simulations-reveal-the-unlikely-birth-of-a-world-changing-technology-nearly-6-000-years-ago-244038\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EComputer simulations reveal the unlikely birth of a world-changing technology.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Computer simulations reveal the unlikely birth of a world-changing technology."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-06-16 14:51:53","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:16:54","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-06-11T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-06-11T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677232":{"id":"677232","type":"image","title":" The assumption was that the wheel evolved from wooden rollers","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe assumption was that the wheel evolved from wooden rollers. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/new-york-city-ancient-stone-circle-royalty-free-image\/136595864?phrase=ancient%20wheel\u0026amp;searchscope=image%2Cfilm\u0026amp;adppopup=true\u0022\u003ETetra Images via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1750085808","gmt_created":"2025-06-16 14:56:48","changed":"1750085808","gmt_changed":"2025-06-16 14:56:48","alt":" The assumption was that the wheel evolved from wooden rollers","file":{"fid":"261114","name":"file-20250505-62-prv9gj.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/06\/16\/file-20250505-62-prv9gj.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/06\/16\/file-20250505-62-prv9gj.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":142258,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/06\/16\/file-20250505-62-prv9gj.jpg?itok=AMnnjgfl"}}},"media_ids":["677232"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-was-the-wheel-invented-computer-simulations-reveal-the-unlikely-birth-of-a-world-changing-technology-nearly-6-000-years-ago-244038","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"660364","name":"Aerospace Engineering"},{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/kai-james-2263500\u0022\u003EKai James\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"682320":{"#nid":"682320","#data":{"type":"news","title":" Forensics Tool \u2018Reanimates\u2019 the \u2018Brains\u2019 of AIs That Fail in Order to Understand What Went Wrong","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom drones delivering medical supplies to digital assistants performing everyday tasks, AI-powered systems are becoming increasingly embedded in everyday life. The creators of these innovations promise transformative benefits. For some people, mainstream applications such as ChatGPT and Claude can seem like magic. But these systems are not magical, nor are they foolproof \u2013 they can and do regularly fail to work as intended.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI systems can malfunction due to technical design flaws or biased training data. They can also suffer from vulnerabilities in their code, which can be exploited by malicious hackers. Isolating the cause of an AI failure is imperative for fixing the system.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut AI systems are typically opaque, even to their creators. The challenge is how to investigate AI systems after they fail or fall victim to attack. There are techniques for inspecting AI systems, but they require access to the AI system\u2019s internal data. This access is not guaranteed, especially to forensic investigators called in to determine the cause of a proprietary AI system failure, making investigation impossible.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=zzJmhKIAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=enough\u0022\u003Ecomputer scientists\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?hl=en\u0026amp;user=1GsJvtwAAAAJ\u0026amp;view_op=list_works\u0026amp;sortby=pubdate\u0022\u003Ewho study\u003C\/a\u003E digital forensics. Our team at the Georgia Institute of Technology has built a system, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usenix.org\/conference\/usenixsecurity24\/presentation\/oygenblik\u0022\u003EAI Psychiatry\u003C\/a\u003E, or AIP, that can recreate the scenario in which an AI failed in order to determine what went wrong. The system addresses the challenges of AI forensics by recovering and \u201creanimating\u201d a suspect AI model so it can be systematically tested.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EUncertainty of AI\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EImagine a self-driving car veers off the road for no easily discernible reason and then crashes. Logs and sensor data might suggest that a faulty camera caused the AI to misinterpret a road sign as a command to swerve. After a mission-critical failure such as an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2024\/apr\/26\/tesla-autopilot-fatal-crash\u0022\u003Eautonomous vehicle crash\u003C\/a\u003E, investigators need to determine exactly what caused the error.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWas the crash triggered by a malicious attack on the AI? In this hypothetical case, the camera\u2019s faultiness could be the result of a security vulnerability or bug in its software that was exploited by a hacker. If investigators find such a vulnerability, they have to determine whether that caused the crash. But making that determination is no small feat.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlthough there are forensic methods for recovering some evidence from failures of drones, autonomous vehicles and other so-called cyber-physical systems, none can capture the clues required to fully investigate the AI in that system. Advanced AIs can even \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.48550\/arXiv.1802.02871\u0022\u003Eupdate their decision-making\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 and consequently the clues \u2013 continuously, making it impossible to investigate the most up-to-date models with existing methods.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PcfXjfyPDgE?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EResearchers are working on making AI systems more transparent, but unless and until those efforts transform the field, there will be a need for forensics tools to at least understand AI failures.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EPathology for AI\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI Psychiatry applies a series of forensic algorithms to isolate the data behind the AI system\u2019s decision-making. These pieces are then reassembled into a functional model that performs identically to the original model. Investigators can \u201creanimate\u201d the AI in a controlled environment and test it with malicious inputs to see whether it exhibits harmful or hidden behaviors.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI Psychiatry takes in as input \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.techtarget.com\/whatis\/definition\/memory-dump\u0022\u003Ea memory image\u003C\/a\u003E, a snapshot of the bits and bytes loaded when the AI was operational. The memory image at the time of the crash in the autonomous vehicle scenario holds crucial clues about the internal state and decision-making processes of the AI controlling the vehicle. With AI Psychiatry, investigators can now lift the exact AI model from memory, dissect its bits and bytes, and load the model into a secure environment for testing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur team tested AI Psychiatry on 30 AI models, 24 of which were intentionally \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/csrc.nist.gov\/glossary\/term\/backdoor\u0022\u003Ebackdoored\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d to produce incorrect outcomes under specific triggers. The system was successfully able to recover, rehost and test every model, including models commonly used in real-world scenarios such as street sign recognition in autonomous vehicles.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThus far, our tests suggest that AI Psychiatry can effectively solve the digital mystery behind a failure such as an autonomous car crash that previously would have left more questions than answers. And if it does not find a vulnerability in the car\u2019s AI system, AI Psychiatry allows investigators to rule out the AI and look for other causes such as a faulty camera.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ENot Just for Autonomous Vehicles\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI Psychiatry\u2019s main algorithm is generic: It focuses on the universal components that all AI models must have to make decisions. This makes our approach readily extendable to any AI models that use popular AI development frameworks. Anyone working to investigate a possible AI failure can use our system to assess a model without prior knowledge of its exact architecture.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether the AI is a bot that makes product recommendations or a system that guides autonomous drone fleets, AI Psychiatry can recover and rehost the AI for analysis. AI Psychiatry is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/github.com\/CyFI-Lab-Public\/AiP\u0022\u003Eentirely open source\u003C\/a\u003E for any investigator to use.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI Psychiatry can also serve as a valuable tool for conducting audits on AI systems before problems arise. With government agencies from law enforcement to child protective services integrating AI systems into their workflows, AI audits are becoming an increasingly common oversight requirement at the state level. With a tool like AI Psychiatry in hand, auditors can apply a consistent forensic methodology across diverse AI platforms and deployments.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the long run, this will pay meaningful dividends both for the creators of AI systems and everyone affected by the tasks they perform.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/247769\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/forensics-tool-reanimates-the-brains-of-ais-that-fail-in-order-to-understand-what-went-wrong-247769\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAI-powered systems are not magical, nor are they foolproof \u2013 they can and do regularly fail to work as intended.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"AI-powered systems are not magical, nor are they foolproof \u2013 they can and do regularly fail to work as intended."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-04-30 18:06:13","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:16:46","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-04-30T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-04-30T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677057":{"id":"677057","type":"image","title":"Tesla crashes are only the most glaring of AI failures. South Jordan Police Department via APPEAR","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETesla crashes are only the most glaring of AI failures. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/newsroom.ap.org\/detail\/TeslaCrashUtah\/e4e84ea27288453ba6950d92d412b2d7\/photo\u0022\u003ESouth Jordan Police Department via APPEAR\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1746814313","gmt_created":"2025-05-09 18:11:53","changed":"1746814313","gmt_changed":"2025-05-09 18:11:53","alt":"Tesla crashes are only the most glaring of AI failures. South Jordan Police Department via APPEAR","file":{"fid":"260919","name":"file-20250429-56-y0chq7.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/05\/09\/file-20250429-56-y0chq7.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/05\/09\/file-20250429-56-y0chq7.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":824137,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/05\/09\/file-20250429-56-y0chq7.jpg?itok=zaQLBcSx"}}},"media_ids":["677057"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/forensics-tool-reanimates-the-brains-of-ais-that-fail-in-order-to-understand-what-went-wrong-247769","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1255","name":"School of Electrical and Computer Engineering"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/david-oygenblik-2299577\u0022\u003EDavid Oygenblik\u003C\/a\u003E, Ph.D. Student in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/brendan-saltaformaggio-2299579\u0022\u003EBrendan Saltaformaggio\u003C\/a\u003E, Associate Professor of Cybersecurity and Privacy, and Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"682308":{"#nid":"682308","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Decentralized Finance is Booming \u2014 So Are the Security Risks","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen the first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bitcoin.org\/bitcoin.pdf\u0022\u003Eproposed in 2008\u003C\/a\u003E, the goal was simple: to create a digital currency free from banks and governments. Over time, that idea evolved into something much bigger: \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/2022\/03\/18\/technology\/what-is-defi-cryptocurrency.html\u0022\u003Edecentralized finance\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d or \u201cDeFi.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith decentralized finance, people trade, borrow and earn interest on crypto assets without relying on traditional intermediaries. DeFi services run on \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.bloomberglaw.com\/external\/document\/X29AE5PK000000\/tech-telecom-professional-perspective-an-introduction-to-blockch\u0022\u003Eblockchains\u003C\/a\u003E, which are essentially digital ledgers, and use \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.bloomberglaw.com\/external\/document\/X4SGO17O000000\/tech-telecom-professional-perspective-blockchain-smart-contracts\u0022\u003Esmart contracts\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d \u2212 self-executing code that automates financial transactions. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mitsloan.mit.edu\/ideas-made-to-matter\/decentralized-finance-4-challenges-to-consider\u0022\u003ETens of billions of dollars\u003C\/a\u003E have poured into the DeFi market.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut with innovation comes risks. The lack of centralized oversight has made crypto, including decentralized finance, a prime target for hackers and scammers. In 2024 alone, people lost \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/downloads.ctfassets.net\/t3wqy70tc3bv\/2LqNkvjajiCS5sPJmWLakc\/9715af967dd95a55da05d2ad373edb0d\/Immunefi_Crypto_Losses_in_2024_Report.pdf\u0022\u003Enearly US$1.5 billion\u003C\/a\u003E due to security exploits and fraud. And unlike traditional finance, there\u2019s usually no way to recover stolen crypto.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/mingyiliu.me\u0022\u003Ea computer scientist\u003C\/a\u003E, I wanted to better understand how people perceive and respond to these risks. So my colleagues and I first conducted in-depth interviews with 14 crypto investors, then surveyed nearly 500 others to validate our findings.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usenix.org\/system\/files\/usenixsecurity24-liu-mingyi.pdf\u0022\u003EOur study\u003C\/a\u003E found that people often made the same mistakes, driven by recurring misconceptions and gaps in security awareness. Here are some of the most important.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMistake 1: Thinking the blockchain guarantees security\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany people told us they thought decentralized finance was secure \u2013 but their reasoning wasn\u2019t very convincing. Some seemed to confuse decentralized finance with blockchain technology itself, which is designed to ensure transactions are tamper-resistant through so-called \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/c\/consensus-mechanism-cryptocurrency.asp\u0022\u003Econsensus mechanisms\u003C\/a\u003E.\u201d One told us that DeFi is secure \u201cbecause a hacker would have to override an entire blockchain\u201d to steal funds.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut services on the blockchain are still vulnerable to implementation and design flaws. These include smart contract breaches, in which bad guys exploit bugs in a service\u2019s code, and front-end attacks, where a user interface is altered to redirect funds into a hacker\u2019s wallet. A \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.csis.org\/analysis\/bybit-heist-and-future-us-crypto-regulation\u0022\u003Efront-end attack\u003C\/a\u003E was reportedly to blame for a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2025-02-24\/bybit-cryptocurrency-hack-what-we-know\/104974512\u0022\u003Erecent $1.5 billion crypto heist\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nCZh9xdp43U?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003ECNBC reports on the record-breaking $1.5 billion crypto theft.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMistake 2: Thinking safe keys mean safe funds\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnother common misconception is that DeFi is secure if private keys are well stored. A private key is a secret code that allows someone to access their crypto assets. It\u2019s true that in DeFi \u2013 unlike in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/tech\/what-are-centralized-cryptocurrency-exchanges\/\u0022\u003Ecentralized crypto finance\u003C\/a\u003E where an exchange holds private keys \u2013 users have full control over their own private keys.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut even with perfect private key management, users can still lose funds by interacting with compromised DeFi platforms. That\u2019s because safeguarding private keys can prevent only direct attacks targeting private key access, such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/phishing-scams-7-safety-tips-from-a-cybersecurity-expert-216198\u0022\u003Ephishing attempts\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe people we spoke with also failed to follow best practices for securing their private keys. Using a hardware wallet \u2013 a physical device that stores private keys offline \u2013 is one of the most secure options for protecting keys from online threats. However, our study found that only a handful of participants actually used hardware wallets.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMistake 3: Thinking 2-factor authentication is a silver bullet\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETwo-factor authentication, or 2FA, is a standard security mechanism in which two forms of verification are required to access an account. Think being texted a one-time code before you can log into your bank account.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo prevent account breaches, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/tech\/what-are-centralized-cryptocurrency-exchanges\/\u0022\u003Ecentralized crypto exchanges\u003C\/a\u003E such as Binance and Coinbase use two-factor authentication for logins, account recovery and withdrawal confirmations. But while 2FA is crucial to security in the traditional and centralized crypto finance system, it plays a much smaller role in decentralized finance.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDeFi wallets give users access based on private key ownership rather than identity verification, which means traditional 2FA can\u2019t be used. Instead, only 2FA-like mechanisms are available in DeFi. For instance, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/multi-signature-wallets-definition-5271193\u0022\u003Emultisignature wallets\u003C\/a\u003E require approval from multiple private key holders. However, if your private key is compromised, attackers can perform wallet operations on your behalf without any additional verification. In addition, even users who adopt 2FA-like measures can\u2019t prevent the security breaches on the DeFi services\u2019 end.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnfortunately, our participants were overly confident regarding the effectiveness of 2FA, with one saying, \u201cTwo-factor authentication has been one of the best solutions for keeping wallets safe.\u201d In our survey, 57.1% of users relied on 2FA as their only technical countermeasure against \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.coinbase.com\/learn\/tips-and-tutorials\/what-is-a-rug-pull-and-how-to-avoid-it\u0022\u003Erug pulls\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 scams where project creators suddenly withdraw funds \u2013 and 49.3% did so for smart contract exploits. This misplaced trust could lead them to ignore more effective security strategies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMistake 4: Not managing token approvals\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne such effective strategy is revoking token approvals. In DeFi, tokens are digital assets on a blockchain that represent value or rights, and users often need to approve smart contracts to access or spend them. But if you leave these approvals open, a malicious contract \u2013 or one that\u2019s been hacked \u2013 can drain your wallet. So it\u2019s crucial to routinely check all token approvals you\u2019ve granted to prevent losses caused by fraudulent or hacked DeFi services. Specifically, you should limit spending allowances instead of using the default \u201cunlimited\u201d option, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/support.metamask.io\/more-web3\/learn\/how-to-revoke-smart-contract-allowances-token-approvals\u0022\u003Erevoke approvals\u003C\/a\u003E for apps you no longer use or trust.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWorryingly, we found that only 10.8% and 16.3% of participants regularly checked and revoked token approvals to protect against rug pulls and smart contract exploits, respectively. In light of this, we recommend that wallet providers introduce a reminder feature to prompt users to review their token approvals periodically.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMistake 5: Not learning from past incidents\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven after they\u2019re hacked or scammed, people often don\u2019t do anything to improve their security practices, we found. Just 17.6% of those who reported being victims of a DeFi scam regularly checked token approvals afterward. Worse, 26% took no action at all after a scam, and 16.4% doubled down by investing even more in other DeFi services.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESurprisingly, more than half of the victims said their belief in DeFi either stayed the same or grew stronger after the incident. One user who lost $4,700 due to a rug-pull incident said, \u201cMy belief in cryptocurrency has grown stronger after that because I made good money from it.\u201d That person added, \u201cAn opportunity to make money is something I believe in.\u201d This suggests that DeFi users\u2019 financial motivations can sometimes outweigh their security concerns \u2013 and, perhaps, their better judgment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere\u2019s no one-size-fits-all solution to DeFi security. But awareness is the first step. To stay safe, crypto investors should use hardware wallets, revoke unused token approvals and continually learn new techniques to protect themselves from evolving threats. Most importantly, they should stay rational and not let the allure of profits cloud their security practices.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/251305\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/decentralized-finance-is-booming-and-so-are-the-security-risks-my-team-surveyed-nearly-500-crypto-investors-and-uncovered-the-most-common-mistakes-251305\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe lack of centralized oversight has made crypto, including decentralized finance, a prime target for hackers and scammers.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The lack of centralized oversight has made crypto, including decentralized finance, a prime target for hackers and scammers."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-05-08 14:58:26","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:16:39","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-05-08T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-05-08T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677055":{"id":"677055","type":"image","title":"Cryptocurrency Illustration","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECryptocurrency Illustration\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1746805311","gmt_created":"2025-05-09 15:41:51","changed":"1746805311","gmt_changed":"2025-05-09 15:41:51","alt":"Cryptocurrency Illustration","file":{"fid":"260917","name":"file-20250416-62-k0tjqh-copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/05\/09\/file-20250416-62-k0tjqh-copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/05\/09\/file-20250416-62-k0tjqh-copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":137180,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/05\/09\/file-20250416-62-k0tjqh-copy.jpg?itok=hvYp-oXG"}}},"media_ids":["677055"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/decentralized-finance-is-booming-and-so-are-the-security-risks-my-team-surveyed-nearly-500-crypto-investors-and-uncovered-the-most-common-mistakes-251305","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50875","name":"School of Computer Science"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/mingyi-liu-2337663\u0022\u003EMingyi Liu\u003C\/a\u003E, Ph.D. student in Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"681793":{"#nid":"681793","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Fill-in-the-Blank Training Primes AI to Interpret Health Data From Smartwatches, Fitness\u00a0Trackers","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe human body constantly generates a variety of signals that can be measured from outside the body with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2196\/35684\u0022\u003Ewearable devices\u003C\/a\u003E. These bio-signals \u2013 ranging from heart rate to sleep state and blood oxygen levels \u2013 can indicate whether someone is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41746-024-01333-z\u0022\u003Ehaving mood swings\u003C\/a\u003E or can be used to diagnose a variety of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.brighamandwomens.org\/medical-resources\/emg-test#:%7E:text=An%20EMG%20test%20may%20be,by%20pain%20or%20psychological%20reasons.\u0022\u003Ebody\u003C\/a\u003E or \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/tests-procedures\/eeg\/about\/pac-20393875#:%7E:text=An%20EEG%20records%20the%20electrical,electrical%20activity%20in%20the%20brain.\u0022\u003Ebrain disorders\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt can be relatively cheap to gather a lot of bio-signal data. Researchers can organize a study and ask participants to use a wearable device akin to a smartwatch for a few days. However, to teach a machine learning algorithm to find a relationship between a specific bio-signal and a health disorder, you first need to teach the algorithm to recognize that disorder. That\u2019s where computer engineers like myself come in.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany commercial smartwatches, such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/afibinstitute.com.au\/atrial-fibrillation-a-guide-to-wearable-ecg-smart-watches\/#elementor-toc__heading-anchor-3\u0022\u003Eones by Apple, AliveCor, Google and Samsung\u003C\/a\u003E, currently support atrial fibrillation detection. Atrial fibrillation is a common type of irregular heart rhythm, and leaving it untreated can lead to a stroke. One way to automatically detect \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/16765-atrial-fibrillation-afib\u0022\u003Eatrial fibrillation\u003C\/a\u003E is to train a machine learning algorithm to recognize what atrial fibrillation looks like in the data.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis machine learning approach requires large bio-signal datasets in which instances of atrial fibrillation are labeled. The algorithm can use the labeled instances to learn to recognize a relationship between the bio-signal and atrial fibrillation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe labeling process can be quite expensive because it requires experts, such as cardiologists, to go through millions of data points and label each instance of atrial fibrillation. The same problem extends to many other bio-signals and disorders.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo resolve this issue, researchers have been developing new ways to train machine learning algorithms with fewer labels. By first training a machine learning model to fill in the blanks of large-scale unlabeled bio-signal data, the machine learning model is primed to learn the relationship between a bio-signal and a disorder with fewer labels. This is called pretraining. Pretraining even helps a machine learning model learn a relationship between a bio-signal and a disorder when it is pretrained on a completely unrelated bio-signal.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/657861\/original\/file-20250326-57-i0xtcq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A silhouette of a person overlaid with text.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/657861\/original\/file-20250326-57-i0xtcq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/657861\/original\/file-20250326-57-i0xtcq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=453\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/657861\/original\/file-20250326-57-i0xtcq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=453\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/657861\/original\/file-20250326-57-i0xtcq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=453\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/657861\/original\/file-20250326-57-i0xtcq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=569\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/657861\/original\/file-20250326-57-i0xtcq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=569\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/657861\/original\/file-20250326-57-i0xtcq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=569\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EBio-signals are found all over the body and provide information about different bodily functions. Each of these is a bio-signal that measures a specific physiological signal in a noninvasive way.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution source\u0022\u003EEloy Geenjaar\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EChallenges of Working With Bio-Signals\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFinding relationships between bio-signals and disorders can be difficult because of noise, or irrelevant data, differences between people\u2019s bio-signals, and because the relationship between a bio-signal and disorder may not be clear.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFirst, bio-signals contain a lot of noise. For example, when you\u2019re wearing a smartwatch while running, the watch will move around. This causes the sensor for the bio-signal to record at different locations during the run. Since the locations vary across the run, swings in the bio-signal value may now be due to variations in the recording location instead of due to physiological processes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESecond, everyone\u2019s bio-signals are unique. The location of veins, for example, often differ between people. This means that even if smartwatches are worn at exactly the same place on everyone\u2019s wrists, the bio-signal related to those veins is recorded differently from one person to the next. The same underlying signal, such as someone\u2019s heart rate, will lead to different bio-signal values.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe underlying signal itself can also be unique for people or groups of people. The resting heart rate of an average person is around 60-80 beats per minute, but athletes can have resting heart rates \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/athlete-heart-rate\u0022\u003Eas low as 30-40 beats per minute\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELastly, the relationship between a bio-signal and a disorder is often complex. This means that the disorder is not immediately obvious from looking at the bio-signal.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMachine learning algorithms allow researchers to learn from data and account for the complexity, noise and variability of people. By using large bio-signal datasets, machine learning algorithms are able to find clear relationships that apply to everyone.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ELearning to Fill in the Blanks\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers can use unlabeled bio-signal data as a warmup for the machine learning algorithm. This warmup, or \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/dl.acm.org\/doi\/10.5555\/1756006.1756025\u0022\u003Epre-training\u003C\/a\u003E, primes the machine learning algorithm to find a relationship between the bio-signal and a disorder. This is a bit like walking around a park to get the lay of the land before working out a route to go running.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere are many ways to pretrain a machine learning algorithm. In \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.48550\/arXiv.2412.11695\u0022\u003Emy research\u003C\/a\u003E with Dolby Laboratories researcher \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?hl=en\u0026amp;user=EEds7hMAAAAJ\u0026amp;view_op=list_works\u0026amp;sortby=pubdate\u0022\u003ELie Lu\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.48550\/arXiv.2309.05927\u0022\u003Eprevious research\u003C\/a\u003E, the machine learning algorithm is taught \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1109\/CVPR52688.2022.01553\u0022\u003Eto fill in the blanks\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo do this, we take a bio-signal and artificially create gaps of a certain length \u2013 for example, one second. We then teach the machine learning algorithm to fill in the missing piece of bio-signal. This is possible because the machine learning algorithm sees what the bio-signal looks like before and after the gap.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf the heart rate of a person is around 60 beats per minute before the gap, there will likely be a heartbeat in the one-second gap. In this case, we\u2019re training the machine learning algorithm to predict when that heartbeat will occur.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnce we have trained the machine learning algorithm to do this, it will have found a relationship between someone\u2019s heart rate and when the next beat should occur. We can now train the machine learning algorithm with this relationship between a normal heart rate and bio-signal already learned. This makes it easier for the algorithm to learn the relationship between heart rate and atrial fibrillation. Since atrial fibrillation is characterized by fast and irregular heartbeats, and the algorithm is now good at predicting when a heartbeat will happen, it can quickly learn to detect these irregularities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/655466\/original\/file-20250315-56-nfmqu9.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022three rows of horizontal lines with regularly spaced vertical spikes\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/655466\/original\/file-20250315-56-nfmqu9.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/655466\/original\/file-20250315-56-nfmqu9.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=183\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/655466\/original\/file-20250315-56-nfmqu9.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=183\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/655466\/original\/file-20250315-56-nfmqu9.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=183\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/655466\/original\/file-20250315-56-nfmqu9.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=230\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/655466\/original\/file-20250315-56-nfmqu9.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=230\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/655466\/original\/file-20250315-56-nfmqu9.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=230\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EMachine learning pre-training on filling in the blanks of a heart bio-signal.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution source\u0022\u003EEloy Geenjaar\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe idea of filling in the blanks can be generalized to other bio-signals as well. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/papers.nips.cc\/paper_files\/paper\/2022\/hash\/194b8dac525581c346e30a2cebe9a369-Abstract-Conference.html\u0022\u003EPrevious research\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iclr.cc\/virtual\/2024\/23539\u0022\u003Ehas shown\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.48550\/arXiv.2412.11695\u0022\u003Eour work\u003C\/a\u003E reconfirmed, that pretraining a model on one bio-signal without any labels allows it to learn clinically useful relationships from other bio-signals with few labels. This shortcut means that researchers can pretrain on bio-signals that are easy to gather and use the machine learning model on ones that are hard to gather and label.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EFaster Disorder Detection Development\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy improving pretraining, researchers can make machine learning algorithms better and more efficient at detecting diseases and disorders. Pretraining improvements reduce cost and time spent by experts labeling.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA recent example of machine learning algorithms used for early detection is Google\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/blog.google\/products\/pixel\/pixel-watch-3-loss-of-pulse-detection\/\u0022\u003ELoss of Pulse\u003C\/a\u003E smartwatch feature. The emerging field of bio-signal pretraining can help enable faster development of similar features using a wider range of bio-signals and for a wider range of disorders.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith increasing types of bio-signals and more data, researchers may be able to discover relationships that dramatically improve early detection of disease and disorders. The earlier many diseases and disorders are found, the better a treatment plan works for patients.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/251890\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/fill-in-the-blank-training-primes-ai-to-interpret-health-data-from-smartwatches-and-fitness-trackers-251890\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe human body constantly generates a variety of signals that can be measured from outside the body with wearable devices.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The human body constantly generates a variety of signals that can be measured from outside the body with wearable devices. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-04-15 14:06:26","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:16:24","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-04-10T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-04-10T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"676841":{"id":"676841","type":"image","title":"AI promises to help wearable devices like smart watches better monitor your health. adamkaz\/E+ via Getty Images","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAI promises to help wearable devices like smart watches better monitor your health. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/senior-black-woman-running-with-a-fitness-tracker-royalty-free-image\/1299849508?phrase=smart+watch\u0022\u003Eadamkaz\/E+ via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1744726069","gmt_created":"2025-04-15 14:07:49","changed":"1744726069","gmt_changed":"2025-04-15 14:07:49","alt":"AI promises to help wearable devices like smart watches better monitor your health. adamkaz\/E+ via Getty Images","file":{"fid":"260686","name":"file-20250321-56-l266vi.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/04\/15\/file-20250321-56-l266vi.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/04\/15\/file-20250321-56-l266vi.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":302589,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/04\/15\/file-20250321-56-l266vi.jpg?itok=4GAqIadE"}}},"media_ids":["676841"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/fill-in-the-blank-training-primes-ai-to-interpret-health-data-from-smartwatches-and-fitness-trackers-251890","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1255","name":"School of Electrical and Computer Engineering"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/eloy-geenjaar-2343252\u0022\u003EEloy Geenjaar\u003C\/a\u003E, Ph.D. Student in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"680695":{"#nid":"680695","#data":{"type":"news","title":" From Ancient Emperors to Modern Presidents, Leaders Have Used Libraries to Cement Their Legacies","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHere in Atlanta, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov\/\u0022\u003EJimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum\u003C\/a\u003E has been part of my daily life for years. Parks and trails surrounding the center connect my neighborhood to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park downtown and everything in between.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the end of December 2024, thousands of people walked to the library to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.wabe.org\/as-jimmy-carter-lies-in-repose-mourners-keep-coming-well-after-dark\/\u0022\u003Epay their respects to the former president\u003C\/a\u003E as he lay in repose. The cold, snow and darkness of the evening were a stark contrast to the warmth of the volunteers who welcomed us in. Our visit spiraled through galleries exhibiting records of Carter\u2019s life, achievements and lifelong work promoting democracy around the world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EU.S. presidents have been building libraries for more than 100 years, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.rbhayes.org\/research\/library\/\u0022\u003Estarting with Rutherford B. Hayes\u003C\/a\u003E. But the urge to shape one\u2019s legacy by building a library runs much deeper. As \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arch.gatech.edu\/people\/myrsini-mamoli\u0022\u003Ea scholar of libraries\u003C\/a\u003E in the Greek and Roman world, I was struck by the similarities between presidential \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?hl=en\u0026amp;user=-r1nSF0AAAAJ\u0026amp;view_op=list_works\u0026amp;sortby=pubdate\u0022\u003Eand ancient libraries\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 some of which were explicitly designed to honor deceased sponsors and played a significant role in their cities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ETrajan\u2019s Library\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/books.google.com\/books\/about\/Foro_di_Traiano.html?id=k-yfAAAAMAAJ\u0022\u003EUlpian Library\u003C\/a\u003E, a great library in the center of Rome, was founded by Emperor Trajan, who ruled around the turn of the second century C.E. Referenced often by ancient authors, it could have been the first such memorial library.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-right zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650544\/original\/file-20250221-32-fco7z5.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A person seen from the back takes a photo of a tall monument with a statue on top, and a domed building in the background.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650544\/original\/file-20250221-32-fco7z5.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=237\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650544\/original\/file-20250221-32-fco7z5.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=915\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650544\/original\/file-20250221-32-fco7z5.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=915\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650544\/original\/file-20250221-32-fco7z5.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=915\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650544\/original\/file-20250221-32-fco7z5.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=1150\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650544\/original\/file-20250221-32-fco7z5.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=1150\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650544\/original\/file-20250221-32-fco7z5.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=1150\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003ETrajan\u2019s Column now stands at the center of Rome.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/newsroom.ap.org\/detail\/ITALYARTDAMAGED\/c0deee7b056f482c898f89086a071439\/photo?Query=trajan%27s%20column\u0026amp;mediaType=photo\u0026amp;sortBy=creationdatetime:desc\u0026amp;dateRange=Anytime\u0026amp;totalCount=9\u0026amp;currentItemNo=5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EAP Photo\/Pier Paolo Cito\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToday, someone visiting Rome can visit \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/penelope.uchicago.edu\/Thayer\/e\/roman\/texts\/cassius_dio\/68*.html\u0022\u003ETrajan\u2019s Column\u003C\/a\u003E, a roughly 100-foot monument to his military and engineering achievements after conquering Dacia, part of present-day Romania. A frieze spirals from bottom to top of the column, depicting his exploits. The monument now stands on its own. Originally, however, it was nestled in a courtyard between two halls of the Ulpian Library complex.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost of what scholars know about the library\u2019s architecture comes from remains of the west hall, an elongated room almost 80 feet long, whose walls were lined with rectangular niches and framed by a colonnade. The niches were lined with marble and appear to have had doors; this is where the books would have been placed. Writers from the first few centuries C.E. describe the library having \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/penelope.uchicago.edu\/Thayer\/E\/Roman\/Texts\/Gellius\/11*.html\u0022\u003Earchival documents\u003C\/a\u003E about the emperor and the empire, including books made of linen and books \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/penelope.uchicago.edu\/Thayer\/E\/Roman\/Texts\/Historia_Augusta\/Tacitus*.html\u0022\u003Ebound with ivory\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETrajan dedicated the column in 113 C.E. but \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2458\/azu_jaei_v10i1_hoff\u0022\u003Edied four years later\u003C\/a\u003E, before the library was complete. Hadrian, his adoptive son and successor, oversaw the shipment of Trajan\u2019s cremated remains back to Rome, where they were placed in Trajan\u2019s Column. Hadrian \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/books.google.com\/books\/about\/I_Fori_imperiali_e_i_Mercati_di_Traiano.html?id=mppGAQAAIAAJ\u0022\u003Ecompleted the surrounding library complex\u003C\/a\u003E in 128 C.E. and dedicated it with two identical funerary inscriptions to his adopted parents, Trajan and Plotina. Scholars Roberto Egidi and Silvia Orlandi have argued that Trajan\u2019s remains could later have been \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ojs.unito.it\/index.php\/historika\/article\/view\/88\/48\u0022\u003Etransferred from the column into the library hall\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMemorial Model\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEither way, I would argue that Trajan\u2019s decision to have his remains included in the library complex, instead of in an imperial mausoleum, established a model adopted by other officials at a smaller scale. In the eastern side of the Roman empire \u2013 what is now Turkey \u2013 at least two other library-mausoleum buildings have been identified.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.academia.edu\/2494235\/Paper_Space_The_Library_of_Nysa_Revisited\u0022\u003Ethe library at Nysa on the Maeander\u003C\/a\u003E, a Hellenistic city named for the nearby river. Under the floor of its entry porch is a sarcophagus with the remains of a man and a woman, possibly the dedicators, that dates to the second century C.E., the time of Hadrian\u2019s reign.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650526\/original\/file-20250221-32-mnr9qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Crumbling stones in a two-story structure with arched niches.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650526\/original\/file-20250221-32-mnr9qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650526\/original\/file-20250221-32-mnr9qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=450\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650526\/original\/file-20250221-32-mnr9qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=450\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650526\/original\/file-20250221-32-mnr9qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=450\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650526\/original\/file-20250221-32-mnr9qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=566\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650526\/original\/file-20250221-32-mnr9qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=566\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650526\/original\/file-20250221-32-mnr9qv.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=566\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EThe ruins of the library at Nysa on the Maeander.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution source\u0022\u003EMyrsini Mamoli\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnother is the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.academia.edu\/33780591\/R_Heberdey_Vorl%C3%A4ufiger_Bericht_%C3%BCber_die_Ausgrabungen_in_Ephesus_IV_%C3%96Jh_3_1900_Beibl_Sp_83_96\u0022\u003ELibrary of Celsus\u003C\/a\u003E, the most recognizable ancient library today, found in the ancient city of Ephesus. Named after a regional Roman consul and proconsul during the reign of Trajan, the building was founded by Celsus\u2019 son, designed as both a place of learning and a mausoleum.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe library\u2019s ornate, sculpted facade contained life-size female statues, making it an immediately recognizable landmark. Inscriptions identify the statues as the personifications of Celsus\u2019 character, elevating him into a role model: virtue, intelligence, knowledge and wisdom.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUpon entering the room, the funerary character of the library became quite literal. The hall was designed like the Ulpian Library, but a door gave access to a crypt underneath. This held the marble sarcophagus with the remains of Celsus, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.worldhistory.org\/Library_of_Celsus\/\u0022\u003Ethe patron of the library\u003C\/a\u003E. The sarcophagus itself was visible from the hall, if one stood in front of the central apse and looked down through two slits in the podium.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAn endowment covered \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.academia.edu\/64091244\/Towards_of_a_theory_of_reconstructing_ancient_libraries\u0022\u003Ethe library\u2019s operational expenses\u003C\/a\u003E in ancient times, as well as annual commemorations on Celsus\u2019 birthday, including the wreathing of the busts and statues and the purchasing of additional books.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650529\/original\/file-20250221-32-4o8sqn.JPG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A statue of a woman in a long dress, set inside a niche in a wall with stone pillars in front of it.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650529\/original\/file-20250221-32-4o8sqn.JPG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650529\/original\/file-20250221-32-4o8sqn.JPG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=399\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650529\/original\/file-20250221-32-4o8sqn.JPG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=399\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650529\/original\/file-20250221-32-4o8sqn.JPG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=399\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650529\/original\/file-20250221-32-4o8sqn.JPG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=501\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650529\/original\/file-20250221-32-4o8sqn.JPG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=501\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650529\/original\/file-20250221-32-4o8sqn.JPG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=501\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EThe life-size statues on the facade of the Library of Celsus.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution source\u0022\u003EMyrsini Mamoli\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EPower and Knowledge\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese two provincial libraries highlight how sponsors hoped to be associated with the virtues a library fosters. Books represent knowledge, and by dedicating a library, one asserted his possession of it. Providing access to learning was an instrument of power on its own.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeyond the handful of memorial libraries, many other ancient Roman public libraries were great cultural centers, including the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.persee.fr\/doc\/mefr_0223-5102_2002_num_114_2_9731\u0022\u003EForum of Peace\u003C\/a\u003E in Rome, dedicated by Emperor Vespasian; the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epub.lib.uoa.gr\/index.php\/aura\/article\/view\/2201\u0022\u003ELibrary of Hadrian\u003C\/a\u003E in Athens; and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/351663664_Side_Gymnasiumu_M_Yapisi_Mimari_Arastirmalar_ve_Arastirmalarin_Sonuclari\u0022\u003Ethe Gymnasium in Side\u003C\/a\u003E, a city in present-day Turkey.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe most magnificent libraries combined access to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.tertullian.org\/fathers\/sidonius_letters_09book9.htm\u0022\u003Emanuscripts and artworks\u003C\/a\u003E with spaces for meetings and lectures. Several had great leisure areas, including landscaped sculptural gardens with elaborate water features and colonnaded walkways. Literary sources and material evidence testify to the treasures that were held there: busts of philosophers, poets and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/penelope.uchicago.edu\/Thayer\/E\/Roman\/Texts\/Historia_Augusta\/Carus_et_al*.html\u0022\u003Eother accomplished literary figures\u003C\/a\u003E; statues of gods, heroes and emperors; treasures confiscated as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/lexundria.com\/j_bj\/7.158\/wst\u0022\u003Espoils of war\u003C\/a\u003E and exhibited in Rome.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650532\/original\/file-20250221-32-jyeh98.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A diorama seen from above, showing a large building with an open courtyard and sloped roof.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650532\/original\/file-20250221-32-jyeh98.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650532\/original\/file-20250221-32-jyeh98.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=259\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650532\/original\/file-20250221-32-jyeh98.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=259\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650532\/original\/file-20250221-32-jyeh98.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=259\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650532\/original\/file-20250221-32-jyeh98.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=325\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650532\/original\/file-20250221-32-jyeh98.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=325\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650532\/original\/file-20250221-32-jyeh98.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=325\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EA model of how Hadrian\u2019s Library may have looked, complete with a landscaped courtyard.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Library_of_Hadrian_(Athens)_-_Model_in_Colosseum_-_2.jpg\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EJoris\/Wikimedia Commons\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003E, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca class=\u0022license\u0022 href=\u0022http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003ECC BY-SA\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELike the Ulpian Library itself, they continued the long tradition of Hellenistic public libraries, established by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.bibalex.org\/hellenisticstudies\/News\/Details.aspx?ID=1005\u0022\u003Emost famous library of antiquity\u003C\/a\u003E: the Library of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/books.google.com\/books\/about\/A_Wonder_of_the_Ancient_World.html?id=q6NsoT1akU4C\u0022\u003EAlexandria\u003C\/a\u003E. Founded and lavishly endowed by the Hellenistic kings of Egypt, the Ptolemies, the building was meant to portray the king as a patron of intellectual activities and a powerful ruler, collecting knowledge from conquered civilizations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn ancient Greece and Rome, anybody who could read had access to public libraries. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ascsa.edu.gr\/uploads\/media\/hesperia\/146551.pdf\u0022\u003ERules of use varied\u003C\/a\u003E: For example, literary sources imply that the Ulpian Library in Rome was a borrowing library, whereas an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/146551\u0022\u003Einscription from the Library of Pantainos\u003C\/a\u003E in Athens explicitly forbid any book to be taken out.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut these buildings were also meant to shape their sponsors\u2019 legacies, portraying them as benevolent and learned. Presidential libraries in the United States today follow the same principle: They become monuments to the former presidents, while giving back to their local communities.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/248423\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/from-ancient-emperors-to-modern-presidents-leaders-have-used-libraries-to-cement-their-legacies-248423\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EU.S. presidents have been building libraries for more than 100 years, starting with Rutherford B. Hayes. But the urge to shape one\u2019s legacy by building a library runs much deeper.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"U.S. presidents have been building libraries for more than 100 years, starting with Rutherford B. Hayes. But the urge to shape one\u2019s legacy by building a library runs much deeper."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-02-24 14:27:10","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:16:11","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-02-21T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-02-21T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"676374":{"id":"676374","type":"image","title":" The Library of Celsus was a famous landmark in its time \u2013 and today. Myrsini Mamoli","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Library of Celsus was a famous landmark in its time \u2013 and today. Myrsini Mamoli\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1740408271","gmt_created":"2025-02-24 14:44:31","changed":"1740408271","gmt_changed":"2025-02-24 14:44:31","alt":" The Library of Celsus was a famous landmark in its time \u2013 and today. Myrsini Mamoli","file":{"fid":"260152","name":"file-20250221-32-q9yf3m.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/02\/24\/file-20250221-32-q9yf3m.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/02\/24\/file-20250221-32-q9yf3m.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":907607,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/02\/24\/file-20250221-32-q9yf3m.jpg?itok=mzndzQl8"}}},"media_ids":["676374"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/from-ancient-emperors-to-modern-presidents-leaders-have-used-libraries-to-cement-their-legacies-248423","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1221","name":"College of Design"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"48996","name":"School of Architecture"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/myrsini-mamoli-2309727\u0022 rel=\u0022author\u0022\u003EMyrsini Mamoli\u003C\/a\u003E, Lecturer of Architecture, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"680093":{"#nid":"680093","#data":{"type":"news","title":"From Breakbeats to the Dance Floor: How Hip-Hop and House Revolutionized Music and\u00a0Culture","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere was a time when artists representing two of America\u2019s biggest homegrown musical genres wouldn\u2019t get a look in at the Grammys.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHip-hop and house both have their origins in the 1970s and early 1980s \u2013 in fact, they recently \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/the50thanniversaryofhip-hop.com\/\u0022\u003Ecelebrated a 50th\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/chicago\/news\/dance-party-daley-plaza-40-years-house-music\/\u0022\u003E40th birthday\u003C\/a\u003E, respectively. But it was only in 1989 that an award category for \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2016\/02\/11\/arts\/music\/the-boycott-before-rap-and-resentment-at-the-1989-grammys.html\u0022\u003Ebest rap performance\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d started recognizing hip-hop\u2019s contribution to U.S. music, and house had to wait another decade, with the introduction of \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.awardsandshows.com\/features\/best-dance-recording-289.html\u0022\u003Ebest dance\/electronic recording\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d in 1998.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt this year\u2019s awards, taking place on Feb. 2, hip-hop and house artists will be among the most talked about. House duo Justice and Kendrick Lamar, a hip-hop superstar who \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.vibe.com\/lists\/best-songs-kendrick-lamar-gnx-album\/\u0022\u003Eincorporates elements of house himself\u003C\/a\u003E, are among those looking to pick up an award. Meanwhile, a nomination for a collaboration between \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jGK3YVmGZ3Y\u0022\u003EDJ Kaytranada and rapper Childish Gambino\u003C\/a\u003E shows how artists from both genres continue to feed off each other.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jGK3YVmGZ3Y?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd while both genres are now celebrated for their separate contributions to the music landscape, as a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/joycelyn-wilson\u0022\u003Escholar of African American culture and music\u003C\/a\u003E, I am interested in their commonality: Both are distinctly Black American artforms that originated on the streets and dance floors of U.S. cities, developing a devoted underground following before being accepted by \u2013 and transforming \u2013 the mainstream.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe Pulse of the 1970s\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe roots of hip-hop and house music both lie in the seismic shifts of the late 1970s, a period of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/wgbh\/americanexperience\/features\/blackout-gallery\/\u0022\u003Esociopolitical unrest\u003C\/a\u003E and electronic experimentation that redefined the possibilities of sound.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor hip-hop, this was expressed through the turntable manipulation \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/music\/music-features\/kool-herc-hip-hop-50-august-11-1973-1234802035\/\u0022\u003Epioneered by DJ Kool Herc in 1973\u003C\/a\u003E, when he extended and looped breakbeats to energize crowds. House music\u2019s innovators turned to the drum machine to create the genre\u2019s foundational \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.masterclass.com\/articles\/four-on-the-floor-rhythm-explained\u0022\u003Efour-on-the-floor\u003C\/a\u003E dance rhythm.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat rhythm, foreshadowed by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TJwcRSClia4\u0022\u003EEddy Grant\u2019s 1977 production of \u201cTime Warp\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d by The Coachouse Rhythm Section, would go on to shape house music\u2019s distinct pulse. The track showed how electronic instruments such as the synthesizer and drum machine could recast traditional rhythmic patterns into something entirely new.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TJwcRSClia4?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis dance vibe \u2013 in which a base drum provides a steady four-four beat \u2013 became the heartbeat of house music, creating an enduring structure for DJs to layer basslines, percussion and melodies. In a similar way, Kool Herc\u2019s breakbeat manipulation provided the scaffolding for MCs and dancers in hip-hop\u2019s formative years.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMarginalized communities in urban centers like Chicago and New York were at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.designchicago.org\/chicago-home-of-house-at-navy-pier\u0022\u003Eforefront of these innovations\u003C\/a\u003E. Despite experiencing grinding poverty and discrimination, it was Black and Latino youth \u2013 armed with turntables, drum machines and samplers \u2013 who made these groundbreaking advances in music.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor hip-hop, this meant manipulating breakbeats from songs like \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=DWSceMtAjPw\u0022\u003EKraftwerk\u2019s \u201cTrans-Europe Express\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d and \u201cNumbers\u201d to energize \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.redbull.com\/us-en\/b-boy-and-b-girl-vs-breakdancer\u0022\u003Eb-boys and b-girls\u003C\/a\u003E; for house, it meant extending disco\u2019s rhythmic pulse into an ecstatic, inclusive dance floor. Both genres exemplified \u2013 and continue to exemplify \u2013 the ingenuity of predominantly Black and Hispanic communities who turned limited resources into cultural revolutions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom this shared origin of technological experimentation, cultural resilience and creative ingenuity, hip-hop and house music grew into distinct yet globally influential movements.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe Message and the MIDI\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy the early 1980s, both genres had found their feet.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHip-hop emerged as a powerful voice for storytelling, resistance and identity. Building on the foundations laid down by DJ Kool Herc, artists like Afrika Bambaataa emphasized hip-hop\u2019s cultural and communal aspects. Meanwhile, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/grandmasterflash.com\/\u0022\u003EGrandmaster Flash\u003C\/a\u003E elevated the genre\u2019s technical artistry with innovations like cutting and scratching.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy 1984, hip-hop had evolved from its grassroots beginnings in the Bronx into a cultural movement on the cusp of mainstream recognition. Run-DMC\u2019s self-titled debut album released that year introduced a harder, stripped-down sound that departed from disco-influenced beats. Their music, paired with the trio\u2019s Adidas tracksuits and gold chains, established an aesthetic that resonated far beyond New York City. Music videos on MTV gave hip-hop a new medium for storytelling, while films like \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0086946\/\u0022\u003EBeat Street\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d and \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0086998\/\u0022\u003EBreakin\u2019\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d showcased the features and tenets of hip-hop culture: DJing, rapping, graffiti, breaking and knowledge of self \u2013 cementing its cultural presence, and presenting it to a world outside the U.S.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut at its core, hip-hop remained a voice for the voiceless that sought to address systemic inequities through storytelling. Tracks like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five\u2019s \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PobrSpMwKk4\u0022\u003EThe Message\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d vividly depicted the reality of living in poor, urban communities, while Public Enemy\u2019s \u201cFight the Power\u201d and Tupac Shakur\u2019s \u201cKeep Ya Head Up\u201d became anthems for social justice.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETogether these artists positioned hip-hop as a platform for resistance and empowerment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EBecoming a Cultural Force\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnlike hip-hop\u2019s lyrical storytelling, house music focused on the physicality of rhythm and the collective experience of the dance floor. And as hip-hop moved away from disco, house leaned into it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EItaly\u2019s \u201cfather of disco,\u201d \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.giorgiomoroder.com\/\u0022\u003EGiorgio Moroder\u003C\/a\u003E, showed the way with his pioneering use of synthesizers in Donna Summer\u2019s \u201cI Feel Love.\u201d Over in New York, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/djhistory.com\/read\/larry-levan-and-the-lost-art-of-djing\/\u0022\u003ELarry Levan\u2019s DJ sets\u003C\/a\u003E at Paradise Garage demonstrated how electronic instruments could create immersive, emotionally charged experiences as a club that centered crowd participation through dance and not lyrics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy 1984, Chicago DJs Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy were \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/southsideweekly.com\/chicago-legends-debate-the-origins-of-house-music\/\u0022\u003Erepurposing disco tracks with drum machines\u003C\/a\u003E like the Roland TR-808 and 909 to create hypnotic beats. Knuckles, known as the \u201cGodfather of House,\u201d transformed his sets at the Warehouse club into euphoric experiences, giving the genre its name in the process.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHouse music thrived on inclusivity, served as a safe space for Black and Latino members of the LGBTQ+ communities at a time when hip-hop was \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2021\/06\/19\/hip-hop-and-sexuality-is-the-culture-freeing-itself-of-homophobia-14783209\/\u0022\u003Eseverely unwelcoming of gay men\u003C\/a\u003E. Tracks like \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=qUeMFG4wjJw\u0022\u003EJesse Saunders\u2019 \u201cOn \u0026amp; On\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=QAR8cq5Bl94\u0022\u003EMarshall Jefferson\u2019s \u201cMove Your Body\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d celebrated freedom, love and unity, encapsulating its liberatory spirit, as rap music and hip-hop culture embarked on its mainstream journey with songs like \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=iOKMWSR2Aio\u0022\u003ERun DMC\u2019s \u201cSucker M.C.s (Krush Groove)\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d and Salt-N-Pepa debuted their album \u201cHot, Cool, \u0026amp; Vicious.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs with hip-hop, by the the mid-1980s house music had become a cultural force, spreading from Chicago to Detroit, to New York and, eventually, to the U.K.\u2019s rave scene. Its emphasis on repetition, rhythm and electronic instrumentation solidified its global appeal, uniting people across identities and geographies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMainstays in Modern Music\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite their differences, moments of crossover highlight their shared DNA.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom the late 1980s, tracks like \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=7v7UiDd7wBA\u0022\u003EFast Eddie\u2019s \u201cYo Yo Get Funky\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hOKpUzUXmWU\u0022\u003EJungle Brothers\u2019 \u201cI\u2019ll House You\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d merged house beats with hip-hop\u2019s lyrical flow. Artists like Kaytranada and Doechii continue to blend the two genres today, staying true to the genres\u2019 legacies while pushing their boundaries.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd technology continues to drive both genres. Platforms like SoundCloud have democratized music production, allowing emerging artists to build on the decades of innovations that preceded them. Collaborations, such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=QZrcXTHqQ_c\u0022\u003EDisclosure and Charli XCX\u2019s \u201cShe\u2019s Gone, Dance On\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d highlight their adaptability and enduring appeal.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether through hip-hop\u2019s lyrical narratives or house\u2019s rhythmic euphoria, these genres continue to inspire, challenge and transcend.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs the 2025 Grammy Awards celebrate today\u2019s leading house and hip-hop artists and their contemporary achievements, it is clear that the legacies of these two genres are mainstays in the kaleidoscope of American popular music and culture, having come a long way from back-to-school park jams and underground dance parties. \u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/229336\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe style=\u0022border-radius:12px;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/playlist\/7o090zY50aXPNLaf4nE7b3?utm_source=generator\u0022 width=\u0022100%\u0022 height=\u0022352\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022 allow=\u0022autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\u0022 loading=\u0022lazy\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/from-breakbeats-to-the-dance-floor-how-hip-hop-and-house-revolutionized-music-and-culture-229336\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThere was a time when artists representing two of America\u2019s biggest homegrown musical genres wouldn\u2019t get a look in at the Grammys.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"There was a time when artists representing two of America\u2019s biggest homegrown musical genres wouldn\u2019t get a look in at the Grammys."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-01-31 15:58:26","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:15:57","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-01-31T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-01-31T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"676177":{"id":"676177","type":"image","title":" Producers Fast Eddie and Joe Smooth mix at DJ International Studios in Chicago in 1990. Innovation was at the forefront of house and hip-hop. Raymond Boyd\/Getty Images","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProducers Fast Eddie and Joe Smooth mix at DJ International Studios in Chicago in 1990. Innovation was at the forefront of house and hip-hop. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/musician-and-producer-fast-eddie-and-producer-and-deejay-news-photo\/1298443671?adppopup=true\u0022\u003ERaymond Boyd\/Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1738339405","gmt_created":"2025-01-31 16:03:25","changed":"1738339405","gmt_changed":"2025-01-31 16:03:25","alt":" Producers Fast Eddie and Joe Smooth mix at DJ International Studios in Chicago in 1990. Innovation was at the forefront of house and hip-hop. Raymond Boyd\/Getty Images","file":{"fid":"259906","name":"file-20250130-17-1ib2ux.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/01\/31\/file-20250130-17-1ib2ux_0.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/01\/31\/file-20250130-17-1ib2ux_0.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":500211,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/01\/31\/file-20250130-17-1ib2ux_0.jpg?itok=P65qo7--"}}},"media_ids":["676177"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/from-breakbeats-to-the-dance-floor-how-hip-hop-and-house-revolutionized-music-and-culture-229336","title":"Read This Story on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/joycelyn-wilson-1531981\u0022\u003EJoycelyn Wilson\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor of Ethnographic and Cultural Studies , \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"680807":{"#nid":"680807","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Generative AI is Most Useful for the Things We Care About the\u00a0Least","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGenerative AI tools such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chatgpt.com\/\u0022\u003EChatGPT\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.midjourney.com\/home\u0022\u003EMidjourney\u003C\/a\u003E can produce text, images and videos far more quickly than any one person can accomplish by hand.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=TP027oEAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Eas someone who studies the societal impacts of AI\u003C\/a\u003E, I\u2019ve noticed an interesting trade-off: The technology can certainly save time, but it does so precisely to the extent that the user is willing to surrender control over the final product.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor this reason, generative AI is probably most useful for things we care about the least.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ECeding Creative Control\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELet\u2019s use the example of AI image generators. You probably have a rough idea of how they work. Just type what you want \u2013 \u201ca panda surfing,\u201d \u201ca piece of toast that is also a car\u201d \u2013 and the generative tool draws it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut this glosses over the countless possible iterations of the desired image.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWill the image appear as a watercolor painting or a pencil sketch? How lifelike will the panda be? How big is the wave? Is the toast-car parked or moving? Is there anyone inside of it?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen the images are generated, these questions have been answered \u2013 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/newshour\/science\/how-ai-makes-images-based-on-a-few-words\u0022\u003Ebut not by the user\u003C\/a\u003E. Rather, the generative AI tool has \u201cdecided.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOf course, the user can be more specific: Imitate the style of Monet. Make the wave twice the height of the panda. Maybe the panda should look worried, since it isn\u2019t used to surfing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou can also pop open an image editor and modify the output yourself, down to the individual pixel. But, of course, drafting detailed instructions and revising the image take time, effort and skill. Generative AI promises to lighten the load. But as every manager knows, exercising control is work.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe Devil is In the Details\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn all art and expression, power lies in the details.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn great paintings, not every brushstroke is planned \u2013 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.harvard.com\/book\/9780593297582\u0022\u003Ebut each is carefully considered and accepted\u003C\/a\u003E. And its overall effect on the viewer depends on all those considered brushstrokes together.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFilmmakers shoot take after take of the same scene, each subtly or radically different. Only a small fraction of that footage makes it into the final cut \u2013 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.taylorfrancis.com\/books\/mono\/10.4324\/9780429506086\/film-editing-edward-dmytryk-mick-hurbis-cherrier-andrew-lund\u0022\u003Ethe fraction that the editors feel does the job best\u003C\/a\u003E. Great artists use their judgment to ensure every detail helps to achieve the effect they want.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOf course, there\u2019s nothing new about putting someone else in charge of the details. People are used to delegating authority \u2013 even about matters of expression \u2013 to marketers, speechwriters, social media managers and the like.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGenerative AI makes a new sort of contractor available. It\u2019s always on call, and in certain ways it is very technically competent.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut compared with skilled humans, it has a limited ability to understand what you want. Moreover, it lacks intention, contemplation and the comprehensive mastery of detail that yield great expressive achievements \u2013 or even the comprehensive idiosyncrasy that spawns very unique ones.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAsk ChatGPT for a film script, plus casting and shooting instructions. It will give you neither Francis Ford Coppola\u2019s masterpiece \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0068646\/\u0022\u003EThe Godfather\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d nor Tommy Wiseau\u2019s bizarre \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0368226\/\u0022\u003EThe Room\u003C\/a\u003E.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou could, perhaps, approach a masterpiece, or a true oddity. But to do so, you\u2019d have to exercise more and more time, more and more effort, and more and more control.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EAn Era of \u2018Cheap Speech\u2019\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat generative AI makes possible, above all, is low-effort, low-control expression.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the time I took to write and revise this article, I could have used ChatGPT to generate 200 grammatically correct, well-structured articles, and then I could have posted them online without even reading them. I wouldn\u2019t have had to carefully parse each word and decide whether it really helped me make my point. I wouldn\u2019t have even had to decide whether I agreed with any of the AI-generated write-ups.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is not a merely hypothetical example. Low-quality, AI-generated e-books of ambiguous provenance are already making their way into online vendors\u2019 catalogs \u2013 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.404media.co\/ai-generated-slop-is-already-in-your-public-library-3\/\u0022\u003Eand into the libraries those vendors serve\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESimilarly, using image generators, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/from-shrimp-jesus-to-fake-self-portraits-ai-generated-images-have-become-the-latest-form-of-social-media-spam-226903\u0022\u003EI could now flood the internet with superficially appealing images\u003C\/a\u003E, dedicating only a fraction of a second to decide whether any of them express what I want them to express or achieve what I want them to achieve.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut in doing so, I would not just be skipping over drudgery. Writing, drawing and painting are not just labor but processes of considering, reviewing and deciding exactly what I want to put out into the world. By skipping over those processes, I surrender that decision-making process to the AI tool.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome scholars argue that the internet has produced an era of \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/yalebooks.yale.edu\/book\/9780300274097\/cheap-speech\/\u0022\u003Echeap speech\u003C\/a\u003E.\u201d People no longer have to invest a lot of resources \u2013 nor even face the judgment of their neighbors \u2013 to broadcast whatever they want to the world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith generative AI, expression is even cheaper. You don\u2019t even have to make things yourself to put them out into the world. For the first time in human history, the ability to produce writing, art and expression has been decoupled from the necessity of actually paying attention to what you\u2019re making or saying.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center \u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Illustration of red maze with small, axe-wielding figure chopping through the walls.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650810\/original\/file-20250223-32-kltoms.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650810\/original\/file-20250223-32-kltoms.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=455\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650810\/original\/file-20250223-32-kltoms.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=455\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650810\/original\/file-20250223-32-kltoms.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=455\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650810\/original\/file-20250223-32-kltoms.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=571\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650810\/original\/file-20250223-32-kltoms.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=571\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/650810\/original\/file-20250223-32-kltoms.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=571\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EGenerative AI allows you to blow through the thousands of little decisions that go into a work of art.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/broken-maze-royalty-free-image\/523566678?phrase=maze%20with%20person%20in%20it\u0026amp;searchscope=image,film\u0026amp;adppopup=true\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EC.J. Burton\/The Image Bank via Getty Images\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhen Intention and Effort Matter\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI suspect that great art, journalism and scholarship will still demand great attention and effort. Some of that effort may even include custom-developing AI tools \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/hypebeast.com\/2025\/2\/christies-ai-auction-artist-open-letter\u0022\u003Etailored to an individual artist\u2019s concerns\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut unless people become much better at curation, great work will be increasingly difficult to locate amid the flood of low-effort content, which is also known as \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/side-job-self-employed-high-paid-behind-the-ai-slop-flooding-tiktok-and-facebook-237638\u0022\u003EAI slop\u003C\/a\u003E.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s appropriate that generative AI becomes more useful the sloppier its users are willing to be \u2013 that is, the less they care about the details.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI could end with some dire prognosis \u2013 that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/hollywood-ai-strike-wga-artificial-intelligence-39ab72582c3a15f77510c9c30a45ffc8\u0022\u003Eworking artists and writers\u003C\/a\u003E will \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.politybooks.com\/bookdetail?book_slug=artifictional-intelligence-against-humanitys-surrender-to-computers--9781509504114\u0022\u003Ebe replaced with mediocre automation\u003C\/a\u003E, that online discourse will get even stupider, that people will \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1145\/3613904.3642459\u0022\u003Eisolate themselves in personalized cocoons of AI-generated media\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAll these things are possible. But it\u2019s probably more useful to offer a suggestion to you, the reader.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen you need an image or a piece of writing, take a moment to decide: How important are the details? Would the process of making this yourself, or working with a collaborator or contractor, be useful? Would it yield a better output, or give me the chance to learn, or begin or strengthen a relationship, or help you reflect on something important to you?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn short, is it worth putting in real care and effort? The answer will not always be yes. But it often will.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArt, writing, films \u2013 these are not just products, but acts. They are things humans make, through a process of thousands of little decisions that encompass what we stand for and what we want to say.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo when it comes to art, expression and argument, if you want it done right, it\u2019s probably still best to do it yourself.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/249329\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/generative-ai-is-most-useful-for-the-things-we-care-about-the-least-249329\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe technology can certainly save time, but it does so precisely to the extent that the user is willing to surrender control over the final product.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The technology can certainly save time, but it does so precisely to the extent that the user is willing to surrender control over the final product."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-02-28 19:26:00","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:15:43","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-02-25T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-02-25T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"676432":{"id":"676432","type":"image","title":" The creative process involves choices that lead artists to places they couldn\u2019t have imagined. Eoneren\/E+ via Getty Images","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe creative process involves choices that lead artists to places they couldn\u2019t have imagined. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/choice-concept-with-doors-in-maze-royalty-free-image\/1352055964?phrase=maze with person in it\u0026amp;searchscope=image%2Cfilm\u0026amp;adppopup=true\u0022\u003EEoneren\/E+ via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1740770855","gmt_created":"2025-02-28 19:27:35","changed":"1740770855","gmt_changed":"2025-02-28 19:27:35","alt":" The creative process involves choices that lead artists to places they couldn\u2019t have imagined. Eoneren\/E+ via Getty Images","file":{"fid":"260218","name":"Screenshot-2025-02-28-at-2.27.25-PM.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/02\/28\/Screenshot-2025-02-28-at-2.27.25-PM.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/02\/28\/Screenshot-2025-02-28-at-2.27.25-PM.png","mime":"image\/png","size":3971581,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/02\/28\/Screenshot-2025-02-28-at-2.27.25-PM.png?itok=mbY6P_i-"}}},"media_ids":["676432"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/generative-ai-is-most-useful-for-the-things-we-care-about-the-least-249329","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1289","name":"School of Public Policy"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/john-p-nelson-1458177\u0022\u003EJohn P. Nelson\u003C\/a\u003E, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Ethics and Societal Implications of Artificial Intelligence, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"678788":{"#nid":"678788","#data":{"type":"news","title":" Music Can Change How You Feel About the Past","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHave you ever noticed how a particular song can bring back a flood of memories? Maybe it\u2019s the tune that was playing during your first dance, or the anthem of a memorable road trip.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPeople often think of these musical memories as fixed snapshots of the past. But recent research \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/maplab.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Emy team\u003C\/a\u003E and I published suggests music may do more than just trigger memories \u2013 it might even \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3758\/s13415-024-01200-0\u0022\u003Echange how you remember them\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI\u2019m a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=Wbi5_VYAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Epsychology researcher\u003C\/a\u003E at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Along with my mentor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=DfJix_sAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003EThackery Brown\u003C\/a\u003E and University of Colorado Boulder music experts \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=tfZIzOEAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003ESophia Mehdizadeh\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=KK-gSk8AAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003EGrace Leslie\u003C\/a\u003E, our recently published research uncovered intriguing connections between music, emotion and memory. Specifically, listening to music can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3758\/s13415-024-01200-0\u0022\u003Echange how you feel about what you remember\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 potentially offering new ways to help people cope with difficult memories.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMusic, stories and memory\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen you listen to music, it\u2019s not just your ears that are engaged. The areas of your brain responsible for emotion and memory also become active. The hippocampus, which is essential for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/0033-295x.99.2.195\u0022\u003Estoring and retrieving memories\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/npp.2015.171\u0022\u003Eworks closely\u003C\/a\u003E with the amygdala, the brain\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1146\/annurev.psych.56.091103.070234\u0022\u003Eemotional center\u003C\/a\u003E. This is partly why certain songs are not only memorable but also deeply emotional.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/doi.org\/10.1017\/S0140525X08005293\u0022\u003Emusic\u2019s ability to evoke emotions and trigger memories\u003C\/a\u003E is well known, we wondered whether it could also alter the emotional content of existing memories. Our hypothesis was rooted in the concept of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.nlm.2016.12.012\u0022\u003Ememory reactivation\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 the idea that when you recall a memory, it becomes temporarily malleable, allowing new information to be incorporated.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe developed a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3758\/s13415-024-01200-0\u0022\u003Ethree-day experiment\u003C\/a\u003E to test whether music played during recall might introduce new emotional elements into the original memory.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn the first day, participants memorized a series of short, emotionally neutral stories. The next day, they recalled these stories while listening to either positive music, negative music or silence. On the final day, we asked participants to recall the stories again, this time without any music. On the second day, we recorded their brain activity with fMRI scans, which measure brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur approach is analogous to how movie soundtracks can alter viewers\u2019 perceptions of a scene, but in this case, we examined how music might change participants\u2019 actual memories of an event.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe results were striking. When participants listened to emotionally charged music while recalling the neutral stories, they were \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3758\/s13415-024-01200-0\u0022\u003Emore likely to incorporate new emotional elements\u003C\/a\u003E into the story that matched the mood of the music. For example, neutral stories recalled with positive music in the background were later remembered as being more positive, even when the music was no longer playing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven more intriguing were the brain scans we took during the experiment. When participants recalled stories while listening to music, there was \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3758\/s13415-024-01200-0\u0022\u003Eincreased activity in the amygdala and hippocampus\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 areas crucial for emotional memory processing. This is why a song associated with a significant life event can feel so powerful \u2013 it activates both emotion- and memory-processing regions simultaneously.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe also saw evidence of strong communication between these emotional memory processing parts of the brain and the parts of the brain \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3758\/s13415-024-01200-0\u0022\u003Einvolved in visual sensory processing\u003C\/a\u003E. This suggests music might infuse emotional details into memories while participants were visually imagining the stories.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMusical memories\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur results suggest that music acts as an emotional lure, becoming intertwined with memories and subtly altering their emotional tone. Memories may also be more flexible than previously thought and could be influenced by external auditory cues during recall.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile further research is needed, our findings have exciting implications for both everyday life and for medicine.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor people dealing with conditions such as depression or PTSD, where \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/a0015621\u0022\u003Enegative memories can be overwhelming\u003C\/a\u003E, carefully chosen music might help reframe those memories in a more positive light and potentially reduce their negative emotional impact over time. It also opens new avenues for exploring \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/gps.4494\u0022\u003Emusic-based interventions\u003C\/a\u003E in treatments for depression and other mental health conditions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn a day-to-day level, our research highlights the potential power of the soundtrack people choose for their lives. Memories, much like your favorite songs, can be remixed and remastered by music. The music you listen to while reminiscing or even while going about your daily routines might be subtly shaping how you remember those experiences in the future.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe next time you put on a favorite playlist, consider how it might be coloring not just your current mood but also your future recollections as well.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/239045\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/music-can-change-how-you-feel-about-the-past-239045\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EHave you ever noticed how a particular song can bring back a flood of memories? Maybe it\u2019s the tune that was playing during your first dance, or the anthem of a memorable road trip.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Have you ever noticed how a particular song can bring back a flood of memories? Maybe it\u2019s the tune that was playing during your first dance, or the anthem of a memorable road trip."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2024-12-09 16:29:54","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:15:32","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2024-12-02T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2024-12-02T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"675791":{"id":"675791","type":"image","title":"Music and Memory","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMusic could alter the emotional tenor of your memories. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/black-and-white-portrait-of-a-beautiful-woman-with-royalty-free-image\/1394844171\u0022\u003ECoffeeAndMilk\/E+ via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1733762076","gmt_created":"2024-12-09 16:34:36","changed":"1733762076","gmt_changed":"2024-12-09 16:34:36","alt":"Music and Memory","file":{"fid":"259457","name":"file-20241105-15-catmz0.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/09\/file-20241105-15-catmz0.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/09\/file-20241105-15-catmz0.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":42175,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/12\/09\/file-20241105-15-catmz0.jpg?itok=pF0O81l6"}}},"media_ids":["675791"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/music-can-change-how-you-feel-about-the-past-239045","title":"Read This Story on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"443951","name":"School of Psychology"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/yiren-ren-2210672\u0022 rel=\u0022author\u0022\u003EYiren Ren\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAdjunct Researcher in Cognitive Brain Science, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"678789":{"#nid":"678789","#data":{"type":"news","title":" From Using Plant Rinds to High-Tech Materials, Bike Helmets Have Improved Significantly Over the Past 2 Centuries","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EImagine \u2013 it\u2019s the mid-1800s, and you\u2019re riding your high-wheeled, penny-farthing bicycle down a dusty road. Sure, it may have some bumps, but if you lose your balance, you\u2019re landing on a relatively soft dirt road. But as the years go by, these roads are replaced with pavement, cobblestones, bricks or wooden slats. All these materials are much harder and still quite bumpy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs paved roads grew more common across the U.S. and Europe, bicyclists \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/allthatsinteresting.com\/bicycle-history\/2\u0022\u003Estarted to suffer\u003C\/a\u003E gruesome skull fractures and other serious head injuries during falls.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs head injuries became more common, people started seeking out head protection. But the first bike helmets were very different than helmets of today.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=Hf8dRC4AAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003EI\u2019m a materials engineer\u003C\/a\u003E who teaches a course at Georgia Tech about materials science and engineering in sports. The class covers many topics, but particularly helmets, as they\u2019re used in many different sports, including cycling, and the materials they\u2019re made of play an important role in how they work. Over the decades, people have used a wide variety of materials to protect their heads while biking, and companies continue to develop new and innovative materials.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the beginning, there was the pith helmet.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EPith Helmets\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe first head protection concept introduced to the biking world was a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.helmets.org\/history.htm\u0022\u003Ehat made from pith\u003C\/a\u003E, which is the spongy rind found in the stem of sola plants, \u003Cem\u003Eaeschynomene aspera\u003C\/em\u003E. Pith helmet craftsmen would press the pith into sheets and laminate it across dome-shaped molds to form a helmet shape. Then, they\u2019d cover the hats in canvas as a form of weatherproofing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPith helmets were far from what we would consider a helmet today, but they persisted until the early 20th century, when bicycle-racing clubs emerged. Since pith helmets offered little to no ventilation, the racers began to use \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gearist.com\/the-evolution-of-bicycle-helmets\/\u0022\u003Ehalo-shaped leather helmets\u003C\/a\u003E. These had better airflow and were more comfortable, although they weren\u2019t much better at protecting the head.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ELeather Halo Helmets\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe initial concept for the halo helmet used a simple leather strip wrapped around the forehead. But these halo helmets quickly evolved, as riders arranged additional strips longitudinally from front to back. They wrapped the leather bands in wool.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor better head protection, the helmet makers then \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.helmets.org\/history.htm\u0022\u003Estarted adding more layers of leather strips\u003C\/a\u003E to increase the helmet\u2019s thickness. Eventually, they added different materials such as cotton, foam and other textiles into these leather layers for better protection.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile these had better airflow than the pith hats, the leather \u201chairnet\u201d helmets continued to offer very little protection during a fall on a paved surface. And, like pith, the leather helmets degraded when exposed to sweat and rain.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite these drawbacks, leather strip helmets dominated the market \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.helmets.org\/history.htm\u0022\u003Efor several decades\u003C\/a\u003E as cycling continued to evolve throughout the 20th century.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThen, in the 1970s, a nonprofit dedicated to testing motorcycle helmets called \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.smf.org\/\u0022\u003Ethe Snell Foundation\u003C\/a\u003E released new standards for bike helmets. They set their standards so high that only lightweight motorcycle helmets could pass, which most bicyclists refused to wear.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ENew Materials and New Helmets\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe motorcycle equipment manufacturing company Bell Motorsports responded to the new standards by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.helmets.org\/history.htm\u0022\u003Ereleasing the Bell Biker in 1975\u003C\/a\u003E. This helmet used expanded polystyrene, or EPS. EPS is the same foam used to manufacture styrofoam coolers. It\u2019s lightweight and absorbs energy well.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EConstructing the Bell Biker involved \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gearist.com\/the-evolution-of-bicycle-helmets\/\u0022\u003Espraying EPS into a dome shaped mold\u003C\/a\u003E. The manufacturers used small pellets of a very hard plastic \u2013 polycarbonate, or PC \u2013 to mold an outer shell and then adhere it to the outside of the EPS.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnlike the pith and leather helmets, this design was lightweight, load bearing, impact absorbing and well ventilated. The PC shell provided a smooth surface so that during a fall, the helmet would skid along the pavement instead of getting jerked around and caught, which could cause abrupt head rotation and lead to concussions and other head and neck injuries.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver the next two decades, as cycling became more popular, helmet manufacturers tried to strike the perfect balance between lightweight and ventilated helmets, while simultaneously providing impact protection.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn order to decrease weight, a company called Giro Sport Design \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gearist.com\/the-evolution-of-bicycle-helmets\/\u0022\u003Ecreated an all-EPS helmet\u003C\/a\u003E covered by a thin lycra fabric cover instead of a hard PC shell. This design eliminated the weight of the PC shell and improved ventilation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 1989, a company called Pro Tec introduced a helmet with a nylon mesh infused in the EPS foam core. The nylon mesh dramatically increased the helmet\u2019s structural support without the added weight of the PC shell.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeanwhile, as cycling became more competitive, many riders and manufacturers started \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gearist.com\/the-evolution-of-bicycle-helmets\/\u0022\u003Edesigning more aerodynamic helmets\u003C\/a\u003E using the existing materials. A revolutionary teardrop style helmet debuted in the 1984 Olympics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENow, even casual biking enthusiasts will don teardrop helmets.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EHelmets on the Market Today\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHelmet makers continue to innovate. Today, many commercial brands use a hard polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, shell around the EPS foam in place of a PC shell to increase the helmet\u2019s protection and lifespan, while decreasing cost.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeanwhile, some brands still use PC shells. Instead of gluing them to the EPS foam, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.helmets.org\/history.htm\u0022\u003Eshell serves as the mold itself\u003C\/a\u003E, with the EPS expanding to fit inside it. Manufacturing helmets this way eliminates several process steps, as well as any gaps between the foam and shell. This process makes the helmet both stronger and cheaper to manufacture.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs helmets evolve to provide more protection with still lighter weight, materials called copolymers, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, are replacing PC and PET shell materials.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMaterials that are easier and cheaper to manufacture, such as expanded polyurethane and expanded polypropylene, are also \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/schifferbooks.com\/products\/modern-sports-helmets\u0022\u003Estarting to replace\u003C\/a\u003E the ubiquitous EPS core.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJust as the leather and pith helmets would look strange to a cyclist today, a century from now, bike helmets could be made with entirely new and innovative materials.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/233315\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/from-using-plant-rinds-to-high-tech-materials-bike-helmets-have-improved-significantly-over-the-past-2-centuries-233315\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs head injuries became more common, people started seeking out head protection. But the first bike helmets were very different than helmets of today.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"As head injuries became more common, people started seeking out head protection. But the first bike helmets were very different than helmets of today."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2024-12-09 16:37:12","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:15:25","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2024-11-18T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2024-11-18T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"675792":{"id":"675792","type":"image","title":"Modern bike helmets are made through complex materials engineering.","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EModern bike helmets are made through complex materials engineering. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/people-in-bicycle-helmets-in-forest-royalty-free-image\/1436148369?phrase=biking\u0026amp;searchscope=image%2Cfilm\u0026amp;adppopup=true\u0022\u003EJohner Images via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1733764031","gmt_created":"2024-12-09 17:07:11","changed":"1733764031","gmt_changed":"2024-12-09 17:07:11","alt":"Modern bike helmets are made through complex materials engineering.","file":{"fid":"259458","name":"file-20241114-15-8pfjcp.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/09\/file-20241114-15-8pfjcp.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/09\/file-20241114-15-8pfjcp.png","mime":"image\/png","size":1153564,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/12\/09\/file-20241114-15-8pfjcp.png?itok=gUca_fA3"}}},"media_ids":["675792"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/from-using-plant-rinds-to-high-tech-materials-bike-helmets-have-improved-significantly-over-the-past-2-centuries-233315","title":"Read This Story on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/jud-ready-1544003\u0022 rel=\u0022author\u0022\u003EJud Ready\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EPrincipal Research Engineer in Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"678754":{"#nid":"678754","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Companies Are Still Committing to Net-Zero Emissions","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECompanies around the world are increasingly committed to cutting their greenhouse gas emissions to slow and ultimately reverse climate change.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne indicator is the number of companies that have set emissions targets as part of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciencebasedtargets.org\/\u0022\u003EScience Based Targets initiative\u003C\/a\u003E, or SBTi, a global nonprofit organization. That number grew from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciencebasedtargets.org\/reports\/sbti-monitoring-report-2023\/global-geographic-growth#:%7E:text=Continued%20growth%20in%20the%20number%20of%20companies%20setting%20targets\u0026amp;text=2%2C080%20companies%20had%20validated%20science,institutions%20with%20science%2Dbased%20targets.\u0022\u003E164 companies in late 2018 to over 6,600 by November 2024\u003C\/a\u003E. And thousands more have committed to lower their emissions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s not always a smooth road, however. Some of those companies \u2013 including big names like Microsoft and Walmart \u2013 have had to pull back on some of their SBTi commitments.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=bHuI7f0AAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Estudy\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=PVgZllAAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Ethe history\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=5nODHdIAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Eof SBTi pledges\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=dVu_OZQAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Eto understand these commitments\u003C\/a\u003E and what can undermine them. We believe there is more to the story of these pullbacks than meets the eye.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat is Net Zero?\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo understand corporate climate commitments, let\u2019s start with the concept of \u201cnet zero.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/unfccc.int\/process-and-meetings\/the-paris-agreement\u0022\u003EParis Agreement\u003C\/a\u003E, an international treaty on climate change, aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) and ideally to 1.5 C (2.7 F). Meeting the more ambitious target of 1.5 C will require reaching \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/netzeroclimate.org\/what-is-net-zero-2\/#:%7E:text=The%20Paris%20Agreement%20marked%20the,of%20emissions%20and%20carbon%20removals.\u0022\u003Enet-zero greenhouse gas emissions\u003C\/a\u003E by around 2050.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENet zero is the point at which the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere is balanced by greenhouse gases removed, either through natural sources like forests or technologies such as carbon capture and storage.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciencebasedtargets.org\/\u0022\u003EScience Based Targets initiative\u003C\/a\u003E, developed alongside the Paris Agreement in 2015, provides a framework to help companies align their efforts with the 1.5 C goal.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ESBTi Commitments Have Grown Quickly\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/docs.sbtiservices.com\/resources\/ProcedureforValidationofTargets.pdf\u0022\u003Ejoin the initiative\u003C\/a\u003E, companies begin by signing a letter of commitment to set near-term (2030) and long-term (2050) targets for reducing their emissions. Companies have 24 months to develop targets that adhere to SBTi guidelines. If the targets are validated and approved by SBTi, the company announces its targets publicly. The targets must be revalidated every five years, or they expire.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe number of global companies committing to and setting targets with SBTi has grown rapidly in recent years.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy the end of 2023, 7,929 companies representing 39% of global market capitalization had committed to set targets, and 4,205 had targets already validated by SBTi. By November 2024, that number had grown to 6,614.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis impressive participation is particularly significant given SBTi\u2019s high expectations. SBTi requires near-term targets to be set so \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciencebasedtargets.org\/resources\/files\/SBTi-Corporate-Manual.pdf\u0022\u003Ecompanies reduce emissions by at least 42% by 2030\u003C\/a\u003E from 2020 levels.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhy Some Companies Have Pulled Back\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo, why are companies like, Walmart, Microsoft and Amazon scaling back their commitments with SBTi?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile some people attribute these moves to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.spglobal.com\/marketintelligence\/en\/news-insights\/latest-news-headlines\/texas-lawmakers-houston-controller-say-anti-esg-law-is-government-overreach-83371504\u0022\u003Epolitical pressure from fossil fuel supporters\u003C\/a\u003E, a closer look at data since 2013 reveals a more complex set of factors that may better explain their actions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe found that, over the past decade, 695 companies either withdrew near- or long-term commitments or had a commitment that expired and was terminated by SBTi. These actions were concentrated in two distinct periods.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe first period followed SBTi\u2019s decision in April 2019 to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciencebasedtargets.org\/resources\/legacy\/2019\/03\/SBTi-criteria.pdf\u0022\u003Eupdate its criteria\u003C\/a\u003E, including tightening the minimum target from under 2 C to either \u201cwell below 2 C\u201d or 1.5 C. We believe several companies were unprepared to meet the new requirements. Among the 500 companies that had either committed to or set a target by the end of 2018, 94 (18.8%) terminated their initial commitments after the criteria changed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe second period was after January 2023, when \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciencebasedtargets.org\/news\/statement-on-the-end-of-the-commitment-compliance-policy-grace-period\u0022\u003ESBTi introduced a new compliance policy\u003C\/a\u003E and began removing commitments that had expired. In this period, 531 commitments were terminated \u2013 497 of them because the commitment expired, and 16 because the company withdrew.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s important to recognize that SBTi strategically raised the bar to encourage companies to accelerate their progress in addressing climate change.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EReasons Some Companies Have Struggled\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn a report in March 2024, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciencebasedtargets.org\/resources\/files\/SBTi-Business-Ambition-final-report.pdf\u0022\u003ESBTi provided a candid look\u003C\/a\u003E at companies\u2019 climate commitments from 2019 to 2021 and, importantly, where they struggled.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EApproximately half of the companies that responded to its survey identified the complexity of addressing \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/climateleadership\/scope-3-inventory-guidance\u0022\u003EScope 3 emissions\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 emissions from a company\u2019s supply chain and use of its products \u2013 as a primary obstacle to setting net-zero targets. The \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/esg-investing-has-a-blind-spot-that-puts-the-35-trillion-industrys-sustainability-promises-in-doubt-supply-chains-170199\u0022\u003Esupply chain is often considered a blind spot\u003C\/a\u003E for measuring environmental impact and is difficult for companies to control.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn the day the report was released, SBTi removed the long-term commitments of 239 companies. About 60% of those companies had near-term targets that remained.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis helps explain the news around companies such as Walmart, Microsoft and Amazon.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWalmart\u2019s and Microsoft\u2019s long-term net-zero commitments were terminated, though both companies still have valid near-term targets with SBTi.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMoreover, both reaffirm their environmental commitments in their annual reports. Walmart is currently \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sustainabilitymag.com\/supply-chain-sustainability\/how-walmart-is-successfully-driving-scope-3-decarbonisation\u0022\u003Efinalizing its Scope 3 emissions analysis\u003C\/a\u003E to inform future strategy development, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/blogs.microsoft.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/16\/microsoft-will-be-carbon-negative-by-2030\/\u0022\u003EMicrosoft is investing in carbon removal\u003C\/a\u003E technologies to become carbon-negative by 2030.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAmazon presents a more challenging case. The company may have faced difficulty meeting SBTi\u2019s stringent mandate, particularly around supply chain emissions. Amazon has said it is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.aboutamazon.com\/news\/sustainability\/amazons-approach-to-setting-science-based-targets\u0022\u003Estill committed to reaching net-zero emissions\u003C\/a\u003E and plans to explore setting targets with other organizations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMany Companies are on Track\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur analysis of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciencebasedtargets.org\/reports\/sbti-monitoring-report-2022\u0022\u003ESBTi\u2019s progress data\u003C\/a\u003E, which includes all companies that had set a target by 2022 for which SBTi has emissions data, reveals that companies are cutting their emissions by a median annual rate of 5.4%.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELooking just at direct emissions from companies\u2019 operations (Scope 1) and their purchased electricity (Scope 2), companies did even better. The median annual emissions decrease was 7.25% for companies with both Scope 1 and Scope 2 targets.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScope 2 emissions are the low-hanging fruit and frequently align with cost-saving measures like improving energy efficiency.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScope 3 emissions, those generated by companies\u2019 suppliers and by consumer use of their products, are the biggest challenge. Companies with a separate Scope 3 target only reduced those emissions by a median annual rate of about 3%.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2024, SBTi announced \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciencebasedtargets.org\/news\/statement-from-the-sbti-board-of-trustees-on-use-of-environmental-attribute-certificates-including-but-not-limited-to-voluntary-carbon-markets-for-abatement-purposes-limited-to-scope-3\u0022\u003Eplans to revise its Net-Zero Standard\u003C\/a\u003E and allow companies to use carbon offsets to meet their Scope 3 emissions targets, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.esgdive.com\/news\/sbti-walks-back-carbon-offset-scope-3policy-changes-after-staff-backlash\/713343\/#:%7E:text=The%20move%20was%20initially%20met,clarifying%20statement%20the%20next%20day.\u0022\u003Edrawing intense criticism\u003C\/a\u003E. Carbon offsets allow companies to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/companies-are-buying-up-cheap-carbon-offsets-data-suggest-its-more-about-greenwashing-than-helping-the-climate-238973\u0022\u003Epay projects to reduce emissions on their behalf\u003C\/a\u003E, such as by planting trees or managing forests.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESBTi\u2019s challenge lies in finding a balance that maintains the integrity of its standards while encouraging broader participation, especially from high-impact industries.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EOther Ways Companies are Reducing Emissions\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile setting and achieving SBTi targets signals a strong commitment to combating climate change, many companies are setting emissions goals and working toward them without joining SBTi.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAn example is the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.drawdowngabusiness.org\/\u0022\u003EDrawdown Georgia Business Compact\u003C\/a\u003E. It was created to accelerate the adoption of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.drawdownga.org\/drawdown-georgia-research\/\u0022\u003E20 technology- and market-ready solutions\u003C\/a\u003E and includes nearly 70 companies, from multinationals headquartered in Georgia like Delta and UPS to small- and medium-size enterprises operating in the state.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough the compact, companies are advancing initiatives with local economic benefits. For example, they are exploring ways to maximize Georgia forests\u2019 ability to remove carbon and discussing effective ways to deploy \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.drawdowngabusiness.org\/news-and-insights\/fueling-the-future-georgia-tech-and-drawdown-georgia-business-compact-convene-experts-to-drive-sustainable-aviation-fuel-in-the-southeast\u0022\u003Esustainable aviation fuels\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe road to net-zero emissions will be bumpy. Yet the rapid growth of global corporate commitments, as well as action by a wider range of companies at the regional level, suggests corporate efforts are nevertheless moving forward.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/239487\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/companies-are-still-committing-to-net-zero-emissions-even-if-its-a-bumpy-road-heres-what-the-data-show-239487\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech experts study the history of SBTi pledges to understand these commitments and what can undermine them. They believe there is more to the story of these pullbacks than meets the eye.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech experts study the history of SBTi pledges to understand these commitments and what can undermine them. They believe there is more to the story of these pullbacks than meets the eye."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2024-12-04 17:17:39","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:15:14","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2024-11-20T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2024-11-20T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"675773":{"id":"675773","type":"image","title":" Companies are cutting emissions fastest from energy use.","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECompanies are cutting emissions fastest from energy use. Falling solar prices help. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/photovoltaic-panels-installed-on-the-roofs-of-enterprises-news-photo\/2170118102\u0022\u003ECFOTO\/Future Publishing via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1733333134","gmt_created":"2024-12-04 17:25:34","changed":"1733333134","gmt_changed":"2024-12-04 17:25:34","alt":" Companies are cutting emissions fastest from energy use. Falling solar prices help. CFOTO\/Future Publishing via Getty Images","file":{"fid":"259438","name":"file-20241120-19-qf29e9.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/04\/file-20241120-19-qf29e9.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/04\/file-20241120-19-qf29e9.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":235122,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/12\/04\/file-20241120-19-qf29e9.jpg?itok=StiQpiEs"}}},"media_ids":["675773"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/companies-are-still-committing-to-net-zero-emissions-even-if-its-a-bumpy-road-heres-what-the-data-show-239487","title":"Read This Story on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1316","name":"Green Buzz"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1274","name":"Scheller College of Business"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthors:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EL. Beril Toktay\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EProfessor of Operations Management, Georgia Institute of Technology\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbhinav Shubham\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EPh.D. Candidate in Operations Management, Georgia Institute of Technology\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDonghyun (Daniel) Choi\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EPh.D. Candidate in Operations Management, Georgia Institute of Technology\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EManpreet S. Hora\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EProfessor of Operations Management, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"678871":{"#nid":"678871","#data":{"type":"news","title":"How Cities Are Reinventing the Public-Private Partnership ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECities tackle a vast array of responsibilities \u2013 from building transit networks to running schools \u2013 and sometimes they can use a little help. That\u2019s why local governments have long teamed up with businesses in so-called \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ppp.worldbank.org\/public-private-partnership\/about-us\/about-public-private-partnerships\u0022\u003Epublic-private partnerships\u003C\/a\u003E. Historically, these arrangements have helped cities fund big infrastructure projects such as bridges and hospitals.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, our analysis and research show an emerging trend with local governments engaged in private-sector collaborations \u2013 what we have come to describe as \u201ccommunity-centered, public-private partnerships,\u201d or CP3s. Unlike traditional public-private partnerships, CP3s aren\u2019t just about financial investments; they leverage relationships and trust. And they\u2019re about more than just building infrastructure; they\u2019re about building resilient and inclusive communities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs the founding executive director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pingeorgia.org\u0022\u003EPartnership for Inclusive Innovation\u003C\/a\u003E, based out of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E, I\u2019m fascinated with CP3s. And while not all CP3s are successful, when done right they offer local governments a powerful tool to navigate the complexities of modern urban life.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETogether with international climate finance expert \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.c40.org\/our-team\/andrea-fernandez\/\u0022\u003EAndrea Fern\u00e1ndez\u003C\/a\u003E of the urban climate leadership group C40, we analyzed community-centered, public-private partnerships across the world and put together \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/shop.theiet.org\/empowering-smart-cities-through-community-centred-public-private-partnerships-and-innovations\u0022\u003Eeight case studies\u003C\/a\u003E. Together, they offer valuable insights into how cities can harness the power of CP3s.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E4 Keys to Success\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlthough we looked at partnerships forged in different countries and contexts, we saw several elements emerge as critical to success over and over again.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Clear mission and vision\u003C\/strong\u003E: It\u2019s essential to have a mission that resonates with everyone involved. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/rutanmedellin.org\u0022\u003ERuta N\u003C\/a\u003E in Medell\u00edn, Colombia, for example, transformed the city into a hub of innovation, attracting 471 technology companies and creating 22,500 jobs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis vision wasn\u2019t static. It evolved in response to changing local dynamics, including leadership priorities and broader global trends. However, the core mission of entrepreneurship, investment and innovation remained clear and was embraced by all key stakeholders, driving the partnership forward.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Diverse and engaged partners\u003C\/strong\u003E: Successful CP3s rely on the active involvement of a wide range of partners, each bringing their unique expertise and resources to the table. In the U.K., for example, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ohyesnetzero.co.uk\u0022\u003EHull net-zero climate initiative\u003C\/a\u003E featured a partnership that included more than 150 companies, many small and medium-size. This diversity of partners was crucial to the initiative\u2019s success because they could leverage resources and share risks, enabling it to address complex challenges from multiple angles.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESimilarly, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/thinkcity.com.my\u0022\u003EMalaysia\u2019s Think City\u003C\/a\u003E engaged community-based organizations and vulnerable populations in its Penang climate adaptation program. This ensured that the partnership was inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Robust governance structure\u003C\/strong\u003E: Effective governance is key to ensuring that CP3s operate smoothly and achieve their objectives. For example, in Melbourne, Australia, the City Professorial Chair in Urban Resilience and Innovation includes representatives from the city and a university. It has a formal communication structure where research informs policy and vice versa. It aims to harness the research to better inform and guide policymaking and in turn advance research by putting it into city practice.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn South Africa, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gcro.ac.za\u0022\u003EGauteng City-Region Observatory\u003C\/a\u003E bridges academia and government to drive urban development. Its governance structure, which includes a diverse board appointed by the province\u2019s premier, ensures that the partnership remains focused and effective. It means that it goes beyond any one organization\u2019s evolving agendas and leadership for longer-term community gains.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4. Commitment to innovation and growth\u003C\/strong\u003E: While we found that securing funding and in-kind support is important, demonstrating economic impact is crucial for the sustainability of CP3s.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDublin\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/smartdocklands.ie\u0022\u003ESmart Docklands\u003C\/a\u003E initiative is a prime example of this. By leveraging technology to address community needs, the partnership attracted over 3 million euros (US$3.2 billion) in investments and quadrupled the project\u2019s funding.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe initiative not only boosted Dublin\u2019s connectivity and tech infrastructure but also addressed public safety through solutions such as smart ring buoys. The buoys are life preservers with sensors to alert the city when its buoys are tampered with or stolen.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe case studies show that CP3s can be a globally applicable model for urban development, not merely a passing trend. By fostering collective action, sharing risks and leveraging multiple sources of funding, CP3s can be a powerful tool for cities navigating the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/239155\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-cities-are-reinventing-the-public-private-partnership-4-lessons-from-around-the-globe-239155\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAnalysis and research show an emerging trend with local governments engaged in private-sector collaborations.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Analysis and research show an emerging trend with local governments engaged in private-sector collaborations."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2024-12-16 15:27:05","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:15:09","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2024-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2024-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"675859":{"id":"675859","type":"image","title":" The Ruta N partnership in Medell\u00edn, Colombia, generated thousands of jobs. Jorge Calle\/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Ruta N partnership in Medell\u00edn, Colombia, generated thousands of jobs. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/view-of-the-green-wall-in-medellin-colombia-on-may-10-2022-news-photo\/1240640343?adppopup=true\u0022\u003EJorge Calle\/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1734363174","gmt_created":"2024-12-16 15:32:54","changed":"1734363174","gmt_changed":"2024-12-16 15:32:54","alt":" The Ruta N partnership in Medell\u00edn, Colombia, generated thousands of jobs. Jorge Calle\/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images","file":{"fid":"259533","name":"file-20241113-17-3xzgqy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/16\/file-20241113-17-3xzgqy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/16\/file-20241113-17-3xzgqy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":202655,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/12\/16\/file-20241113-17-3xzgqy.jpg?itok=CIbI3DNy"}}},"media_ids":["675859"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-cities-are-reinventing-the-public-private-partnership-4-lessons-from-around-the-globe-239155","title":"Read This Story on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"236531","name":"Enterprise Innovation Institute"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/debra-lam-2212654\u0022\u003EDebra Lam\u003C\/a\u003E, Founding Director of the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, Enterprise Innovation Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"678877":{"#nid":"678877","#data":{"type":"news","title":"How Does the International Space Station Orbit Earth Without Burning\u00a0Up?","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFlying through Earth\u2019s orbit are thousands of satellites and two operational space stations, including the International Space Station, which weighs as much as 77 elephants. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/international-space-station\/\u0022\u003EThe International Space Station\u003C\/a\u003E, or ISS, hosts scientists and researchers from around the world as they contribute to discoveries in medicine, microbiology, Earth and space science, and more.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of my first jobs in aerospace engineering was working on the ISS, and the ISS remains one of my favorite aerospace systems. I now work at Georgia Tech, where \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/kelly-griendling\u0022\u003EI teach aerospace engineering\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe ISS travels very quickly around the Earth at 5 miles per second (8 kilometers per second), which means it could fly from Atlanta to London in 14 minutes. But at the same time, small chunks of rock called meteoroids shoot through space and burn up when they hit Earth\u2019s atmosphere. How is it that some objects \u2013 such as the International Space Station \u2013 orbit the Earth unscathed, while others, such as asteroids, burn up?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo answer why the ISS can stay in orbit for decades unscathed, you first need to understand why some things, such as meteoroids, do burn up when they enter our planet\u2019s atmosphere.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhy Do Meteoroids Burn Up in the Atmosphere?\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/meteors-meteorites\/\u0022\u003EMeteoroids are small chunks of rock and metal\u003C\/a\u003E that orbit the Sun. These space rocks can travel between 7 and 25 miles per second (12 to 40 km per second). That\u2019s fast enough to cross the entire United States in about 5 minutes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESometimes, the orbit of a meteoroid overlaps with Earth, and the meteoroid enters Earth\u2019s atmosphere \u2013 where it burns up and disintegrates.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven though you can\u2019t see them, the atmosphere is full of a combination of particles, primarily nitrogen and oxygen, which make up the air you breathe. The farther you are from the surface of the Earth, the lower the density of particles in the atmosphere.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scied.ucar.edu\/learning-zone\/atmosphere\/layers-earths-atmosphere\u0022\u003Eatmosphere has several layers\u003C\/a\u003E. When something from space enters the Earth\u2019s atmosphere, it must pass through each of these layers before it reaches the ground.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.wustl.edu\/meteoritesite\/items\/meteors\/\u0022\u003EMeteoroids\u003C\/a\u003E burn up in a part of Earth\u2019s atmosphere \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scied.ucar.edu\/learning-zone\/atmosphere\/mesosphere\u0022\u003Ecalled the mesosphere\u003C\/a\u003E, which is 30 to 50 miles (48 to 80 kilometers) above the ground. Even though the air is thin up there, meteoroids still bump into air particles as they fly through.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen meteoroids zoom through the atmosphere at these very high speeds, they are destroyed by a process that causes them to heat up and break apart. The meteoroid pushes the air particles together, kind of like how a bulldozer pushes dirt. This process creates a lot of pressure and heat. The air particles hit the meteoroid \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/science.howstuffworks.com\/transport\/flight\/modern\/hypersonic-plane.htm\u0022\u003Eat hypersonic speeds\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 much faster than the speed of sound \u2013 causing atoms to break away and form cracks in the meteroid.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe high pressure and hot air get into the cracks, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1029\/2020JA028229\u0022\u003Emaking the meteoroid break apart\u003C\/a\u003E and burn up as it falls through the sky. This process is called \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=r4roWT1SD2s\u0022\u003Emeteoroid ablation\u003C\/a\u003E and is what you are actually seeing when you witness a \u201cshooting star.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhy Doesn\u2019t the Space Station Burn Up?\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo why doesn\u2019t this happen to the International Space Station?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe ISS does not fly in the mesosphere. Instead, the ISS flies in a higher and much less dense layer of the atmosphere \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spaceplace.nasa.gov\/thermosphere\/en\/\u0022\u003Ecalled the thermosphere\u003C\/a\u003E, which extends from 50 miles (80 km) to 440 miles (708 km) above Earth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/Karman-line\u0022\u003EThe K\u00e1rm\u00e1n line\u003C\/a\u003E, which is considered the boundary of space, is in the thermosphere, 62 miles (100 kilometers) above the surface of the Earth. The space station flies even higher, at about 250 miles (402 km) above the surface.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe thermosphere has too few particles to transmit heat. At the height of the space station, the atmosphere is so thin that to collect enough particles to equal the mass of just one apple, you would need a box the size of Lake Superior!\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a result, the ISS doesn\u2019t experience the same kind of interactions with atmospheric particles, nor the high pressure and heat that meteoroids traveling closer to Earth do, so it doesn\u2019t burn up.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA High-Flying Research Hub\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlthough the ISS doesn\u2019t burn up, it does experience large temperature swings. As it orbits Earth, it is alternately exposed to direct sunlight and darkness. Temperatures can reach 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius) when it\u2019s exposed to the Sun, and then they can drop to as low as -250 degrees F (-156 degrees Celsius) when it\u2019s in the dark \u2013 a swing of 500 degrees F (277 degrees C) as it moves through orbit.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe engineers who designed the station carefully selected materials that can handle these temperature swings. The inside of the space station is kept at comfortable temperatures for the astronauts, the same way people on Earth heat and cool our homes to stay comfortable indoors.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/station\/20-breakthroughs-from-20-years-of-science-aboard-the-international-space-station\/\u0022\u003EResearch on the ISS\u003C\/a\u003E has led to advancements such as improved \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.esa.int\/Science_Exploration\/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration\/International_Space_Station_Benefits_for_Humanity\/Advanced_NASA_Technology_Supports_Water_Purification_Efforts_Worldwide\u0022\u003Ewater filtration technologies\u003C\/a\u003E, a better understanding of Earth\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/earth-science-at-ames\/missions\/water-and-energy-cycle\/\u0022\u003Ewater and energy cycles\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/exploration-research-and-technology\/growing-plants-in-space\/\u0022\u003Etechniques to grow food in space\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/three-space-station-studies-helping-scientists-understand-the-early-universe\/\u0022\u003Einsights into black holes\u003C\/a\u003E, a better understanding of how \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/spending-time-in-space-can-harm-the-human-body-but-scientists-are-working-to-mitigate-these-risks-before-sending-people-to-mars-210761\u0022\u003Ethe human body changes\u003C\/a\u003E during \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/does-a-year-in-space-make-you-older-or-younger-111812\u0022\u003Elong-duration space travel\u003C\/a\u003E, and new studies on a variety of diseases and treatments.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENASA plans to keep the ISS active until 2030, when all of the astronauts will return to Earth and the ISS will be \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-selects-international-space-station-us-deorbit-vehicle\/\u0022\u003Edeorbited\u003C\/a\u003E, or brought down from orbit by a specially designed spacecraft.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs it comes down through Earth\u2019s atmosphere in the deorbiting process, it will enter the mesosphere, where many parts of it will heat up and disintegrate.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome spacecraft, such as the crew capsules that bring astronauts to and from the ISS, can survive reentry into the atmosphere using their \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/engineering\/heat-shield\u0022\u003Eheat shield\u003C\/a\u003E. That\u2019s a special layer made up of materials that are able to withstand very high temperatures. The ISS wasn\u2019t designed for that, so it doesn\u2019t have a heat shield.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019d like to see the space station as it passes over your area, you can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spotthestation.nasa.gov\/\u0022\u003Echeck out NASA\u2019s website\u003C\/a\u003E to find out when it might be visible near you.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/240412\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-does-the-international-space-station-orbit-earth-without-burning-up-240412\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFlying through Earth\u2019s orbit are thousands of satellites and two operational space stations, including the International Space Station, which weighs as much as 77 elephants.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Flying through Earth\u2019s orbit are thousands of satellites and two operational space stations, including the International Space Station, which weighs as much as 77 elephants."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2024-12-16 15:34:36","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:14:58","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2024-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2024-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"675860":{"id":"675860","type":"image","title":" The International Space Station orbits Earth. NASA\/Roscosmos","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe International Space Station orbits Earth. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/international-space-station\/\u0022\u003ENASA\/Roscosmos\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1734364444","gmt_created":"2024-12-16 15:54:04","changed":"1734364444","gmt_changed":"2024-12-16 15:54:04","alt":" The International Space Station orbits Earth. NASA\/Roscosmos","file":{"fid":"259534","name":"file-20241030-15-lsj7ed.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/16\/file-20241030-15-lsj7ed.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/12\/16\/file-20241030-15-lsj7ed.png","mime":"image\/png","size":1172087,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/12\/16\/file-20241030-15-lsj7ed.png?itok=AXQPMQ19"}}},"media_ids":["675860"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-does-the-international-space-station-orbit-earth-without-burning-up-240412","title":"Read This Story on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"660364","name":"Aerospace Engineering"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/kelly-griendling-2225547\u0022\u003EKelly Griendling\u003C\/a\u003E, Lecturer of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"679654":{"#nid":"679654","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Why Does a Rocket Have to go 25,000 mph to Escape Earth?","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy does a rocket have to go 25,000 mph (about 40,000 kilometers per hour) to escape Earth? \u2013 Bo H., age 10, Durham, New Hampshire\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere\u2019s a reason why a rocket has to go so fast to escape Earth. It\u2019s about gravity \u2013 something all of us \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www1.grc.nasa.gov\/beginners-guide-to-aeronautics\/weight-equation\/\u0022\u003Eexperience every moment of every day\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGravity is the force that pulls you toward the ground. And that\u2019s a good thing. Gravity keeps you on Earth; otherwise, you would float away into space.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut gravity also makes it difficult to leave Earth if you\u2019re a rocket heading for space. Escaping our planet\u2019s gravitational pull is hard \u2013 not only is gravity strong, but it also \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.uu.edu\/dept\/physics\/scienceguys\/2004oct.cfm\u0022\u003Eextends far away from Earth\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ELike a Balloon\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/benjamin-lee-emerson-ii\u0022\u003Ea rocket scientist\u003C\/a\u003E, one of the things I do is teach students how rockets overcome gravity. Here\u2019s how it works:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEssentially, the rocket has to make thrust \u2013 that is, create force \u2013 by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.grc.nasa.gov\/www\/k-12\/airplane\/rocket.html\u0022\u003Eburning propellant to make hot gases\u003C\/a\u003E. Then it shoots those hot gases out of a nozzle. It\u2019s sort of like blowing up a balloon, letting go of it and watching it fly away as the air rushes out.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMore specifically, the rocket propellant \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/blogs.nasa.gov\/Rocketology\/tag\/propellant\/#:%7E\u0022\u003Econsists of both fuel and oxidizer\u003C\/a\u003E. The fuel is typically something flammable, usually hydrogen, methane or kerosene. The oxidizer is usually liquid oxygen, which reacts with the fuel and allows it to burn.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen going into space and escaping from Earth, rockets need lots of force, so they consume propellant very quickly. That\u2019s a problem, because the rocket can\u2019t carry enough propellant to keep thrusting forever; the amount of propellant needed would make the rocket too heavy to get off the ground.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo what happens when the propellant runs out? The thrust stops, and gravity slows the rocket down until it gradually begins to fall back to Earth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFortunately, scientists can launch the rocket with some sideways momentum so that it misses the Earth when it returns. They can even do this so it continuously falls around the Earth forever. In other words, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spaceplace.nasa.gov\/orbits\/en\/\u0022\u003Eit goes into orbit\u003C\/a\u003E, and begins to circle the planet.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany launches intentionally don\u2019t completely leave Earth behind. Thousands of satellites are orbiting our planet right now, and they help phones and TVs work, display weather patterns for meteorologists, and even let you use a credit card to pay for things at the store or gas at the pump. You can sometimes see these satellites in the night sky, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/lompocrecord.com\/ask-the-weather-guys-can-we-see-satellites-at-night\/article_b67eeaa9-f7c5-56df-9646-5a0187c9eb53.html#:%7E\u0022\u003Eincluding the International Space Station\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Lti6a_YYQl0?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EAn Atlas V rocket took NASA\u2019s Perseverance rover to Mars.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EEscaping Earth\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut suppose the goal is to let the rocket escape from Earth\u2019s gravity forever so it can fly off into the depths of space. That\u2019s when scientists do \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.discovermagazine.com\/the-sciences\/the-how-and-why-of-rockets-staging\u0022\u003Ea neat trick called staging\u003C\/a\u003E. They launch with a big rocket, and then, once in space, discard it to use a smaller rocket. That way, the journey can continue without the weight of the bigger rocket, and less propellant is needed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut even staging is not enough; eventually the rocket will run out of propellant. But if the rocket goes fast enough, it can run out of propellant and still continue to coast away from Earth forever, without gravity pulling it back. It\u2019s like riding a bike: build up enough speed and eventually you can coast up a hill without pedaling.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd just like there\u2019s a minimum speed required to coast the bike, there\u2019s a minimum speed a rocket needs to coast away into space: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/letstalkscience.ca\/educational-resources\/stem-explained\/escape-velocity\u0022\u003E25,020 mph\u003C\/a\u003E (about 40,000 kilometers per hour).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScientists call that speed the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/escape-velocity\u0022\u003Eescape velocity\u003C\/a\u003E. A rocket needs to go that fast so that the momentum propelling it away from Earth is stronger than the force of gravity pulling it back. Any slower, and you\u2019ll go into an orbit of Earth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EEscaping Jupiter\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBigger, or more massive, objects have stronger gravitational pull. A rocket launching from a planet bigger than Earth would need to achieve a higher escape speed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, Jupiter is the most massive planet in our solar system. It\u2019s so big, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-can-jupiter-have-no-surface-a-dive-into-a-planet-so-big-it-could-swallow-1-000-earths-231901\u0022\u003Eit could swallow 1,000 Earths\u003C\/a\u003E. So it requires a very high escape speed: 133,100 mph (about 214,000 kilometers per hour), more than five times the escape speed of Earth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut the extreme example is a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/universe\/what-are-black-holes\/#:%7E\u0022\u003Eblack hole\u003C\/a\u003E, an object so massive that its escape speed is extraordinarily high. So high, in fact, that even light \u2013 which has a speed of about 670 million mph (over a billion kilometers per hour) \u2013 is not fast enough to escape. That\u2019s why it\u2019s called a black hole.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/243338\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/why-does-a-rocket-have-to-go-25-000-mph-to-escape-earth-243338\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThere\u2019s a reason why a rocket has to go so fast to escape Earth. It\u2019s about gravity \u2013 something all of us experience every moment of every day.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"There\u2019s a reason why a rocket has to go so fast to escape Earth. It\u2019s about gravity \u2013 something all of us experience every moment of every day."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-01-14 14:36:30","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:14:35","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-01-14T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-01-14T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"676051":{"id":"676051","type":"image","title":"falconrocket.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with its Crew Dragon capsule launches from Cape Canaveral, Fla., in January 2024. Chandan Khanna\/AFP via Getty Images\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1737069110","gmt_created":"2025-01-16 23:11:50","changed":"1737069219","gmt_changed":"2025-01-16 23:13:39","alt":"A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ","file":{"fid":"259756","name":"falconrocket.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/01\/16\/falconrocket.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/01\/16\/falconrocket.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":128028,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/01\/16\/falconrocket.jpg?itok=6JI7e8cL"}}},"media_ids":["676051"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/why-does-a-rocket-have-to-go-25-000-mph-to-escape-earth-243338","title":"Read This Story on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"660364","name":"Aerospace Engineering"},{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1316","name":"Green Buzz"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"479","name":"Green Buzz"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/benjamin-l-emerson-2255671\u0022\u003EBenjamin L. Emerson\u003C\/a\u003E, Principal Research Engineer, Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"679708":{"#nid":"679708","#data":{"type":"news","title":" With More Americans Able to Access Legalized Marijuana, Fewer Are Picking Up Prescriptions for Anti-Anxiety Medications","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn states where both medical and recreational marijuana are legal, fewer patients are filling prescriptions for medications used to treat anxiety. That is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jamanetworkopen.2024.32021\u0022\u003Ethe key finding\u003C\/a\u003E of my recent study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI am an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/ashley-bradford\u0022\u003Eapplied policy researcher\u003C\/a\u003E who studies the economics of risky behaviors and substance use within the United States. My collaborators and I wanted to understand how medical and recreational marijuana laws and marijuana dispensary openings have affected the rate at which patients fill prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications among people who have private medical insurance.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese include:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/24570-benzodiazepines-benzos\u0022\u003EBenzodiazepines\u003C\/a\u003E, which work by increasing the level of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/articles\/22857-gamma-aminobutyric-acid-gaba\u0022\u003Egamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA\u003C\/a\u003E, a neurotransmitter that elicits a calming effect by reducing activity in the nervous system. This category includes the depressants Valium, Xanax and Ativan, among others.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/24692-antipsychotic-medications\u0022\u003EAntipsychotics\u003C\/a\u003E, a class of drug that addresses psychosis symptoms in a variety of ways.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/9301-antidepressants-depression-medication\u0022\u003EAntidepressants\u003C\/a\u003E, which relieve symptoms of depression by affecting neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. The most well-known example of these is selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, or \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/depression\/in-depth\/ssris\/art-20044825\u0022\u003ESSRIs\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe also included \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/23271-barbiturates\u0022\u003Ebarbiturates\u003C\/a\u003E, which are sedatives, and sleep medications \u2013 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/taking-z-drugs-insomnia-know-risks\u0022\u003Esometimes called \u201cZ-drugs\u201d\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 both of which are used to treat insomnia. In contrast to the other three categories, we did not estimate any policy impacts for either of these types of drugs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe find consistent evidence that increased marijuana access is associated with reductions in benzodiazepine prescription fills. \u201cFills\u201d refer to the number of prescriptions being picked up by patients, rather than the number of prescriptions doctors write. This is based on calculating the rate of individual patients who filled a prescription in a state, the average days of supply per prescription fill, and average prescription fills per patient.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENotably, we found that not all state policies led to similar changes in prescription fill patterns.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/D5Vsm_Daexg?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EThe effects of benzodiazepines on the brain have to do with their ability to bind to the receptors of the neurotransmitter GABA.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhy it Matters\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2021, nearly \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/mental-illness\u0022\u003E23% of the adult U.S. population\u003C\/a\u003E reported having a diagnosable mental health disorder. Yet only 65.4% of those individuals reported receiving treatment within the past year. This lack of treatment can exacerbate current mental health disorders, leading to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mental-health\/about\/index.html\u0022\u003Eincreased risk for additional chronic conditions\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMarijuana access introduces an alternative treatment to traditional prescription medication that may provide easier access for some patients. Many state medical laws allow patients with mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/procon\/medical-marijuana-debate#ref395545\u0022\u003Euse medical cannabis\u003C\/a\u003E, while recreational laws expand access to all adults.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur findings have important implications for insurance systems, prescribers, policymakers and patients. Benzodiazepine use, like opioid use, can be dangerous for patients, especially when the two classes of drugs are used together. Given the high level of opioid poisonings that also involve benzodiazepines \u2013 in 2020, they made up \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/research-topics\/opioids\/benzodiazepines-opioids\u0022\u003E14% of total opioid overdose deaths\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 our findings offer insights into potential substitution with marijuana for medications where misuse is plausible.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat Still Isn\u2019t Known\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur research does not clarify whether the changes in dispensing patterns led to measurable changes in patient outcomes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere is some evidence that marijuana acts as an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1089\/can.2017.29009.dpi\u0022\u003Eeffective anxiety treatment\u003C\/a\u003E. If this is the case, moving away from benzodiazepine use \u2013 which is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/neurolint13040059\u0022\u003Eassociated with significant negative side effects\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 toward marijuana use may improve patient outcomes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis finding is critical given that about \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1176\/appi.ps.201800321\u0022\u003E5% of the U.S. population\u003C\/a\u003E is prescribed benzodiazepines. Substituting marijuana has the potential to result in fewer negative side effects nationwide, but it\u2019s not yet clear if marijuana will be equally effective at treating anxiety.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur study also found evidence of a slight \u2013 albeit somewhat less significant \u2013 increase in antipsychotic and antidepressant dispensing. But it\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1257\/jel.20211635\u0022\u003Enot clear\u003C\/a\u003E yet whether marijuana access, particularly recreational access, increases rates of psychotic disorders and depression.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile we found that, overall, marijuana access led to increased antidepressant and antipsychotic fills, some individual states saw decreases.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere is a lot of variation in the details of state marijuana laws, and it\u2019s possible that some of those details are leading to these meaningful differences in outcomes. I believe this difference in outcomes from state to state is an important finding for policymakers who may want to tailor their laws toward specific goals.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/us\/topics\/research-brief-83231\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EResearch Brief\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E is a short take on interesting academic work.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/244646\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/with-more-americans-able-to-access-legalized-marijuana-fewer-are-picking-up-prescriptions-for-anti-anxiety-medications-new-research-244646\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn states where both medical and recreational marijuana are legal, fewer patients are filling prescriptions for medications used to treat anxiety.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"In states where both medical and recreational marijuana are legal, fewer patients are filling prescriptions for medications used to treat anxiety. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-01-17 16:22:39","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:14:25","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-01-10T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-01-10T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"676054":{"id":"676054","type":"image","title":" New research suggests that in some states, medicinal cannabis use could be leading to a reduction in the use of anxiety medications. Olena Ruban\/Moment via Getty Images","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;New research suggests that in some states, medicinal cannabis use could be leading to a reduction in the use of anxiety medications. Olena Ruban\/Moment via Getty Images\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1737131191","gmt_created":"2025-01-17 16:26:31","changed":"1737131191","gmt_changed":"2025-01-17 16:26:31","alt":" New research suggests that in some states, medicinal cannabis use could be leading to a reduction in the use of anxiety medications. Olena Ruban\/Moment via Getty Images","file":{"fid":"259759","name":"file-20250107-15-tzxryg.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/01\/17\/file-20250107-15-tzxryg.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/01\/17\/file-20250107-15-tzxryg.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":334933,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/01\/17\/file-20250107-15-tzxryg.jpg?itok=6VryVQmx"}}},"media_ids":["676054"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/with-more-americans-able-to-access-legalized-marijuana-fewer-are-picking-up-prescriptions-for-anti-anxiety-medications-new-research-244646","title":"Read This Story on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1289","name":"School of Public Policy"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/ashley-bradford-2269950\u0022\u003EAshley Bradford\u003C\/a\u003E, Assistant Professor of Public Policy, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"682964":{"#nid":"682964","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Cyberattacks Shake Voters\u2019 Trust in Elections, Regardless of\u00a0Party","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAmerican democracy runs on trust, and that trust is cracking.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENearly half of Americans, both Democrats and Republicans, question whether elections are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gallup.com\/poll\/651185\/partisan-split-election-integrity-gets-even-wider.aspx\u0022\u003Econducted fairly\u003C\/a\u003E. Some voters accept election results only \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/worldjusticeproject.org\/our-work\/research-and-data\/rule-law-united-states\u0022\u003Ewhen their side wins\u003C\/a\u003E. The problem isn\u2019t just political polarization \u2013 it\u2019s a creeping \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/politics\/2018\/10\/29\/elections-in-america-concerns-over-security-divisions-over-expanding-access-to-voting\/\u0022\u003Eerosion of trust\u003C\/a\u003E in the machinery of democracy itself.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommentators blame ideological tribalism, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2024\/01\/09\/business\/media\/election-disinformation-2024.html\u0022\u003Emisinformation campaigns\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2022\/06\/15\/opinion\/social-media-polarization-democracy.html\u0022\u003Epartisan echo chambers\u003C\/a\u003E for this crisis of trust. But these explanations miss a critical piece of the puzzle: a growing unease with the digital infrastructure that now underpins nearly every aspect of how Americans vote.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe digital transformation of American elections has been swift and sweeping. Just two decades ago, most people voted using mechanical levers or punch cards. Today, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/electionlab.mit.edu\/research\/voting-technology\u0022\u003Eover 95% of ballots\u003C\/a\u003E are counted electronically. Digital systems have replaced poll books, taken over voter identity verification processes and are integrated into registration, counting, auditing and voting systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis technological leap has made voting more accessible and efficient, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/voting-has-never-been-more-secure-than-it-is-right-now\/\u0022\u003Esometimes more secure\u003C\/a\u003E. But these new systems are also more complex. And that complexity plays into the hands of those looking to undermine democracy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn recent years, authoritarian regimes have refined a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cyberscoop.com\/china-midterms-elections-influence-nord-hacking\/\u0022\u003Echillingly effective strategy\u003C\/a\u003E to chip away at Americans\u2019 faith in democracy by relentlessly sowing doubt about the tools U.S. states use to conduct elections. It\u2019s a sustained \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.brookings.edu\/articles\/misinformation-is-eroding-the-publics-confidence-in-democracy\/\u0022\u003Ecampaign to fracture civic faith\u003C\/a\u003E and make Americans believe that democracy is rigged, especially when their side loses.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is not cyberwar in the traditional sense. There\u2019s no evidence that anyone has managed to break into voting machines and alter votes. But cyberattacks on election systems don\u2019t need to succeed to have an effect. Even a single failed intrusion, magnified by sensational headlines and political echo chambers, is enough to shake public trust. By feeding into existing anxiety about the complexity and opacity of digital systems, adversaries create \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2024\/04\/01\/business\/media\/china-online-disinformation-us-election.html\u0022\u003Efertile ground for disinformation and conspiracy theories\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ebhqDNPjitU?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EJust before the 2024 presidential election, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Jen Easterly explains how foreign influence campaigns erode trust in U.S. elections.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ETesting Cyber Fears\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo test this dynamic, we launched a study to uncover precisely how cyberattacks corroded trust in the vote during the 2024 U.S. presidential race. We surveyed more than 3,000 voters before and after election day, testing them using a series of fictional but highly realistic breaking news reports depicting cyberattacks against critical infrastructure. We randomly assigned participants to watch different types of news reports: some depicting cyberattacks on election systems, others on unrelated infrastructure such as the power grid, and a third, neutral control group.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe results, which are under peer review, were both striking and sobering. Mere exposure to reports of cyberattacks \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1M0iGIYk_WsxumppZ4ZEVAANS4CC9lTaQ\/view\u0022\u003Eundermined trust in the electoral process\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 regardless of partisanship. Voters who supported the losing candidate experienced the greatest drop in trust, with two-thirds of Democratic voters showing heightened skepticism toward the election results.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut winners too showed diminished confidence. Even though most Republican voters, buoyed by their victory, accepted the overall security of the election, the majority of those who viewed news reports about cyberattacks remained suspicious.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe attacks didn\u2019t even have to be related to the election. Even cyberattacks against critical infrastructure such as utilities had spillover effects. Voters seemed to extrapolate: \u201cIf the power grid can be hacked, why should I believe that voting machines are secure?\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStrikingly, voters who used digital machines to cast their ballots were the most rattled. For this group of people, belief in the accuracy of the vote count fell by nearly twice as much as that of voters who cast their ballots by mail and who didn\u2019t use any technology. Their firsthand experience with the sorts of systems being portrayed as vulnerable personalized the threat.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s not hard to see why. When you\u2019ve just used a touchscreen to vote, and then you see a news report about a digital system being breached, the leap in logic isn\u2019t far.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur data suggests that in a digital society, perceptions of trust \u2013 and distrust \u2013 are fluid, contagious and easily activated. The cyber domain isn\u2019t just about networks and code. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/jogss\/ogac042\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s also about emotions\u003C\/a\u003E: fear, vulnerability and uncertainty.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EFirewall of Trust\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDoes this mean we should scrap electronic voting machines? Not necessarily.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEvery election system, digital or analog, has flaws. And in many respects, today\u2019s high-tech systems have solved the problems of the past with voter-verifiable paper ballots. Modern voting machines reduce human error, increase accessibility and speed up the vote count. No one misses the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2000\/11\/12\/us\/counting-the-vote-the-ballots-after-cards-are-poked-the-confetti-can-count.html\u0022\u003Ehanging chads\u003C\/a\u003E of 2000.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut technology, no matter how advanced, cannot instill legitimacy on its own. It must be paired with something harder to code: public trust. In an environment where foreign adversaries amplify every flaw, cyberattacks can trigger spirals of suspicion. It is no longer enough for elections to be secure \u2212 voters must also \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/commentisfree\/2018\/apr\/18\/american-elections-hack-bruce-scheier\u0022\u003Eperceive them to be secure\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat\u2019s why \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2024\/08\/22\/learning\/2024-election-teaching-resources.html\u0022\u003Epublic education\u003C\/a\u003E surrounding elections is now as vital to election security as firewalls and encrypted networks. It\u2019s vital that voters understand how elections are run, how they\u2019re protected and how failures are caught and corrected. Election officials, civil society groups and researchers can teach \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/verifiedvoting.org\/audits\/\u0022\u003Ehow audits work\u003C\/a\u003E, host open-source verification demonstrations and ensure that high-tech electoral processes are comprehensible to voters.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe believe this is an essential investment in democratic resilience. But it needs to be proactive, not reactive. By the time the doubt takes hold, it\u2019s already too late.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJust as crucially, we are convinced that it\u2019s time to rethink the very nature of cyber threats. People often imagine them in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2024\/04\/17\/us\/politics\/china-cyber-us-infrastructure.html\u0022\u003Emilitary terms\u003C\/a\u003E. But that framework misses the true power of these threats. The danger of cyberattacks is not only that they can destroy infrastructure or steal classified secrets, but that they chip away at societal cohesion, sow anxiety and fray citizens\u2019 confidence in democratic institutions. These attacks erode the very idea of truth itself by making people doubt that anything can be trusted.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf trust is the target, then we believe that elected officials should start to treat trust as a national asset: something to be built, renewed and defended. Because in the end, elections aren\u2019t just about votes being counted \u2013 they\u2019re about people believing that those votes count.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd in that belief lies the true firewall of democracy.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/259368\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/cyberattacks-shake-voters-trust-in-elections-regardless-of-party-259368\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENearly half of Americans, both Democrats and Republicans, question whether elections are conducted fairly.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Nearly half of Americans, both Democrats and Republicans, question whether elections are conducted fairly. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-06-27 13:20:43","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:14:15","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-06-27T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-06-27T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677317":{"id":"677317","type":"image","title":"Voting Machine","body":"\u003Cp\u003EVoting Machine\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1751376187","gmt_created":"2025-07-01 13:23:07","changed":"1751376187","gmt_changed":"2025-07-01 13:23:07","alt":"Voting Machine","file":{"fid":"261203","name":"file-20250623-68-5uf1q2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/07\/01\/file-20250623-68-5uf1q2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/07\/01\/file-20250623-68-5uf1q2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":395723,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/07\/01\/file-20250623-68-5uf1q2.jpg?itok=_6eV5iP0"}}},"media_ids":["677317"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/cyberattacks-shake-voters-trust-in-elections-regardless-of-party-259368","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthors:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/ryan-shandler-1527508\u0022\u003ERyan Shandler\u003C\/a\u003E, Professor of Cybersecurity and International Relations, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/anthony-j-demattee-2416603\u0022\u003EAnthony J. DeMattee\u003C\/a\u003E, Data Scientist and Adjunct Instructor, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/emory-university-1332\u0022\u003EEmory University\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/bruce-schneier-446919\u0022\u003EBruce Schneier\u003C\/a\u003E, Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/harvard-kennedy-school-3840\u0022\u003EHarvard Kennedy School\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"683265":{"#nid":"683265","#data":{"type":"news","title":"College \u2018General Education\u2019 Requirements Help Prepare Students for Citizenship \u2014 But Critics Say It\u2019s Learning Time Taken Away From Useful Studies","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat do Americans think of when they hear the words \u201cgeneral education\u201d?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy definition, general education covers introductory college courses in arts and humanities, social sciences, and science and mathematics. It has different names, including core curriculum or distribution requirements, depending on the college or university.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt is also sometimes called liberal education, including by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.aacu.org\/trending-topics\/what-is-liberal-education\u0022\u003EAmerican Association of Colleges and Universities\u003C\/a\u003E, which describes it as providing \u201ca sense of social responsibility, as well as strong and transferable intellectual and practical skills.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe liberal label can be fodder for conservative groups who argue that today\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ncfamily.org\/general-education-could-be-getting-a-makeover-at-public-universities\/\u0022\u003Egeneral education is part of an indoctrination\u003C\/a\u003E into higher education\u2019s purported left-leaning belief systems. Some other \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.heritage.org\/education\/report\/liberal-educations-antidote-indoctrination\u0022\u003Econservatives support\u003C\/a\u003E general education as a concept but want more emphasis on so-called traditional values and less on cross-cultural understanding. These initiatives position general education and college as a space for ideological battles.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ritter.lmc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Escholar of historical connections between literacy and social class\u003C\/a\u003E, I know that general education was designed to provide opportunity for all students without regard for their political preferences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675235\/original\/file-20250618-56-kqchqs.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675235\/original\/file-20250618-56-kqchqs.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 alt=\u0022A young Black man is sitting in front of students in a lecture hall, gesturing as they smile\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe value of a college education can be shaped by political affiliation. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/professor-engaging-with-students-during-university-royalty-free-image\/2190479100?phrase=college%20education%20for%20all\u0026amp;adppopup=true\u0022\u003Ebernarddobo\/iStock via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EAn Education for All\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEighty years ago, a group of Harvard University faculty created what many colleges and universities still follow as a template for general education. This plan was outlined in the book \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/generaleducation032440mbp\u0022\u003EGeneral Education in a Free Society\u003C\/a\u003E.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHarvard\u2019s plan \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.harvard.edu\/president\/speeches-faust\/2009\/remarks-by-drew-gilpin-faust-at-the-general-education-launch-event\/\u0022\u003Ewas meant for all students\u003C\/a\u003E, including veterans studying under the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.va.gov\/education\/about-gi-bill-benefits\/\u0022\u003EGI Bill\u003C\/a\u003E, and others we today refer to as first generation, where neither parent had a college degree.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeneral education made college more accessible to students who were not becoming doctors or lawyers but who also wanted careers outside the vocational trades. It helped make college a place for educating all citizens, not just students of socioeconomic privilege.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EExpanding access to higher education was central to the 1947 special report \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/acct.org\/advocacy\/legislative-priorities\/college-promise-resources\u0022\u003EHigher Education for American Democracy\u003C\/a\u003E, commissioned by President Harry Truman. The goal was to provide a foundational education for all, especially in math and science. But the report, commonly known as the Truman Commission Report, also included disciplines that help students understand the world \u2013 such as writing and communication, literature, psychology and history.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe purposes of general education are central to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chronicle.com\/article\/where-the-public-sees-value-in-higher-ed?sra=true\u0022\u003Etwo competing views of college\u003C\/a\u003E today, views that I also hear expressed by students and parents I\u2019ve met in my 28 years as a professor.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne view of college is of an on-campus experience \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/education\/articles\/q-and-a-how-strengthening-liberal-education-can-help-college-students-become-good-citizens\u0022\u003Esteeped in the liberal arts\u003C\/a\u003E that holistically prepares students to live in a functioning democracy. These benefits are seen as worth the time and costs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe other view is of college as a sum of career-focused credentials that can begin and end anywhere, not specific to one college campus. These benefits are completely financial, to be \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2021\/08\/13\/your-money\/college-degree-investment-return.html\u0022\u003Egained via the cheapest, quickest means\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBoth of these views are informed by national perspectives that further divide citizens on higher education as a whole, such as Vice President \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/news\/fact-check-yes-vance-once-030000127.html\u0022\u003EJD Vance\u2019s 2021 statement\u003C\/a\u003E that \u201cthere was a wisdom in what Richard Nixon said approximately 40, 50 years ago. He said, and I quote, \u2018The professors are the enemy.\u2019\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBoth these groups of Americans, however, hope that obtaining a college degree \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2025\/04\/09\/nx-s1-5342479\/survey-college-degree-associate-bachelors\u0022\u003Ewill pay off for graduates\u003C\/a\u003E who find employment and reach a standard of living better than their parents\u2019 generation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor the first group, general education is critical to developing the whole student for jobs and life. For the latter, it is an expensive obstacle to it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENot surprisingly, these views on education and college often correspond to political party identification and whether a person attended college themselves.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA July 2023 Lumina Foundation and Gallup Poll showed that only 36% of Americans have a \u201cgreat deal\u201d of confidence in higher education, with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gallup.com\/poll\/646880\/confidence-higher-education-closely-divided.aspx\u0022\u003Esignificant partisan differences\u003C\/a\u003E between the 20% of Republicans who have this confidence, the 56% of Democrats and the 35% of independents who have it. There are also measurable differences between those who have earned a postgraduate degree and those who have not.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/679651\/original\/file-20250711-56-pey607.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/679651\/original\/file-20250711-56-pey607.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 alt=\u0022A student wearing a hooded sweatshirt slumps over a textbook.\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo cut costs, more students are searching for ways to complete general education requirements before they begin college. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/preparing-for-finals-is-hard-work-royalty-free-image\/186575695?phrase=students%20studying%20hard\u0026amp;adppopup=true\u0022\u003EPeopleImages\/E+ via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EQuestioning Value\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs college costs continue to rise in 2025, families are struggling \u2013 even taking on payment plans for everyday purchases, also known as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2023\/12\/20\/business\/economy\/pay-later-credit-debt.html\u0022\u003Ephantom debt\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 to make ends meet.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeneral education represents about a third of the requirements of a bachelor\u2019s degree and most of an associate degree.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor those who see college as a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/gen-z-graduates-college-poll-2064531\u0022\u003Ewaste of money\u003C\/a\u003E, general education courses are a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.lsa.umich.edu\/mje\/2022\/04\/19\/the-deadweight-loss-of-college-general-education-requirements\/\u0022\u003Ecalculable loss on future income\u003C\/a\u003E. In the past two decades, this \u2013 and the increasingly competitive admissions process for college \u2013 has contributed to a tenfold increase in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2023\/11\/18\/us\/college-board-ap-exams-courses.html\u0022\u003Elow-income students who take Advanced Placement courses\u003C\/a\u003E and a 50% increase since 2021 in the number of students in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.newamerica.org\/education-policy\/edcentral\/unpacking-dual-enrollment-benefits-barriers-and-opportunities-for-expansion\/\u0022\u003Edual-credit coursework\u003C\/a\u003E. Both programs allow students to complete general education-equivalent courses for free while still in high school.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EComplete College America, a nonprofit advocacy group that works with states to increase college completion rates, supports these moves by students and parents, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/completecollege.org\/momentum\/\u0022\u003Eclassifying general education\u003C\/a\u003E under \u201cgateway courses\u201d to be completed \u201cas soon as possible.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOther groups promote \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mdc.edu\/credentials\/\u0022\u003Estackable units\u003C\/a\u003E of credit toward college degrees. This push to complete general education requirements \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/apcentral.collegeboard.org\/about-ap\/ap-a-glance\/discover-benefits\u0022\u003Ebefore entering college\u003C\/a\u003E is gaining momentum, despite studies that show Advanced Placement classes, and exams, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.brookings.edu\/articles\/rethinking-the-goals-of-high-school-rigor-three-experts-weigh-in-on-the-ap-program-and-college-board\/\u0022\u003Efavor and benefit mostly white, middle- to upper-class students\u003C\/a\u003E because these students tend to have more time and resources to devote to AP coursework and also take multiple exams in order to earn college credit.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675236\/original\/file-20250618-56-fr5sxd.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/675236\/original\/file-20250618-56-fr5sxd.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 alt=\u0022Students sit on steps talking to each other on a sunny day.\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor college students, general education can offer benefits beyond career attainment. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/university-students-hanging-out-in-campus-royalty-free-image\/1759999680?phrase=college%20future%20happy\u0026amp;adppopup=true\u0022\u003Eferrantraite\/E+ via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EUnderstanding the World\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile arguments for streamlining college and its costs are evergreen, foundational lessons taught across fields of study are as relevant in 2025 as they were in 1945. The U.S. faces \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/dziblatt.scholars.harvard.edu\/challenges-democracy\u0022\u003Ethreats to its democracy\u003C\/a\u003E, is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/focus-areas\/artificial-intelligence\u0022\u003Enavigating rapid advances in technology\u003C\/a\u003E, and is adapting to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cbo.gov\/publication\/59697\u0022\u003Epopulation shifts\u003C\/a\u003E that will change how its residents live and work.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeneral education gives students broad foundational knowledge that can be used in a variety of careers. By design, it teaches an understanding of the world outside one\u2019s own and how to live in it \u2013 a core requirement for a functioning democracy.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/257083\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/college-general-education-requirements-help-prepare-students-for-citizenship-but-critics-say-its-learning-time-taken-away-from-useful-studies-257083\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhat do Americans think of when they hear the words \u201cgeneral education\u201d?\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"What do Americans think of when they hear the words \u201cgeneral education\u201d?"}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-07-24 17:57:56","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:13:03","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-07-17T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-07-17T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677481":{"id":"677481","type":"image","title":"Students learn about the arts and humanities, social sciences, and science and mathematics in general education","body":"\u003Cp\u003EStudents learn about the arts and humanities, social sciences, and science and mathematics in general education. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/graduation-day-achievement-silhouette-of-a-female-royalty-free-image\/2119464372?phrase=basics%20of%20a%20college%20education\u0026amp;searchscope=image%2Cfilm\u0026amp;adppopup=true\u0022\u003EOlga Pankova\/Moment via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1753380043","gmt_created":"2025-07-24 18:00:43","changed":"1753380043","gmt_changed":"2025-07-24 18:00:43","alt":"Students learn about the arts and humanities, social sciences, and science and mathematics in general education","file":{"fid":"261383","name":"file-20250711-56-rqocw4.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/07\/24\/file-20250711-56-rqocw4.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/07\/24\/file-20250711-56-rqocw4.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":62147,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/07\/24\/file-20250711-56-rqocw4.jpg?itok=rZsau8xd"}}},"media_ids":["677481"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/college-general-education-requirements-help-prepare-students-for-citizenship-but-critics-say-its-learning-time-taken-away-from-useful-studies-257083","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1283","name":"School of Literature, Media, and Communication"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/kelly-ritter-1459563\u0022\u003EKelly Ritter\u003C\/a\u003E, professor of Writing and Communication, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"683116":{"#nid":"683116","#data":{"type":"news","title":"AI in Healthcare Could Save Lives and Money \u2014 But Change Won\u2019t Happen\u00a0Overnight","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EImagine walking into your doctor\u2019s office feeling sick \u2013 and rather than flipping through pages of your medical history or running tests that take days, your doctor instantly pulls together data from your health records, genetic profile and wearable devices to help decipher what\u2019s wrong.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis kind of rapid diagnosis is one of the big promises of artificial intelligence for use in health care. Proponents of the technology say that over the coming decades, AI has the potential to save hundreds of thousands, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/stories\/2023\/06\/emerging-tech-like-ai-are-poised-to-make-healthcare-more-accurate-accessible-and-sustainable\/\u0022\u003Eeven millions of lives\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat\u2019s more, a 2023 study found that if the health care industry significantly increased its use of AI, up to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.healthcaredive.com\/news\/artificial-intelligence-healthcare-savings-harvard-mckinsey-report\/641163\/\u0022\u003EUS$360 billion annually could be saved\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut though artificial intelligence has become nearly ubiquitous, from smartphones to chatbots to self-driving cars, its impact on health care so far has been relatively low.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA 2024 American Medical Association survey found that 66% of U.S. physicians had used AI tools in some capacity, up from 38% in 2023. But most of it was for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/press-center\/ama-press-releases\/ama-physician-enthusiasm-grows-health-care-ai#:%7E\u0022\u003Eadministrative or low-risk support\u003C\/a\u003E. And although 43% of U.S. health care organizations had added or expanded AI use in 2024, many implementations \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.advisory.com\/daily-briefing\/2025\/02\/17\/ai-use\u0022\u003Eare still exploratory\u003C\/a\u003E, particularly when it comes to medical decisions and diagnoses.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI\u2019m a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?hl=en\u0026amp;user=BY9oaaoAAAAJ\u0026amp;view_op=list_works\u0026amp;sortby=pubdate\u0022\u003Eprofessor and researcher\u003C\/a\u003E who studies AI and health care analytics. I\u2019ll try to explain why AI\u2019s growth will be gradual, and how technical limitations and ethical concerns stand in the way of AI\u2019s widespread adoption by the medical industry.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EInaccurate Diagnoses, Racial Bias\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArtificial intelligence excels at finding patterns in large sets of data. In medicine, these patterns could signal early signs of disease that a human physician might overlook \u2013 or indicate the best treatment option, based on how other patients with similar symptoms and backgrounds responded. Ultimately, this will lead to faster, more accurate diagnoses and more personalized care.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI can also \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/bioengineering11040337\u0022\u003Ehelp hospitals run more efficiently\u003C\/a\u003E by analyzing workflows, predicting staffing needs and scheduling surgeries so that precious resources, such as operating rooms, are used most effectively. By streamlining tasks that take hours of human effort, AI can let health care professionals focus more on direct patient care.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut for all its power, AI \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/hai.stanford.edu\/news\/whos-fault-when-ai-fails-health-care\u0022\u003Ecan make mistakes\u003C\/a\u003E. Although these systems are trained on data from real patients, they can struggle when encountering something unusual, or when data doesn\u2019t perfectly match the patient in front of them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a result, AI doesn\u2019t always give an accurate diagnosis. This problem is called \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-024-46142-w\u0022\u003Ealgorithmic drift\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 when AI systems perform well in controlled settings but lose accuracy in real-world situations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERacial and ethnic bias is another issue. If \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/noise-in-the-machine-human-differences-in-judgment-lead-to-problems-for-ai-228984\u0022\u003Edata includes bias\u003C\/a\u003E because it doesn\u2019t include enough patients of certain racial or ethnic groups, then AI might give inaccurate recommendations for them, leading to misdiagnoses. Some evidence suggests \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s40615-024-02237-0\u0022\u003Ethis has already happened\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qetKUFDDF4A?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EHumans and AI are beginning to work together at this Florida hospital.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EData-Sharing Concerns, Unrealistic Expectations\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHealth care systems are labyrinthian in their complexity. The prospect of integrating artificial intelligence \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.7759\/cureus.46454\u0022\u003Einto existing workflows is daunting\u003C\/a\u003E; introducing a new technology like AI disrupts daily routines. Staff will need extra training to use AI tools effectively. Many hospitals, clinics and doctor\u2019s offices simply don\u2019t have the time, personnel, money or will to implement AI.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlso, many cutting-edge AI systems operate as opaque \u201cblack boxes.\u201d They churn out recommendations, but even its developers might struggle to fully explain how. This opacity clashes with the needs of medicine, where decisions demand justification.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut developers are often reluctant to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fhumd.2024.1421273\u0022\u003Edisclose their proprietary algorithms or data sources\u003C\/a\u003E, both to protect intellectual property and because the complexity can be hard to distill. The lack of transparency feeds skepticism among practitioners, which then slows regulatory approval and erodes trust in AI outputs. Many experts argue that transparency is not just an ethical nicety but \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fdgth.2024.1267290\u0022\u003Ea practical necessity for adoption\u003C\/a\u003E in health care settings.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere are also \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/healthcare10101878\u0022\u003Eprivacy concerns\u003C\/a\u003E; data sharing could \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/hbr.org\/2019\/10\/adopting-ai-in-health-care-will-be-slow-and-difficult\u0022\u003Ethreaten patient confidentiality\u003C\/a\u003E. To train algorithms or make predictions, medical AI systems often require huge amounts of patient data. If not handled properly, AI could expose sensitive health information, whether through data breaches or unintended use of patient records.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor instance, a clinician using a cloud-based AI assistant to draft a note must ensure no unauthorized party can access that patient\u2019s data. U.S. regulations \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/hipaa\/for-professionals\/privacy\/laws-regulations\/index.html\u0022\u003Esuch as the HIPAA law\u003C\/a\u003E impose strict rules on health data sharing, which means AI developers need robust safeguards.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPrivacy concerns also extend to patients\u2019 trust: If people fear their medical data might be misused by an algorithm, they may be less forthcoming or even refuse AI-guided care.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe grand promise of AI is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.socscimed.2023.116442\u0022\u003Ea formidable barrier in itself\u003C\/a\u003E. Expectations are tremendous. AI is often portrayed as a magical solution that can diagnose any disease and revolutionize the health care industry overnight. Unrealistic assumptions like that often lead to disappointment. AI may not immediately deliver on its promises.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFinally, developing an AI system that works well involves a lot of trial and error. AI systems must go through rigorous testing to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/time.com\/6958868\/artificial-intelligence-safety-evaluations-risks\/\u0022\u003Emake certain they\u2019re safe and effective\u003C\/a\u003E. This takes years, and even after a system is approved, adjustments may be needed as it encounters new types of data and real-world situations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/f7SIwZJwmzE?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EAI could rapidly accelerate the discovery of new medications.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EIncremental Change\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToday, hospitals are rapidly adopting AI scribes that listen during patient visits and automatically draft clinical notes, reducing paperwork and letting physicians spend more time with patients. Surveys show over 20% of physicians now use AI for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/press-center\/ama-press-releases\/ama-physician-enthusiasm-grows-health-care-ai#:%7E\u0022\u003Ewriting progress notes or discharge summaries\u003C\/a\u003E. AI is also becoming a quiet force in administrative work. Hospitals deploy AI chatbots to handle appointment scheduling, triage common patient questions and translate languages in real time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EClinical uses of AI exist but are more limited. At some hospitals, AI is a second eye for radiologists \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jacr.2019.05.036\u0022\u003Elooking for early signs of disease\u003C\/a\u003E. But physicians are still reluctant to hand decisions over to machines; only about 12% of them currently \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/practice-management\/digital-health\/2-3-physicians-are-using-health-ai-78-2023\u0022\u003Erely on AI for diagnostic help\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESuffice to say that health care\u2019s transition to AI will be incremental. Emerging technologies need time to mature, and the short-term needs of health care still outweigh long-term gains. In the meantime, AI\u2019s potential to treat millions and save trillions awaits.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/241551\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/ai-in-health-care-could-save-lives-and-money-but-change-wont-happen-overnight-241551\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThough artificial intelligence has become nearly ubiquitous, from smartphones to chatbots to self-driving cars, its impact on health care so far has been relatively low.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Though artificial intelligence has become nearly ubiquitous, from smartphones to chatbots to self-driving cars, its impact on health care so far has been relatively low."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-07-11 15:36:58","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:12:48","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-07-11T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-07-11T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677407":{"id":"677407","type":"image","title":" AI will help human physicians by analyzing patient data prior to surgery. Boy_Anupong\/Moment via Getty Images","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI will help human physicians by analyzing patient data prior to surgery. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/artificial-intelligence-robot-while-analyzing-royalty-free-image\/2153167997?phrase=AI%20in%20hospital%20setting\u0026amp;searchscope=image%2Cfilm\u0026amp;adppopup=true\u0022\u003EBoy_Anupong\/Moment via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1752508399","gmt_created":"2025-07-14 15:53:19","changed":"1752508399","gmt_changed":"2025-07-14 15:53:19","alt":" AI will help human physicians by analyzing patient data prior to surgery. Boy_Anupong\/Moment via Getty Images","file":{"fid":"261302","name":"file-20250603-68-b488qp.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/07\/14\/file-20250603-68-b488qp.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/07\/14\/file-20250603-68-b488qp.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":204171,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/07\/14\/file-20250603-68-b488qp.jpg?itok=vW2nFiFp"}}},"media_ids":["677407"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/ai-in-health-care-could-save-lives-and-money-but-change-wont-happen-overnight-241551","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"57458","name":"ISyE External News"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/turgay-ayer-2237122\u0022\u003ETurgay Ayer\u003C\/a\u003E, professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"679707":{"#nid":"679707","#data":{"type":"news","title":" From Watts to Warheads: Secretary of Energy Oversees Big Science Research and the US Nuclear Arsenal","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe U.S. Department of Energy was created in 1977 by merging two agencies with different missions: the Atomic Energy Commission, which developed, tested and maintained the nation\u2019s nuclear weapons, and the Energy Research and Development Administration, a collection of domestic energy research programs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToday the department describes itself, with what some might call understatement, as \u201cone of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/lm\/brief-history-department-energy\u0022\u003Emost interesting and diverse agencies\u003C\/a\u003E in the Federal government.\u201d Its annual budget of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2023-06\/doe-fy2024-budget-in-brief-v5.pdf\u0022\u003Eroughly US$50 billion\u003C\/a\u003E supports some \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/trumpadministration.archives.performance.gov\/energy\/\u0022\u003E14,000 employees and 95,000 contractors\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe secretary of energy advises the president on energy policy and guides energy and nuclear weapons production initiatives. As researchers who study \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=KgIcD3cAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Eenergy efficiency\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=0bP6RhYAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Enational security\u003C\/a\u003E and who work with the Energy Department, we have seen that its secretary needs to be able to think long-term and make strategic decisions, sometimes with incomplete information. A good grasp of science, engineering and energy technology is helpful, as are the abilities to lead a large organization and to work with Congress.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EScientific Research and Development\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Energy Department\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/science\/office-science\u0022\u003EOffice of Science\u003C\/a\u003E supports a large portion of basic U.S. scientific research, including fusion energy, particle physics, chemistry and material science. Together with the agency\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/eere\/office-energy-efficiency-and-renewable-energy\u0022\u003EOffice of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy\u003C\/a\u003E, the agency manages a research portfolio with a budget of roughly $12 billion \u2013 nearly as large as that of the U.S. National Science Foundation, the other major federal funder of basic research.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany energy secretaries have made their greatest marks by supporting and directing research. For example, during the first Trump administration, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/person\/rick-perry\u0022\u003ERick Perry\u003C\/a\u003E recognized potential cyber-terrorism risks to U.S. energy infrastructure and supported research in artificial intelligence. This led to the creation of the agency\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/ceser\/office-cybersecurity-energy-security-and-emergency-response\u0022\u003EOffice of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.science.org\/content\/article\/steven-chu-resigns-us-energy-secretary\u0022\u003ESteven Chu\u003C\/a\u003E, who led the department from 2009 to 2013 under former President Barack Obama, initiated the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arpa-e.energy.gov\/\u0022\u003EAdvanced Research Projects Agency\u2013Energy, or ARPA-E\u003C\/a\u003E, a division that focuses on new, cutting-edge energy innovations at stages too early to attract private-sector investment. ARPA-E projects have led to the creation of over 100 new companies and to over 1,000 patents on a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arpa-e.energy.gov\/about\/our-impact\/2023-impact-card#\u0022\u003Ewide range of energy technologies\u003C\/a\u003E, including hybrid-electric aircraft, carbon dioxide capture from the air and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arpa-e.energy.gov\/impact-sheet\/smart-wires-geni\u0022\u003Eimproved electricity transmission\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost recently, during the Biden administration, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/person\/jennifer-m-granholm\u0022\u003EJennifer Granholm\u003C\/a\u003E focused on working with business and industry to deploy clean energy technologies in support of U.S. climate goals. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/articles\/remarks-delivered-secretary-jennifer-granholm-new-industrial-revolution-clean-energy\u0022\u003EThis effort\u003C\/a\u003E has included offering grants, loans and rebates, filling gaps in supply chains, and promoting domestic manufacturing of components such as advanced batteries and solar panels.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4oMAhpdCIXA?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EDuring the Biden administration, the Energy Department offered large-scale grants and loans to promote domestic manufacturing of clean energy technologies, such as advanced batteries.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EResearch Payoffs\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMuch of the research that the Energy Department funds can take years to produce results with commercial applications, but it has had some notable successes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince the late 1970s, the agency has invested significantly in shale oil research. Combined with additional research and development by private energy companies, the Energy Department helped develop \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/thebreakthrough.org\/issues\/energy\/us-government-role-in-shale-gas-fracking-history-a-response-to-our-critics\u0022\u003Efracking and horizontal drilling\u003C\/a\u003E. These technologies have revolutionized petroleum and natural gas production and made the U.S. the world\u2019s largest \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/todayinenergy\/detail.php?id=61545\u0022\u003Eproducer of oil\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/264101\/world-natural-gas-production-by-country\/\u0022\u003Enatural gas\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEnergy Department funding supported the commercialization of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/energysaver\/led-lighting\u0022\u003ELED lights\u003C\/a\u003E, which are highly efficient and long-lasting. It also has enabled breakthroughs in other \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nap.nationalacademies.org\/catalog\/10165\/energy-research-at-doe-was-it-worth-it-energy-efficiency\u0022\u003Eenergy-efficient technologies\u003C\/a\u003E, solar and wind energy production, battery technology, and geothermal and wave energy. The agency provides critical support for research on \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/fusion-energy\u0022\u003Enuclear fusion\u003C\/a\u003E, which promises to be a clean and abundant source of energy, although it is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/nuclear-fusion-could-one-day-be-a-viable-clean-energy-source-but-big-engineering-challenges-stand-in-the-way-237544\u0022\u003Efar from commercialization today\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere also are large swaths of U.S. energy policy that the Energy Department doesn\u2019t control. For example, leases and permits for energy production \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.blm.gov\/\u0022\u003Eon public lands\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.boem.gov\/\u0022\u003Ein federal waters\u003C\/a\u003E are awarded by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.doi.gov\/\u0022\u003EDepartment of the Interior\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ferc.gov\/\u0022\u003EFederal Energy Regulatory Commission\u003C\/a\u003E, an independent agency, controls the siting of oil and natural gas pipelines and interstate electricity transmission lines. Another independent agency, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nrc.gov\/\u0022\u003ENuclear Regulatory Commission\u003C\/a\u003E, licenses and regulates the nuclear power industry.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStill, energy secretaries often champion broad strategies that overlap with the mission and authority of other federal departments and agencies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ENuclear Weapons and National Security\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Energy Department\u2019s other mission \u2013 developing and maintaining nuclear weapons \u2013 is steered by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/nnsa\/national-nuclear-security-administration\u0022\u003ENational Nuclear Security Administration\u003C\/a\u003E, a semi-autonomous agency within the department. Organizationally, the NNSA is the great-grandchild of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.osti.gov\/opennet\/manhattan-project-history\/Events\/1945-present\/med_45-46.htm\u0022\u003EManhattan Engineer District\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 the post-World War II incarnation of the Manhattan Project that developed the first U.S. atomic weapons.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe NNSA is headed by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/nnsa\/person\/jill-hruby\u0022\u003Ean administrator\u003C\/a\u003E who also serves as undersecretary of energy for nuclear security, a Senate-confirmed position. When the energy secretary\u2019s background is in domestic energy \u2013 like \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/libertyenergy.com\/about\/leadership\/\u0022\u003Eoil executive Chris Wright\u003C\/a\u003E, President-elect Trump\u2019s choice to head the agency \u2013 the leader of the NNSA is likely to be especially influential on national security issues.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOf the Energy Department\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/national-laboratories\u0022\u003E17 national laboratories\u003C\/a\u003E, three \u2013 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.lanl.gov\/\u0022\u003ELos Alamos\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sandia.gov\/\u0022\u003ESandia\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.llnl.gov\/\u0022\u003ELawrence Livermore\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 are officially overseen by the NNSA. Others receive significant NNSA funding and play roles in maintaining the U.S. nuclear arsenal.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe NNSA also oversees \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nnss.gov\/about-the-nnss\/\u0022\u003Eexperimental and testing facilities\u003C\/a\u003E and other sites involved in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/nnsa\/us-nuclear-weapons-stockpile\u0022\u003Edesign, production and testing of nuclear weapons\u003C\/a\u003E. It is responsible for storing and securing warheads that are not deployed at military installations, and for dismantling retired warheads.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA separate office, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/em\/office-environmental-management\u0022\u003EEnvironmental Management\u003C\/a\u003E, oversees the cleanup of nuclear research and production sites, some of which have contamination \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/lm\/about-us\u0022\u003Edating back to World War II\u003C\/a\u003E. The \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2023-03\/doe-fy2024-budget-in-brief.pdf\u0022\u003Elargest environmental cleanup program in the world\u003C\/a\u003E, it consumes about $8 billion annually \u2013 one-sixth of the agency\u2019s entire budget. It handles large amounts of radioactive wastes, spent nuclear fuel, excess plutonium and uranium, and contaminated facilities, soil and groundwater.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe NNSA plays a critical role in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/nnsa\/nonproliferation\u0022\u003Epreventing the spread of nuclear weapons\u003C\/a\u003E and the materials and technologies needed to make them. It is part of the intelligence community with deep technical expertise, and responds to nuclear and radiological threats globally.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFinally, the NNSA designs and supports the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/nnsa\/powering-navy\u0022\u003Enuclear reactors that propel Navy ships and submarines\u003C\/a\u003E around the globe.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHistorically, the NNSA administrator has had a great deal of autonomy. Most administrators bring deep technical and policy expertise to the job. Some are retired Navy or Air Force officers who have worked with nuclear weapons or naval propulsion systems. Others are researchers with long tenures at Department of Energy laboratories.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EAging Weapons, Sites, and Workers\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe next energy secretary and NNSA administrator will face major technical, economic and management challenges. The NNSA has been working for years to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gao.gov\/nuclear-weapons-and-forces-sustainment-and-modernization\u0022\u003Emodernize nuclear weapons production infrastructure\u003C\/a\u003E, which is aging and underfunded. At the same time, the Energy Department is working with the Defense Department to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/2024\/10\/10\/opinion\/nuclear-weapons-us-price.html\u0022\u003Eupdate U.S. nuclear weapons and strategic nuclear forces\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 bombers, ballistic missiles and submarines \u2013 to deter threats from other nations. This effort \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/fas.org\/publication\/nuclear-weapons-2024\/\u0022\u003Ecould cost up to $1.7 trillion\u003C\/a\u003E over several decades.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VTQ8yZSyrC0?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EReplacing aging Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles is just one component of a large-scale modernization of U.S. nuclear forces.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany of the NNSA\u2019s major modernization projects are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gao.gov\/products\/gao-23-104402\u0022\u003Eover budget and years behind schedule\u003C\/a\u003E. The U.S. Government Accountability Office recently reported that the NNSA \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gao.gov\/assets\/gao-24-106342.pdf\u0022\u003Eneeds to improve its program management practices\u003C\/a\u003E in order to control costs and successfully execute these expensive initiatives.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe incoming administration will also have to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/fas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2022-Nuclear-Posture-Review.pdf\u0022\u003Erecruit and sustain a highly skilled workforce\u003C\/a\u003E for nuclear security programs. Many retirement-eligible employees have already left the agency. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.rand.org\/content\/dam\/rand\/pubs\/research_reports\/RRA1200\/RRA1227-1\/RAND_RRA1227-1.pdf\u0022\u003EMore will exit\u003C\/a\u003E over the next four years, often drawn by private-sector salaries and perceived better working conditions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile the Energy Department touts its high-tech laboratories and research facilities, the agency\u2019s people are equally critical to its mission.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis story is part of a \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/us\/topics\/cabinet-profile-168416\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eseries of profiles\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E of Cabinet and high-level administration positions.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/245993\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/from-watts-to-warheads-secretary-of-energy-oversees-big-science-research-and-the-us-nuclear-arsenal-245993\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe U.S. Department of Energy was created in 1977 by merging two agencies with different missions: the Atomic Energy Commission, which developed, tested and maintained the nation\u2019s nuclear weapons, and the Energy Research and Development Administration.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The U.S. Department of Energy was created in 1977 by merging two agencies with different missions: the Atomic Energy Commission, which developed, tested and maintained the nation\u2019s nuclear weapons, and the Energy Research and Development Administration."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-01-17 16:15:19","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:12:36","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-01-12T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-01-12T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"676053":{"id":"676053","type":"image","title":" The Energy Department recently finished modernizing the B61-12 nuclear bomb, extending its service life by at least 20 years. Devan Halstead, U.S. Air Force","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Energy Department recently finished modernizing the B61-12 nuclear bomb, extending its service life by at least 20 years. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.whiteman.af.mil\/News\/Art\/igphoto\/2003032217\/\u0022\u003EDevan Halstead, U.S. Air Force\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1737130927","gmt_created":"2025-01-17 16:22:07","changed":"1737130927","gmt_changed":"2025-01-17 16:22:07","alt":" The Energy Department recently finished modernizing the B61-12 nuclear bomb, extending its service life by at least 20 years. Devan Halstead, U.S. Air Force","file":{"fid":"259758","name":"file-20250110-15-d9snhi copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/01\/17\/file-20250110-15-d9snhi%20copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/01\/17\/file-20250110-15-d9snhi%20copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":368569,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/01\/17\/file-20250110-15-d9snhi%20copy.jpg?itok=kZS5u0tT"}}},"media_ids":["676053"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/from-watts-to-warheads-secretary-of-energy-oversees-big-science-research-and-the-us-nuclear-arsenal-245993","title":"Read This Story on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"57458","name":"ISyE External News"},{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthors:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/valerie-thomas-1633560\u0022\u003EValerie Thomas\u003C\/a\u003E, professor of Industrial Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/margaret-e-kosal-2280532\u0022\u003EMargaret E. Kosal\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"683491":{"#nid":"683491","#data":{"type":"news","title":"\u2018AI Veganism\u2019: Some People\u2019s Issues With AI Parallel Vegans\u2019 Concerns About\u00a0Diet","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENew technologies usually follow the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/hbr.org\/data-visuals\/2024\/03\/the-technology-adoption-life-cycle\u0022\u003Etechnology adoption life cycle\u003C\/a\u003E. Innovators and early adopters \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.13140\/RG.2.2.23573.84969\u0022\u003Erush to embrace new technologies\u003C\/a\u003E, while laggards and skeptics jump in much later.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt first glance, it looks like artificial intelligence is following the same pattern, but a new crop of studies suggests that AI might follow a different course \u2013 one with significant implications for business, education and society.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis general phenomenon has often been described as \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2196\/51086\u0022\u003EAI hesitancy\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d or \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/frai.2022.1006173\u0022\u003EAI reluctance\u003C\/a\u003E.\u201d The typical adoption curve assumes a person who is hesitant or reluctant to embrace a technology will eventually do so anyway. This pattern has repeated over and over \u2013 why would AI be any different?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEmerging research on the reasons behind AI hesitancy, however, suggests there are different dynamics at play that might alter the traditional adoption cycle. For example, a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu\/server\/api\/core\/bitstreams\/961d338d-c058-4fc8-b3e8-3753dc2f171e\/content\u0022\u003Erecent study\u003C\/a\u003E found that while some causes of this hesitation closely mirror those regarding previous technologies, others are unique to AI.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn many ways, as someone who \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?hl=en\u0026amp;user=yaCigtkAAAAJ\u0026amp;view_op=list_works\u0026amp;sortby=pubdate\u0022\u003Eclosely watches the spread of AI\u003C\/a\u003E, there may be a better analogy: veganism.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EAI Veganism\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe idea of an AI vegan is someone who abstains from using AI, the same way a vegan is someone who abstains from eating products derived from animals. Generally, the reasons people choose veganism do not fade automatically over time. They might be reasons that can be addressed, but they\u2019re not just about getting more comfortable eating animals and animal products. That\u2019s why the analogy in the case of AI is appealing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnlike many other technologies, it\u2019s important not to assume that skeptics and laggards will eventually become adopters. Many of those refusing to embrace AI actually fit the traditional archetype of an early adopter. The study on AI hesitation focused on college students who are often among the first demographics to adopt new technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere is some historical precedent for this analogy. Under the hood, AI is just a set of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/what-is-an-algorithm-how-computers-know-what-to-do-with-data-146665\u0022\u003Ealgorithms\u003C\/a\u003E. Algorithmic aversion \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/bdm.2155\u0022\u003Eis a well-known phenomenon\u003C\/a\u003E where humans are biased against algorithmic decision-making \u2013 even if it is shown to be more effective. For example, people \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022243719851788\u0022\u003Eprefer dating advice from humans\u003C\/a\u003E over advice from algorithms, even when the algorithms perform better.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut the analogy to veganism applies in other ways, providing insights into what to expect in the future. In fact, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.appet.2021.105614\u0022\u003Estudies show\u003C\/a\u003E that three of the main reasons people choose veganism each have a parallel in AI avoidance.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EEthical Concerns\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne motivation for veganism is concern over the ethical sourcing of animal by-products. Similarly, studies have found that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/informatics11030058\u0022\u003Ewhen users are aware\u003C\/a\u003E that many content creators did not knowingly opt into letting their work be used to train AI, they are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/10447318.2023.2178612\u0022\u003Emore likely to avoid using AI\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/682523\/original\/file-20250728-78-kk610m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022a woman in a crowd holds a sign over her head\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/682523\/original\/file-20250728-78-kk610m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/682523\/original\/file-20250728-78-kk610m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=429\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/682523\/original\/file-20250728-78-kk610m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=429\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/682523\/original\/file-20250728-78-kk610m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=429\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/682523\/original\/file-20250728-78-kk610m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=539\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/682523\/original\/file-20250728-78-kk610m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=539\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/682523\/original\/file-20250728-78-kk610m.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=539\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EMany vegans have ethical concerns about the treatment of animals. Some people who avoid using AI have ethical concerns about the treatment of content creators.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/protester-holds-a-pro-vegan-placard-during-the-news-photo\/1627640210?adppopup=true\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EVuk Valcic\/SOPA Images\/LightRocket via Getty Images\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese concerns were at the center of the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists strikes in 2023, where the two unions \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1057\/s41599-024-04204-w\u0022\u003Eargued for legal protections\u003C\/a\u003E against companies using creatives\u2019 works to train AI without consent or compensation. While some creators may be protected by such trade agreements, lots of models are instead trained on the work of amateur, independent or freelance creators without these systematic protections.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EEnvironmental Concerns\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA second motivation for veganism is concern over the environmental impacts of intensive animal agriculture, from deforestation to methane production. Research has shown that the computing resources needed to support AI \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.2139\/ssrn.4887664\u0022\u003Eare growing exponentially\u003C\/a\u003E, dramatically increasing demand for electricity and water, and that efficiency improvements are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cnrs.hal.science\/hal-04839926\/\u0022\u003Eunlikely to lower the overall power usage\u003C\/a\u003E due to a rebound effect, which is when efficiency gains spur new technologies that consume more energy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne preliminary study found that increasing users\u2019 awareness of the power demands of AI can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1145\/3706599.3719708\u0022\u003Eaffect how they use these systems\u003C\/a\u003E. Another survey found that concern about water usage to cool AI systems \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.thetimes.com\/uk\/education\/article\/gen-z-students-wont-use-chatgpt-but-not-because-its-cheating-v8rffjlc0\u0022\u003Ewas a factor\u003C\/a\u003E in students\u2019 refusal to use the technology at Cambridge University.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/681602\/original\/file-20250722-55-dy0wpw.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022a woman in a crowd holds a hand-painted sign\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/681602\/original\/file-20250722-55-dy0wpw.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/681602\/original\/file-20250722-55-dy0wpw.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/681602\/original\/file-20250722-55-dy0wpw.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/681602\/original\/file-20250722-55-dy0wpw.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/681602\/original\/file-20250722-55-dy0wpw.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/681602\/original\/file-20250722-55-dy0wpw.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/681602\/original\/file-20250722-55-dy0wpw.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EBoth AI and meat production spark concerns about environmental impact.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/protester-holds-a-placard-saying-vegan-for-the-planet-at-news-photo\/1243489167\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EKichul Shin\/NurPhoto via Getty Images\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EPersonal Wellness\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA third motivation for veganism is concern for possible negative health effects of eating animals and animal products. A potential parallel concern could be at work in AI veganism.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA Microsoft Research study found that people who were more confident in using generative AI showed \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1145\/3706598.3713778\u0022\u003Ediminished critical thinking\u003C\/a\u003E. The 2025 Cambridge University survey found some students avoiding AI out of concern that using \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.thetimes.com\/uk\/education\/article\/gen-z-students-wont-use-chatgpt-but-not-because-its-cheating-v8rffjlc0\u0022\u003Eit could make them lazy\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt is not hard to imagine that the possible negative mental health effects of using AI could drive some AI abstinence in the same way the possible negative physical health effects of an omnivorous diet may drive some to veganism.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EHow Society Reacts\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVeganism has led to a dedicated industry catering to that diet. Some restaurants feature vegan entrees. Some manufacturers specialize in vegan foods. Could it be the case that some companies will try to use the absence of AI as a selling point for their products and services?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf so, it would be similar to how companies such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/duckduckgo.com\u0022\u003EDuckDuckGo\u003C\/a\u003E and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mozillafoundation.org\/en\/\u0022\u003EMozilla Foundation\u003C\/a\u003E provide alternative search engines and web browsers with enhanced privacy as their main feature.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere are few vegans compared to nonvegans in the U.S. Estimates range as high as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.statista.com\/topics\/3377\/vegan-market\/#topicOverview\u0022\u003E4% of the population\u003C\/a\u003E. But the persistence of veganism has enabled a niche market to serve them. Time will tell if AI veganism takes hold.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/260277\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/ai-veganism-some-peoples-issues-with-ai-parallel-vegans-concerns-about-diet-260277\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENew technologies usually follow the technology adoption life cycle. Innovators and early adopters rush to embrace new technologies, while laggards and skeptics jump in much later.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"New technologies usually follow the technology adoption life cycle. Innovators and early adopters rush to embrace new technologies, while laggards and skeptics jump in much later."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-08-04 14:13:24","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:12:02","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-07-29T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-07-29T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677556":{"id":"677556","type":"image","title":"Ethical concerns \u2013 like the mistreatment of content creators decried by this protester \u2013 drive both veganism and resistance to using AI. Mario Tama\/Getty Images","body":"\u003Cp\u003EEthical concerns \u2013 like the mistreatment of content creators decried by this protester \u2013 drive both veganism and resistance to using AI. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/sign-refers-to-a-i-as-striking-sag-aftra-members-and-news-photo\/1739395288\u0022\u003EMario Tama\/Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1754318347","gmt_created":"2025-08-04 14:39:07","changed":"1754318347","gmt_changed":"2025-08-04 14:39:07","alt":"Ethical concerns \u2013 like the mistreatment of content creators decried by this protester \u2013 drive both veganism and resistance to using AI. Mario Tama\/Getty Images","file":{"fid":"261467","name":"file-20250722-55-tidvfy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/08\/04\/file-20250722-55-tidvfy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/08\/04\/file-20250722-55-tidvfy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":302034,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/08\/04\/file-20250722-55-tidvfy.jpg?itok=QyOZOg4o"}}},"media_ids":["677556"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/ai-veganism-some-peoples-issues-with-ai-parallel-vegans-concerns-about-diet-260277","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/david-joyner-2424356\u0022\u003EDavid Joyner\u003C\/a\u003E, associate dean and senior research associate, College of Computing,\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"683928":{"#nid":"683928","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Twenty Years After Katrina: How Levee Failures Changed America","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, it wasn\u2019t just another storm \u2014 it was one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history. Entire neighborhoods disappeared, families were scattered, and lives were split into \u201cbefore\u201d and \u201cafter.\u201d Nearly 20 years later, the haunting images of submerged rooftops and boat rescues remain vivid.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Surge That Shattered New Orleans\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn Aug. 29, 2005, early reports claimed New Orleans had \u201cdodged the bullet.\u201d But offshore winds funneled water into the city\u2019s canals, triggering multiple catastrophic levee failures. The Lower Ninth Ward, where most fatalities occurred, was devastated as many residents, misled by comparisons to Hurricane Camille, chose not to evacuate.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cKatrina\u2019s storm surge was exceptional,\u201d says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ce.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/hermann-m-fritz\u0022\u003EHermann Fritz\u003C\/a\u003E, a civil engineering professor at Georgia Tech. \u201cIn some areas, we saw water levels over 27 feet\u0026nbsp;\u2014 that\u2019s like a three-story building.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile much attention focused on New Orleans\u2019 levee failures, Fritz points out that the surge\u2019s sheer height and energy would have overwhelmed even more robust defenses in some areas. \u201cKatrina showed us that nature can produce forces beyond our engineering designs,\u201d he says.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Disaster of Inequality\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe storm didn\u2019t strike evenly; it exposed and deepened existing social and economic inequalities. \u201cThe disaster hit lower-income Black neighborhoods hardest,\u201d says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/allen-hyde\u0022\u003EAllen Hyde\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor of history and sociology. He notes how years of segregation, disinvestment, and discriminatory housing policies left these communities uniquely vulnerable. Hyde continues, \u201cMany homes were in low-lying, flood-prone areas, and residents often lacked access to reliable transportation, making evacuation difficult or impossible.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia\u2019s Changing Landscape: Migration and Impact\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKatrina displaced hundreds of thousands and claimed a staggering toll of more than 1,800 lives. Georgia quickly absorbed many evacuees, reshaping its demographics and infrastructure. \u201cHurricane Katrina led to one of the largest displacements of people due to a natural disaster,\u201d says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/econ.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/shatakshee-dhongde\u0022\u003EShatakshee Dhongde\u003C\/a\u003E, a professor of economics. \u201cIt changed the demographics of Georgia in measurable ways, from school enrollment to the labor market.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe U.S. Census Bureau tracked this migration, noting spikes in Louisiana-born residents in metro Atlanta. Local school districts enrolled hundreds of new students almost overnight, while housing markets saw increased demand from families looking for permanent homes. The arrival of so many displaced residents didn\u2019t just strain schools and housing \u2014 it reshaped the state\u2019s economy. Dhongde notes that evacuees often brought new skills, business ideas, and networks. At the same time, the state and local governments faced the financial burden of expanding social services, healthcare, and housing assistance.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDhongde adds, \u201cThe impact of a disaster doesn\u2019t stop at the water\u2019s edge. It travels with people, and those effects can last for years.\u201d While the influx strained services, it also enriched Georgia\u2019s cultural and economic fabric.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHyde notes, \u201cGentrification made many neighborhoods unaffordable for former residents,\u201d and adds that many Black evacuees didn\u2019t return to New Orleans due to economic barriers and post-Katrina gentrification. Cultural communities scattered across cities like Atlanta, Houston, and Baton Rouge.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELessons the Levees Still Teach\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Fritz, Katrina remains a wake-up call for coastal preparedness.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003E\u201cWe can\u2019t stop hurricanes,\u201d he says, \u201cbut we can improve how we design and maintain our defenses, and how we evacuate people before it\u2019s too late.\u201d He warns that climate change, with its potential to intensify storms, makes those improvements even more urgent.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDhongde sees a parallel need for social and economic planning. \u201cDisaster preparedness isn\u2019t just about sandbags and levees,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s also about ensuring the communities receiving evacuees have the resources and support systems to integrate them successfully.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFinally, Hyde stresses the importance of engaging youth and communities in preparedness efforts. \u201cYouth advocacy programs, like those we\u2019re piloting in Georgia, empower young people in marginalized neighborhoods with knowledge and agency to build long-term resilience. Disaster planning must be a community effort, inclusive and forward-looking.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETwenty years after Hurricane Katrina\u2019s catastrophic landfall, its legacy of destruction, displacement, and deepened inequality continues to shape communities and challenge disaster preparedness across the U.S.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina\u2019s catastrophic landfall, its legacy of destruction, displacement, and deepened inequality continues to shape communities and challenge disaster preparedness across the U.S."}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2025-08-18 20:59:51","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:11:54","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-08-19T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-08-19T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677735":{"id":"677735","type":"image","title":"Hurricane Katrina New Orleans","body":null,"created":"1755620033","gmt_created":"2025-08-19 16:13:53","changed":"1755620033","gmt_changed":"2025-08-19 16:13:53","alt":"Flooding in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina","file":{"fid":"261668","name":"AdobeStock_243012601.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/08\/19\/AdobeStock_243012601.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/08\/19\/AdobeStock_243012601.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3672480,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/08\/19\/AdobeStock_243012601.jpeg?itok=Mj7riyMS"}},"677737":{"id":"677737","type":"image","title":"Katrina.jpg","body":null,"created":"1755622437","gmt_created":"2025-08-19 16:53:57","changed":"1755622437","gmt_changed":"2025-08-19 16:53:57","alt":"Three changes since Katrina that still have an impact two decades later","file":{"fid":"261671","name":"Katrina.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/08\/19\/Katrina.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/08\/19\/Katrina.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1316301,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/08\/19\/Katrina.jpg?itok=IvnP-aCU"}}},"media_ids":["677735","677737"],"groups":[{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"1647","name":"Hurricane Katrina"},{"id":"1860","name":"hurricane"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:aisles3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ESenior Media Relations Representative\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685455":{"#nid":"685455","#data":{"type":"news","title":"What Happens When AI Comes to the Cotton\u00a0Fields","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPrecision agriculture uses tools and technologies such as GPS and sensors to monitor, measure and respond to changes within a farm field in real time. This includes \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/3-ways-ai-can-help-farmers-tackle-the-challenges-of-modern-agriculture-213210\u0022\u003Eusing artificial intelligence\u003C\/a\u003E technologies for tasks such as helping farmers apply pesticides only where and when they are needed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, precision agriculture has \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gao.gov\/assets\/870\/865822.pdf\u0022\u003Enot been widely implemented\u003C\/a\u003E in many rural areas of the United States.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe study \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?hl=en\u0026amp;user=Smg8NicAAAAJ\u0026amp;view_op=list_works\u0026amp;sortby=pubdate\u0022\u003Esmart communities\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?hl=en\u0026amp;user=bRCOhqUAAAAJ\u0026amp;view_op=list_works\u0026amp;sortby=pubdate\u0022\u003Eenvironmental health sciences\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholars.georgiasouthern.edu\/en\/persons\/james-e-thomas-2\u0022\u003Ehealth policy and community health\u003C\/a\u003E, and we participated in a research project on AI and pesticide use in a rural Georgia agricultural community.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur team, led by Georgia Southern University and the City of Millen, with support from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, local high schools and agriculture technology company \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.farmsense.io\/\u0022\u003EFarmSense\u003C\/a\u003E, is piloting AI-powered sensors to help cotton farmers optimize pesticide use. Georgia is one of the top cotton-producing states in the U.S., with cotton \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.farm-monitor.com\/georgia-cotton-growers-face-challenges-change-in-2025\/\u0022\u003Econtributing nearly US$1 billion\u003C\/a\u003E to the state\u2019s economy in 2024. But \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gao.gov\/assets\/870\/865822.pdf\u0022\u003Eonly 13%\u003C\/a\u003E of Georgia farmers use precision agriculture practices.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EPublic-Private-Academic Partnership\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInnovation drives economic growth, but access to it often stops at major city limits. Smaller and rural communities are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jrurstud.2020.08.042\u0022\u003Efrequently left out\u003C\/a\u003E, lacking the funding, partnerships and technical resources that fuel progress elsewhere.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the same time, 75% of generative AI\u2019s projected economic impact is concentrated in customer operations, marketing, software engineering and research and development, according to a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/capabilities\/mckinsey-digital\/our-insights\/the-economic-potential-of-generative-ai-the-next-productivity-frontier\u0022\u003E2023 McKinsey report\u003C\/a\u003E. In contrast, applications of AI that improve infrastructure, food systems, safety and health remain underexplored.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYet smaller and rural communities are rich in potential \u2014 home to anchor institutions like small businesses, civic groups and schools that are deeply invested in their communities. And that potential could be tapped to develop AI applications that fall outside of traditional corporate domains.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pingeorgia.org\/\u0022\u003EPartnership for Innovation\u003C\/a\u003E, a coalition of people and organizations from academia, government and industry, helps bridge that gap. Since its launch almost five years ago, the Partnership for Innovation has supported \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pingeorgia.org\/all_projects\/\u0022\u003E220 projects\u003C\/a\u003E across Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas and Alabama, partnering with more than 300 communities on challenges from energy poverty to river safety.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe class=\u0022tc-infographic-datawrapper\u0022 style=\u0022border-width:0;\u0022 id=\u0022ulmi5\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/ulmi5\/1\/\u0022 height=\u0022400px\u0022 width=\u0022100%\u0022 scrolling=\u0022no\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne Partnership for Innovation program provides seed funding and technical support for community research teams. This support enables local problem-solving that strengthens both research scholarship and community outcomes. The program has recently focused on the role of civic artificial intelligence \u2013 AI that supports communities and local governments. Our project on cotton field pesticide use is part of this program.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ECotton Pests and Pesticides\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur project in Jenkins County, Georgia, is testing that potential. Jenkins County, with a population of around 8,700, is among the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nass.usda.gov\/Statistics_by_State\/Georgia\/Publications\/County_Estimates\/2023\/GACotton2023.pdf\u0022\u003Etop 25 cotton-growing counties\u003C\/a\u003E in the state. In 2024, approximately \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gfb.org\/news\/ag-news\/post\/georgia-farmers-increase-acreage-for-peanuts-hay-and-oats\u0022\u003E1.1 million acres\u003C\/a\u003E of land in Georgia were planted with cotton, and based on the 2022 agricultural county profiles census, Jenkins County \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nass.usda.gov\/Publications\/AgCensus\/2022\/Online_Resources\/County_Profiles\/Georgia\/cp13165.pdf\u0022\u003Eranked 173rd\u003C\/a\u003E out of the \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1016\/j.fcr.2024.109483\u0022\u003E765 counties\u003C\/a\u003E producing cotton in the United States.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690986\/original\/file-20250915-56-uruwf9.JPEG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022a hand holding a white puffy object with leafy plants in the background\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690986\/original\/file-20250915-56-uruwf9.JPEG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690986\/original\/file-20250915-56-uruwf9.JPEG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=450\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690986\/original\/file-20250915-56-uruwf9.JPEG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=450\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690986\/original\/file-20250915-56-uruwf9.JPEG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=450\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690986\/original\/file-20250915-56-uruwf9.JPEG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=566\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690986\/original\/file-20250915-56-uruwf9.JPEG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=566\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690986\/original\/file-20250915-56-uruwf9.JPEG?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=566\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003ECotton is a major part of Georgia\u2019s agriculture industry.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution source\u0022\u003EDaeshjea Mcgee\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe state benefits from fertile soils, a subtropical-to-temperate climate, and abundant natural resources, all of which support a thriving agricultural industry. But these same conditions also foster pests and diseases.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFarmers in Jenkins County, like many farmers, face numerous insect infestations, including stink bugs, cotton bollworms, corn earworms, tarnished plant bugs and aphids. Farmers make heavy use of pesticides. Without precise data on the bugs, farmers end up using more pesticides than they likely need, risking residents\u2019 health and adding costs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile there are some existing tools for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/safepestcontrol\/integrated-pest-management-ipm-principles\u0022\u003Eintegrated pest management\u003C\/a\u003E, such as the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/apps.bugwood.org\/apps\/gacottoninsectadv\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Cotton Insect Advisor\u003C\/a\u003E app, they are not widely adopted and are limited to certain bugs. Other methods, such as traditional manual scouting and using sticky traps, are labor-intensive and time-consuming, particularly in the hot summer climate.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur research team set out to combine AI-based early pest detection methods with existing integrated pest management practices and the insect advisor app. The goal was to significantly improve pest detection, decrease pesticide exposure levels and reduce insecticide use on cotton farms in Jenkins County. The work compares different insect monitoring methods and assesses pesticide levels in both the fields and nearby semi-urban areas.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe selected eight large cotton fields operated by local farmers in Millen, four active and four control sites, to collect environmental samples before farmers began planting cotton and applying pesticides.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690987\/original\/file-20250915-56-h06lha.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022a triangular open-sided structure\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690987\/original\/file-20250915-56-h06lha.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690987\/original\/file-20250915-56-h06lha.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=450\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690987\/original\/file-20250915-56-h06lha.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=450\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690987\/original\/file-20250915-56-h06lha.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=450\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690987\/original\/file-20250915-56-h06lha.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=566\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690987\/original\/file-20250915-56-h06lha.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=566\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/690987\/original\/file-20250915-56-h06lha.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=566\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EPest insects are identified by AI as they fly through a light sensor inside this trap.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution source\u0022\u003EDaeshjea Mcgee\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team was aided by a new AI-based insect monitoring system called the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.farmsense.io\/our-product-farmsense-flightsensor\/\u0022\u003EFlightSensor\u003C\/a\u003E by FarmSense. The system uses a machine learning algorithm that was trained to recognize the unique wingbeats of each pest insect species. The specialized trap is equipped with infrared optical sensors that project an invisible infrared light beam \u2013 called a light curtain \u2013 across the entrance of a triangular tunnel. A sensor monitors the light curtain and uses the machine learning algorithm to identify each pest species as insects fly into the trap.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFlightSensor provides information on the prevalence of targeted insects, giving farmers an alternative to traditional manual insect scouting. The information enables the farmers to adjust their pesticide-spraying frequency to match the need.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat We\u2019ve Learned\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHere are three things we have learned so far:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Predictive pest control potential\u003C\/strong\u003E \u2013 AI tools can help farmers pinpoint exactly where pest outbreaks are likely \u2013 before they happen. That means they can treat only the areas that need it, saving time, labor and pesticide costs. It\u2019s a shift from blanket spraying to precision farming \u2013 and it\u2019s a skill farmers can use season after season.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Stronger decision-making for farmers\u003C\/strong\u003E \u2013 The preliminary results indicate that the proposed sensors can effectively monitor insect populations specific to cotton farms. Even after the sensors are gone, farmers who used them get better at spotting pests. That\u2019s because the AI dashboards and mobile apps help them see how pest populations grow over time and respond to different field conditions. Researchers also have the ability to access this data remotely through satellite-based monitoring platforms on their computers, further enhancing the collaboration and learning.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Building local agtech talent\u003C\/strong\u003E \u2013 Training students and farmers on AI pest detection is doing more than protecting cotton crops. It\u2019s building digital literacy, opening doors to agtech careers and preparing communities for future innovation. The same tools could help local governments manage mosquitoes and ticks and open up more agtech innovations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EBlueprint for Rural Innovation\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy using AI to detect pests early and reduce pesticide use, the project aims to lower harmful residues in local soil and air while supporting more sustainable farming. This pilot project could be a blueprint for how rural communities use AI generally to boost agriculture, reduce public health risks and build local expertise.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJust as important, this work encourages more civic AI applications \u2013 grounded in real community needs \u2013 that others can adopt and adapt elsewhere. AI and innovation do not need to be urban or corporate to have a significant effect, nor do you need advanced technology degrees to be innovative. With the right partnerships, small towns, too, can harness innovations for economic and community growth.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/261526\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/what-happens-when-ai-comes-to-the-cotton-fields-261526\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA Georgia Tech team is piloting AI-powered sensors to help cotton farmers optimize pesticide use.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A Georgia Tech team is piloting AI-powered sensors to help cotton farmers optimize pesticide use."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-10-02 14:24:54","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 13:11:47","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-09-23T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-09-23T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678243":{"id":"678243","type":"image","title":"A researcher works in a cotton field in Jenkins County, Georgia, as part of a project on AI and pesticide use. Dorothy Seybold","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA researcher works in a cotton field in Jenkins County, Georgia, as part of a project on AI and pesticide use. Dorothy Seybold\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1759415309","gmt_created":"2025-10-02 14:28:29","changed":"1759415309","gmt_changed":"2025-10-02 14:28:29","alt":"A researcher works in a cotton field in Jenkins County, Georgia, as part of a project on AI and pesticide use. Dorothy Seybold","file":{"fid":"262245","name":"file-20250915-56-jv2dth1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/02\/file-20250915-56-jv2dth1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/02\/file-20250915-56-jv2dth1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1517991,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/02\/file-20250915-56-jv2dth1.jpg?itok=V8ZMFMfm"}}},"media_ids":["678243"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/what-happens-when-ai-comes-to-the-cotton-fields-261526","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"658168","name":"Experts"},{"id":"69599","name":"IPaT"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660368","name":"Tech AI (Artificial Intelligence)"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthors:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/debra-lam-2212654\u0022\u003EDebra Lam\u003C\/a\u003E, founding director of the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, Enterprise Innovation Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/atin-adhikari-2437419\u0022\u003EAtin Adhikari\u003C\/a\u003E, professor of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Georgia Southern University\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/james-e-thomas-2437420\u0022\u003EJames E. Thomas\u003C\/a\u003E, senior lecturer in Health Policy and Community Health, Georgia Southern University\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}