As students, a common piece of advice we are told is to follow our dreams. We are told to take advantage of all the opportunities that come our way, to create opportunities we wish existed, to seize the day, to make our college experiences count, to use our time wisely… And for many of us, the natural follow up question is… How? How do we make the most of our opportunities, and perhaps even, how do we find them in the first place?
Dr. Becky Byler ('13) has concrete insight regarding these questions. Dr. Byler grew up practicing the philosophy of “taking the long cut,” a mindset that she says emphasizes “leaning creatively into liminal space” and not going through life finding the quickest, easiest path towards a goal. She values enriching her portfolio of life experiences as opposed to taking shortcuts, and above all, being intentional with how she spends her time.
As a B.S. Biomedical Engineering major within the Honors Program, Dr. Byler ensured she stayed busy at Georgia Tech. During her undergrad, she additionally attained two minors (Chemistry and Women, Science, and Technology) and a certificate in Spanish, with additional degree designations via GT’s International Plan and Research Option. As part of her International Plan curricula, Dr. Byler completed academic semesters at Spain’s Universitat Politècnica de Valéncia (UPV) and Mexico’s Universidad Autónoma de México (UNAM) and worked abroad in Honduras, Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru. In her last year at GT, Dr. Byler was also a Teaching Assistant for four Biomedical Engineering core courses.
Dr. Byler devoted immense effort into research initiatives, working in in the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience at Georgia Tech and at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health. Dr. Byler shared that she received some initial hesitancy as an engineer who wanted to work in the public health field, but it was precisely this “research long cut" that had the biggest directional impact on her future profession: “I must have emailed about 50 labs at Emory my freshman year until I found someone willing to take a chance on me and let me first explore what I now call ‘humanitarian bioengineering’. That first year in my two labs, I was a sponge learning all that I could on the [public health] lab’s various projects... mosquito collection & identification, mathematical modeling, and even trapping wild squirrels in Grant Park until I gained enough knowledge to start formulating my own research ideas at the intersection of engineering and infectious disease back at Georgia Tech... like designing a biodegradable device for releasing genetically modified mosquitos to combat Dengue and developing a better microfluidic diagnostic platform for malaria after I quantified differences in infected cell stiffness.”
In addition to research, Dr. Byler explored Atlanta-based internships and global projects. Dr. Byler found her home first semester with Engineers Without Borders, ultimately holding leadership positions on well drilling and water distribution projects in Honduras and Cameroon, and she volunteered monthly with Engineering World Health to repair broken medical equipment for use in low- and middle-income countries. Dr. Byler also worked at The Carter Center as a development volunteer to improve donor recruitment and funding management for global initiatives including the guinea worm eradication program. In her final year at GT, Dr. Byler’s all-female capstone team designed a sit-squat toilet for refugees (SafiChoo) that won First Prize and People’s Choice Award in the 2014 Inventure Prize competition. To help her team with translation, Dr. Byler interrupted her gap year of hiking across South America to fly to Kenya to build the toilet prototypes they piloted in the Kakuma Refugee Camp.
Dr. Byler praises Georgia Tech for building her perspective on the interconnection between STEM and policy and for nurturing her governing framework of leading interdisciplinary efforts in critical spaces for social impact. Dr. Byler positively reflected on her intentionality in weaving and expanding her diverse experiences at Georgia Tech into focused, sustainable development opportunities and science diplomacy initiatives that have continued past graduation, sharing, “my policy work inherently informs the research that I do, just like my research informs the policy work that I do. I think it's kind of hard to have one without the other because my science and my research are truly grounded in community and this notion of intertwined progress and service."
Dr. Byler emphasized that opportunities arise in every single situation, even the events or experiences you might perceive as being uneventful or unrelated. It is absolutely crucial to remember that in those instances, “just placing yourself in the vicinity of people and not being afraid to walk up and have conversations, even if you don't necessarily know where they're going to lead or even if they're going to lead to anything tangible, is a mindset worth strengthening.”
She connected this idea with personal experience presenting her research at a dermatology conference early in her graduate training: Dr. Byler didn't know anyone at this conference. Her poster was hung in the back corner of the exhibition hall. The conference was moving slowly, so Dr. Byler started a conversation with the person whose poster was across from hers, comparing their research projects, finding connections, and chatting about their niche interests. This initial, casual connection sparked a longer conversation and, eventually, a rich professional collaboration that added a new dimension to her translational research. Dr. Byler adds, “it's now turned into about four or five different publications and has been this really, really fascinating, interesting intersection of bringing in patient perspectives and patient-centered outcomes at all stages of biotech R&D.”
So for us students at GT, what does this mean?
Opportunities are not bound to jump out at us in the form of an email invite or a flyer taped to our dorm doors. Creating avenues for ourselves and finding ways to make the most out of situations we might have thought would not end as positively as we hoped. Creating chances to get involved and find success is about being intentional about how we use our voice, our time, and our ability to “find and connect with others in a genuine way,” Dr. Byler asserts. Every conversation or new connection isn’t bound to metamorphosize into a full-blown research project, but Dr. Byler emphasizes that students should “make it a habit to constantly seek new knowledge” and “take a path for the sake of the path itself” as she believes it is an almost foolproof way to someday land an opportunity, interest, passion, or dream that you never expected to exist. “At the very least, you’ll definitely make a new friend or have a good story to tell."
Dr. Byler was one of the recipients (not once, but seven times!) of the HP Challenge Fund, an avenue that still exists for JMHP students today. The Challenge Fund is a long-standing Honors Program initiative that provides students a $500 grant meant to encourage students to consider service-oriented experiences, motivate attendance to academic or leadership conferences, and support innovative projects of students’ own design. Some of Dr. Byler’s long cut adventures sponsored by the Challenge Fund include getting her Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification as her final project for her HP Bioethics Seminar, an Engineers Without Borders trip to Cameroon for a solar-powered well project, a science & technology policy trip to Washington DC, a biotechnology industry trip to Puerto Rico and hiking in El Yunque national forest, and attending the CDC’s first ever engineering in public health symposium. Additionally, the Challenge Fund supported gear rental for Dr. Byler’s fall break section hike of Appalachian Trail and travel resources to give an oral presentation on her thesis work at the Biomedical Engineering Society’s annual conference. Making the most of moments and finding unique ways to combine and dive even deeper into our personal interests is a takeaway we can gain here. As Dr. Byler reflects, “Sometimes you only need a little financial spark to turn a thought from ember to fire! The HP Challenge Fund was pivotal during the many inflection points I had along my journey at GT.”
One core piece of advice Dr. Byler emphasized was to know your why. What exactly drives your decision to get up in the morning, to attend the event, to take the class, to do the research? Beyond the ‘I have been doing this forever!’ reason, ensure that you have a deeper, more meaningful rationale. She discussed how students might dive deep into a subject or niche area and stick with it long-term simply because they find it difficult to overcome inertia and make a shift - even if a shift is exactly what that student needs to stay inspired and committed to their work.
When you need to make a shift, however, Dr. Byler shares that it is critical to be grounded in your core beliefs and your core values. These ideas, philosophies, and ways of life create a personal framework and unique vision that you can come back to if you find that the new path you decide to take, or perhaps a career shift, does not end up fitting. For Dr. Byler, these core values are progress and service. She suggests reflecting on and generating your own list of 3-5 core values, not only to find your next step, but also to ensure you “self-consistently navigate unexpected situations and outcomes.” Dr. Byler expands: “if you're grounded in who you are as a person, in your own value set, I think that risk will always be worth it. Jumping into those liminal spaces will always be worth it. Because without risk, you're just going to be sitting in your comfort zone.”
When students get trapped in this whirlwind, it’s crucial that they self-reflect. Dr. Byler explains, "sometimes we don't know that paths exist to us outside of what we interact with…if you don't take the time to continually check in with yourself, then I really think you’re doing yourself a disservice. Some years there are more doors that I close than I leave propped open after exploring, but every long cut – whether I stay on that path or not – teaches me something about myself."
GT and Honors Program alum Dr. Becky Byler is a true inspiration. She motivates us to create our own path, urges us not to take shortcuts and instead focus on gaining valuable experiences, and inspires us to be mindful of “why” we’re taking part in the activities we chose to invest time.
Following GT, Dr. Byler pioneered first-of-its-kind graduate training at Yale University by embedding a Master of Public Health (Epidemiology) at Yale School of Public Health within a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. She also completed Yale graduate certificates in regulatory affairs, global health, and college teaching. Dr. Byler is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Yale School of Medicine where she leverages 3D biofabrication and biomaterials to “better understand and treat scientifically and socially complex diseases that impact the Global South and its US-based diaspora.” Dr. Byler continues her pursuit of long cuts both within and outside of her research lab including an internship in nanotechnology policy at the United Nations and co-founding Chagas Disease Alliance at Yale (CDAY) with Dr. Bernardo Lombo. CDAY brings together clinicians, researchers, public health professionals, and policymakers to better diagnose and treat Chagas Disease through active data collection in Argentina, Colombia, El Salvador, and Connecticut. Dr. Byler also serves as a member of the World Health Organization’s working group on Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), providing subject expertise on non-animal models of skin for R&D. Dr. Byler remains extensively involved with the John H. Martinson Honors Program and Stamps Presidents Scholars Program as an alum.
Melody’s application highlighted her research in simulating quantum dynamics, a project she has presented at both the Georgia Collegiate Honors Conference and for Mr. John H. Martinson. The Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a premier undergraduate award for the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering, recognizes her dedication to this research. Beyond the financial support, Melody is most excited to join the prestigious Goldwater community, where she plans to utilize their series of webinars and events to help prepare for graduate school applications. Ultimately, she intends to continue her study of physics in graduate school, potentially incorporating research experience at national labs, using mathematics and computer science-based approaches.
Beyond her research, Melody is a valued member of the Georgia Tech community. She brings her artistic talents to the GT Science Olympiad as part of the sign and social media team, where she enjoys designing media to promote and support the event. When she isn’t researching or helping with the Science Olympiad, you can often find Melody running along the Beltline or exploring Piedmont Park.
Melody credits the Honors Program for providing her with a supportive community including her roommates. and invaluable academic opportunities, such as conference planning and presenting. Reflecting on her journey so far, Melody says that if she had the chance to do it all over again, she would engage even more with the program.
We are so proud of all that Melody has achieved and cannot wait to see what she accomplishes next!
]]>Aarush Yadav, a second-year computer science major and member of the John H. Martinson Honors Program (JMHP), secured a $500k pre-seed for his startup—The Subvocal Company—from pre-seed venture capital firm Afore Capital. Aarush’s love for building began long before his time at Tech, driving him to create robust innovations that improve your day-to-day.
Since coding a video game based on a popular book series at 8 years old, technology and innovation have been cornerstones in his life. This passion for creation led him to create his first startup, GreenSat, an Agricultural Technology company that utilized satellite data to provide actionable crop insights to small landholding Indian farmers. For GreenSat, he successfully raised $250k of venture funding and scaled it to $2M+ in annual revenue by the end of his high school career.
On his arrival at Tech, Aarush set out to build the next frontier of human-computer interaction in his current startup. The Subvocal Company sets to build a wearable that sits behind your ear and decodes your subvocalized thoughts into text to allow you to control computers and AI agents. The core function works by picking up bio signals around your face and using The Subvocal Company’s proprietary foundation thought-to-text AI model to decode these signals into text—allowing you to complete computer tasks without lifting a finger. The Subvocal Company currently has a working letter-level prototype that can spell out words using your thoughts at 30 words per minute.
Aarush credits the JMHP community as adding significant value to his experience at Georgia Tech, shaping his ideas and thought processes significantly as a student founder. Outside of the JMHP, Aarush was previously involved in Ramblin’ Hacks as a Student Head and participates in hackathons regularly. He started his work with The Subvocal Company after attending TreeHacks, Stanford University’s annual hackathon, in February. Shortly after, he and his cofounder started fundraising in late February, securing the $500k pre-seed round in 2-3 weeks from Afore Capital.
Aarush plans to take a leave of absence from college alongside his cofounder to work on scaling The Subvocal Company full-time. They seek to become the next default silent input interface for AI agents, aligning greatly with Aarush’s belief in social entrepreneurship, “creating impact while generating profit”. The John H. Martinson Honors Program wishes Aarush good luck as he continues to build and make technological innovations more accessible to all!
One of the 3 Undergraduate Teaching Assistants of the Year!
Great teaching skills are crucial to student academic success, and they are highly valued at the John H. Martinson Honors Program (JMHP). Second year JMHP Neuroscience student Jason Wang was honored as a 2026 Undergraduate Teaching Assistant of the Year by the Center for Teaching and Learning. Jason is a TA for a course called Neural Systems, Networks, and Behavior (NEUR 3002) taught by Dr. Ian Krout. Neural Systems, Networks, and Behavior is a required course for all undergraduate neuroscience students, and it “explores how animal behaviors emerge from neuronal networks and systems, with a specific focus on principles of network operation and computational applications” (SOURCE). Jason spends 10-15 hours a week supporting student success via office hours, grading assignments, and academic guidance. Notably, he has contributed to the redesigning of NEUR 3002 to align with the CURE framework. CURE, also known as Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience, is a “pedagogical framework” that allows students to actively contribute to research initiatives “aligned with the course content and objectives”.
Systems Neuroscience
In NEUR 3002, this framework is established with three major components through a semester-long project. Students select a neural mechanism to focus on within the realm of systems neuroscience, then investigate the mechanism in humans and model organisms, applying it to pathology.
Jason mentions how, “students…not only turn in a physical product, but they present their findings…in a written format, or visually, and sometimes it can be multimodal.” Presentation formats might include a traditional presentation, comparative infographic, NIH-style pitch, etc., all with the goal “to see if [the CURE framework] enhances or improves sensibility to communicate scientific concepts” as a result of the pedagogical process and deliverables involved.
Jason’s Teaching Assistant Mindset
Jason has worked closely with Dr. Krout to adapt the project curriculum between semesters and emphasizes the need to take student feedback into account when making these revisions. Some significant shifts they have been working on include improving the timeline of the course so students would not jump ahead in the CURE project, reducing group size, and continuing to follow up on any concerns that students have as theys work on their CURE deliverables. He reflects that adaptation is an ongoing process, rather than a one-time initiative.
In order to cultivate a sense of community with students in the course, Jason emphasizes the need for strong instructional team function from the start. Jason mentioned, “I think coordination is very important, so that the students actually feel our presence” and understand that “we’re taking care of their concerns, we’re integrating their feedback…” etc. Even with virtual communications, the goal is to ensure students feel comfortable enough to ask for help across the semester.
The TA team continues anticipating the students’ needs to provide resources, such as review problems, feedback, and more. It is inspirational to see the commitment that Jason and the rest of the TA team have in order to make the academic experience as straightforward and meaningful as possible.
A Piece of Advice for Students
When asked for his biggest piece of advice for students, Jason explained that, “having that strong work ethic makes you stand out…because you’re the one who initiates conversations…and you always want to try and make sure that…you’re not only working for yourself, but also for other individuals.” It is crucial that students and professionals understand the bigger picture of their work and take consistent initiative to ensure productive, efficient outcomes.
About Jason + JMHP Connections
Jason also balances additional responsibilities beyond his TA position, such as Project Yellow. Jason describes Project Yellow as a mental health education club for local elementary schools, and he is particularly responsible for lesson plan development and “[adjusting] them to the needs of students…in different settings, different time constraints, etc.” He currently volunteers (2024 - present) with Emory Winship Cancer Institute. He helps to plan special events and keeps patients company as they await treatment.
Jason’s anticipated graduation is Fall 2026 and is actively submitting medical school applications for the 2026 - 2027 cycle. In between graduation and medical school, he is excited to explore other more technical pursuits and other activities beyond pure academics. By the end of this academic year, he will have completed four credits of VIP research along with 10 credits of undergraduate research.
As part of his JMHP involvement, Jason is a member of the Honors Leadership Council (HLC) in the Professional Development Committee. Jason assists with finding opportunities for professional and student development within this committee. For example, this might entail Student Challenge Fund participation, certification opportunities, and the development of a database of professional opportunities that JMHP students can easily access in the future. Reflecting on his involvement with JMHP across his time at Georgia Tech, Jason positively added that the John H. Martinson Honors Program has “a little bit for everyone” through the wide variety of offerings and events hosted, especially “to further supplement or reinforce…exposure to the field” a student might be intrigued by.
Congratulations, Jason, on this incredible accomplishment! JMHP is so proud of you, and we are so excited to see where your skills, work ethic, and passion take you next.
Dhruv Narang, a second-year mechanical engineering major and member of the John H. Martinson Honors Program (JMHP), won the InVenture Prize People’s Choice Award as a cofounder of DoorTix. Dhruv is passionate about the startup space where he cultivates innovative environments dedicated to creating usable tangible products – leading to his founding of DoorTix.
DoorTix is a ticket-buying concierge service that gets you tickets at the best prices. DoorTix is dedicated to making your ticket buying process easier and lowering your stress throughout the process. Within the project, Dhruv recalls spending countless hours and months refining the project pitch with his team alongside building buzz around DoorTix before the final. He recounts winning the People’s Choice Award as surreal and rewarding as DoorTix saw a spike in users, orders, and partner interests for future scaling.
Dhruv credits his time in the JMHP as the spark to his passion for building past his academic pursuits. The program's welcoming environment provided him with the support and courage to pursue DoorTix seriously and connect ideas to real-world impact. His JMHP involvement also connected him to one of his cofounders during the Oxford Study Abroad program and the other through mutual JMHP connections.
Alongside his work with startups, Dhruv was a past member of the Honors Leadership Council (HLC) and is currently involved with Startup Exchange, Student Center Programs Council (SCPC), and Chi Psi Fraternity.
Dhruv plans to continue scaling DoorTix alongside his cofounders this summer in Georgia Tech’s Startup Launch program. The team seeks to establish DoorTix as the default, intelligent way people buy tickets, focusing on improving automation, expanding partnerships, and growing their user base. The John H. Martinson Honors Program wishes Dhruv good luck as he continues to make strides in the startup space and makes his mark here at Georgia Tech!
Research at Georgia Tech
Carlos's research at GT is primarily within the IceCube Collaboration, where he and his team study Arctic ice samples using “light sensors scattered about one cubic kilometer of ice,” an effort to find neutrino interactions through the light study in the observatory by identifying a soft glow produced by the interactions. Neutrinos are three of the 17 “fundamental particles that are indivisible” – they are incredibly minuscule, even smaller than atoms, and as a result, they rarely “interact with anything.” For context, Carlos explained that “throughout your whole lifetime we expect only one neutrino to interact with your body…to actually search for this [interaction], it’s really hard.” Studying these interactions from the clearest material available, arctic ice, allows for some interesting analysis and discoveries.
This research has brought Carlos into three ongoing papers on the following topics: neutrinos in blazar black holes, “a new kind of statistical model to try to constrain the properties of our analysis,” and finally, on “implementing AI” in order to further the project analysis and conclusions. Carlos has enjoyed his lab work at the IceCube Collaboration over the last three and a half years, and his biggest takeaway from his experience is ensuring strong relationships with his teammates. He recommends that students and researchers “find a group that you fit well in, [a group where you are] not only doing something that you like, but also [making sure] you enjoy the work department there.” Carlos reflects, “...I work really well with my PI. I’m really happy with my research group. We’re very supportive of each other…and I think that makes all the difference.”
Georgia Tech Academic and Extracurricular Career
As a double-major student in math and physics, Carlos’ course load has consistently been both challenging and exciting. Starting out as a physics major, Carlos mentions that he “started taking [physics] classes regularly,” but ultimately "realized that [he] did not know the math [he] needed for the physics [he] wanted to do.” The skills he needed for his goals would only be developed if he took additional math classes that substantiated his physics knowledge.
Upon taking linear algebra with abstract vector spaces, and then quantum mechanics, Carlos expressed that he “was really able to see physics…through the lengths of linear algebra and those connections.” This motivated him to double-major in math, expand his knowledge base even more, and dive into the research interests he had become intrinsically passionate about. Carlos additionally emphasizes that being intentional with course selection based on one’s specific future goals has been beneficial to his success at Georgia Tech.
As a JMHP student, Carlos started out his academic career at the Hefner-Armstrong dorms (before the program was relocated to Eighth Street). He fondly recollects his many study experiences in the Honors classroom, where one “could study and…socialize with other people…[where] it was…like an internal hub where we could make those connections” with other Honors students. Additionally, his favorite “non-physics, non-major class” was an HP English course focused on the genre of horror films. Taught by Dr. Eric Lewis, the class featured “watch parties” coupled with reflective evening discussions, with the added bonus of professor-supplied sweet treats to enjoy. The HP course allowed students a lot of freedom and personalized academic engagement in project selection, project execution, etc. - a highly commended element of the course.
Outside of his research endeavors, Carlos is involved with the Society of Physics Students community at Georgia Tech, the Brazilian Student Association, and recreationally plays Dungeons and Dragons, a hobby he’s been participating in “for well over a decade now.” He stresses the importance of having hobbies outside of work, expanding that “...I think [playing Dungeons and Dragons is] a nice bridge between having fun and friends and doing more of the creative side of things, like telling stories, playing characters” etc.
Reflections and Future Plans
As graduation nears, Carlos has planned to attend a Masters or PhD program in fundamental theoretical physics, and is currently in the application process for both program options. He describes this field as the study of “the core theory behind everything else,” essentially “the basis” of all other concepts. Within this next phase of his educational career, Carlos plans on shifting his research focus to a more "theoretical" and “math heavy” sector of physics, working with “creating theories, creating models,” etc., compared to his current, more “experimental,” work in particle astrophysics.
One day, he aspires to be both a professor at a university, in addition to a full-time researcher at The Institute of Advanced Study in Princeton, an institution filled with “[physicists]...historians…philosophers” all “doing theoretical work.” Not only is it a “very prestigious” institution to be a member of, but it also supplies all basic needs for researchers, such as housing and food so that researchers can fully focus on their craft and make incredible progress in their endeavors.
One concluding piece of advice from Carlos is that “you will only get as much out of the Honors Program as you put in….if you don’t go to the events, if you don’t take the classes, if you don't interact with your advisors, you won't get [good] things out of it.” A student’s experience at Georgia Tech is “really something [that should be] cooperative, and the Honors Program is here to make sure you’re having the most out of your experience.”
With that in mind, let’s give another warm round of applause to Carlos for his incredible academic and research accomplishments, and his acceptance of the A. Joyce Nickelson and John C. Sutherland Undergraduate Award. He will be honored at the GT Student Honors Celebration later this semester. All the best on your future successes, Carlos!
]]>These students, alum, and campus partners represent the best of what makes the John H. Martinson Honors Program (JMHP) a dynamic community on Georgia Tech's campus.
Outstanding Student Award winner Esha Venkat is graduating with a major in Public Policy and a Minor in Global Development. She’s a recipient of over 70 awards—including from Points of Light, United Nations, and the World Bank—and currently runs a global non-profit with over 9,000 volunteers. Esha is pursuing an M.S. at Georgia Tech where she will conduct research on youth-founded nonprofits, building a career at the intersection of policy, nonprofit governance, and civic engagement initiatives. Outstanding Student Award winner Jessica DaSilva Bonet joined the JMHP as a transfer student and will graduate with a major in Civil Engineering. She was a member of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholars Program, served as Vice President of Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honor Society, and has been a leader in DanceTech. After graduation, she will be working as a civil engineer in the land development sector, with a long-term goal of becoming an entrepreneur and establishing her own firm. Both received their awards not only for their involvement and contributions to the JMHP, but for exemplifying excellence in academic achievement, leadership, creative endeavors, curiosity, and community building.
New student awards introduced this year include Emerging Leader, Mentor of the Year, Progress and Service, and Innovation in Honors. Emerging Leader Award recipient Chloe Phan was recognized for her work on the Honors Leadership Council as well as her attention to all of "the small moments that turned unfamiliar faces into close connections, like late-night study groups, spontaneous socials, and planning [her] first Field Day." Mentor of the Year J'Avani Stinson, who also serves as a JMHP Help Desk student assistant, has built a strong foundation for the students who will join the program after him. He reflected that, "as the Honors Program enters its 20-year anniversary, my only hope is that the program continues its upward trajectory. Since my first-year retreat, the program has done nothing but expand its events, resources, and general support for students. As a program, the John H. Martinson Honors Program is on the right track, and needs only to stay the course!"
The motto of Georgia Tech is "Progress and Service," so it is no surprise that Progress and Service Award winner Jalana Smith represents the best of Georgia Tech. Her work with JMHP staff has helped to elevate the program through creative storytelling and marketing to make it "bigger, brighter, and better for the next generation of JMHP students while staying true to its amazing mission of fostering creativity, curiosity, and connection!" Creativity and curiosity fuel Innovation in Honors Award winner Aarush Lanjharia, recognized for developing the burgeoning JMHP makerspace. What started with one (old!) 3D printer is becoming a small hub for student creativity that he is looking forward to watching grow, even after he's moved on. "I hope to stay connected to the program well beyond my graduation to watch it shape future leaders. I am proud for playing a small role in shaping what JMHP will one day become."
It was not just students who were recognized for their outstanding contributions, but an alumna and campus partner as well. Jing Li (ISYE '10) was part of the inaugural class of the newly launched Honors Program in 2006. What she experienced in the Honors Program has formed part of the foundation of her current work in product design.
"The interdisciplinary nature of Honors Program classes have had the biggest impact on my professional career. In an HP bio-inspired design class, I learned that the architecture and design of technology systems can mimic patterns found in nature, such as neural networks. This led me to undergraduate research at the Design Intelligence Lab at Georgia Tech and taught me how to think differently about human-computer interactions. Fast forward to today, and I now approach AI product design with an interdisciplinary mindset that allows me to bring the best of different worlds together."
You can read more about Jing Li in our feature story.
Last but certainly not least, the JMHP could not thrive without the support of a wide variety of campus partners. As a program with a living learning community component, Housing and Residence Life--particularly the Occupancy and Resident Experience team led by Alison Southern--is a crucial partner. Members of the team include Associate Director Alison Southern, Assistant Director Jennifer Grover, Senior Program and Operations Manager Nina Gregory, Senior Project Support Specialist Tionna Johnson, Senior Occupancy Assignment Specialist LaToya Bostick, Training Specialist Mauricio Pizzaro, Student Support Coordinator II Cindy Kropf, and Student Support Specialist Jessamyn Lockett. Handling the housing application process, dorm assignments, move out, and everything in between, this team probably fields more emails from JMHP staff than any other unit on campus!
Congratulations and thank you to all of these amazing award winners. You are what make the JMHP a thriving community for faculty, staff, and students alike!
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Dr. Emily Weigel (Biology ‘10), now a senior academic professional in the Georgia Tech School of Biological Sciences, was part of the inaugural graduating class of the Georgia Tech Honors Program. Even as a student, Weigel stood out as a trailblazer, and she has continued to champion the program ideals of “Progress and Service.”
Weigel often reflects on the formative impact of her Honors Program coursework. Classes such as The Psychology of Creativity, where she conducted a study on the relationship between adoption and creativity, helped shape her path toward biological sciences and teaching. Even courses and interactions outside her major broadened her perspective and provided meaningful support, such as mentorship from HP faculty like Dr. Nick Hud and Dr. Greg Nobles.
When discussing the Honors Program, Weigel highlights the influence those early students had on campus. Through the Challenge Fund, Honors students launched initiatives ranging from GT Trailblazers, a student organization that encourages outdoor recreation and environmental service projects, to personal passion projects, like creating “rentable bike programs decades before they were cool.” One of the most significant efforts she participated in was publishing the first edition of The Tower, Georgia Tech’s student-run undergraduate research journal showcasing academic excellence across campus via publication. She also speaks fondly of the community she found within the program and the lasting connections it fostered.
During her time as a student, Weigel contributed to major developments at Georgia Tech. She completed the newly established International Plan while spending 18 months studying and interning abroad in Germany. She also joined the inaugural Georgia Tech women’s rugby team after an impromptu recruitment on the Burger Bowl (now Couch Park). Continuing her legacy of firsts, she was part of the first G. Wayne Clough Tech Promise cohort.
Today, Weigel is a leader in higher education. As an instructor in the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), she plays a pivotal role in preparing future educators by teaching introductory pedagogy courses for new undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants in the School of Biological Sciences. Her dedication earned her a place on the Georgia Tech 2024 40 Under 40 list. And when she’s not teaching or advising, you can often find her enjoying a cup of Kaldi’s Coffee.
The John H. Martinson Honors Program (JMHP) is excited to welcome Mr. Gabriel “Gabe” Alvarado-Gonzalez as the new JMHP Academic Advisor starting this Spring 2026 semester! Gabe will be all JMHP students’ point of contact regarding credit alignment, curricular questions, experiential learning opportunities, and finding campus resources that support student success.
Across Gabe’s prior roles as an Academic Advisor at Georgia State University Advisement Center and Admissions Counselor at Dalton State College, and in the present in the JMHP, Gabe has consistently prioritized empathetic communication. At every meeting, his primary intention is putting student needs, student success, and student perspectives at the forefront of the conversation. He describes the significance of adaptation in the advising sphere, mentioning that because not everyone is the same it is important to adapt his advising style depending on the student. For example, this might be finding an element of “common ground” to break the ice at the beginning of an advising session, striking up an interesting conversation to make meetings feel less overwhelming, and maintaining a consistently positive attitude that helps every single student feel both welcomed and seen.
If you are a current or incoming JMHP student who would like to schedule an advising session, Gabe’s biggest recommendation is this: come prepared with at least a brief plan and/or a list of questions. It is completely okay if you are not sure where to start – that is why Gabe is here to help.
A principal piece of advice Gabe has for all students who might be struggling with balance or figuring out what comes next is simply taking a step back and reflecting on what is working versus what is not. Amidst the overwhelm and stress that is sometimes inevitable as a student, taking a personal life audit might help clarify or pinpoint areas of growth. Sometimes, the best plan of action is simply to rest and “chill out,” with the understanding that things will work out. This does not mean letting go of all responsibilities or goals, but rather that you are very intentional about taking breaks, prioritizing rest, and being present within your life.
On a similar note, Gabe described how one of the best pieces of advice he has received in his life has been that “one day if you're going to look back or blink, you will realize that you didn't live in the moment,” in other words, “you need to appreciate the present moment” in the present moment. With that in mind, students and staff members alike should know that rest is not only a good idea, but a necessity.
Outside of his academic advising role on campus, Gabe is looking forward to getting back into musical theater and additionally, continuing to attend live music festivals & musicals in Atlanta. He is a big fan of Broadway productions (especially Hairspray, Dear Evan Hanson, Waitress, and more) and loves to listen to Ariana Grande, Melanie Martinez, pop music, EDM music, and soundtracks. Nintendo, Pokémon, Ru Paul’s Drag Race, and Horror Film are additional media pieces of choice.
On the note of hobbies and balancing them with academics and work life, Gabe’s best recommendation is to not overdo it. Focus on what makes you the most excited. Hobbies and the arts are meant to rejuvenate you. Therefore, they should not drain you or take too much attention away from academics or career goals.
Meet with Gabe or stop by and say hi at the Honors office. He is excited to start formally advising students soon this semester and is truly looking forward to connecting with JMHP students.
Medina McCowin, a fourth-year biology major and member of the John H. Martinson Honors Program, received her first medical school acceptance. Medina’s interest in medicine started at the young age of eight, when she promised to become an oncologist to cure cancer and remove the burdens her mother faced during breast cancer screening. When her Great Aunt was diagnosed with endometrial cancer a few years later, her promise solidified and shaped her holistic approach to provide equitable healthcare for all.
Medina joyfully reflects on her experience receiving her first medical school acceptance:
“I knew that the decisions would be sent out that day, so I kept myself occupied with a morning workout class and some light cleaning. I decided to check my email and saw the acceptance, and immediately started crying. There was a mix of overwhelming relief, validation, and gratitude, as a dream that I had wanted for the past thirteen years and spent thousands of hours studying, researching, volunteering, and working for had finally come true. It was almost a confirmation that I belong in the field of medicine.”
As one of four children and a Navy brat, Medina learned the importance of resiliency and independence early in life. These values guided her time in the John H. Martinson Honors Program, where she engaged in academic environments that tackled challenges with curiosity and confidence. Taking the Leaders in Progress and Service Forum when applying to medical school allowed her to explore and develop solutions for complex problems, preparing her to engage in the medical school interview process and for the medical field’s dynamic environment centered on thoughtful discussion and analysis.
Medina is excited to begin her journey post-grad through expanding her medical knowledge and exploring the intricacies of patient care. Going forward, she is guided by her passion for making her family proud and caring for her patients as people first and foremost. The John H. Martinson Honors Program wishes Medina luck as she finishes her time at Georgia Tech and pursues a career in medicine!
Esha Venkat is the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of NEST4US, an international non-profit dedicated to making the world better through kindness by mobilizing volunteers worldwide. The organization seeks to advance progress on societal issues and spark equitable solutions for the greater good. Esha’s work with NEST4US has earned her honors and recognition such as the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award and a feature on The Today Show! Thanks to Esha’s dedication, NEST4US is celebrating their 10-anniversary, honoring a decade of service to the community. On campus, she is a proud member of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy and the JMHP community, representing the Honors Program on the Office of Undergraduate Education & Student Success Student Advisory Board. Esha was also recently accepted into the PUBP BS/MS program, so we’ll have her around for another year! You’ll frequently find Esha at Honors Leadership Council meetings, JMHP events, in the CRC, and on the Jacket Journey Leaderboard.
J’Avani Stinson is a student researcher at the Curtis Cell Physics Lab and a Co-op Pathways Intern at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). His research lies at the intersection of biology, mathematics, and physics as it applies to human health and cell biology. While at NASA, J’Avani interned in the Human Health and Performance Directorate, working on applied research in astronaut health and analogs such as the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA). He is also the Point of Contact for the Intern Outreach Committee, organizing service opportunities for the JSC community. On campus, J’Avani works as one of our JMHP Student Assistants, launching and contributing to projects such as our Alumni Wisdom Series and the expanded JMHP Awards. He is also a proud member of the College of Sciences and School of Biological Sciences, acting as a student ambassador for both groups. You’ll find J’Avani at HLC meetings, JMHP events, giving tours around campus, and at any of our GT Jazz Program performances.
Esha and J’Avani form a dynamic duo dedicated to service on campus and in local communities. As members of the Stamps President’s Scholars Ambassadors’ Community Service Committee and members of the JMHP Civic Service Committee, they organize opportunities for GaTech students to get involved. Keep an eye out for them getting lunch together at Rays!
]]>EAS 3110 prepares students for situations and opportunities beyond a traditional classroom environment by emphasizing experiential, applied learning that mirrors real-world professional practice. Students are not only guided but encouraged to engage with stakeholders in the Greater Atlanta community to develop communication, negotiation, and systems-thinking skills that are essential in professional settings but are rarely fully developed through lecture-based instruction alone. They are encouraged to utilize their curiosity and creativity to create bold solutions that address challenges in clean energy. The course directly aligns with the John H. Martinson Honors Program’s pillars of curiosity, creativity, and connection to equip students with the skills to better navigate the challenges presented in careers across energy, sustainability, policy, and business.
Dr. Garcia is a full-time lecturer in the School of City & Regional Planning since his arrival at Georgia Tech in 2019. A holder of two Master of Science degrees in Computer Networks and in Sustainability and Climate Change, as well as a doctoral degree in Educational Technology, Dr. Garcia is passionate about the fields of transition to clean energy, climate change, and community engagement. A recipient of awards including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Individual Climate Leadership Award, Green Ring Award, and Excellence in Climate Leadership Award, Dr. Garcia is dedicated to utilizing his expertise in guiding the transition to clean energy to spark growing John H. Martinson Honors Program leaders’ passion in developing solutions that are not only environmentally effective but also technically feasible and economically viable.
Dr. Garcia’s teaching experience with the John H. Martinson Honors Program began in Spring 2023. Alongside this course, he teaches Sustainable Urban Development in the School of City and Regional Planning, Climate Policy in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy, and Sustainable Systems in the Scheller College of Business. He also supports the Georgia Tech Office of Sustainability as a Resilience Expert and serves as a U.S. Subject Matter Expert for the IPCC pre-scoping Special Report on Cities and Climate Change.
Dr. Garcia excitedly reflects on his favorite part of John H. Martinson Honors Program students, saying:
“JMHP students bring intellectual curiosity, rigor, and willingness to engage with complex and interdisciplinary challenges, which greatly enrich the learning environment. It is a privilege to work with such motivated students, and I am deeply honored to contribute to their academic and professional development.”
As Dr. Garcia begins teaching EAS 3110 in Spring 2026, he is excited to welcome a new cohort of students to his course, looking forward to discussing the challenges of clean energy and sustainability and supporting their intellectual growth and professional development. The John H. Martinson Honors Program is excited to continue working with Dr. Garcia this spring as he cultivates the next generation of clean energy leaders!
If you are a Georgia Tech student interested in taking EAS 3110 in a future semester, consider contacting Dr. Garcia to learn more.
]]>For Jing, participation in the Honors Program (as it was called from 2006 – 2025) was transformational both academically and socially. She said that it was, “exciting to be accepted into the inaugural class of the Honors Program! I was thrilled to be selected and loved being part of the program.” She built strong connections with Honors Program faculty, including one (Dr. Daniel Vollaros) who got her involved in volunteering and mentoring. She said that her volunteer experience with Read Aloud Chattanooga, “left a lasting impression on me, and helped inspire my journey to serve in the education sector of the Peace Corps.”
Coming to Atlanta from Arizona, the Honors Program helped build friendships in a new city and have turned into sustained relationships that she maintains to this day. She reflected that, “the friendships and relationships that I formed during the class have only grown over time - I’ve stayed in touch with several friends who now work in Silicon Valley tech companies and gone to weddings of HP friends.” As a student athlete, Jing’s experience was a bit different from other Honors Program students. She missed out on the residential experience of the program, as she lived in Woodruff Residence Hall with other swimmers, but she was still an active participant in a variety of activities and classes. Jing attended events such as course rollout luncheons and field days with incoming first year students. She also participated in the mentorship program and served as an ambassador for a variety of recruiting events such as Preview Georgia Tech, Women’s Receptions, Girls Night Out, and FUTURES.
Participation in the Honors Program also enabled Jing to get the most out of her Georgia Tech experience. She was a recipient of a Student Challenge Fund grant to participate in the Beijing and Singapore study abroad program, which had an impact on her professional development. Jing said that the program allowed her to gain exposure to international business operations while taking ISYE major-specific courses. Her impact and involvement on campus were wide, as she was a founding sister in Alpha Phi sorority, was a finalist for Ms. Georgia Tech, and conducted research on bio-inspired design in the Design Intelligence Lab. Her research interest was fueled by Honors Program coursework on sustainable environmental and manufacturing systems and biologically inspired design. The combination of these two courses built the foundation for her undergraduate research. She reflected on her experience, saying:
The GT Design Intelligence Lab fostered my lifelong curiosity for working in the human-machine interaction space and taught me to keep a user-centric mindset while considering sustainability impacts and design elements inspired by nature. In the 10+ years that I’ve worked at Accenture, I’ve always focused on emerging technology and innovation. The HP approach taught me to think outside the box, challenge the status quo to come up with more innovative ideas and how to create structure in new spaces. All of this has paved the foundation for my professional career, starting from shipping mobile apps and exploring new wearable products for enterprise clients, to diving into the Metaverse and more recently building products that accelerate cost efficiency and productivity with GenAI.
In fall 2026, the John H. Martinson Honors Program will admit it’s 20th class, and Jing Li has some words to guide them.
Take advantage of everything the Honors Program offers! Not only the smaller sections of core classes, but really tap into the opportunities to expand your horizons by learning differently and gaining exposure to different cultures in the living and learning community. One of the biggest benefits that I remember of the HP was how it encouraged entrepreneurship - if you have an idea and want to ship it, you should challenge yourself to find a path to bring it to life!
She shared the story of a fellow Honors Program classmate who was passionate about accessibility to biking for all, regardless of financial means. He pitched an idea about an on-campus bike-sharing program (long before the sharing economy was booming) and started a small-scale program running out of the Honors Program residence hall. This kind of innovative spirit that inspired Jing Li and her classmates continues today. We are proud of her and all our alums and can’t wait to see where the next 20 years will take us!
]]>EMSaT is a student organization founded to increase access to and knowledge of emergency medical services at Georgia Tech. Sammy learned of EMSaT during one of their signature events the contributed to Campus Ready award – the CPR-Athon held on Tech Green. Since joining EMSaT, Sammy has participated in subsequent CPR trainings, patrols for campus events, and was recently appointed Treasurer of the organization.
Sammy has had an active role in the JMHP community through his involvement with the Honors Leadership Council’s New Student Onboarding Committee, the First-Year Retreat as a Retreat Guide, and the GT 1000 JMHP sections as a Team Leader. Furthermore, Sammy is the Safety Officer of the Yellow Jacket Archery Club and the Kendo Club at GT and plays in the GT Marching Band on the Cymbal Line.
Sammy fondly reflects on his time in EMSaT, saying:
"The thing that attracted me to becoming an EMT was the fact that EMTs make a real difference to each patient's life, but first, I have to make a difference in my course completion, insert GT student laughter."
Sammy intends to continue his training in human health services. In addition to his change of major to Biomedical Engineering with a Pre-Med declaration, he recently completed his EMT-Basic certification at RC Health. Future plans include earning his Advanced EMT certification before graduation from GT and getting his Paramedic license soon after. The John H. Martinson Honors Program wishes Sammy luck as he continues his training and applies for medical school!
If you are a Georgia Tech student interested in EMS, considering joining EMSaT or applying for the Todd Family Fund EMS Scholarship in partnership with Grady EMS Academy.
]]>Martinson is a longtime advocate for excellence in higher education and has provided significant philanthropic support for honors programs at several leading institutions across the country. As a result of this commitment, Georgia Tech will expand and enhance its Honors Program to serve more students, enrich the undergraduate experience, and elevate the program’s national standing.
“We are deeply grateful to Mr. Martinson for his generosity and commitment to the next generation of leaders,” said Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera. “Through this extraordinary investment in the newly named John H. Martinson Honors Program, we will help more of our students reach their full potential and expand the high-impact opportunities available to them.”
Martinson is chairman of Martinson Ventures, a private technology investment firm. His personal connection to Georgia Tech runs deep — his father, Raymond Martinson, earned a mechanical engineering degree from Tech in 1941.
Thanks to this commitment, the Honors Program will increase its entering class size and enhance programming designed to help students deepen their academic experience and graduate with the Honors Program designation. The expanded program is scheduled to launch in fall 2026, with the goal of achieving national prominence among honors programs across peer institutions.
“We've built a strong foundation, but this donation is what will take it to the next level,” said Amy D’Unger, faculty director of the John H. Martinson Honors Program. “It has the power to be transformative, creating an experience that will enhance our ability to create the next generation of leaders.”
Alongside the naming, the Honors Program will shift from its former place within the Undergraduate Curriculum unit to become a standalone unit in the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success. This change reflects both the program’s expanded scope and its growing impact on Georgia Tech’s academic community.
“This commitment will empower the Honors Program to reach new levels of excellence, while remaining deeply rooted in the values that make Georgia Tech a top destination for high-achieving, purpose-driven students,” said Steven Girardot, vice provost for Undergraduate Education and Student Success. “We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Martinson for investing in our Honors Program and in the future of undergraduate education at Georgia Tech.”
Martinson said he was drawn to the Georgia Tech Honors Program because of its commitment to experiential learning and entrepreneurial emphasis. “Georgia Tech students are among the brightest and most innovative in the country,” he said. “I am vested in the success of the program to double its total number of students and engage faculty to achieve a top 10 honors ranking nationwide.”
The John H. Martinson Honors Program serves students across the Institute, providing interdisciplinary coursework, faculty mentorship, and community-based learning. As it grows in size and ambition, the program will continue to shape the next generation of scholars, leaders, and innovators — both at Georgia Tech and beyond.
Martinson’s commitment has propelled the continued momentum of Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech and contributed to the Institute’s record-setting fundraising year in Fiscal Year 2025.
]]>Anne Stanford
Director of Communications
Office of Development