When students return to campus this fall, they will find a variety of new additions and improvements to their Tech Dining experience. Perhaps the largest of these is the return of Brittain Dining Hall. Closed for renovation in 2024, Brittain reopened on Aug. 17. The dining hall features seven full-service stations and will be open from Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. 

John Lewis Student Center 

Beginning this fall, five second-floor retail concepts in the John Lewis Student Center will be operated by Craveworthy Brands, replacing the following existing concepts: 

• Noodle Theory → Big Chicken  

• Test Kitchen → Krafted Burger | Wander Dawgs | Benny's Cheesesteaks

• Campus Crust → Fresh Brothers Pizza  

• 5th District → TAIM Mediterranean Kitchen  

• Brain Freeze → Kinnamōns 
   
• The Pop Up → Blendz Bowls  
   

The introduction of Craveworthy Brands will extend many of the concepts’ evening hours until 11:30 p.m. during the week, as well as introduce weekend hours from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving students and campus visitors more dinner options. In addition, a new concept called Blendz Bowls will replace the former Food Popup location.  

In early September, Tech It To Go will transition to a cashierless, AI-powered operation. It will operate according to building hours, expanding food availability for students studying late into the night. Tech It To Go will also open a cashierless micromarket in the newly opened Bud and Val Peterson Residence Hall.  

Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons 

For students in the Library looking for convenient food options, California Pizza Kitchen is planning to install a vending machine on the first floor of the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons. 

Dining Hall Renovations 

The West Village Dining Hall has expanded seating and updated some second-floor stations. The first floor now features an expanded salad bar and dessert station, including soft serve ice cream and Dole Whip. Both West Village and Brittain dining halls now have a made-to-order deli featuring Boar’s Head products.  

Coffee and More 

Illy Coffee is expanding to both West Village and Carnegie Kitchen, which will also be expanding the micromarket to include a fresh salad bar. The Illy Coffee in West Village is expected to open in late August, followed by Carnegie Kitchen later in the fall. Until Carnegie’s opening, several food trucks will be operating in Harrison Square. And, while Tech Dining currently hosts a community market on Wednesdays in Tech Green, this fall they will be expanding to host a market in Tech Square once a month. 

Robots Return  

Following the departure of Starship robots from campus, robot delivery is returning, with Avride serving as Tech’s new autonomous food delivery provider. Tech Dining will integrate Avride with Grubhub to create a more seamless ordering and delivery experience on campus.  
 

Week of Welcome began in 2020 and has grown each year. For 2026, the weeklong celebration features more than 300 events, offering experiences and opportunities for all first-year, graduate, and transfer students.  

“This week is an opportunity for students to connect and explore campus, get connected to culture and to their peers, but also just an opportunity to have fun before the stress of coursework begins,” said Chrissonia McCall, senior project support specialist in Housing and Residence Life.  

Signature events like New Student Convocation bring thousands together to share in the start of their Tech journey, but Week of Welcome features plenty of smaller-scale events that allow students to connect and get to know their peers.  

“Many of our events are 30 students or fewer, and those are great chances to find an organization that piques your interest or to find something completely new to you. This week is all about exploring the breadth of what is available at Tech and bringing down those barriers for students to engage with their new surroundings. Everyone is new and figuring things out at the same time, so this is a time when you can learn it all together,” Tegra Myanna, director of engagement and program operations in Housing and Residence Life, said.  

To expedite the Week of Welcome experience, students should fill out the waiver form. 

All Week of Welcome events can be found on Engage, but here are some you may want to mark on your calendar.  

Rock, Ramble, and Roll 

When: Monday, Aug. 17, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Where: Exhibition Hall and John Lewis Student Center 

Hosted by the Student and Campus Event Centers, Housing and Residence Life, and Tech Dining, this high-energy event is your chance to meet fellow Yellow Jackets, enjoy food, explore the John Lewis Student Center, and experience fun, music-themed activities. 

Yellow Jacket Mega Mixer 

When: Monday, Aug. 17, 7 – 9 p.m. 

Where: Tech Green 

Hosted by the Center for Student Engagement, which includes Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Media, Student Organizations, Civic Engagement, and John Lewis Student Leadership Pathways, the Yellow Jacket Mega Mixer is a chance to meet new friends, engage with student leaders, and immerse yourself in campus life.  

 Navigating GT: Wellness and Resource Fair 

When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 

Where: Midtown Ballroom, Exhibition Hall 

Kick off your Georgia Tech journey by discovering the people, places, and programs designed to support your success. The fair connects students with a wide range of campus resources and organizations committed to well-being and growth — both in and out of the classroom. Explore interactive tables; meet peers, faculty, and staff; and learn how to make the most of the Tech experience.   

King/Queen of the Court 

When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2:45 – 4:15 p.m. 

Where: Couch Park 

Join Women's and Men's Club Volleyball out on the grass to play volleyball and make new friends along the way. Volleyball courts will be set up on the grass to play in a casual pickup style for people of all skill levels to participate. 

Taste of Tech Square 

When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 5 – 9 p.m. 

Where: Tech Square 

Experience a place that's unmistakably Georgia Tech. Taste of Tech Square is an immersive food festival just steps from campus, serving up delicious bites, lively entertainment, and a glimpse into the future of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. 

RecFest 

When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Where: Stamps Field 

RecFest is Georgia Tech Campus Recreation’s signature annual kickoff event designed to welcome students to campus and connect them with the wide range of recreation programs, services, and clubs available at the CRC.  

Esports Open House 

When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2:45 – 4:15 p.m. 

Where: Esports and Gaming Lounge, Campus Recreation Center 

Hosted by Georgia Tech Esports, this event will feature a tour of the new space and provide an overview of the organization before an open, free-play session for students in the gaming lounge.  

Paper & Clay Craft Day 

When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. 

Where: Paper & Clay 

This event is an opportunity to explore Paper & Clay's crafts by making dorm decor and friendship bracelets. 

Grad Expo 

When: Thursday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Where: Midtown Ballroom, Exhibition Ballroom 

Held in conjunction with Graduate Institute Orientation, GradExpo connects new graduate students with over 50 campus units and student organizations, showcasing the many resources and services available to support graduate students at Tech.  

RATS Night 

When: Thursday, Aug. 20, 6 – 9 p.m. 

Where: Georgia Tech Library 

Take over the Library for a night of fun, filled with entertainment, snacks, video games, trivia, arts and crafts, and free giveaways.  

Magicians Workshop 

When: Friday, Aug. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

Where: Room C456, Van Leer Building  

Beginners and pros alike are invited to attend this open workshop hosted by Magicians @ GT to pick up some cool new tricks to impress your friends.  

Cardboard Boat Race 

When: Friday, Aug. 21, 1 – 3 p.m. 

Where: McAuley Aquatic Center, Campus Recreation Center 

Watch and cheer teams on as they have 60 minutes to build a canoe out of cardboard, duct tape, and other supplies before they must paddle their boat across the McAuley Aquatic Center pool.  

House Party at Bobby Dodd 

When: Friday, Aug. 21, 6 – 9 p.m. 

Where: Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field 

Georgia Tech Athletics is hosting a House Party to welcome students back to campus. Enjoy inflatables, on-field activities, a live DJ, a gaming truck, and food trucks. The event will have a clear bag policy, and students are allowed to bring empty, non-metal, reusable water bottles into the stadium. 

New Student Convocation 

When: Sunday, Aug. 23, 4 – 5 p.m. 

Where: McCamish Pavilion 

Get your RAT cap, T-Book, and Georgia Tech pin at this year’s New Student Convocation. The event is a welcome ceremony for incoming students, and more information can be found on the New Student Convocation website. Connect with peers beforehand at the New Transfer and Commuter Student Pre-Convocation Mixer at the John Lewis Student Center from 1:30 to 3 p.m. 

Tech’s contribution is an 8.8% increase over fiscal year 2024 and accounts for more than 25% of the $25.1 billion economic activity created by the 25 USG colleges and universities — $16.3 billion in direct spending by students and by institutions, and an additional $8.8 billion generated in local communities as those dollars circulate through the economy. 

The study, conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, also measures the value of a USG degree, projecting that graduates will boost their work-life earnings in Georgia by 80% and earn $1.4 million more than those who receive a high school diploma.  

"Serving Georgia is core to our mission as a public university,” said Ángel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. “Our $6.3 billion contribution to the economy is one of the many important ways we create value for our state. Together with the talent we develop, the businesses we help create and grow, and the innovation we drive, we are proud to deliver best-in-kind return on the significant investment the state makes in our work year after year."

The Institute conferred 13,096 degrees in fiscal year 2025, with the study estimating total work-life earnings of more than $48.6 billion for the class of 2025. Through reductions in in-state tuition and fees, increased access to need-based scholarships, and commitments to preparing graduates for the jobs of the future, Tech continues to be ranked among the top universities for return on investment and career placement.    

In addition to the value it offers to students, Georgia Tech directly employs 12,288 people on campus, and the study finds that an additional 25,100 off-campus jobs have been created due to Institute-related spending — the highest among all USG institutions.  

Located along Northside Drive between Eighth and Ninth streets, the 191,000-square-foot facility offers 862 beds in double-occupancy rooms. The first traditional residence hall constructed on campus since 1969, Bud and Val Peterson Residence Hall features collaborative learning areas, an esports lounge, a fitness room, community lounges, a kitchen on the first floor of each wing, and a 24/7 cashierless market. 

The opening of the new residence hall allows Tech to keep pace with enrollment as the Institute continues to grow. This fall, over 4,100 first-year students will enroll at the Institute, along with 1,400 transfer students in the fall and spring. With growth comes the need for new infrastructure, as Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera said during Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.  

“It turns out that more unbelievable students from every county in Georgia, from every corner of our country and countries around the world, want to have the learning experience here. It’s our duty to figure out creative solutions, not just to house them, but to provide them with a transformative experience,” he said. “The transformation of our students happens right here. It happens in the residence halls. It happens in the friendships that you make, the study groups, the activities, and when you’re learning to be independent and to grow up. This is not just a dorm where you come to sleep.” 

The residence hall is named in honor of Georgia Tech’s 11th president and first lady. During Peterson’s tenure from 2009 to 2019, Tech enhanced student programs and grew enrollment; increased collaboration and built strategic partnerships in Atlanta and Georgia; expanded its global reach, with a focus on innovation; executed Campaign Georgia Tech, which raised $1.8 billion for the Institute; and more than doubled new research awards, exceeding $1 billion for the first time in 2019. As president, Peterson launched the Online Master of Science in Computer Science program, which has since become a global model for accessible education. 

He has remained involved with the Institute as president emeritus, a Regents’ Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, and a member of the steering committee for Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech. 

In his remarks, Peterson recounted his first time visiting Tech, the feeling he got when he was on campus, and his path to eventually becoming Tech’s next president, succeeding President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough, who was in attendance at the ceremony.  

Becoming a candidate for the job of president was “one of the most important decisions I’ve made in my professional career,” Peterson said. “This is a remarkable place with remarkable people doing remarkable things. Val and I are enormously honored to be recognized in this fashion.”  

As first lady, Val Peterson was a dedicated presence on campus and an ardent supporter of students and faculty. She served as the chief spokesperson for the Tech Ends Suicide Together initiative when it launched in 2016 and mentored students and campus organizations. Val Peterson holds two bachelor’s degrees and a teaching certificate from Kansas State University and a master’s degree from Texas A&M. She has been recognized as an honorary alumna by the Georgia Tech Alumni Association for her devotion to the greater good of the Institute. Nicknamed the “Queen Bee” of Georgia Tech, she found it “quite fitting” that the new hall bears the couple’s names, because they lived together in a dorm room at KSU when they were first married.  

“That’s where it all began. Those two towers, like us, together forever,” she said. “My hope for the students who live in Peterson Hall is that their experience parallels our paths, not only in school but in life.” 

Each space in the new residence hall is designed to encourage students to interact and develop shared experiences, a mindset that Kasey Helton, associate vice president of Campus Services, says was fostered during Peterson’s tenure.  

“We weren't trying to create 860 places to sleep. We were trying to create 860 opportunities to belong. That sense of belonging is exactly what Bud and Val spent a decade here building. They championed living-learning communities, expanded opportunities for students to develop global perspectives, strengthened support for student well-being, and helped make a Georgia Tech education accessible to all students. That same spirit is built into this hall,” Helton said.  

The opening of the Bud and Val Peterson Residence Hall brings the Institute’s capacity to more than 9,600 bed spaces across nearly 50 residence halls. Move-in for the fall semester begins Aug. 15, including the first group of students who will call Bud and Val Peterson Residence Hall home. 

Tech’s contribution, a 9.9% increase from its fiscal year 2023 output, represents 25% of the $23.1 billion in total impact created by the 25 USG institutions. The data, compiled by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, showcases Georgia Tech’s value to the state as well as the value of the degrees conferred by USG institutions. On average, 2024 Tech graduates can expect to earn over $1.4 million more than they would without a college degree.  

“We are proud to deliver an extraordinary return on the resources entrusted to us by the people of our state,” said Ángel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. “Every dollar invested in Georgia Tech fuels the development of our nation’s finest talent, research, and innovation, driving economic growth and strengthening communities across our state. This is the power of a public university that strives to grow its impact year after year.” 

Georgia Tech conferred 12,202 degrees in fiscal year 2024, with the graduating class expected to accumulate more than $44.5 billion throughout their careers. The Institute has maintained its position as The Princeton Review’s best public value college for three consecutive years, largely due to the return on investment it offers students.  

In total, the 73,006 USG graduates from the Class of 2024 are estimated to earn a combined total of $230 billion  — $73 billion more than they could expect to earn had they not finished college or graduate school.  

In addition to overall economic impact, Georgia Tech leads all USG institutions in job creation. For fiscal year 2024, Tech generated a total of 36,705 jobs, including 11,634 on campus and 25,071 jobs related to Institute spending.  

Read the full USG report. 

After an extensive two-year renovation, Brittain Dining Hall is reopening Monday, Aug. 17.  

The facility's exterior and main dining area retain the same Collegiate Gothic architecture that has been a campus staple since its original construction in 1928, but the kitchen, service areas, and systems have all been modernized.  

“We are proud to bring historic Brittain Dining Hall back to its renowned place at the heart of the Georgia Tech experience. While preserving what generations of Yellow Jackets have loved about Brittain, we have significantly upgraded the facility to serve today’s students, employees, alumni, and stakeholders with greater variety, more options for guests with allergen needs, and innovative culinary selections,” said Ryan Greene, executive director for Dining and Retail Services. 

In designing the new space, Tech Dining wanted to preserve the structure's historic character — which has drawn comparisons to Hogwarts and landed it on Southern Living magazine’s list of the South’s most stunning dining halls — while providing diners with a revamped experience, featuring seven full-service stations outfitted with new state-of-the-art kitchen equipment as well as beverage and dessert options.  

Those include: 

• Smoothie Lab — A smoothie and acai bowl station.  

• Green Bytes and Slices — An expanded salad bar (relocated from the dining room to the servery), a made-to-order deli, and soup.   

• Smart Slice — A pizza station. 

• GT Fire Bowl — A new Mongolian concept.  

• Ramblin’ Grill – A full grill station.  

• Plant-Power Hive — A vegetarian and vegan station.  

• A full beverage station –  A station featuring soda, water, coffee and other drinks.  

• Soft-serve ice cream and a Dole Whip machine.  

Walking through the servery — the service area between the kitchen and the main dining room —  diners will notice expanded walkways, increased natural light, and the restored original terrazzo flooring. That flooring was crafted by the Institute’s ceramics department, founded in 1924 by the building’s namesake, Georgia Tech President Marion L. Brittain. 

In the dining room, restoration work preserves the cathedral ceiling and stained-glass windows originally designed by Julian Hoke Harris, Arch 1928, a longtime architecture professor at Tech. The building’s HVAC systems have been updated, and the wrought-iron lights originally made by the mechanical engineering department have been retrofitted with LED lights.  

Behind the scenes, Brittain’s main kitchen has received a complete overhaul. New kitchen appliances, water heaters, and an entirely new dish room will reduce water and energy usage while making the operation safer and more streamlined for employees. A new walk-in freezer has been added to the kitchen, while the previous outdoor unit has been relocated to the West Village Dining Hall.  

Lighter Fare 

When exploring the new offerings at Brittain, diners will not find a fryer at any of the stations. Instead, items like French fries will be baked at the dining hall, offering a more health-conscious approach. The expanded space will allow for the introduction of new dishes, cuisines, and menu rotations to keep up with demand. 

“The renewed Brittain represents the continued evolution of Tech Dining. By combining healthier cooking methods, fresh and flavorful ingredients, innovative menu development, and strong culinary execution, we are creating a dining experience that meets the expectations of today’s students and reflects the excellence of Georgia Tech,” Greene said.  

Hours of Operation 

Brittain Dining Hall will be open Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. 

Brittain will not open for breakfast or on weekends, but North Avenue Dining Hall and West Village Dining Hall remain open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.  

Brittain’s Next Century 

Brittain has been a staple on campus for nearly a century. Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera cut the ribbon at a ceremony Wednesday, marking the beginning of the dining hall's next chapter. 

“At Georgia Tech, we build new things and we develop new technologies, but we are tied to our roots, to our values, to our history. We know where we come from, and this building is a symbol of that. And I know, in another 150 years, we will be able to say the same thing,” he said. "When I’m visiting with our alumni, I tell them when they go back to campus, a lot of things will look new, but a lot of things remain absolutely the same, and that’s what this place represents. Memories are made in this place.” 

Emergency Medical Services at Tech (EMSaT), the student organization recognized last year with a national EMS-Ready Campus designation, has expanded access to CPR and AED training through a partnership with Georgia Tech Environmental Health and Safety. 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. 

“CPR and AED use are some of the easiest ways for everyday people to make a real difference in the event of cardiac arrest,” said Esther Lee, a biomedical engineering major and outreach director for EMSaT. “If more people know what to do and feel comfortable stepping in, we can make the Georgia Tech community safer and better prepared.” 

During 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. 

The training initiative builds on EMSaT’s 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. 

The impact of that work can be seen in the experiences of Georgia Tech student EMTs, who balance rigorous academic schedules with jobs in hospitals and ambulance services. 

The group will continue offering training sessions this fall at the Campus Recreation Center. More information will be available soon at the EMSaT site. 

Sherman hadn’t 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 — who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2024 — earns her master’s degree in architecture, and Sherman graduates with his MBA.  

One factor that brought Shaina back to Tech for graduate school was the chance to share a campus with her father. Sherman knew he’d 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.  

“It was hard, but I always knew it was going to be worth it to share this moment of becoming a Double Jacket with Shaina,” Sherman said. “My heart is so full. I’m just so proud of her and everything she has accomplished, and to be able to share this spotlight with her — I couldn't have written that script any better.”  

Shaina calls her family’s emphasis on education a blessing and says their support and stories of the life lessons learned at Tech led her here.  

“I 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,” she said.  

Growing 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.  

Family Legacy 

Sherman was the first Lofton to enroll at Tech, but the family’s history with the Institute began when his father, Sherman Lofton Sr., applied for admission before the school’s desegregation in 1961.   

“I regret that my dad didn’t 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,” Sherman said. “I 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.” 

The death of her grandfathers is something that Shaina carried with her throughout her educational journey.  

“My 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,” she said.  

After Commencement, Shaina will begin working with HDR, an architecture firm in Midtown, where she’ll work on the design of hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. While her time as a student at Tech is ending, Shaina knows that she’ll share the same lifelong love for the Institute that her father has shared with her.  

“I grew up with my ‘aunts’ and ‘uncles’ 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' lives in the future. It’s amazing to know that this cycle that started with my parents will continue,” she said.  

The Loftons are happy to celebrate graduation season, but Shaina knows there is more excitement on the horizon.  

“Coming 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 — we always keep running,” she said. “And I can’t wait for the great things to come after this.” 

Green Forks was founded by Renee Alnoubani, CE 2025, who is currently pursuing a master's 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. 

The 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. 

Director of Dining Services Danielle Ismirle Dunigan said, “The 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.” 

In just two years, Green Forks has made a significant impact across campus. The program has supported 526 events and provided an estimated 4,750 meals to students. These numbers represent thousands of opportunities for students experiencing food insecurity to access nutritious food that otherwise may have been discarded.  

Student Life Program Director Steve Fazenbaker added, "The 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.”  

Beyond the numbers, students say the program has provided both practical support and a sense of community. One student said that Green Forks helped them "worry less about paying for food and living costs," while another described the program as a reminder of the generosity and care that exists across the Georgia Tech community. 

Steve Place, campus sustainability project manager for the Office of Sustainability, said, "Green 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." 

Green Forks also advances Georgia Tech's 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. 

The program's 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. 

Faculty 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. 

For 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 Green Forks webpage  

The team’s 655-kilogram vehicle, dubbed SR-4 Aurora and powered by a 14-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, 1.2-kilowatt solar array, and custom in-hub radial flux motors, propelled the team to first place in the Grand Prix’s multi-occupant category. Held at the Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota, the Formula Sun Grand Prix tested each vehicle’s handling, endurance, and efficiency. For laps completed, optimization, and efficiency, Tech won with a score of 95.8 (out of 100) and was the only team to place four people in its vehicle throughout the event.   

The FSGP served as a qualifier for the premier collegiate solar car event in North America, the American Solar Challenge. The biannual event, which began on July 25, featured teams traveling more than 1,600 miles along the Great River Road and Route 66 from Minneapolis to Amarillo, Texas, over eight days. Tech was one of three multi-occupant teams to complete the challenge, and, once again, the only team to do so with four riders — setting an all-time ASC record for the highest average occupancy. 

After placing third in the FSGP last year, the team returned to Georgia Tech’s Student Competition Center to begin fine-tuning the SR-4. Weekly testing pushed the car to its limits. Outgoing team president Sam Woolsey recalled that many testing days ended with car components failing. The team addressed mechanical and electrical speed bumps along the way, including an issue that forced them to ship their motors back to their supplier early in the summer. They got the motors back just four days before the competition. 

“We went into this competition without any expectations because our car had broken so much in front of us. But every time that car broke down was an issue we learned about and now knew how to fix it. It was satisfying to come to the competition after all those testing days ended in sadness, because we were prepared for almost anything that our car could throw at us. And on site, we had one of the most reliable cars at that competition,” Woolsey said.  

While the next American Solar Challenge is in 2028, the victories and records at this year’s event only serve to motivate the team to work harder to improve ahead of next year’s Formula Sun Grand Prix. The team intends to launch a new car and compete in the single-occupant category 

“The work has already started,” Woolsey said.  

The team’s success didn’t occur overnight. Woolsey credits the hundreds of students who have contributed to the vehicle, dating back to its design phase in 2020. Georgia Tech Solar Racing currently has more than 150 active members, which they expect to grow. The team is primarily made up of mechanical and electrical engineering majors, but all students are encouraged to join.  

“We're proud to be one of the teams in the Student Competition Center that is pushing forward what extracurriculars can do for your education,” Woolsey said. “There are few other places on campus where you can learn the kind of technical communication, the group work dynamics, and the real-world problem-solving opportunities that you get here. It’s the epitome of what a Georgia Tech education is about.” 

The 2026 Fall Biannual Compliance Training will help Georgia Tech employees understand and uphold the University System of Georgia (USG) and the Institute’s policies and compliance obligations. All faculty, staff, and students who are active employees as of Aug. 21 will be required to complete the training by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, Sept. 21.  

“As regulatory environments continue to evolve, Institute-wide learning and development are essential to helping employees understand their responsibilities and respond consistently to compliance obligations,” said Joshua B. Toas, chief ethics and compliance officer. “The 2026 Fall Biannual Compliance Training will help employees recognize common security risks, apply policy requirements in daily work, protect institutional resources, and know where to turn for guidance when questions arise. The active participation of our employees demonstrates a shared commitment to ethics, compliance, and accountability across the Institute.” 

As with previous campaigns, the training also includes learning modules designed to help employees protect themselves and the Institute from cyberattacks. 

“Every member of the Georgia Tech community plays a role in protecting the Institute’s systems and data,” added Leo Howell, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer. “As cyberthreats continue to evolve, including increasingly sophisticated social engineering and AI-enabled attacks, security awareness is more important than ever. These training modules help equip employees with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and recognize cyberthreats when they come across them.” 

The training will be available at b.gatech.edu/genius beginning Aug. 31 and will take approximately 120 minutes. 

The Three-Part 2026 Fall Biannual Compliance Training Includes: 

Part 1:  

• University System of Georgia Ethics Refresher. 

• Ethics in Action at Georgia Tech (includes Conflict of Interest attestation). 

• Identifying and Responding to Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct. 

• Controlled Unclassified Information Overview. 

• Responsible Conduct of Research Overview. 

• Sensitive Data Overview. 

Part 2: 2026 KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training 

Part 3: A Deepfake Social Engineering Attack 

The training modules can be completed on a desktop or laptop and do not need to be finished at one time. Employees who do not complete the training by the deadline may face disciplinary action by the Institute.   

Learn more about the 2026 Fall Biannual Compliance Training.

As associate director of Utilities Management within Infrastructure and Operations, Clonts and his team work around the clock to ensure that students, faculty, staff, and researchers have reliable access to electricity, heating, cooling, and water. While much of that work happens out of sight, it plays a critical role in supporting every aspect of campus life. 

"In the utilities business, no news is usually good news," said Clonts. "Most people don't think about heating, cooling, electricity, or water until something stops working." 

Keeping Campus Running 

Clonts oversees the utility infrastructure that helps keep Georgia Tech operating every day. His responsibilities include managing the Institute's district energy systems, which generate heating and cooling for buildings across campus, as well as overseeing relationships with utility providers and vendors. 

His team also tracks energy consumption, benchmarks building performance, identifies conservation opportunities, and supports both Georgia Tech's Climate Action Plan and long-term utility planning efforts. 

While many assume that universities simply purchase utilities from outside providers, Clonts says Georgia Tech's operation is much more complex. 

Tech operates two central district energy plants that generate heating and cooling for a large portion of campus. Beneath the sidewalks, roads, and green spaces lies an extensive network of underground pipes that distribute chilled water for cooling and steam for heating to campus buildings. 

"It's infrastructure that works every day to keep campus comfortable and operational," Clonts said. 

No Such Thing as a Typical Day 

Because Georgia Tech operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there is no ordinary day in utilities management. 

Clonts usually begins each morning by reviewing the status of utility systems and district energy plants to ensure they are meeting campus demands. Any equipment issues, outages, or operational concerns immediately become top priorities. 

Once critical operations are addressed, his work shifts toward long-term improvements. 

"Whether we're responding to an emergency, making campus more resilient, identifying ways to operate more efficiently, advancing sustainability goals, or planning infrastructure that will support Georgia Tech for the next decade, there's always something new to tackle," he said. 

Supporting Every Corner of Campus 

From residence halls and classrooms to research laboratories, athletic facilities, and offices, reliable utility systems make teaching, learning, research, and campus experiences possible. 

Managing those services comes with unique challenges. 

One of the largest is the diversity of campus facilities, where each building, lab, or athletic facility comes with different operational needs. The age of campus infrastructure adds another layer of complexity, with some buildings featuring modern, energy-efficient systems while others have served the Institute for decades. 

The need to maintain uninterrupted service for critical operations makes planning and maintenance even more important. 

Advancing Sustainability Through Energy 

Many of Georgia Tech's sustainability goals are directly connected to the work of utilities management. 

"Our greenhouse gas inventory is heavily influenced by two key areas: the natural gas we use for heating and the electricity we purchase to power campus operations," Clonts said. 

One initiative he is especially excited about is the electrification of heating systems and transportation. 

The Institute is working to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by transitioning building heating systems to technologies such as heat-recovery chillers and expanding the use of electric vehicles across campus. Infrastructure and Operations also regularly invests in energy efficiency improvements, including lighting upgrades and HVAC system optimization. 

"This transition supports Georgia Tech's Climate Action goals, improves efficiency, and helps reduce local air pollutants," Clonts said. 

Technology is also changing the way utility systems are managed. Smart meters and advanced metering infrastructure now provide real-time utility data, allowing Clonts' team to monitor building performance more closely, identify unusual usage patterns, and make better-informed decisions. 

"We're also seeing significant innovation in heat pump and heat recovery chiller technologies," he said. "These systems can simultaneously provide heating and cooling while recovering energy that would otherwise be wasted." 

Letting Data Drive Decisions 

Data and analytics have become essential tools for Utilities Management. 

By analyzing utility consumption and building performance, the team can identify trends, prioritize projects, and maximize the impact of investments. "Instead of relying on assumptions, we use real data to help prioritize projects and investments that will have the greatest impact," Clonts said. 

Smart meters, building automation systems, and automated alerts also allow the team to quickly detect equipment issues and respond before they become larger problems. 

The Importance of Water Conservation 

While energy often dominates sustainability conversations, Clonts believes water conservation deserves more attention. 

Atlanta's history of drought challenges and the city's relatively high water and sewer costs make conservation efforts both environmentally and financially important. Residence halls are among the largest water users on campus outside of district energy plants, creating a significant opportunity for students to help make a difference. 

Simple actions, such as taking shorter showers, reporting leaks, and being mindful of daily water use, can have a meaningful impact when multiplied across thousands of students. 

"Water conservation is a sustainability effort where small individual actions can add up quickly," Clonts said. 

A Living Campus 

For students interested in careers related to infrastructure, energy, engineering, or sustainability, Clonts encourages curiosity and hands-on learning. "Georgia Tech is a mini city," he said. "Every day you're surrounded by a diverse range of buildings, transportation networks, and utility infrastructure." 

He believes that understanding how campus infrastructure works helps people recognize how much goes on behind the scenes and how individual actions contribute to a more sustainable campus. Ultimately, that behind-the-scenes work is what motivates him and his team every day. 

"What many people don't see is all the planning, monitoring, maintenance, and coordination that happens every day to keep problems from occurring in the first place," Clonts said. "When everything is working as it should, people can focus on teaching, learning, research, and campus life." 

The 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 “help families find schools that deliver strong value,” the publication evaluated more than 700 four-year colleges on 25 metrics, including graduation rates, costs, financial aid, student debt, and alumni salaries. 

In its breakdown, Money declares, “Georgia Tech gets results.” 

Cementing its status as a national leader in outcomes and value for all students remains a top priority in the Institute’s strategic plan. 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.   

Tech recently completed its most successful fundraising year in history, including millions of dollars for need-based scholarships, advancing opportunities for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds.  

The recognition from Money is 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 Forbes’ list of New Ivies, receiving the highest C-suite rating of any university. 

Georgia Tech’s 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’s pioneering in-vessel composting program, which is helping Georgia Tech reduce waste, lower emissions, and create a more sustainable campus.  

The award is presented by APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities, an international association that serves more than 1,300 educational institutions and facilities professionals. APPA’s 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. 

Turning Food Waste Into a Campus Resource 

Georgia Tech’s award-winning in-vessel composting program exemplifies how innovative infrastructure can support ambitious sustainability goals. 

The 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.  

Unlike 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. 

“Georgia 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,” said Abby Bower, program and portfolio manager in the Office of Sustainability. “The in-vessel composter has added an exciting new layer to our composting services. It’s been fun to see our students embrace the technology and share their ideas for how to improve campus operations.” 

By 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’s broader sustainability and circular economy objectives by keeping resources in use and reducing environmental impacts. 

Why Georgia Tech Stood Out 

According 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. 

Georgia Tech’s in-vessel composting initiative stood out because it: 

• Demonstrates an innovative approach to campus waste management. 

• Diverts food waste from landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Creates a closed-loop system that turns waste into a useful resource. 

• Provides educational opportunities for students and the campus community. 

• Offers a scalable model that can be replicated by other colleges and universities. 

The program reflects the collaborative work of the Office of Sustainability and campus partners to create practical, measurable solutions that advance Georgia Tech’s sustainability commitments. 

A Model for the Future 

Receiving the APPA Sustainability Innovation Award highlights Georgia Tech’s 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’s in-vessel composting program demonstrates how thoughtful investments in infrastructure can deliver lasting benefits for both the campus community and the environment.

On 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’s energy use by 30% and save over $150 per year per freezer. (That figure is derived from https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/8-ways-to-save-energy-in-the-lab/ and Georgia Power billing documents.) 

Before 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.  

Shweta 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. “Now that we have a resource on campus, it’s extremely helpful in that initial stage,” she said. “It helps you see how to approach everything, get support, and make it feel possible.” 

Biliya hopes more laboratories across campus will participate in Sustainable Labs Certification, helping to create a shared culture of sustainable research at Georgia Tech. “It might feel like one lab doesn’t make a difference, but when every lab contributes in small ways, it really adds up,” she said. 

A Sustainable Lab Certification information and celebration session will take place in September. To learn more about the program, visit the Sustainable Labs page at https://sustain.gatech.edu/sustainable-labs/.  

That’s the question that stood between Georgia Tech alumnus Austin Huguenard and the $100,000 grand prize on Fox’s The 1% Club.  

“You have no idea how relieved I was” at the question, the computer science graduate said. 

Huguenard was one of two players remaining from a field of 100 contestants. Questions challenge players’ 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. 

Players 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.  

Not a “traditional trivia buff,” Huguenard’s 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.  

“The 1% question was especially aligned with the way Georgia Tech helps teach you to think and to approach these difficult problems,” he said. “With 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." 

The pressure of being on the show paled in comparison to the nerve-racking nature of keeping his victory a secret.  

“It’s something I wanted to scream from the mountaintops and celebrate with everyone, and that was probably the most difficult part of the entire experience,” he said. Huguenard got that chance when the episode aired in mid-July as he hosted a watch party for his family and friends.  

He 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’ll 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’t expect to see him on the Ultimate Baking Championship any time soon. 

While adoption varies across healthcare systems, Georgia Tech researchers say AI is becoming increasingly integrated into medicine. At the same time, questions about privacy, trust, equity, and human oversight remain central to how the technology will be used in the years ahead. 

“Medicine has clearly embraced the human-AI fusion approach,” said Jon Duke, director of the Center for Health Analytics & Informatics at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. “The use of AI is encouraged, but reliance on AI is not.” 

From Clinical Workflows to Decision Support 

Many of healthcare's earliest AI applications focused on reducing administrative burdens. Today, researchers say the technology is increasingly helping clinicians access and interpret information. 

Duke points to the growing use of clinical AI tools such as OpenEvidence, which provide healthcare professionals with AI-generated, source-backed answers to medical questions. 

“AI is moving beyond administrative tasks and beginning to play a meaningful role in clinical decision support,” Duke said. 

Within 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. 

Still, he believes human oversight will remain essential. 

“One of the biggest long-term questions is whether physicians trained alongside AI will develop the same level of independent clinical judgment as previous generations,” he said. 

Expanding Access Beyond the Doctor's Office 

Researchers also see AI creating new opportunities outside hospitals and clinics. 

Munmun De Choudhury, professor in the School of Interactive Computing, said AI is helping public health systems identify emerging mental health concerns by analyzing digital and clinical data. 

“AI 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,” De Choudhury said. 

Those insights may create opportunities for earlier intervention. 

“AI has the potential to identify subtle behavioral changes that precede worsening mental health, creating opportunities for earlier support before someone reaches a crisis,” she said. 

Alexander Adams, 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. 

“The biggest changes I am seeing are the increased productivity in pharmaceuticals, medical imaging, simulation, and biomarker discovery,” Adams said. “That has a downstream impact on what we can measure at the point of care.” 

According to Adams, smartphones and wearable devices have become increasingly important healthcare tools because of the amount of data they collect. 

“No stand-alone medical devices generate nearly as much data as smartphones and smartwatches, making them a natural place for modern AI,” he said. 

He also sees significant potential for AI-enabled technologies to improve access in rural and underserved communities. 

“These technologies are especially important for underserved and rural populations that often have less access to care and face higher risks of complications,” Adams said. 

Balancing Innovation and Human Connection 

Despite growing interest in AI, researchers caution that adoption is not without challenges. 

“The real opportunity lies not in building more autonomous AI, but in designing systems that strengthen human judgment, clinical expertise, and community care,” De Choudhury said. 

Although AI has advanced rapidly, its impact on chronic disease management has remained limited, said Rosa Arriaga, professor in the School of Interactive Computing. 

“AI holds a lot of promise but hasn't delivered much in the way of real-world applications,” Arriaga said. 

She also raised concerns about how increased reliance on data-driven tools could affect interactions between clinicians and patients. 

“The fear is that clinicians become ‘data checkers’ and have even less interaction with patients,” she said. 

At the same time, Arriaga said AI is having its greatest impact in the mental wellness space. 

“There are now randomized controlled trials showing that some people are willing to receive ‘therapy’ from an AI agent and that this intervention is beneficial,” she said. 

However, she cautioned that those developments should be considered alongside potential risks. 

“Greater interactions with AI may lead to greater isolation, and parasocial relationships with AI may erode the social fabric,” Arriaga said. 

Shaping the Next Era of Healthcare 

Despite differing views on the opportunities and challenges, the researchers see AI becoming a lasting part of healthcare. 

“AI is accelerating everything,” Adams said. “Even through rapid iteration and simulation alone, it will accelerate medical devices and point-of-care technologies.” 

As 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. 

As part of the Unified ERP implementation, and at the direction of the Office of Strategic Implementation within the University System of Georgia (USG), Georgia Tech and the USG are pausing new integrations and system changes involving Workday Finance, OneUSG Connect, and other systems that integrate with these platforms. 

This pause is necessary to allow the shared ERP solution to be designed, tested, implemented, and stabilized for the July 2028 Unified ERP go-live date. Similar restrictions are in place across all USG institutions and are effective immediately.   

What This Means 

Until the Unified ERP goes live in July 2028, Georgia Tech will significantly limit changes to the systems supporting finance and human resources processes. 

During this period: 

• New integrations and major system enhancements will generally not be approved. 

• System and process changes will be limited to:  

1. Compliance or regulatory requirements. 
2. Critical defect resolution. 

• Requests for new integrations or system adjustments must be reviewed and approved by Georgia Tech's business and technical leadership. Supporting documentation will be required in most cases to inform decisions. 

Additional Considerations 

Georgia Tech has committed significant functional and technical resources to the Unified ERP project. As a result, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) will have limited capacity to support other administrative technology initiatives, including those that involve: 

• ServiceNow implementations. 

• Single Sign-On integrations. 

• Enterprise Data Warehouse requests. 

Units considering local solutions that interact with OIT-managed systems are strongly encouraged to engage OIT early in the planning process. Requests for OIT support may require leadership approval. 

How We Will Move Forward 

Georgia Tech’s Administration and Finance (A&F) teams remain committed to delivering service excellence – particularly around academic and research foundational priorities. Given these system constraints, A&F will work with campus partners to identify alternative ways to achieve business objectives, including: 

What to Expect: 

• The closure is scheduled to remain in place through Aug. 7; weather may affect the completion date. 

• Detour routes and signage will be clearly marked. 

• Police-assisted traffic control will help maintain the safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles in the area.  

This 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. 

See the attached logistics and detour map for further details. Thank you for your patience as we make improvements to our campus residence halls. 

Aiden 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&T Stadium (temporarily renamed Dallas Stadium).  

After meticulously painting the end lines and stringing the goals, Holland tests the playing surface's 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.  

Dallas hosts its ninth and final match on Tuesday, July 14, and Holland has been in attendance for each one. But when Argentina’s Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history, or when Mikel Merino’s extra-time goal gave Spain a dramatic win over Portugal, he was watching the grass under their feet.  

“To see your work play out in front of you on a global stage is exciting,” he said. “As 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.”  

Holland 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. 

A 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 América tournament in Dallas.  

Holland’s interest in soccer took him around the world in 2025 in a study abroad program with Regents' Entrepreneur and Full Professor Kirk Bowman, examining the sport’s 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’s professional league, Liga Profesional de Fútbol.  

Through 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.  

“It's instilling a work ethic that asks you to strive toward perfection,” he said. It takes a lot of work to make sure everything's perfected at all times, and that’s somethingI’ll 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.” 

At the conclusion of the World Cup, Holland will prepare for a new academic year and return to helping maintain the Institute’s athletic facilities — primarily Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium and Shirley Clements Mewborn Field. 

“David has been an important contributor to Georgia Tech’s academic AI strategy from the beginning,” said Raheem Beyah, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “With 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.”  

Joyner’s 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’s impact and leadership through responsible AI innovation and engagement.  

As 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. 

Joyner 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.  

Joyner 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. 

“I am thrilled to take on this role at such a pivotal time for AI and education,” said Joyner. “Georgia Tech’s faculty, staff, and students are already making incredible strides in this area, and I can’t wait to highlight and empower what they’re doing while helping us all articulate how we both use and address AI responsibly, in every sense of the word.” 

Faculty 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. 

Stone Mountain Fantastic Fourth Celebration 

When: July 1 – 6, 9:30 p.m.  

Where: Stone Mountain Park 

The 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. 

More information  

Welcome to Atlanta Party 

When: Friday, July 3, 6:30 p.m. 
Where: Margaret Mitchell House  

Hosted by the Atlanta History Center, this event showcases Atlanta's role in the American story, and “where we think the city should go for the next 250 years.” The event will feature music, community resources from across the city, books, and trivia with prizes.  

More information 

Skate Jam 

When: Friday, July 3, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. 

Where: Washington Park/Westside Beltline 

Bring 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. 

More information  

Braves vs. Mets 

When: July 3 – 6  
Where: Truist Park  

The Atlanta Braves host the division rival New York Mets for a weekend series. In addition to postgame fireworks, Friday night’s 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.   

More information 

Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race 

When: Saturday, July 4, 6 a.m. 
Where: Starting Line – Lenox Square Mall. Finish Line – Piedmont Park.  

Before the world’s largest 10K gets underway on Saturday, July 4, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels will put on a special performance 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.  

More information 

Frog Feeding 

When: July 4, 10 a.m. 
Where: Atlanta Botanical Garden 

Kick off the holiday with an amphibian specialist at the Fuqua Conservatory lobby to observe the frogs’ feeding habits and learn fun facts about different species at the botanical garden — poison frogs, fringed leaf frogs, and more.  

More information 

Fourth of July Family Day 

When: Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
Where: Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum 

Celebrate America's 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, Obstinate Daughters: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution. 

More information 

Progress at a Glance 

The formal Functional Design Sessions 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. 

In addition, the Institutional Design Review (IDR) Sessions 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) — the first of several working test environments — also known as “Tenants” in the new Workday system.  

P1 will serve as an initial, baseline configuration in the new Unified ERP system, using copies of institutions’ 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.   

Questions about the Unified ERP Program can be submitted to erp@gatech.edu.   

Workday Resources and Engagement Opportunities 

“I’ve been in teaching and learning spaces for a long time, and I’ve always been curious about what makes something click for someone. That’s the part of the work I love most,” Bisanti said. 

Bisanti is an instructional designer in the College of Lifetime Learning, where she helps shape the design and presentation of online courses. Her role involves taking academic material — slides, scripts, and outlines — 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. 

From 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. 

“When I’m working on a course, I’m constantly asking how I can break something down and build it back up in a way that makes sense for the learner,” Bisanti said. “It’s a lot of structuring and layering, making sure each piece connects and supports the next.” 

Much of this work connects to Georgia Tech’s Online Master of Science in Computer Science, which serves learners balancing coursework with full-time careers. 

Before coming to Georgia Tech, Bisanti worked across teaching and learning roles, including positions in public libraries, K-12 classrooms, and curriculum-focused environments — experience that continues to shape how she approaches instructional design today. 

Outside 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. 

“Art is something I have to do,” she said. “It’s not about producing something. It’s about the process and what it gives me, and how it balances the more structured side of my work.” 

Bisanti’s connection to the arts at Georgia Tech became more visible when she led a mixed media collage workshop during Tech Arts Fest. The session invited students to experiment and create —many for the first time — using layered paper, paint, and texture, reinforcing her belief that creativity has an important place in learning environments. 

“I had one student who was there just for a short time, but when he was leaving, he said, ‘I was having a really bad day, and I’m glad this workshop was here for me.’ That made my day. That’s why I do art.” 

Through that work, she also discovered Georgia Tech’s 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. 

“I didn’t expect to find such a strong arts community here, and that surprised me, in a good way,” Bisanti said. “There’s a lot more happening in the arts than people realize, and it’s becoming a real part of how students experience learning here.” 

That experience revealed a side of Georgia Tech aligned with the Institute’s broader commitment to innovation and exploration, including the launch of a new undergraduate program in Arts, Entertainment, and Creative Technologies this fall. 

“I think people don’t always expect the arts to be part of the experience here, but they are,” Bisanti said. “The more you look, the more you see how much creativity is built into how people learn and work across campus.” 

The 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. 

“The more I learn, the more intentional my work becomes, whether I’m designing a course or making art,” she said. 

In connecting her work, her art, and her sense of belonging on campus, Bisanti embodies the idea that learning is never static. 

Georgia Tech Environmental Health and Safety (EH&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‑centered approaches to risk management. 

As part of the pilot program, Georgia Tech graduate students Megan Yutthasaksunthorn, Calib Lanier, and Youngsu Shin recently took a behind‑the‑scenes 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.  

A Program Rooted in Industry Best Practices 

The Lab and Workplace Safety Certificate Program was developed in collaboration with ExxonMobil’s laboratory safety program in Houston, Texas, bringing industry‑tested 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. 

The 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. 

The goal of the program is twofold: to develop safer laboratory practices and to equip participants with the skills to train and influence others in lab settings. Rather than focusing solely on compliance, the program emphasizes leadership, communication, and systems thinking — key elements of a sustainable safety culture. 

Hands‑On Learning Beyond the Campus Lab 

The Georgia Aquarium visit was part of the program’s 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‑risk activities, and complex systems intersect. 

The visit was facilitated by EH&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‑depth discussion on human factors and safety, an approach that asks a critical question: How do we design systems so mistakes don’t lead to injury?  

This perspective resonated with students and reinforced one of the program’s central themes: Effective safety programs anticipate human error and build layers of protection through planning, communication, and shared responsibility. 

Building Leadership and Safety Culture 

Throughout the certificate program, participants engage in activities that strengthen both technical understanding and leadership capability. Hands-on components include: 

• Delivering safety talks. 

• Learning about safety culture in both academic and private industry settings. 

• Conducting peer lab inspections. 

• Engaging in dialogue around real-world safety challenges. 

By examining safety culture across different environments, students gain a broader understanding of how values, behaviors, and systems come together to support safe work practices. 

EH&S Leadership and Support 

EH&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&S laboratory and chemical safety specialist, whose leadership and coordination helped bring the program and field experience to fruition. “It’s an honor to help lead this program and bring industry-informed practices, including those shaped through ExxonMobil’s safety framework, into an academic setting,” she said. “Our 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.” 

Through programs like this, EH&S continues its mission of fostering a culture where safety is proactive, collaborative, and embedded in everything we do.  

For additional information about the certificate program, contact Laboratory and Chemical Safety Specialist Rebecca Graham.

The Aspen Institute’s Board of Trustees voted today to appoint Cabrera to the role, recognizing a career dedicated to education, innovation, leadership, and service. 

Since becoming Georgia Tech’s 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’s 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. 

“Georgia Tech transformed my life, first as a student and later as president," Cabrera said. “Leading 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’s best days are still ahead.”

Working alongside more than 5,700 faculty and staff, Cabrera led the creation of Progress and Service for All, Georgia Tech’s strategic plan for expanding opportunity, advancing discovery, and increasing the Institute’s impact in Georgia and around the world. 

During 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’s 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. 

Throughout 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's best investments in higher education and among the strongest returns on investment in the country. 

“President Cabrera’s true impact on Georgia Tech goes well beyond the numbers,” said Sonny Perdue, chancellor of the University System of Georgia. “Since rejoining his alma mater, he’s brought energy, warmth, and engagement to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the entire Tech community. He’s been a constant, visible force, listening to stakeholders at every level, cheering on their success, and solidifying Georgia Tech’s 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. 

“The scale of what Ángel achieved is clear,” Chancellor Perdue continued. “Under 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’s annual economic impact on Georgia grew to $5.8 billion — a quarter of the entire university system’s total output. The university’s federal research expenditures climbed to more than $1.2 billion, ranking it second in the nation. The Tech community likes to say, ‘We can do that,’ and Ángel 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.” 

Georgia Tech celebrates Cabrera’s 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’s next leadership chapter at a later date.  

“I’m excited for people from all over the world to experience how much Atlanta has embraced soccer,” said Alex Duncan, senior director of the Online Master of Science in Computer Science program. 

Duncan, 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’s game come closer to home with the addition of Atlanta United, U.S. Soccer’s training headquarters, and the upcoming launch of a women’s professional team in the city. 

“Even if you don’t go to any games, the atmosphere and energy are palpable during the tournament, and it’s one of those rare events that unites people all over the world,” he said. “To have all of this happening effectively in my backyard is a dream come true.” 

For 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. 

Sindhu 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. 

“The 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 — what can be more thrilling and adventurous?” she said. 

Irene 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. 

“What 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,” she said. “2014-me would be so excited to know that 12 years later, the city I’d be living in during the summer would actually be hosting the World Cup.” 

Whether you’re 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 Club and Country Colors Day on June 10, and Georgia Tech and Georgia State University are teaming up for a watch party at Georgia State’s Convocation Center on July 1 – register for a free ticket.

See more campus events at gatech.edu/world-cup-2026. 

During the four-year cycle, more than 250 undergraduate and graduate students from six of Georgia Tech’s 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. 

While meeting all design targets, Tech’s car delivered the competition’s most impressive acceleration, and the team was the only group to successfully demonstrate automatic parking. 

Teams 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’s resilience.  

“They really are the best of Georgia Tech. There were hurdles along the way where they faced major setbacks, including catastrophic equipment failures that could’ve discouraged them, but they were relentless in their pursuit of perfection,” Antoniou, a professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, said.  

Project 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. 

“It was surreal,” he said. “A 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 ‘helluva’ achievement.”  

In addition to the first-place overall finish, the team also earned victories in 11 of the competition’s engineering awards and two communications awards.  

Technical Presentations 

First Place System Design and Integration Presentation 
First Place Connected and Automated Vehicle Systems Presentation 

Vehicle Events 

First Place Connected Driving Evaluation – Sponsored by dSPACE 
First Place Energy Consumption 
First Place Consumer Acceptability 
Stay in Your Lane 
First Place Vehicle Drivability Evaluation 
First Place CARB CAV Energy Consumption 
First Place Vehicle Technical Specifications: Georgia Tech; Ohio State University and Wilberforce University 
First Place Combined Longitudinal Acceleration 
First Place Thermal Control Excellence - Sponsored by TCCI: Georgia Tech and the University of Alabama  

Communications 

First Place Communications Program: Georgia Tech and McMaster University 
First Place Impact Video 

A New Cycle Begins

With 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’s next competition cycle, 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.  

“The new team will have big shoes to fill,” Antoniou said. We are lucky to have the chance to work with the students at Georgia Tech, and they have a tremendous opportunity to ‘learn by doing’ and connect with industry partners in the process. I encourage anyone interested to apply because EcoCAR can open so many doors, and it’s a joy for us to watch these students become the leaders they are meant to be.” 

In 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’s Vertically Integrated Projects program, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while earning academic credit. 

For application information, visit the EcoCAR VIP’s website. 

Seventy-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’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or STEM education.  

The 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 “who have demonstrated potential for significant achievements in research.” 

Alumni: 

• Sophia Nicolette Anderson – Materials Science and Engineering 

• Aleksandar Blaine Boskovic – Biomedical Engineering 

• Sasha Bronovitskiy – Bioengineering  

• Joshua Brown – Chemical Engineering  

• Mariah Castillo – Chemical Catalysis  

• Brandon Choi – Physics and Astronomy - Artificial Intelligence 

• Lincoln Crowe – Materials Science and Engineering 

• Saachi Gautam Dalvi – Chemical Engineering 

• Ethan Damiani – Mechanical Engineering  

• Mehul Dhoot – Materials Science and Engineering 

• Keyes Matthews Eames – Materials Research - Photonic Materials 

• Hebah Faddl Fadah – Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering 

• Matthew Fernandez – Mechanical Engineering  

Sherman hadn’t 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 — who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2024 — earns her master’s degree in architecture, and Sherman graduates with his MBA.  

One factor that brought Shaina back to Tech for graduate school was the chance to share a campus with her father. Sherman knew he’d 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.  

“It was hard, but I always knew it was going to be worth it to share this moment of becoming a Double Jacket with Shaina,” Sherman said. “My heart is so full. I’m just so proud of her and everything she has accomplished, and to be able to share this spotlight with her — I couldn't have written that script any better.”  

Shaina calls her family’s emphasis on education a blessing and says their support and stories of the life lessons learned at Tech led her here.  

“I 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,” she said.  

Growing 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.  

Family Legacy 

Sherman was the first Lofton to enroll at Tech, but the family’s history with the Institute began when his father, Sherman Lofton Sr., applied for admission before the school’s desegregation in 1961.   

“I regret that my dad didn’t 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,” Sherman said. “I 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.” 

The death of her grandfathers is something that Shaina carried with her throughout her educational journey.  

“My 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,” she said.  

After Commencement, Shaina will begin working with HDR, an architecture firm in Midtown, where she’ll work on the design of hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. While her time as a student at Tech is ending, Shaina knows that she’ll share the same lifelong love for the Institute that her father has shared with her.  

“I grew up with my ‘aunts’ and ‘uncles’ 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' lives in the future. It’s amazing to know that this cycle that started with my parents will continue,” she said.  

The Loftons are happy to celebrate graduation season, but Shaina knows there is more excitement on the horizon.  

“Coming 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 — we always keep running,” she said. “And I can’t wait for the great things to come after this.” 

When: Saturday, May 23, 5:30 – 9 p.m.  
Where: Zoo Atlanta  

Zoo Atlanta’s 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’s conservation efforts.  

More information.   

Atlanta Jazz Festival 

When: May 23 – 25 

Where: Piedmont Park 

The 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. 

More information.  

Yoga in the Park  

When: Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

Where: Cabbagetown Park  

If you’re 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’t make it to this class, it’s hosted on a variety of dates during the summer. 

More information. 

Memorial Day Skate Night 

When: Monday, May 25, 6 – 9 p.m. 

Where: Cascade Skating 

Roll through Memorial Day with a skate night. Whether you have never put on roller skates before or if this is your thousandth time, it’s an exciting event for all. Bring your own skates or rent a pair for $5.  

More information. 

Space Puzzle Night 

When: Monday, May 25, 6 – 9 p.m. 

Where: Monday Night Brewing - The Grove 

The 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. 

More information.  

Let Freedom Ring 

When: May 25, 7:30 p.m. 

Where: Brooke Street Park  

The 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.   

More information.   

Go Swimming 

When: Hours vary 

Where: City of Atlanta Public Pools  

Looking for a chance to cool off? Atlanta’s 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. Admission is typically around $5 but the fee varies by pool. 

More information. 

See the Sights 

Whether 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. 

• Georgia Aquarium 

• World of Coca-Cola 

• Zoo Atlanta 

• College Football Hall of Fame 

• High Museum of Art 

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park 

• Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum   

• Atlanta Botanical Garden 

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History 

From 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. 

ADA parking will be available for graduation attendees on Fowler Street and W23 North Deck at 939 State St. NW.  

All other guest parking for the graduation ceremonies is available at the following campus locations:    

• ER66 Family Housing 

• W23 North Deck 

• W22 Dalney Deck 

• E40 Klaus Deck 

• E52 Peters Parking Deck 

• Area 3/4  

For a map of parking locations, click here. Attendees must have a ticket to enter each graduation ceremony, and guests must adhere to McCamish Pavilion’s clear bag policy and are subject to venue policies regarding permitted and prohibited items. For additional information and a full schedule of events, click here.     

For an active season, four key ingredients typically exist:  

1. Moisture 
2. A mechanism to lift air upward 
3. Instability
4. Wind Shear 

Despite drought conditions 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.  

According to Handlos, what was missing this season was a consistent lifting mechanism.    

"We've 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've been nothing to lift that air into creating those storms," he said.  

May is National Bike Month, and spring weather makes it an ideal time to explore cycling options on and around campus.  

Georgia Tech is a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly University, and the Institute offers a wide range of amenities for those who want to ride. 

For Tech employees, switching to a bike or another alternative mode of transportation can also pay off. Cash incentives are available through Georgia Commute Options. 

But whether you’re a student or an employee, if you’re new to biking on campus, you’re joining a well-established community of bike enthusiasts. 

If You’re New to Cycling on Campus 

• Georgia 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. 

• All campus cyclists are encouraged to register their bikes 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. 

• Parking and Transportation Services offers a virtual bike and scooter safety class that covers bike care tips and rules of the road. Participants who complete the class receive a free helmet. 

Happening This Month 

• Love to Ride Bike Month Challenge: Log your rides and compete for prizes from May 1 – 31. 

• National Bike to Work Week runs May 11 – 17, with Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 15. 

• The Atlanta Cycling Festival features events and rides across the city, May 9 – 16. 

• Atlanta Streets Alive returns May 31, closing a stretch of Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard from West End to Grant Park for walking, biking, and rolling. 

Recent Campus Improvements and Accolades 

• The Campus Cycle Track was named among the Best New U.S. Bike Lanes of 2025 by PeopleForBikes. 

“I don’t know if I would say I’m prone,” Zuo said. “I do get bitten, but I also think that’s partly because I’m just outside a lot more.” 

However, that assumption did not hold up once he stepped inside a sealed mosquito chamber as part of a Georgia Tech research study. 

Zuo, a Georgia Tech alum and co-author on the study, worked alongside Georgia Tech faculty member David Hu and researchers in Hu’s fluid dynamics lab — and co-authors Chenyi Fei, Alex Cohen, Jorn Dunkel from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology — 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. 

Zuo volunteered. 

Before 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. 

“We knew exactly how all of these mosquitoes were reared, so we knew they’re disease-free,” he said. “Honestly, even if I got bitten 100 plus times, the actual danger that I was in was very little.” 

Wearing 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. 

The response was immediate. 

“You release the mosquitoes, and they’re already on top of you,” Zuo said. “Almost felt like it was instant.” 

What surprised him most was not the bites but the sound. 

“I didn’t realize how loud they were,” he said. “When they’re flying around your head, it’s that annoying buzzing sound. I didn’t realize how annoying it can get with just enough mosquitoes flying around.” 

The 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. 

“It felt more like an exercise at the gym,” Zuo said. “I was very much more focused on keeping my arms up and being as still as possible.” 

Across 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. 

“And once the conditions were right,” Zuo said, “they stayed.” 

Zuo’s 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. 

What follows are some of the most common mosquito myths, and what the Georgia Tech research and Zuo’s firsthand experience actually showed. 

Mosquito Myths vs. Reality 

Myth: Mosquitoes swarm because they are following each other. 
Reality: Mosquitoes respond independently to the same cues, which creates the appearance of swarming. 

Trajectory 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. 

Myth: Mosquitoes randomly target different parts of the body. 
Reality: In this study, mosquitoes concentrated near the head and shoulders, but only for the species observed, which is present in parts of the Southeast. 

The Georgia Tech experiments focused on Aedes aegypti (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’s 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 Aedes aegypti 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. 

Myth: Carbon dioxide alone explains why mosquitoes find people. 
Reality: Carbon dioxide and visual cues work together, and neither is enough on its own. 

Zuo 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. 

Myth: Once mosquitoes find a target, they always stay nearby. 
Reality: Mosquitoes do not linger unless conditions align. 

The 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. 

Myth: All mosquitoes behave the same way. 
Reality: Mosquito behavior varies by species and environmental conditions. 

Aedes aegypti, Zuo described, are capable of feeding in well-lit conditions rather than relying solely on dusk. He contrasted this with Anopheles (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. 

What the CDC Recommends During Mosquito Season 

While the Georgia Tech research explains how mosquitoes locate people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines steps people can take during mosquito season to reduce the risk of bites. 

The CDC recommends using Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents 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. 

Sherman hadn’t 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 — who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2024 — earns her master’s degree in architecture, and Sherman graduates with his MBA.  

One factor that brought Shaina back to Tech for graduate school was the chance to share a campus with her father. Sherman knew he’d 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.  

“It was hard, but I always knew it was going to be worth it to share this moment of becoming a Double Jacket with Shaina,” Sherman said. “My heart is so full. I’m just so proud of her and everything she has accomplished, and to be able to share this spotlight with her — I couldn't have written that script any better.”  

Shaina calls her family’s emphasis on education a blessing and says their support and stories of the life lessons learned at Tech led her here.  

“I 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,” she said.  

Growing 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.  

Family Legacy 

Sherman was the first Lofton to enroll at Tech, but the family’s history with the Institute began when his father, Sherman Lofton Sr., applied for admission before the school’s desegregation in 1961.   

“I regret that my dad didn’t 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,” Sherman said. “I 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.” 

The death of her grandfathers is something that Shaina carried with her throughout her educational journey.  

“My 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,” she said.  

After Commencement, Shaina will begin working with HDR, an architecture firm in Midtown, where she’ll work on the design of hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. While her time as a student at Tech is ending, Shaina knows that she’ll share the same lifelong love for the Institute that her father has shared with her.  

“I grew up with my ‘aunts’ and ‘uncles’ 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' lives in the future. It’s amazing to know that this cycle that started with my parents will continue,” she said.  

The Loftons are happy to celebrate graduation season, but Shaina knows there is more excitement on the horizon.  

“Coming 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 — we always keep running,” she said. “And I can’t wait for the great things to come after this.” 

Participating in TAP and STRAP enhances your skills and knowledge and demonstrates the Institute's commitment to your growth and success. By investing in your education, you contribute to the overall excellence and innovation within our community.    

The application period for the Fall 2026 semester is June 15 – July 15. 

The 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.  

Click the links below to register for an upcoming session. Additional information on this employee benefit can be found here. 

Education Assistance Info Session: Applying for TAP and STRAP  

• Tuesday, May 19, 10 – 11 a.m. (Register Here)

• Thursday, May 21, 11 a.m. – noon (Register Here)

Education Assistance: Approving TAP and STRAP (managers and supervisors)  

• Wednesday, May 27, 11 a.m. – noon (Register Here)

The speakers will be Anant Girdhar, Ph.D., aerospace engineering; Diya Patel, M.S., analytics;  Esha Venkat, B.S., public policy; Kayla Carneal, B.S., chemical and biomedical engineering; and Blake Reid, B.S., aerospace engineering.  

Anant Girdhar, Ph.D. Ceremony 

While 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, “It sometimes feels like I'm unlocking a crypt of my campus experience as I recall specific memories while walking around.”  

It 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.   

During his 11 years at Tech, he has also learned to be grateful for the “supporting cast” of his “momentous production.” 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’s spent so much time, Girdhar reminds everyone of one thing: “No matter where you go, or what life throws your way, you will always be a Yellow Jacket.” 

After graduation, he will move to Chicago to begin work as an associate at McKinsey & Company.  

Diya Patel, Master’s Ceremony 

As Patel prepares for her Commencement speech, she is reflecting on the constant encouragement she’s received from her parents. Though they never had the opportunity to attend college, “the opportunity to end my college career as the Commencement reflection speaker is an ode to their years of hard work,” she said.  

Many graduates have their own definition of success. Patel wants her speech to be a reminder to students that their lives don’t have to look like everyone else’s. “The most successful people have lived life off the cookie-cutter path,” she explained. “Taking 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.”  

Patel 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. 

Esha Venkat, Bachelor’s Ceremony, Thursday Afternoon 

To Venkat, being a Yellow Jacket is more than a title — 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.   

“As 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,” she said.  

A 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.  

Commencement may mark the end of Venkat’s 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’s degree. After that, she is looking forward to expanding her nonprofit, NEST4US, which mobilizes volunteers worldwide, and celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.  

Kayla Carneal, Bachelor’s Ceremony, Friday Morning 

“Fail early and fail often” is a mindset Carneal spent her undergraduate years learning to follow. For Techstudents, it’s easy to feel as though everyone has it all figured out, and every time you fail, you’re 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.  

“It took me a very long time to feel at peace with failure and the aspects of learning that come along with it,” she said. “I connected well with my NASA mentor, who encouraged me to iterate, try new things, and never fear moving forward, despite being uncertain.” 

Carneal 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. 

Blake Reid, Bachelor’s Ceremony, Friday Afternoon 

Walk 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 — at least you are all facing it together. Throughout his five years at Tech, this is the greatest lesson he has learned. “I want to remind everyone that we didn’t get through Tech alone — it was the people around us who made it possible.”  

This camaraderie is a kind of experience that Reid believes can only exist at a place like Georgia Tech. “There’s something special about being in a place where everyone is working just as hard as you are,” he said. Aside from academics, Reid has also been a member of the Georgia Tech cheerleading team and other campus organizations.  

“I’ve spent the last five years trying to contribute to the culture and spirit of this campus in a unique way,” he said, “so getting to take the mic and share what I’ve learned about the Tech family before we all head out is the perfect way to close this chapter.” 

Reid will be moving back to his home state of Texas to begin his career with SpaceX at their Starbase location. He’s looking forward to finding more time to work on his golf skills when he’s not at the launch site.  

The St. Louis, Missouri, native didn’t know anyone on campus when he arrived as an undergraduate, but he knew that an introduction — be it in a lecture hall or at a campus event — could be the potential bridge between himself and a community ready to exchange new ideas and collaborate.   

“Introduce 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’re shattering records and reshaping industries,” he said. “I couldn't imagine my college experience without the people I’ve met this way.”  

Following his own advice, McCarty connected with a group that would create a new BattleBots 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 HyTech Racing, Tech’s student-run organization dedicated to furthering students' engineering experience through the development of Formula SAE electric vehicles.  

Added to that, McCarty was a member of the Georgia Tech German Club for four years and served as the organization’s president, establishing annual traditions like visits to local German restaurants and road trips to the German-themed town of Helen, Georgia.  

Tech’s Collaborative Edge 

McCarty says Tech's collaborative environment sets it apart from other institutions — both in terms of extracurricular and classroom activities.   

“Everything I’ve achieved in my time at Tech would’ve been impossible without the strong friendships and collaboration that we have here. While we are at a competitive school, students don’t feel the need to push each other down. Instead, they kind of work together to raise everybody up, and that’s something everyone can benefit from,” he said.   

Helping others was at the root of McCarty's decision to come to Tech. His brother, Joshua, is wheelchair-bound due to cerebral palsy. Moved by his brother’s situation — since the second grade — McCarty knew he wanted to become a mechanical engineer to make a difference.  

“I've 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's life has pushed me to see what I can create, and my brother’s perseverance and determination inspire me every day. He deals with unique challenges but never stops bringing light to others’ lives,” he said.  

McCarty applied and was accepted to many of the top 10 U.S. News & World Report engineering programs. But he says it was the faculty, curriculum, and student resources, like the campus makerspaces and student organization offerings, that set Tech apart.  

“Oftentimes in a lecture, there’s a topic that a professor is teaching that's a mind-blowing, highly specialized topic, and they’ll casually mention that they invented this 20 years ago. I think that’s 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,” he said.   

Since 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. 

McCarty starts his full-time role the Monday after Commencement, but in the fall, he’ll take a delayed celebratory trip to Greece and Italy.   

Georgia Tech’s 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.  

The 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 Marvel Rivals, Rainbow Six Siege, and Minecraft. There are also two console stations, each with a PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series S — games included.  

“I think there’s been a little bit of amazement that we were going to pull something like this off,” said Brian Smith, senior director of Campus Recreation, who spearheaded much of the project. “There's been a lot of joy from students' 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.” 

During the lounge’s construction, Smith made it a priority to seek out student perspectives.  

“Students needed it,” he said, “Students wanted it, and we had the right leadership in place to make it all happen. I'm 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.”  

Most pivotal to the project was Georgia Tech Esports, 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.