{"691341":{"#nid":"691341","#data":{"type":"news","title":"From Diagnosis to Wellness, AI\u0027s Healthcare Revolution","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArtificial intelligence (AI) is changing far more than hospital paperwork. Researchers say it\u0027s beginning to help doctors make clinical decisions, identify mental health risks earlier, expand care through smartphones and wearable devices, and extend healthcare to people who might otherwise go without it.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile adoption varies across healthcare systems, Georgia Tech researchers say AI is becoming increasingly integrated into medicine. At the same time, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.who.int\/publications\/i\/item\/9789240037403\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Equestions about privacy, trust, equity, and human oversight\u003C\/a\u003E remain central to how the technology will be used in the years ahead.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMedicine has clearly embraced the human-AI fusion approach,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/jon-duke\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EJon Duke\u003C\/a\u003E, director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gtri.gatech.edu\/about\/research-facilities\/center-health-analytics-informatics-chai\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECenter for Health Analytics \u0026amp; Informatics\u003C\/a\u003E at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. \u201cThe use of AI is encouraged, but reliance on AI is not.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Clinical Workflows to Decision Support\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany of healthcare\u0027s earliest AI applications focused on reducing administrative burdens. Today, researchers say the technology is increasingly helping clinicians access and interpret information.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuke points to the growing use of clinical AI tools such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.openevidence.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOpenEvidence,\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003Ewhich provide healthcare professionals with AI-generated, source-backed answers to medical questions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAI is moving beyond administrative tasks and beginning to play a meaningful role in clinical decision support,\u201d Duke said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWithin electronic health records, AI is being used to generate clinical notes from patient-provider conversations and summarize complex patient charts. While healthcare systems have moved most quickly on efficiency-focused applications, Duke said AI is steadily becoming part of everyday clinical practice.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStill, he believes human oversight will remain essential.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOne of the biggest long-term questions is whether physicians trained alongside AI will develop the same level of independent clinical judgment as previous generations,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExpanding Access Beyond the Doctor\u0027s Office\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers also see AI creating new opportunities outside hospitals and clinics.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/people\/munmun-de-choudhury\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMunmun De Choudhury\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ic.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Interactive Computin\u003C\/a\u003Eg, said AI is helping public health systems \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pcd\/issues\/2024\/24_0245.htm\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eidentify emerging mental health concerns\u003C\/a\u003E by analyzing digital and clinical data.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAI is enabling public health systems to move from reactive to more proactive approaches by identifying emerging mental health concerns from diverse digital and clinical data sources,\u201d De Choudhury said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThose insights may create opportunities for earlier intervention.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAI has the potential to identify subtle behavioral changes that precede worsening mental health, creating opportunities for earlier support before someone reaches a crisis,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/people\/alexander-t-adams\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAlexander Adams\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor in the School of Interactive Computing, studies wearable sensing systems, remote patient monitoring technologies, and point-of-care health tools. He said advances in AI are accelerating innovation in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical imaging, simulation, and biomarker discovery.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe biggest changes I am seeing are the increased productivity in pharmaceuticals, medical imaging, simulation, and biomarker discovery,\u201d Adams said. \u201cThat has a downstream impact on what we can measure at the point of care.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to Adams, smartphones and wearable devices have become increasingly important healthcare tools because of the amount of data they collect.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cNo stand-alone medical devices generate nearly as much data as smartphones and smartwatches, making them a natural place for modern AI,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe also sees significant potential for AI-enabled technologies to improve access in rural and underserved communities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThese technologies are especially important for underserved and rural populations that often have less access to care and face higher risks of complications,\u201d Adams said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBalancing Innovation and Human Connection\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite growing interest in AI, researchers caution that adoption is not without challenges.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe real opportunity lies not in building more autonomous AI, but in designing systems that strengthen human judgment, clinical expertise, and community care,\u201d De Choudhury said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlthough AI has advanced rapidly, its impact on chronic disease management has remained limited, said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/people\/rosa-arriaga\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ERosa Arriaga\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the School of Interactive Computing.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAI holds a lot of promise but hasn\u0027t delivered much in the way of real-world applications,\u201d Arriaga said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe also raised concerns about how increased reliance on data-driven tools could affect interactions between clinicians and patients.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe fear is that clinicians become \u2018data checkers\u2019 and have even less interaction with patients,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the same time, Arriaga said AI is having its greatest impact in the mental wellness space.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are now randomized controlled trials showing that some people are willing to receive \u2018therapy\u2019 from an AI agent and that this intervention is beneficial,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, she cautioned that those developments should be considered alongside potential risks.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGreater interactions with AI may lead to greater isolation, and parasocial relationships with AI may erode the social fabric,\u201d Arriaga said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShaping the Next Era of Healthcare\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite differing views on the opportunities and challenges, the researchers see AI becoming a lasting part of healthcare.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAI is accelerating everything,\u201d Adams said. \u201cEven through rapid iteration and simulation alone, it will accelerate medical devices and point-of-care technologies.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs healthcare organizations continue to explore where AI can improve care, researchers say the future of medicine will depend not only on technological advances but also on how effectively those tools support the people who deliver and receive care.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EFrom AI-powered clinical support tools and digital mental health applications to wearable devices and remote monitoring, artificial intelligence is influencing how healthcare is delivered. Researchers say the technology offers significant opportunities to improve care and access while raising important questions about human judgment, patient relationships, privacy, and equity.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into healthcare, researchers are exploring its potential to support clinical decision-making, improve mental health interventions, expand access to care, and accelerate medical innovation."}],"uid":"35797","created_gmt":"2026-07-29 17:13:59","changed_gmt":"2026-07-29 17:13:59","author":"Siobhan Rodriguez","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-29T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-29T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/new-mobile-app-turns-phones-home-fetal-heart-monitors","title":"New Mobile App Turns Phones into At-Home Fetal Heart Monitors"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"140","name":"Cancer Research"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"195214","name":"Copilot said: AI in healthcare"},{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"187570","name":"healthcare innovation"},{"id":"195215","name":"clinical decision support"},{"id":"187838","name":"digital health"},{"id":"140471","name":"Health Informatics"},{"id":"110201","name":"electronic health records"},{"id":"195216","name":"AI ethics"},{"id":"195217","name":"human oversight"},{"id":"10343","name":"mental health"},{"id":"195218","name":"mental health interventions"},{"id":"755","name":"public health"},{"id":"77691","name":"wearable technology"},{"id":"172067","name":"wearable devices"},{"id":"195219","name":"remote patient monitoring"},{"id":"168927","name":"smartphones"},{"id":"195220","name":"healthcare access"},{"id":"195221","name":"rural healthcare"},{"id":"188889","name":"underserved communities"},{"id":"195222","name":"patient care"},{"id":"195223","name":"clinical workflows"},{"id":"195224","name":"physician decision-making"},{"id":"29071","name":"medical innovation"},{"id":"2776","name":"medical imaging"},{"id":"195225","name":"biomarker discovery"},{"id":"170604","name":"Health Analytics"},{"id":"10679","name":"personalized medicine"},{"id":"195226","name":"preventive care"},{"id":"14788","name":"healthcare technology"},{"id":"108111","name":"health equity"},{"id":"114791","name":"Data Privacy"},{"id":"195227","name":"human-AI collaboration"},{"id":"195228","name":"digital therapeutics"},{"id":"195229","name":"point-of-care technologies"},{"id":"195230","name":"future of healthcare"},{"id":"195231","name":"AI adoption"},{"id":"195232","name":"patient-provider relationships"},{"id":"88161","name":"Healthcare transformation"},{"id":"184464","name":"medical research"},{"id":"195233","name":"AI in medicine"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"109","name":"Georgia Tech"},{"id":"43321","name":"Georgia Institue of Technology"},{"id":"10343","name":"mental health"},{"id":"195234","name":"prenatal health"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"},{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ESiobhan Rodriguez\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["sar30@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691273":{"#nid":"691273","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Green Forks Transforms Surplus Food Into Campus Support ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat started as concern about food waste has grown into a campuswide effort to help food-insecure Georgia Tech students while keeping thousands of meals out of the waste stream. Since launching in 2024, Green Forks has transformed surplus food from catered events into a valuable resource for students in need.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGreen Forks was founded by Renee Alnoubani, CE 2025, who is currently pursuing a master\u0027s in city and regional planning, and Ivy Xue, Neuroscience 2023, with support from Danielle Ismirle Dunigan of Tech Dining, Steven Fazenbaker of Student Life, and Steve Place of the Office of Sustainability, after students raised concerns about the amount of food being discarded after campus events. Recognizing an opportunity to address both food waste and food insecurity, the founding team partnered with Klemis Kitchen to develop a simple, scalable solution that directs surplus food to students who can benefit from it.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe process is straightforward. When a catered event ends with surplus food, the event coordinator or catering team submits a brief form. Students registered through Klemis Kitchen receive notifications when food is available, allowing them to pick up meals during a designated collection period. The model is designed to align with food safety requirements while minimizing additional work for event organizers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDirector of Dining Services Danielle Ismirle Dunigan said, \u201cThe students who proposed the idea were passionate about helping divert the many leftovers after catering events. Green Forks is basically a communication tool, and it has effectively diverted food waste while feeding hungry Yellow Jackets. Each Green Forks alert makes my day, knowing we are making a difference in many ways.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn just two years, Green Forks has made a significant impact across campus. The program has supported \u003Cstrong\u003E526 events\u003C\/strong\u003E and provided an estimated \u003Cstrong\u003E4,750 meals\u003C\/strong\u003E to students. These numbers represent thousands of opportunities for students experiencing food insecurity to access nutritious food that otherwise may have been discarded.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudent Life Program Director Steve Fazenbaker added, \u0022The idea that drives my work is that everything a student needs to thrive and flourish at Georgia Tech can be found somewhere at Georgia Tech. Green Forks brings that idea to life in a powerful way. Through Green Forks, students are made aware almost daily of the abundance of food on campus, and they are reminded that they never need to miss a meal.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeyond the numbers, students say the program has provided both practical support and a sense of community. One student said that Green Forks helped them \u0022worry less about paying for food and living costs,\u0022 while another described the program as a reminder of the generosity and care that exists across the Georgia Tech community.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESteve Place, campus sustainability project manager for the Office of Sustainability, said, \u0022Green Forks is the perfect example of different units working together to meet a common goal. Each partner brought what they do best, and the result was a terrific collaboration that serves campus and makes us incredibly proud.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGreen Forks also advances Georgia Tech\u0027s sustainability goals by reducing food waste. Rather than sending edible leftovers to the landfill, the program diverts food to students who can use it immediately, maximizing the value of meals already prepared for campus events.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe program\u0027s success has attracted attention beyond Georgia Tech. Team members have worked with other institutions to share the model, including Missouri State University and North Carolina State University, helping expand the impact of a program that began with a simple student idea.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFaculty and staff can help continue that success by using Green Forks for catered events, allowing extra time for food collection, and submitting surplus food through the program. Every event has the potential to reduce waste, strengthen community, and help ensure that no Georgia Tech student goes hungry.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor event coordinators and students who want to participate in and learn more about Green Forks and other temporary assistance programs at Georgia Tech, visit the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/dining.gatech.edu\/greenforks\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGreen Forks webpage\u003C\/a\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGreen Forks collaboration reduces waste, supports student well-being, and advances campus sustainability goals.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Green Forks collaboration reduces waste, supports student well-being, and advances campus sustainability goals."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2026-07-27 19:10:40","changed_gmt":"2026-07-27 19:19:05","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-27T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-27T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680687":{"id":"680687","type":"image","title":"green_forks_2yrs_celebration.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFrom left to right: Campus Sustainability Project Manager, Office of Sustainability Steve Place; Director, Safety and Facilities for Dining and Retail Danielle Ismirle Dunigan; and Program Director, STAR Steven Fazenbaker at the Green Forks celebration.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1785179481","gmt_created":"2026-07-27 19:11:21","changed":"1785179481","gmt_changed":"2026-07-27 19:11:21","alt":"Image of Green Forks co-founders at the two-year anniversary.","file":{"fid":"264987","name":"green_forks_2yrs_celebration.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/27\/green_forks_2yrs_celebration.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/27\/green_forks_2yrs_celebration.png","mime":"image\/png","size":4607292,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/27\/green_forks_2yrs_celebration.png?itok=omOjtma1"}}},"media_ids":["680687"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"660398","name":"Sustainability Hub"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"193873","name":"green forks"},{"id":"168693","name":"campus sustainability"},{"id":"192081","name":"office of sustainability"},{"id":"171884","name":"food insecurity"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECathy Brim\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Officer II\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfrastructure and Operations | Planning, Design, and Construction | Office of Sustainability\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["Cathy.brim@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691262":{"#nid":"691262","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Earns National Recognition for Sustainability Innovation","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s commitment to transforming waste into a valuable campus resource has earned national recognition. The Institute recently received the APPA Sustainability Innovation Award, honoring the Office of Sustainability\u2019s pioneering in-vessel composting program, which is helping Georgia Tech reduce waste, lower emissions, and create a more sustainable campus. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe award is presented by APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities, an international association that serves more than 1,300 educational institutions and facilities professionals. APPA\u2019s Sustainability Innovation Award recognizes educational institutions that implement transformative programs or processes that enhance service delivery, improve environmental performance, reduce costs, and support student success through environmental stewardship. Recipients are selected based on innovation, sustainability impact, adaptability to other institutions, and measurable benefits to their campus communities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETurning Food Waste Into a Campus Resource\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s award-winning in-vessel composting program exemplifies how innovative infrastructure can support ambitious sustainability goals.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Office of Sustainability received a Recycling and Waste Diversion grant from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division in 2024 to implement the composter, which arrived on campus last year. A student-staffed collection program (using e-bikes and an electric golf cart) captures food scraps and compostable materials from campus housing and dining facilities, and processes them on-site using a specialized in-vessel composting system. This reduces the weight of material by approximately 80%, decreasing the demand for off-campus hauling. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnlike traditional composting methods, the enclosed system carefully controls temperature, airflow, and moisture, accelerating decomposition while minimizing odors and reducing the space required for processing. In just over six months, three student assistants have collected more than 5 tons (10,000 pounds) of materials from various campus locations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech has grown a strong composting program thanks to high levels of commitment from Tech Dining, Housing, and Campus Services, plus a strong hauling partner,\u201d said Abby Bower, program and portfolio manager in the Office of Sustainability. \u201cThe in-vessel composter has added an exciting new layer to our composting services. It\u2019s been fun to see our students embrace the technology and share their ideas for how to improve campus operations.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy processing organic waste on campus, Georgia Tech diverts significant amounts of material from landfills, where food waste would otherwise generate methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The program supports the Institute\u2019s broader sustainability and circular economy objectives by keeping resources in use and reducing environmental impacts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Georgia Tech Stood Out\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to APPA, Sustainability Innovation Award recipients demonstrate creativity, measurable environmental and economic benefits, community impact, and the ability to serve as a model for other institutions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s in-vessel composting initiative stood out because it:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ec49378c2bd1e73372f573e0b50fd0c7f\u0022\u003EDemonstrates an innovative approach to campus waste management.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e0fb1e24c65e7d05c995aaf454877731b\u0022\u003EDiverts food waste from landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022eb8f78d77f9c65872249b27522fa43fb0\u0022\u003ECreates a closed-loop system that turns waste into a useful resource.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e4f311330b3cde5c36955c1aee7ea8bf1\u0022\u003EProvides educational opportunities for students and the campus community.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e3f1207bd346794c92e2525fb9b556dbd\u0022\u003EOffers a scalable model that can be replicated by other colleges and universities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe program reflects the collaborative work of the Office of Sustainability and campus partners to create practical, measurable solutions that advance Georgia Tech\u2019s sustainability commitments.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Model for the Future\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EReceiving the APPA Sustainability Innovation Award highlights Georgia Tech\u2019s role as a leader in sustainable campus operations and environmental stewardship. As institutions across the country seek innovative ways to reduce waste and meet climate goals, Georgia Tech\u2019s in-vessel composting program demonstrates how thoughtful investments in infrastructure can deliver lasting benefits for both the campus community and the environment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s in-vessel composting program earns national recognition.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech\u2019s in-vessel composting program earns national recognition."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2026-07-27 17:28:52","changed_gmt":"2026-07-27 17:42:55","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-27T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-27T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680681":{"id":"680681","type":"image","title":"Compost-Award-01--2-.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFrom left to right: Steve Place, campus sustainability program manager; Abby Bower, program and portfolio manager; and Jennifer Chirico, associate vice president of the Office of Sustainability are pictured with Georgia Tech\u0027s Sustainability Innovation Award in front of the campus in-vessel composter.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1785173637","gmt_created":"2026-07-27 17:33:57","changed":"1785359595","gmt_changed":"2026-07-29 21:13:15","alt":"From left to right, Steve Place, campus sustainability program manager; Abby Bower, program and portfolio manager, and Jennifer Chirico, associate vice president of the Office of Sustainability are pictured with Georgia Tech\u0027s Sustainability Innovation Award in front of the campus\u0027s in-vessel composter.","file":{"fid":"264981","name":"Compost-Award-01--2-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/27\/Compost-Award-01--2-.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/27\/Compost-Award-01--2-.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2415636,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/27\/Compost-Award-01--2-.jpg?itok=3p7bk-f_"}},"680684":{"id":"680684","type":"image","title":"Compost-Award-10--1-.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EKatherine Sanders, compost student assistant, at the in-vessel composter site.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1785173877","gmt_created":"2026-07-27 17:37:57","changed":"1785173877","gmt_changed":"2026-07-27 17:37:57","alt":"Katherine Sanders, compost student assistant, at the in-vessel composter site.","file":{"fid":"264983","name":"Compost-Award-10--1-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/27\/Compost-Award-10--1-.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/27\/Compost-Award-10--1-.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2630815,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/27\/Compost-Award-10--1-.jpg?itok=AaooHnZ6"}}},"media_ids":["680681","680684"],"groups":[{"id":"383831","name":"Infrastructure and Operations"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"660398","name":"Sustainability Hub"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192081","name":"office of sustainability"},{"id":"168693","name":"campus sustainability"},{"id":"175824","name":"composting"},{"id":"195205","name":"in-vessel composting"},{"id":"195206","name":"APPA award"},{"id":"195207","name":"Sustainability innovation"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECathy Brim\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Officer II\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfrastructure and Operations | Office of Sustainability | Planning, Design, and Construction\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["Cathy.brim@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691210":{"#nid":"691210","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Launches New Sustainable Lab Certification ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Office of Sustainability, in partnership with the Office of Research Operations, is launching Georgia Tech\u2019s first \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sustain.gatech.edu\/sustainable-lab-certification\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESustainable Lab Certification\u003C\/a\u003E program, which will provide a framework for campus laboratories to implement practical, high-impact sustainability measures. Labs earn recognition for their efforts through tiered certification levels \u2014 bronze, silver, or gold \u2014 based on the number and results of practices implemented. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn average, labs use four times more water and 10 times more energy than office spaces. This disproportionate impact makes laboratories some of the best places for reducing institutional energy use. Small actions can have a big effect; for example, increasing the setpoint of ultra-low temperature freezers by 10 degrees Celsius can reduce the device\u2019s energy use by 30% and save over $150 per year per freezer. (That figure is derived from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mygreenlab.org\/the-beaker-blog\/8-ways-to-save-energy-in-the-lab\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/mygreenlab.org\/the-beaker-blog\/8-ways-to-save-energy-in-the-lab\/\u003C\/a\u003E and Georgia Power billing documents.)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore Sustainable Lab Certification, some campus labs had begun exploring reduced energy, water, and materials consumption through My Green Lab certification, a pilot program also sponsored by the Office of Sustainability. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShweta Biliya, a research scientist in the Molecular Evolution Core Lab, explained that while My Green Lab offered a helpful framework, translating certification requirements into actionable steps for her lab was difficult without local examples or tailored support. \u201cNow that we have a resource on campus, it\u2019s extremely helpful in that initial stage,\u201d she said. \u201cIt helps you see how to approach everything, get support, and make it feel possible.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBiliya hopes more laboratories across campus will participate in Sustainable Labs Certification, helping to create a shared culture of sustainable research at Georgia Tech. \u201cIt might feel like one lab doesn\u2019t make a difference, but when every lab contributes in small ways, it really adds up,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA Sustainable Lab Certification information and celebration session will take place in September. To learn more about the program, visit the Sustainable Labs page at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sustain.gatech.edu\/sustainable-labs\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/sustain.gatech.edu\/sustainable-labs\/\u003C\/a\u003E. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECampus labs have a new pathway to strengthen sustainable operations through a campus comprehensive certification program.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Campus labs have a new pathway to strengthen sustainable operations through a campus comprehensive certification program."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2026-07-22 17:46:33","changed_gmt":"2026-07-24 20:50:48","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-22T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-22T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680673":{"id":"680673","type":"image","title":"Molecular Evolution Core Lab ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EResearch technician Myles Hilson (left) and research scientist Shweta Biliya (right) of the Molecular Evolution Core Lab stand in front of TipCycle program equipment. TipCycle collects, sterilizes, and returns pipette tips to labs, reducing costs and decreasing plastic waste.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1784926218","gmt_created":"2026-07-24 20:50:18","changed":"1784926218","gmt_changed":"2026-07-24 20:50:18","alt":"Molecular Evolution Core Lab ","file":{"fid":"264964","name":"Screenshot-2026-07-24-at-4.41.24-PM.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/24\/Screenshot-2026-07-24-at-4.41.24-PM.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/24\/Screenshot-2026-07-24-at-4.41.24-PM.png","mime":"image\/png","size":3356878,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/24\/Screenshot-2026-07-24-at-4.41.24-PM.png?itok=Jjm-cw4M"}}},"media_ids":["680673"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"660398","name":"Sustainability Hub"}],"categories":[{"id":"194836","name":"Sustainability"}],"keywords":[{"id":"168693","name":"campus sustainability"},{"id":"192081","name":"office of sustainability"},{"id":"195199","name":"sustainable lab certification"},{"id":"8254","name":"Administration and Finance"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EDrew Cutright\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDirector of Sustainability Engagement\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOffice of Sustainability\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["Drew.cutright@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691122":{"#nid":"691122","#data":{"type":"news","title":"DeMillo Recognized for Lasting Contributions to Software Engineering","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERichard DeMillo, professor, founding chair of Georgia Tech\u0027s School of Cybersecurity and Privacy (SCP), and Charlotte B. and Roger C. Warren Chair of Computing, has been named to the inaugural class of the ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Academy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDeMillo was among 80 computer scientists worldwide selected for the Academy\u0027s founding class and was the only Georgia Tech faculty member recognized.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022I am honored to be included in the inaugural class of the ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Academy,\u0022 said DeMillo. \u0022This recognition reflects the work of outstanding students, collaborators, and colleagues over many years. Software engineering research has transformed the way society builds and depends upon software, and I hope our community will continue to advance the scientific foundations needed to make software more reliable, secure, and worthy of the trust people place in it.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEstablished by ACM SIGSOFT, the Software Engineering Academy is a standing body of honor that recognizes members of the software engineering community whose lasting technical contributions, leadership, and service have shaped the field. The Academy celebrates researchers whose cumulative work and influence have advanced software engineering as both a scientific discipline and professional practice.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Rich\u0027s research in software testing is recognized among the most influential contributions to the field of software engineering,\u0022 said SCP Interim Chair Mustaque Ahamad. \u0022His inclusion in the inaugural ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Academy demonstrates the lasting impact of his research on building more reliable software systems.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe inaugural class was selected from leaders whose contributions have already been widely recognized across the software engineering community, including ACM Fellows and recipients of ACM SIGSOFT\u0027s Outstanding Research Award. Beginning next year, new Academy members will be elected annually through a community nomination process.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDeMillo served as the founding chair of Georgia Tech\u0027s School of Cybersecurity and Privacy, the first school of its kind at a top research university. He previously served as the John P. Imlay Dean of the College of Computing and directed the Georgia Tech Information Security Center.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThroughout his career, DeMillo has held leadership positions across academia, industry, and government. He served as Hewlett-Packard\u0027s first chief technology officer, led computing research at Bell Communications Research, directed the Computer Research Division at the National Science Foundation, and led the Software Test and Evaluation Project in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis research spans software engineering, cybersecurity, election security, and the societal impacts of digital technology. His 1979 paper, Social Processes and Proofs of Theorems and Programs, is widely regarded as a foundational work in software engineering and has been recognized as one of the 50 most influential papers in computer science.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition to his research, DeMillo has helped shape higher education through the creation of Georgia Tech\u0027s Center for 21st Century Universities. He is a fellow of both the Association for Computing Machinery and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERichard DeMillo, professor, founding chair of Georgia Tech\u0027s School of Cybersecurity and Privacy (SCP), and Charlotte B. and Roger C. Warren Chair of Computing, has been named to the inaugural class of the ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Academy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDeMillo was among 80 computer scientists worldwide selected for the Academy\u0027s founding class and was the only Georgia Tech faculty member recognized.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Richard DeMillo has been named to the inaugural class of the ACM SIGSOFT Software Engineering Academy."}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2026-07-14 19:00:53","changed_gmt":"2026-07-24 19:28:31","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-14T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-14T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"673662":{"id":"673662","type":"image","title":"Georgia Tech Cybersecurity and Privacy Professor Rich DeMillo","body":null,"created":"1712679629","gmt_created":"2024-04-09 16:20:29","changed":"1712679629","gmt_changed":"2024-04-09 16:20:29","alt":"Georgia Tech Cybersecurity and Privacy Professor Rich DeMillo","file":{"fid":"257084","name":"Rich_DeMillo_08.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/04\/09\/Rich_DeMillo_08.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/04\/09\/Rich_DeMillo_08.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":50395,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/04\/09\/Rich_DeMillo_08.jpg?itok=qBhdaP00"}}},"media_ids":["673662"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660406","name":"School of Cybersecurity \u0026 Privacy"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jpopham3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJohn Popham\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECommunications Officer\u003Cbr\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691121":{"#nid":"691121","#data":{"type":"news","title":"She Lost Her Mother. She Found Her Purpose.","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMeghna Iyer came to Georgia Tech determined to understand the disease that was slowly taking her mother\u0027s life. Working with researchers in the Georgia Tech Laboratory for Pathology Dynamics, she helped use AI to analyze 36 million biomedical research papers, uncovering biological connections among ALS, Alzheimer\u0027s disease, and frontotemporal dementia. After losing her mother, Meghna returned to the lab with an even stronger resolve to continue the work, earning first-author publication on the study and helping create a tool that could accelerate future research for families facing these devastating diseases.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/feature\/neurodegenerative-diseases\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERead more \u00bb\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Meghna Iyer came to Georgia Tech trying to understand her mother\u2019s illness. What she discovered is changing how scientists connect three neurodegenerative diseases."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMeghna Iyer came to Georgia Tech determined to understand the disease that was slowly taking her mother\u0027s life. Working with researchers in the Georgia Tech Laboratory for Pathology Dynamics, she helped use AI to analyze 36 million biomedical research papers, uncovering biological connections among ALS, Alzheimer\u0027s disease, and frontotemporal dementia. After losing her mother, Meghna returned to the lab with an even stronger resolve to continue the work, earning first-author publication on the study and helping create a tool that could accelerate future research for families facing these devastating diseases.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A Georgia Tech student transformed her search to understand her mother\u0027s ALS into AI-driven research that could reshape how scientists study neurodegenerative diseases. "}],"uid":"27255","created_gmt":"2026-07-14 16:53:19","changed_gmt":"2026-07-24 18:39:44","author":"Josie Giles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-16T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-16T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680604":{"id":"680604","type":"image","title":"als-thumb.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA Georgia Tech student, Meghna Iyer, transformed her search to understand her mother\u0027s ALS into AI-driven research that could reshape how scientists study neurodegenerative diseases.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1784048017","gmt_created":"2026-07-14 16:53:37","changed":"1784048017","gmt_changed":"2026-07-14 16:53:37","alt":"Two smiling researchers wearing jackets sit on rocks at a sunny beach with shoreline homes and the ocean in the background.","file":{"fid":"264887","name":"als-thumb.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/14\/als-thumb.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/14\/als-thumb.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2526212,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/14\/als-thumb.jpg?itok=glNqw-cB"}}},"media_ids":["680604"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/feature\/neurodegenerative-diseases","title":"Read the Full Feature"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"}],"keywords":[{"id":"195203","name":"go-noshow"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"193656","name":"Neuro Next Initiative"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691211":{"#nid":"691211","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Named Among \u2018Money\u2019 Magazine\u2019s Best Colleges ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech is one of America\u2019s best colleges, according to \u003Cem\u003EMoney\u003C\/em\u003E magazine. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute is one of 17 public schools to receive a five-star ranking and the only institution in the state to receive the designation. To compile its list for 2026 and to \u201chelp families find schools that deliver strong value,\u201d the publication evaluated more than 700 four-year colleges on 25 metrics, including graduation rates, costs, financial aid, student debt, and alumni salaries.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/money.com\/best-colleges\/profile\/georgia-institute-of-technology-main-campus\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EIn its breakdown\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E, Money\u003C\/em\u003E declares, \u201cGeorgia Tech gets results.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECementing its status as a national leader in outcomes and value for all students remains a top priority in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/strategicplan.gatech.edu\/bets\/leader-outcomes\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInstitute\u2019s strategic plan\u003C\/a\u003E. Since 2019, as in-state tuition has risen nationwide by an average of $2,200, Tech has reduced its in-state tuition and fees by nearly 25%. Georgia Tech students continue to outpace the national average with a 93% graduation rate, 75% of whom finish in four years or less.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETech recently completed its \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/23\/georgia-techs-record-fundraising-year-propels-campaign-past-2-billion\u0022\u003Emost successful fundraising year in history,\u003C\/a\u003E including the creation of a $100 million endowment for need-based scholarships, advancing opportunities for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe recognition from \u003Cem\u003EMoney \u003C\/em\u003Eis the latest accolade Tech has received for its value creation and return on investment. The Princeton Review has named Georgia Tech a best value public college for three consecutive years, and this year, Tech retained its place on \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/09\/georgia-tech-earns-top-c-suite-ranking-among-forbes-new-ivies\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EForbes\u2019 list of New Ivies\u003C\/a\u003E, receiving the highest C-suite rating of any university.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"For the value it offers students, the Institute earned a five-star rating from the publication. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFor the value it offers students, the Institute earned a five-star rating from the publication.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"For the value it offers students, the Institute earned a five-star rating from the publication. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-07-22 18:44:16","changed_gmt":"2026-07-23 13:17:31","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-22T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-22T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680651":{"id":"680651","type":"image","title":"Tech Tower Through the Trees","body":null,"created":"1784747669","gmt_created":"2026-07-22 19:14:29","changed":"1784747669","gmt_changed":"2026-07-22 19:14:29","alt":"Tech Tower Through the Trees","file":{"fid":"264941","name":"22C10400-P3-003.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/22\/22C10400-P3-003.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/22\/22C10400-P3-003.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5470957,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/22\/22C10400-P3-003.JPG?itok=v7OROc8S"}}},"media_ids":["680651"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/money.com\/best-colleges\/","title":"\u0027Money\u0027 Magazine\u0027s Best Colleges"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"132","name":"Institute Leadership"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"}],"keywords":[{"id":"4744","name":"money"},{"id":"2308","name":"Forbes"},{"id":"13983","name":"Return on investment"},{"id":"1644","name":"Best Values"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano \u003C\/a\u003E\u2013\u0026nbsp;Institute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691215":{"#nid":"691215","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech\u2019s Record Fundraising Year Propels Campaign Past $2 Billion","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech raised more than $415 million in fiscal year 2026, exceeding the previous annual record by more than $100 million and pushing\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/transformingtomorrow.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ETransforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E past the initial campaign target of $2 billion with 18 months remaining.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFueled by the generosity of thousands of alumni, donors, corporations, foundations, and friends, this defining moment builds on the strongest two-year fundraising performance in Georgia Tech\u2019s history and reflects extraordinary engagement across the Institute. Recent milestones underscore the breadth of support behind \u003Cem\u003ETransforming Tomorrow\u003C\/em\u003E, including the 79th Roll Call, which raised $8.8 million, and Georgia Tech Athletics\u2019 \u003Cem\u003EFull Steam Ahead\u003C\/em\u003E initiative, which led to\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramblinwreck.com\/georgia-tech-athletics-sets-revenue-record-in-2025-26\/\u0022\u003Emore than $100 million\u003C\/a\u003E in gifts and commitments.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe collective support of donors, including gifts from first-time donors, is already making a difference across campus \u2014 in the experiences of students, the work of faculty, and the spaces that shape learning and discovery.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETransforming Campus and Expanding Opportunity\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDonor support has fueled major projects such as the Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center, which\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramblinwreck.com\/sports\/genrel\/facilities\/thomas-a-fanning-student-athlete-performance-center\/\u0022\u003Eopened in May\u003C\/a\u003E, and\u0026nbsp;George Tower | Scheller Tower, which will open in September. Scheller Tower will house MBA and executive education programs for the Ernest Scheller Jr. College of Business, while George Tower will become the new home of the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering. These facilities are designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and student success.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis momentum continues as Georgia Tech advances new capital projects, including the Aerospace Engineering Building, Medical Innovation Building, Creative Quarter, and Alumni Welcome Center \u2014 each critical to the Institute\u2019s future growth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the same time, philanthropy is transforming access to education. Donors have contributed more than $513 million to expand scholarship and fellowship support, opening doors for talented students and ensuring that financial barriers do not limit opportunity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInvesting in Students, Faculty, and Research\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESupport for students extends from undergraduate access to graduate-level research and discovery. Graduate fellowships funded through the campaign are enabling students to pursue advanced study, contribute to research labs, and play a central role in Georgia Tech\u2019s academic mission.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the faculty level, donor investment continues to strengthen Georgia Tech\u2019s ability to attract and retain world-class educators and researchers. A landmark example is the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/development.gatech.edu\/impact\/john-w-durstines-quiet-philanthropy-fuels-transformative-impact\u0022\u003E$100 million bequest from the estate of alumnus John W. Durstine\u003C\/a\u003E, the largest gift in the Institute\u2019s history, supporting faculty excellence in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn health research, a significant commitment has established the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/16\/georgia-tech-receives-commitment-launch-new-ai-driven-health-innovation-center\u0022\u003EParker H. Petit Center for AI-Driven Health Innovation\u003C\/a\u003E, a new research hub focused on using artificial intelligence to model diseases, identify treatment paths, and move discoveries closer to patient care.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDriving Innovation Through Collaboration and Industry Engagement\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPhilanthropy is also fueling new interdisciplinary initiatives that reflect Georgia Tech\u2019s collaborative, forward-looking approach. The\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/02\/alumnus-commitment-establishes-tony-kepano-joint-center-real-estate\u0022\u003ETony Kepano Joint Center for Real Estate\u003C\/a\u003E brings together the Ernest Scheller Jr. College of Business and the College of Design to create a multidisciplinary platform for education, research, and industry engagement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECorporate and foundation partnerships are accelerating progress in key areas.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/02\/25\/delta-air-lines-foundation-makes-5m-commitment-new-aerospace-engineering-building\u0022\u003EThe Delta Air Lines Foundation\u2019s $5 million commitment\u003C\/a\u003E is helping fund the new Aerospace Engineering Building. This facility will elevate one of the nation\u2019s top-ranked aerospace programs, fuel the state\u2019s economy, and accelerate innovation across the aviation industry.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/29\/hyundai-motor-group-georgia-tech-sign-mou-hydrogen-mobility-development\u0022\u003Emultidecade partnership with Hyundai Motor Company\u003C\/a\u003E is advancing research and education in sustainable mobility, hydrogen technologies, and workforce development, while strengthening the Institute\u2019s role in driving innovation and economic growth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELooking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe campaign\u2019s success reflects the collective efforts of alumni, donors, volunteers, faculty, staff, students, and partners who have advanced Georgia Tech\u0027s mission and strengthened its impact. The momentum created through their generosity will help shape the Institute\u2019s future for years to come.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBehind every gift is someone who believes in Georgia Tech\u2019s mission and wants to help us amplify our impact,\u201d said Georgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera. \u201cTheir generous support has expanded access to education, strengthened research and innovation, and strengthened our Institute to make sure it keeps creating value for generations to come. I am profoundly grateful to each of our donors for investing in Georgia Tech.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI\u2019m equally grateful to our deans, faculty, Campaign Steering Committee volunteers, and every member of our Development team for opening doors, carrying our message everywhere, and persuading others to participate in this campaign. Congratulations to all of them on reaching the most ambitious philanthropic goals in Institute history.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EGeorgia Tech achieved a record-breaking fundraising year in fiscal year 2026, raising more than $415 million and pushing Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech beyond its $2 billion goal with 18 months remaining. Support from alumni, donors, corporations, foundations, and friends is funding scholarships, fellowships, faculty excellence, groundbreaking research, and transformative campus projects, including new facilities for business, engineering, and athletics. Campaign investments are expanding access to education, advancing artificial intelligence and health research, and strengthening industry partnerships with organizations such as Delta Air Lines and Hyundai Motor Company. The historic fundraising success reinforces Georgia Tech\u2019s position as a leading research university driving innovation, economic growth, and student opportunity.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A historic $415 million fundraising year fuels scholarships, academic excellence, and major capital projects across the Institute."}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2026-07-23 03:12:45","changed_gmt":"2026-07-23 03:18:44","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-23T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-23T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680653":{"id":"680653","type":"image","title":"Week of welcome","body":null,"created":"1784775578","gmt_created":"2026-07-23 02:59:38","changed":"1784775689","gmt_changed":"2026-07-23 03:01:29","alt":"students taking a photo selfie with mascot Buzz.","file":{"fid":"264944","name":"26-R10410-P8-013--1--2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/22\/26-R10410-P8-013--1--2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/22\/26-R10410-P8-013--1--2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2431596,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/22\/26-R10410-P8-013--1--2.jpg?itok=rzJsVTmk"}}},"media_ids":["680653"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/transformingtomorrow.gatech.edu\/","title":"Transforming Tomorrow"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/07\/29\/georgia-tech-has-historic-fundraising-year","title":"Georgia Tech Has Historic Fundraising Year"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"4790","name":"fundraising"},{"id":"351","name":"development"},{"id":"167285","name":"scholarship"},{"id":"195200","name":"record fundraising year"},{"id":"195201","name":"Georgia Tech donors"},{"id":"194752","name":"transforming tomorrow"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:anne.stanford@dev.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAnne Stanford\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Development Communications\u003Cbr\u003EDevelopment Communications\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:aisles3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Media Relations\u0026nbsp;Representative\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691193":{"#nid":"691193","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Hot Enough For Ya? Georgia Tech Has an App for That, and It\u2019s More Useful Than You Might Think","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThey say Atlanta is the city in a forest,\u201d Clayton Patterson, Georgia Tech\u2019s operations manager for horticulture, said, \u201cbut there\u2019s a lot of asphalt here, a lot of concrete, and it gets really hot around it. This place turns into an oven, real quick.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESchool of City and Regional Planning \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/planning.gatech.edu\/people\/rounaq-basu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAssistant Professor Rounaq Basu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E knows it, too. So he and his students (supported by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/resilience.research.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECenter for Urban Resilience and Analytics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E) created the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/geo.gatech.edu\/coolroutes\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECool Routes app\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to help people in Atlanta find the most shaded \u2014 and most importantly, the coolest \u2014 paths if they have to walk or bike outside.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDescribing Atlanta\u2019s latest heatwave, \u201cThis is great for research, but not so great for residents,\u201d Basu said. \u201cI like to walk and bike everywhere, and it\u2019s too hot. I need to know where the shaded paths are!\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Cool Routes app currently covers 10 cities in the U.S., including Atlanta. Users choose a city from a dropdown menu, provide a trip start and destination, tell the app whether they\u2019re walking or biking, and select route preferences. The app then generates up to three routes to the user\u2019s destination, allowing them to compare how much cooler one route is from another. Further refinement of routes is offered after that.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/planning.gatech.edu\/feature\/cool-routes-2026\u0022\u003ELearn more \u0026gt;\u0026gt;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ESchool of City and Regional Planning \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/planning.gatech.edu\/people\/rounaq-basu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAssistant Professor Rounaq Basu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E knows it, too. So he and his students (supported by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/resilience.research.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECenter for Urban Resilience and Analytics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E) created the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/geo.gatech.edu\/coolroutes\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECool Routes app\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"School of City and Regional Planning Assistant Professor Rounaq Basu knows it, too. So he and his students (supported by the Center for Urban Resilience and Analytics) created the Cool Routes app"}],"uid":"27513","created_gmt":"2026-07-21 15:40:21","changed_gmt":"2026-07-21 19:31:26","author":"Walter Rich","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680635":{"id":"680635","type":"image","title":"Cool Routes","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECool Routes App. Photo: Wes McRae\/College of Design\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1784648226","gmt_created":"2026-07-21 15:37:06","changed":"1784648288","gmt_changed":"2026-07-21 15:38:08","alt":"Cool Routes App","file":{"fid":"264924","name":"feature.CoolRoutes.AndrewDowdy-1209.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/21\/feature.CoolRoutes.AndrewDowdy-1209.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/21\/feature.CoolRoutes.AndrewDowdy-1209.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":627485,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/21\/feature.CoolRoutes.AndrewDowdy-1209.jpg?itok=EzCMhNWr"}}},"media_ids":["680635"],"groups":[{"id":"69599","name":"IPaT"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"188084","name":"go-ipat"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691203":{"#nid":"691203","#data":{"type":"news","title":"AI Is Rewriting Cybersecurity\u0027s Rules","body":[{"value":"\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETop 3 Takeaways\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli class=\u0022ck-list-marker-bold\u0022 data-list-item-id=\u0022eeb89add9349ec415091fe31ebaa1343a\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAI is accelerating cyberattacks.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli class=\u0022ck-list-marker-bold\u0022 data-list-item-id=\u0022edd916d25ee1c6dac5bbbe6ebba43c535\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe same technology can strengthen defenses.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli class=\u0022ck-list-marker-bold\u0022 data-list-item-id=\u0022ec76b0f5b2756d385f2e78000e51dc367\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe biggest risk is falling behind.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArtificial intelligence is changing cybersecurity on both sides of the battlefield. The technology helping organizations improve efficiency also enables cybercriminals to identify vulnerabilities, develop exploits, and launch attacks at unprecedented speed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers in the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy (SCP) say the greatest concern is not that AI is creating entirely new forms of cyberattacks. Instead, it is accelerating activities that attackers already perform, making existing threats quicker, cheaper, and harder to stop.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022AI is dramatically speeding up cyberattacks,\u0022 said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/saltaformaggio.ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EBrendan Saltaformaggio\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor in the SCP and the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). \u0022AI can identify vulnerabilities far faster than humans and often in places humans wouldn\u0027t think to look.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHackers Are Moving Faster\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost cyberattacks include several stages: finding vulnerabilities, developing ways to exploit them, gaining access to systems, and pursuing a goal such as stealing information or disrupting operations. According to\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/people\/frank-li\u0022\u003EFrank Li\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor in the SCP and ECE, AI is having its biggest impact on the early phases of that process.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022AI can help attackers explore potential decisions and implement attacks faster than in the past, whether it\u0027s identifying software bugs or constructing social engineering hooks,\u0022 Li said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe pace of attacks has already changed dramatically.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/directory\/faculty\/swire\/index.html\u0022\u003EPeter Swire\u003C\/a\u003E, J.Z. Liang Chair in the SCP and professor of law and ethics in the Scheller College of Business, says attackers are moving from vulnerability discovery to exploitation much faster than in the past.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022The average time until an exploit is detected even a couple of years ago was measured in months,\u0022 Swire said. \u0022Now it is measured in hours.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat compressed timeline is forcing organizations to rethink how quickly they identify, prioritize, and patch vulnerabilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Risk Reaches Everyone\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHealthcare systems, critical infrastructure providers, government agencies, and small businesses remain attractive targets because they often manage sensitive information or essential services while relying on legacy technology. But experts emphasize that no organization is immune.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Unfortunately, everyone is at risk,\u0022 Saltaformaggio said. \u0022AI is not creating new victims; AI is making attackers faster and more effective at targeting the same organizations they have always pursued.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrganizations with outdated systems or limited cybersecurity resources face particular challenges because AI allows attackers to identify weaknesses in less time and at lower cost than ever before.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFighting AI With AI\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECybersecurity defenders also have access to the same technology.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EExperts say AI can strengthen defenses before, during, and after a cyberattack. Defenders can use AI to identify and patch vulnerabilities more quickly, reducing opportunities for attackers to gain access. AI can also detect subtle signs of intrusion by correlating activity across networks and recognizing patterns that would be difficult for humans to spot in real time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnce an attack occurs, AI can support rapid investigation and response by analyzing how the compromise happened, identifying root causes, and helping deploy targeted protections.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022AI can help defenders in every step of stopping a cyberattack,\u0022 Saltaformaggio said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at Georgia Tech are already demonstrating AI\u0027s defensive potential. Saltaformaggio pointed to Georgia Tech\u0027s recent success in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency\u2019s (DARPA)\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/08\/11\/georgia-tech-makes-history-wins-darpa-challenge\u0022\u003EArtificial Intelligence Cyber Challenge\u003C\/a\u003E, which highlighted how AI systems can autonomously discover and reason about software vulnerabilities at large scale. Swire also noted that a Georgia Tech team led by Professor Taesoo Kim won a $4 million DARPA prize for developing advanced AI-based cybersecurity defenses.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESpeed Is the New Defense\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite the promise of AI-powered security, significant challenges remain. Security teams need AI tools they can trust, ones that explain how they reached conclusions and provide evidence that analysts can verify. Attackers may also attempt to manipulate AI systems, creating new risks for organizations that rely heavily on automated tools.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELi says organizations cannot rely on traditional, human-paced security processes to keep up.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022AI\u0027s primary impact on cyberattacks is enhancing speed and scale,\u0022 Li said. \u0022Organizations need to adapt to more agile defenses and processes that account for this, in many cases relying on AI as well to help speed up defensive actions.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrganizations also need to rethink how they respond to vulnerabilities. Swire argues that traditional patch management is no longer fast enough in a world where exploits can emerge within hours.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022The entire process for patching systems will have to be re-engineered,\u0022 he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe cybersecurity landscape has always been an arms race between attackers and defenders. AI hasn\u0027t changed that reality. It has simply accelerated it. The organizations that will be best positioned are those that adopt AI as quickly as the adversaries they are trying to stop.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArtificial intelligence is reshaping cybersecurity by accelerating how quickly cybercriminals can identify vulnerabilities, develop exploits, and launch attacks. Georgia Tech cybersecurity experts warn that AI is not creating entirely new threats but making existing cyberattacks faster, cheaper, and more difficult to stop. At the same time, AI-powered cybersecurity tools can help organizations detect vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses, and respond to incidents in real time. As AI-driven cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations that adopt AI-based security strategies will be better positioned to protect critical systems, data, and infrastructure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"AI is giving cybercriminals new speed and scale, but researchers say the technology could also become one of cybersecurity\u2019s strongest defenses."}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2026-07-21 18:44:13","changed_gmt":"2026-07-21 19:04:11","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-21T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-21T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680638":{"id":"680638","type":"image","title":"Cybersecurity and AI","body":null,"created":"1784659059","gmt_created":"2026-07-21 18:37:39","changed":"1784659173","gmt_changed":"2026-07-21 18:39:33","alt":"man sitting at computer doing programming. ","file":{"fid":"264927","name":"AdobeStock_480884598.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/21\/AdobeStock_480884598.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/21\/AdobeStock_480884598.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":925220,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/21\/AdobeStock_480884598.jpeg?itok=U06hGV0R"}}},"media_ids":["680638"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2835","name":"ai"},{"id":"9641","name":"Cyber Threats"},{"id":"194393","name":"AI and Cybersecurity"},{"id":"1404","name":"Cybersecurity"},{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:aisles3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Media Relations Representative\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690901":{"#nid":"690901","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Turning Pulp Mills Into Next-Generation Biorefineries ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia\u2019s $41 billion forest products industry needs a transformation, and a Georgia Tech research team is reimagining how pulp mills use energy and what they can make from their byproduct streams.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor nearly a decade, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/sankar-nair\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESankar Nair\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and a longtime researcher with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/renewablebioproducts.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ERenewable Bioproducts Institute\u003C\/a\u003E (RBI), has led a collaborative effort to develop technologies that can radically improve the efficiency and profitability of kraft pulp mills.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhat began as a project to save energy in pulp production has grown into a much broader vision,\u201d Nair explains. \u201cWe\u2019re not just trying to make mills more efficient. We\u2019re working to turn the kraft pulp mill into a kraft-based biorefinery that produces multiple higher-value products.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Energy Savings to High-Value Products\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENair explains that traditional kraft mills use a highly energy-intensive \u201cchemical recovery loop\u201d to handle black liquor \u2014 the dark, viscous byproduct left after pulp is separated from wood chips. That loop relies on multistage evaporators and massive recovery boilers to remove water, burn the remaining organics for steam and electricity, and recycle inorganic chemicals back into the process.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe original desire from our industry partners was to save energy,\u201d Nair says. \u201cInstead of evaporating the water in black liquor, we asked whether membranes could take on most of the dewatering and potentially cut that energy use in half.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver time, the team realized the opportunity went well beyond efficiency. \u201cWe use these membranes in such a way that they actually fractionate the black liquor, not just dewater it,\u201d Nair says. \u201cOne stream is rich in lignin; another is rich in organic acids. From those, we can recover and purify components and turn them into entirely new products.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELignin is a complex organic polymer and one of the most abundant biological materials on Earth. It acts as nature\u2019s \u201cglue,\u201d providing plants with structural rigidity and resistance to decay.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom lignin-rich fractions, the team has already demonstrated carbon materials that can be tailored for battery anodes and porous adsorbents used in environmental remediation and separations \u2014 today mostly made from fossil-based carbons. These lignin-derived carbons are of particular interest as a domestic alternative to graphite, a critical battery material that is currently dominated by overseas production.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn the organic acid side, Nair and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/christopher-jones\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristopher Jones\u003C\/a\u003E, a Georgia Tech\u202fcatalysis and reaction engineering expert, have gone a step further, converting those acids into mixtures of much heavier molecules that could become high-performance industrial lubricants and additives.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s exciting to do a new cascade of reactions to make products that we haven\u2019t really made before,\u201d says Jones, the John F. Brock III School Chair and professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJones explains that green lubricants derived from non-fossil sources have \u201cboth high demand and high value.\u201d Georgia Tech has not yet compared the performance of these products to conventional lubricants, but the platform is in place to do so in the future.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe products we are pursuing from lignin and organic acids have bulk demand and also can command significantly higher prices than traditional pulp-based outputs,\u201d Nair notes. \u201cThat\u2019s essential if the forest products industry is going to be profitable and competitive over the long term.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe two researchers have collaborated on three papers, with two already published in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/full\/10.1021\/acssuschemeng.4c00212\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EACS Sustainable Chemistry \u0026amp; Engineering\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (June 2024) and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/10.1021\/acscatal.5c04841\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EACS Catalysis\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (February 2026).\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScaling Up: Continuous Manufacturing and Field Trials\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA key hurdle in moving from lab concept to mill reality is scalable manufacturing of the membranes themselves. That\u2019s where collaboration with Georgia Tech\u2019s advanced manufacturing community comes in.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn recent years, we\u2019ve really focused on how we can manufacture these membranes at low cost and in a continuous, scalable way,\u201d Nair says. \u201cThat\u2019s involved close collaboration with colleagues in materials science, mechanical engineering, and Georgia Tech\u2019s manufacturing institutes.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnother Georgia Tech collaborator, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/harris\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ETequila Harris\u003C\/a\u003E, a professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, is leading the effort to move the current small-scale batch process into a continuous, industry-ready, roll-to-roll system that can produce long sheets of reduced graphene oxide membranes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA key enabling step to shift from batch-mode production, says Harris, was integrating vacuum pressure into the manufacturing system to support high-throughput continuous production without the use of any volatile organic solvents that are commonly used in membrane production. Harris envisions \u201chigh-quality output at production speeds above 60 meters per minute,\u201d which will \u201cdramatically increase production volume while reducing solvent usage and waste, such as water,\u201d says Harris.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe technology is now mature enough for field testing. The team is preparing to deploy membrane modules at a major pulp and paper mill near Savannah operated by Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re assembling full membrane modules and installing them in a test skid that will run on real kraft black liquor from the mill,\u201d Nair says. \u201cWe\u2019ll collect long-term performance and reliability data that feeds into detailed models of how best to deploy these membranes in a working kraft mill.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERYAM leaders, including \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/larissafenn\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ELarissa Fenn\u003C\/a\u003E, Director of New Products and Chair of the External Advisory Board for Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/renewablebioproducts.gatech.edu\/research\/center-for-renewables-based-economy-from-wood\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECenter for a Renewables-Based Economy From Wood\u003C\/a\u003E (ReWOOD), help ensure that cutting-edge research remains connected to real-world industry challenges and opportunities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMuch of our internal research is focused on supporting current operations, customers, and product lines,\u201d Fenn says. \u201cPartnerships with universities allow us to look five to ten years ahead and engage in transformational research that can create entirely new opportunities for our business and the broader forest products industry.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe transition to more sustainable materials, chemicals, and fuels represents one of the greatest opportunities our industry has seen in decades,\u201d she adds. \u201cContinued innovation is essential not only for maintaining competitiveness, but also for creating new markets for renewable, wood-based resources and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the forestry sector.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFenn emphasized that the impact extends well beyond individual companies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe forestry economy is the backbone of many rural communities across Georgia and throughout the Southeast,\u201d she says. \u201cAdvancing technologies that create new value from renewable resources helps support landowners, manufacturers, and the communities that depend on this industry.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFenn works at RYAM\u2019s Jesup, Georgia facility, which employs more than 800 people and is the largest employer in the local community.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFacilities like ours are deeply connected to the communities we serve,\u201d Fenn says. \u201cWhen we invest in innovation, we are investing in the future of manufacturing, forestry, and economic opportunity in rural America.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EModular Pathways to a Bio-Based Future\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETransforming an operating mill into a full biorefinery isn\u2019t something that happens overnight, and Nair\u2019s group is designing with that reality in mind.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAll of these technologies are modular and designed to be fully integrated with the kraft process,\u201d he says. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to spend billions of dollars up front to build an entirely new plant. You can gradually integrate membrane-based fractionation and stream upgrading technologies for new product streams into the existing kraft process, and each mill can follow its own transition path.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat modular design also provides flexibility in how mills manage energy. Diverting black liquor into higher-value products means less organic material available as fuel for the recovery boiler. Still, the energy-efficiency gains from membrane dewatering reduce overall consumption, and mills can draw on grid electricity to make up the difference.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe goal is not to save energy for its own sake,\u201d Nair emphasizes. \u201cIt\u2019s to use that energy more productively to create value-added outputs that support jobs, rural communities, and a more innovative and resilient bio-based economy in Georgia.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe urgency of this work is underscored by the pressures facing the industry: Georgia\u2019s forestry sector has seen paper mill closures since the 1990s, due to digitization and shifts in demand, with three major mill closures in 2025. The Georgia Forestry Commission estimates that mill closures erased the market for 8.3 million tons of timber, and reduced lumber usage, import tariffs, and labor shortages compounded the crisis, according to the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/fieldreport.caes.uga.edu\/publications\/AP130-4-13\/2026-timber-forecast\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E2026 Georgia AG Forecast\u003C\/a\u003E. New revenue streams and efficiency gains may be essential for mills\u2019 survival.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeyond kraft mills, Georgia Tech researchers are already extending the membrane platform to agricultural biomass and municipal waste streams in collaboration with partners like the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Texas Tech University. They are also tapping into national initiatives, including the NSF \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.casfer.us\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECenter for Advancing Sustainable and Distributed Fertilizer Production (CASFER)\u003C\/a\u003Eand the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.bridgesengine.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EBiobased Rural Innovation for Domestic Growth and Economic Security (BRIDGES)\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELignin-Derived Materials for the Battery Supply Chain\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mse.gatech.edu\/people\/matthew-mcdowell\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMatthew McDowell\u003C\/a\u003E, co-director of the Georgia Tech Advanced Battery Center, sees many cross-sector applications for lignin-derived carbon materials, including batteries, which are increasingly foundational to strategic sectors such as mobility, the power grid, and defense.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELignin-derived carbons can serve as a domestic replacement for graphite in lithium-ion batteries \u2014 a critical material not widely produced in the U.S.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cConventional synthetic graphite is derived from crude oil and requires very high temperatures, making it energy-intensive and polluting,\u201d McDowell said, noting that their goal is to convert lignin and cellulose \u201cto high-value battery materials that could enable the growth of a new battery supply chain here in the United States.\u201d He envisions the work one day transitioning to the Advanced Battery Center, which is planning a new facility scheduled to open at the end of 2027 that will enable companies and academic researchers to \u201cbuild and test full-scale battery cells for translational R\u0026amp;D.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELife-cycle analysis carried out by the team has shown benefits in both lower costs and more efficient energy use when making these carbons from biomass sources.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToday,\u202fChina leads the world in battery production, with\u202fKorea and Japan\u202falso long-established leaders. The U.S. is building more domestic capability for national security and economic reasons.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at Georgia Tech on the front lines of this work also include Jones, who also collaborated on the lubricants research; \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/valerie-thomas\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EValerie Thomas\u003C\/a\u003E, Anderson Interface Chair of Natural Systems and professor in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy; and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mse.gatech.edu\/people\/meisha-shofner\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMeisha Shofner\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThomas is leading research on life-cycle and economic analyses of converting lignin to produce \u201ccarbonized lignin\u201d anodes that can replace petroleum\u2011based synthetic graphite in batteries. She says that lignin\u2011based graphite can displace petroleum\u2011derived synthetic graphite, delivering 84% lower energy use, 92% lower greenhouse gas emissions, and lower emissions of other pollutants.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis work establishes a supply chain for making batteries, which has really broader impacts throughout Georgia,\u201d says Thomas, who believes lignin-based battery materials will lead to a stronger forest products economy and a more resilient battery supply chain in Georgia.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMcDowell agrees. \u201cMarrying the forest products industry and the battery industry makes a lot of sense for Georgia, because both of those industries are really big,\u201d he says, and both are \u201ckey employers in the state.\u201d In his view, innovations could benefit both simultaneously.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/scott-sinquefield\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EScott Sinquefield\u003C\/a\u003E, senior research engineer in RBI, sees the graphene-oxide membrane work as squarely within its charge to modernize the forest products sector that anchors Georgia\u2019s rural economy.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cPart of our mission is to support this industry and advance it. This falls right under our umbrella,\u201d he said, noting that RBI has been providing scientific support to mills for nearly a century, dating back to its origins as the Institute of Paper Chemistry in 1929.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Tech team\u2019s vision is clear, as Nair explains: \u201cIf we can do this right, kraft mills don\u2019t just survive. They become hubs of advanced biomanufacturing that anchor a more resilient and sustainable forest-based economy for the state.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech infuses innovation into the forest products industry, converting waste streams into high-value products, from high-performance automotive lubricants to batteries.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech infuses innovation into the forest products industry, converting waste streams into high-value products, from high-performance automotive lubricants to batteries. "}],"uid":"36757","created_gmt":"2026-06-24 17:10:56","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 18:36:13","author":"ychernet3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-24T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-24T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680506":{"id":"680506","type":"image","title":"sankar--1-.JPG","body":null,"created":"1782321076","gmt_created":"2026-06-24 17:11:16","changed":"1782321076","gmt_changed":"2026-06-24 17:11:16","alt":"Headshot of Sankar Nair ","file":{"fid":"264779","name":"sankar--1-.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/sankar--1-.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/sankar--1-.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":20230,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/24\/sankar--1-.JPG?itok=8DC9uqPB"}}},"media_ids":["680506"],"groups":[{"id":"372221","name":"Renewable Bioproducts Institute (RBI)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"39491","name":"Renewable Bioproducts"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003ENews Contact\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWriter:\u003C\/strong\u003E Anne Wainscott-Sargent\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/strong\u003E Jennifer Martin | \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jennifer.martin@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ejennifer.martin@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690809":{"#nid":"690809","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Research Gets to the Core of AI Drone Crashes","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA drone powered by artificial intelligence crashes in a remote field, destroying its onboard computer and leaving investigators without the data needed to determine whether a cyberattack caused the failure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at Georgia Tech say they have developed a system to help answer that question.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKnown as FIRA, the tool analyzes drone crashes to determine whether they were caused by tampered machine-learning (ML) models. The team will present its findings at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usenix.org\/conference\/usenixsecurity26\u0022\u003E35th USENIX Security Symposium\u003C\/a\u003E in August.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe research addresses a growing safety challenge as drones are increasingly used for deliveries, infrastructure inspections, and agriculture.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs drones rely more on machine learning to navigate and make decisions, they also become vulnerable to model poisoning attacks. In these attacks, adversaries manipulate an AI system during its learning phase, embedding hidden triggers that can cause failures under specific conditions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMachine learning drones are making more decisions in flight, which makes ML a safety-critical component of these systems,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EYizhi Huang\u003C\/strong\u003E, Ph.D. student and lead researcher on the project.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen something goes wrong, investigators need a way to ask whether the model was responsible, but the model is the part of the system that no one can examine after a crash.\u0026nbsp;FIRA\u0026nbsp;gives investigators a way to investigate these cases by reconstructing what the model was doing during the crash. As more drones run with ML, this kind of forensic capability can help drones be used more effectively and safely.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen a drone crashes, investigators must determine whether the cause was malicious interference, weather, or mechanical failure. Without reliable forensic tools, accountability is difficult to establish, and safety standards are harder to enforce.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFIRA identifies how drone components interact with machine learning models and monitors those interactions in real time, even with limited bandwidth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe system functions like a flight recorder, capturing key system activity and reconstructing a timeline after a crash. It then analyzes the model\u2019s behavior to determine whether a malicious trigger was introduced via poisoned ML training data.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn tests across multiple drone platforms and crash scenarios, FIRA identified failure causes and distinguished cyberattacks from environmental or mechanical issues.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe system does not require access to a drone\u2019s source code, making it practical for real-world investigations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAs commercial drone use expands, tools like FIRA could help improve accountability and trust in AI-powered systems operating in public airspace,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;Huang.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usenix.org\/system\/files\/conference\/usenixsecurity26\/sec26_prepub_huang-yizhi.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EFIRA: Enabling Automatic Forensic Investigation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E was led by Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cyfi.ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECyber Forensics Innovation Lab\u003C\/a\u003E in cooperation with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/capcpsec\/\u0022\u003ECyber-Physical Security Lab\u003C\/a\u003E. These labs reside in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scp.cc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003C\/a\u003E and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computing Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA drone powered by artificial intelligence crashes in a remote field, destroying its onboard computer and leaving investigators without the data needed to determine whether a cyberattack caused the failure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at Georgia Tech say they have developed a system to help answer that question.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers at Georgia Tech say they have developed a system to determine whether a cyberattack caused drone crashes."}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2026-06-18 17:56:23","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 18:35:19","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"660599":{"id":"660599","type":"image","title":"CyFI Lab Sign","body":null,"created":"1661532564","gmt_created":"2022-08-26 16:49:24","changed":"1661532564","gmt_changed":"2022-08-26 16:49:24","alt":"Sign reading Cyber Forensics Innovation Laboratory The CyFI Lab","file":{"fid":"250302","name":"SCP August 2022-66.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/SCP%20August%202022-66.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/SCP%20August%202022-66.png","mime":"image\/png","size":9087261,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/images\/SCP%20August%202022-66.png?itok=7KS9Gbz_"}}},"media_ids":["660599"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660406","name":"School of Cybersecurity \u0026 Privacy"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jpopham3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJohn Popham\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECommunications Officer\u003Cbr\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690918":{"#nid":"690918","#data":{"type":"news","title":"World Cup Demand Highlights Georgia Tech Startup\u2019s Ticketing Solution ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs fans around the world search for tickets to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, a team of Georgia Tech students is working to make buying tickets to major events less stressful and more transparent.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDoorTix, a startup ticket-buying concierge founded by computer science major \u003Cstrong\u003EArayna Saxena\u003C\/strong\u003E, industrial engineering major \u003Cstrong\u003EShinhai Chen\u003C\/strong\u003E, and mechanical engineering major \u003Cstrong\u003EDhruv Narang\u003C\/strong\u003E, helps users navigate the increasingly complex world of event ticketing. Earlier this year, the startup earned \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/teams-cs-students-capture-2026-georgia-tech-inventure-prize-win-laurels-peoples-choice-award\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ethe People\u2019s Choice Award at Georgia Tech\u2019s InVenture Prize competition\u003C\/a\u003E for its approach to combating dynamic pricing and improving access to live events.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Problem\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether fans are trying to attend a sporting event or a concert, the team says that securing tickets often means navigating fluctuating prices, limited inventory, hidden fees, and the risk of scams.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBuying tickets today can feel like entering a maze with a timer running,\u201d Saxena said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cPrices change, listings disappear, fees show up late, and fans often feel like they need to be experts just to get into the event they care about.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow DoorTix Works\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDoorTix was built from that frustration. Instead of requiring users to constantly monitor multiple ticket marketplaces, the platform tracks listings across sites and automatically purchases tickets when they meet a user\u2019s target price.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe system is designed to respond to dynamic pricing and automated purchasing bots that can cause ticket costs to shift rapidly across platforms.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat gives fans fair and predictable access without the guesswork,\u201d Saxena said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe wanted to build something that brings the human side back into ticketing, something that feels less like fighting an algorithm and more like having someone in your corner.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe World Cup: A Global Test Case\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe World Cup tournament is a high-profile example of the problem DoorTix is designed to solve. With global demand and limited availability, the tournament reflects the same challenges seen across major live events.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen fans are trying to attend something as massive as the World Cup, the stakes are higher. The excitement is higher. The confusion is also higher,\u201d Saxena said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat is exactly where DoorTix can be useful. The World Cup gives us a real, high-pressure use case for what we are building.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Idea to Startup\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe idea for DoorTix began with a simple observation: buying tickets often creates more stress than excitement.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a computer science student, Saxena has helped translate that idea into a working product, balancing technical development with user experience design.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u201cA lot of the work is not just \u2018write code and ship it.\u2019 It\u2019s asking what the user needs, where they\u2019re confused, and how we can make a complex process feel simple.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s CREATE-X Startup Launch program\u003C\/a\u003E, the team has tested assumptions, gathered customer feedback, and refined its business model as it develops the product.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey\u2019ve already seen real customer demand, and now the focus is on improving the experience and making it more scalable. Long-term, the founders envision DoorTix continuing to be a trusted ticket-buying concierge for high-demand events.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re not just helping someone buy a seat. We\u2019re helping them get to a once-in-a-lifetime memory.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs fans around the world search for tickets to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, a team of Georgia Tech students is working to make buying tickets to major events less stressful and more transparent.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"As fans around the world search for tickets to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, a team of Georgia Tech students is working to make buying tickets to major events less stressful and more transparent. "}],"uid":"36613","created_gmt":"2026-06-25 18:20:42","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 18:34:53","author":"Emily Smith","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-25T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-25T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680519":{"id":"680519","type":"image","title":"doortix2.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1782487995","gmt_created":"2026-06-26 15:33:15","changed":"1782488019","gmt_changed":"2026-06-26 15:33:39","alt":"DoorTix","file":{"fid":"264792","name":"doortix2.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/26\/doortix2.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/26\/doortix2.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":373967,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/26\/doortix2.jpeg?itok=nrgX04gV"}},"680514":{"id":"680514","type":"image","title":"DoorTix-2026-InVenture-Prize-People-s-Choice.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe founders of DoorTix won the People\u0027s Choice Award at the Inventure Prize Competition for their approach to combating dynamic pricing and improving access to live events.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1782411656","gmt_created":"2026-06-25 18:20:56","changed":"1782411656","gmt_changed":"2026-06-25 18:20:56","alt":"DoorTix","file":{"fid":"264787","name":"DoorTix-2026-InVenture-Prize-People-s-Choice.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/DoorTix-2026-InVenture-Prize-People-s-Choice.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/DoorTix-2026-InVenture-Prize-People-s-Choice.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":89696,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/25\/DoorTix-2026-InVenture-Prize-People-s-Choice.jpg?itok=5T_boJ3j"}},"680515":{"id":"680515","type":"image","title":"Image-6-24-26-at-3.55-PM.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDoorTix founders attended the World Cup.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1782412104","gmt_created":"2026-06-25 18:28:24","changed":"1782412104","gmt_changed":"2026-06-25 18:28:24","alt":"DoorTix founders attended the World Cup.","file":{"fid":"264788","name":"Image-6-24-26-at-3.55-PM.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/Image-6-24-26-at-3.55-PM.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/Image-6-24-26-at-3.55-PM.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":607566,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/25\/Image-6-24-26-at-3.55-PM.jpeg?itok=jrzRm356"}},"680516":{"id":"680516","type":"image","title":"IMG_2335.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDoorTix founders attended the World Cup.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1782412104","gmt_created":"2026-06-25 18:28:24","changed":"1782412104","gmt_changed":"2026-06-25 18:28:24","alt":"DoorTix founders attended the World Cup.","file":{"fid":"264789","name":"IMG_2335.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/IMG_2335.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/IMG_2335.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":187431,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/25\/IMG_2335.jpeg?itok=FxyXoQhp"}}},"media_ids":["680519","680514","680515","680516"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"660374","name":"School of Computing Instruction"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"193158","name":"Student Competition Winners (academic, innovation, and research)"},{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"195155","name":"World Cup 2026"},{"id":"195177","name":"World Cup Atlanta"},{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"58331","name":"College of Engineering; school of mechanical engineering; engineering"},{"id":"1191","name":"industrial engineering"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:emily.smith@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EEmily Smith\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech College of Computing\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691044":{"#nid":"691044","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Use GeoGuessr Champion to Test Geolocation Accuracy in VLMs","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe house in the distance, with a red, hip-shaped roof and white walls, tells Radu Casapu that this place is probably somewhere in Spain or Portugal.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe surrounding trees resemble those of a eucalyptus forest, which could indicate northern Portugal or the Spanish region of Galicia.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s the signposts on the road that give it away. They are flat and wide, which is common in Spain but not in Portugal.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECasapu, a master\u2019s student in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of City and Regional Planning, correctly reasons that the picture of a road he\u2019s looking at is in Galicia.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGive Casapu a photo, and he will likely be able to tell you where it was taken.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI start with infrastructure clues that are specific to a country, region, state or province,\u201d Casapu said. \u201cThey include roads or electricity poles, which often remain consistent throughout a country. Once you narrow down the country, you can use more specific factors like vegetation, specific landscapes, or architecture, because these are very nuanced. It\u2019s a top-down approach.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is why Casapu is the reigning\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/09\/23\/georgia-tech-graduate-student-wins-geoguessr-world-championship\u0022\u003EGeoGussr World Champion\u003C\/a\u003E \u2014 and the ideal expert to test vision-language models (VLMs) on how good they are at geolocation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeoGuessr is a geography browser game launched in 2013 that invites players to guess the location of random Google Street View images. Casapu was already known as one of the top players in the world before he won the third annual GeoGussr World Championship in September.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the beginning of the spring 2025 semester, School of Interactive Computing professor James Hays reached out to Casapu and invited him to collaborate on a new project. Hays was looking to create a dataset to evaluate VLMs\u0027 geolocation ability and reasoning.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cVLMs are surprisingly good at geolocation right out of the box, even when they\u2019re not trained to be good at it,\u201d Hays said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHays and his colleagues, associate professors Alan Ritter and Wei Xu, took issue with many AI companies claiming that the VLMs they were releasing were not good at geolocation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen Open AI released GPT 4 Vision, there were privacy concerns about the model\u2019s ability to geolocate someone based on photos they\u2019ve shared on the internet,\u201d Ritter said. \u201cOpen AI said this wasn\u2019t a concern and claimed the model wasn\u2019t good at geolocation beyond being able to recognize a city or famous monument. We found that wasn\u2019t the case. These VLMs are state-of-the-art at image geolocation tasks.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShow Your Work\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHays and Ritter enlisted a team of some of the world\u2019s top geolocators. It consisted of Casapu, Joshua Diao, a master\u2019s student in computer science, and Tejas Santanam, a Ph.D. student in industrial engineering. They each received 500 images to geolocate.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam members recorded their reasons for each of their answers. The result was GeoRC, the first benchmark for VLM geolocation performance, consisting of 800 \u201cground truth\u201d reasoning chains.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHays and Ritter gave the same images to GPT 5, Gemini, Llama, and Qwen. The highest-performing model geolocated with 90% accuracy \u2014 not far off from the team\u2019s 96% score.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, a major distinction showed up in the reasoning chains. While Casapu and Diao provided clear explanations for how they deduce each location, the VLMs either couldn\u2019t provide reasoning for their guesses or were vague in their answers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe research community has been demanding explanations from these models,\u201d Hays said. \u201cFor example, how do they know the location is in Italy?\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHays has been researching this subject for almost 20 years. As a Ph.D. student at Carnegie Mellon University in 2008, he was the first researcher to take a machine learning approach to geolocation. He introduced a new algorithm that could estimate a geographic location from a single image.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen experts have audited these reasoning chains, we\u2019ve noted many suspicious or hallucinated attributes,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen they hallucinate a geographic property, why is it so often consistent with the correct guess?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI believe they\u2019re not revealing the true reasoning pathway that they used to determine the image was Italy. They\u2019re just implicitly recognizing that it was Italy for many reasons, then hunting for evidence to support that. Some of the things they say are true and supported by the image, and some are fabrications.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPractice Partner\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECasapu said there may be only a handful of GeoGuessr players who can currently outperform some top-tier VLMs in geolocation, and it may not be long before no one can.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI think it could be more difficult playing against these models than playing against another human because a human has the possibility of making mistakes at the top level,\u201d Casapu said. \u201cIf a well-trained model has that level of consistency, that is far beyond a normal person, and it would be much more difficult to beat.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe added that working with Hays and competing against a machine improved his skill level and provided valuable practice ahead of the world championship.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt helps to take a step back and see why you\u2019re making the guesses that you are,\u201d he said. \u201cSince then, I\u2019ve taken a more methodical approach to how I practice. Writing these things down is a great way to see what you know and see why you make the guesses that you do. It\u2019s been a great training tool.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECasapu will defend his title at the 2026 GeoGussr World Championship in September.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHays, Ritter, Xu, Casapu, Diao, and Santanm are all co-authors of a paper on GeoRC along with lead author Mohit Talrej and Ph.D. students Ethan Mendes and Jim Thannikary. The paper will be presented next week at the 64th Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics (ACL) in San Diego.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers James Hays, Alan Ritter, and Wei Xu partnered with reigning GeoGuessr World Champion Radu Casapu and other top players to build GeoRC, the first benchmark evaluating how well vision-language models (VLMs) can geolocate images. They found LLMS are almost as good at geolocation as the world\u0027s best players, but they struggle to explain their reasoning.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers have developed what they believe is the strongest benchmark dataset on measuring the geolocation accuracy of LLMs."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-07-06 17:43:39","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 18:30:54","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680557":{"id":"680557","type":"image","title":"_DSC7175.JPG","body":null,"created":"1783359838","gmt_created":"2026-07-06 17:43:58","changed":"1783359838","gmt_changed":"2026-07-06 17:43:58","alt":"Radu Casapu","file":{"fid":"264834","name":"_DSC7175.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/_DSC7175.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/_DSC7175.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":122620,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/06\/_DSC7175.JPG?itok=vNYr-PmK"}}},"media_ids":["680557"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"193158","name":"Student Competition Winners (academic, innovation, and research)"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"193556","name":"large language models"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:ndeen6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ENathan Deen\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Computing\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691128":{"#nid":"691128","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Receives Commitment to Launch New AI-Driven Health Innovation Center\u00a0 ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Institute of Technology today announced the creation of the Parker H. Petit Center for AI-Driven Health Innovation, a new research center that will use artificial intelligence (AI) to help predict, treat, and prevent disease.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Petit Center is made possible by a transformational commitment from technology entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Georgia Tech alumnus Parker H. \u0022Pete\u0022 Petit.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince 1980, Petit has provided significant philanthropic support across campus, including the naming of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.petitinstitute.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EParker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)\u003C\/a\u003E, one of Georgia Tech\u2019s 11 Interdisciplinary Research Institutes. IBB is an interdisciplinary hub for transforming biological discovery into real-world health impact, bringing together engineers, scientists, and clinicians to accelerate innovations in diagnostics, therapeutics, medical devices, and biomanufacturing. With more than 300 interdisciplinary faculty researchers, 13 research centers, and 1,300 trainees making unprecedented discoveries and generating innovative technologies, IBB is a catalyst for innovative bioengineering and bioscience research.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe success of IBB led Petit to make his latest investment, which will build on Georgia Tech\u2019s broader commitment to medical innovation: applying engineering, computing, AI, biosciences, and systems thinking to health challenges that require more than any one field can solve. The Petit Center\u2019s work will strengthen the tools, partnerships, and research pathways needed to help more discoveries move from the lab toward real-world patient care.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA key goal of the Petit Center will be to use AI to build more precise models of how disease works in the body. Its first research initiative will focus on creating virtual models of human cells. Led by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/jeff-skolnick\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EJeffrey Skolnick\u003C\/a\u003E, Regents\u2019 Professor and Mary and\u0026nbsp;Maisie Gibson Chair\u0026nbsp;and GRA Eminent Scholar in Computational Systems Biology\u0026nbsp;in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E, researchers will use those models to study how diseases progress and to identify treatments that may work best for individual patients.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy modeling disease at the cellular level, researchers can test ideas faster, uncover links among different diseases, and focus on therapies most likely to help patients based on their unique biology. The work could expedite the discovery of new therapies for some of the hardest-to-treat diseases, including pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMedical innovation is one of the fastest-growing areas in Georgia Tech\u2019s research, and Pete Petit\u2019s commitment will help us further shape the future of medicine,\u0022 said \u00c1ngel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. \u201cThis new research center will find new ways to harness the power of AI to accelerate critical medical discoveries and move them into clinical settings so patients can get the care they need. We\u2019re deeply grateful for Pete\u0027s support, and we\u2019re excited to get started.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Parker H. Petit Center for AI-Driven Health Innovation will operate under the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/data\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInstitute for Data Engineering and Science\u003C\/a\u003E (IDEaS) and bring together researchers from across Georgia Tech to advance AI-driven approaches to human health. Researchers affiliated with the Petit Center will work across fields and with clinical and healthcare organizations to help close the gap between discovery and practical use. Over time and with additional investments, the Petit Center\u2019s work will expand into areas such as cancer biomarker discovery, healthy aging, advanced cellular therapies, and AI-supported healthcare systems.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Georgia Tech has the expertise to redefine what is possible in healthcare through AI,\u0022 said Skolnick. \u0022By combining advanced computational methods with biological and medical insights, we can create powerful new approaches to predicting disease, identifying treatments, and improving patient outcomes.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPetit\u2019s commitment will support advanced computing infrastructure, graduate and postdoctoral fellowships, seed research grants, and annual programs that will bring together leading researchers from around the world working at the intersection of AI and health.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPetit hopes this investment will inspire others to support interdisciplinary research at the Institute. \u0022Georgia Tech has long demonstrated its ability to solve complex challenges,\u0022 said Petit. \u0022I believe artificial intelligence will fundamentally reshape healthcare, and I am excited to support a center that can help accelerate discoveries to improve and save lives.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis transformative commitment is included in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/transformingtomorrow.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ETransforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and is propelling the comprehensive campaign\u2019s success.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EAbout Georgia Tech\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the nation\u2019s leading public research universities, developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. Through education, research, and innovation, Georgia Tech creates solutions that improve lives and drive economic opportunity in Georgia and around the world.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EParker H. Petit\u2019s commitment will launch a research hub focused on using artificial intelligence to model diseases, identify treatment paths, and move discoveries closer to patient care.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Parker H. Petit\u2019s commitment will launch a research hub focused on using artificial intelligence to model diseases, identify treatment paths, and move discoveries closer to patient care. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-07-16 16:52:47","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 17:19:18","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-16T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-16T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680618":{"id":"680618","type":"image","title":"Jeffrey Skolnick","body":"\u003Cp\u003EJeffrey Skolnick will lead the first research initiative in the new Parker H. Petit Center for AI-Driven Health Innovation.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1784163552","gmt_created":"2026-07-16 00:59:12","changed":"1784163635","gmt_changed":"2026-07-16 01:00:35","alt":"Jeffrey Skolnick","file":{"fid":"264904","name":"skolnick-data_portrait_002.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/skolnick-data_portrait_002.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/skolnick-data_portrait_002.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":386791,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/15\/skolnick-data_portrait_002.jpg?itok=AL8IuxCW"}}},"media_ids":["680618"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"}],"keywords":[{"id":"351","name":"development"},{"id":"2096","name":"philanthropy"},{"id":"172458","name":"biological sciences"},{"id":"4449","name":"ideas"},{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"365","name":"Research"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"497","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:anne.stanford@dev.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAnne Stanford\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Communications\u003Cbr\u003EOffice of Development\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:media@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Emedia@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691125":{"#nid":"691125","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Graduate Apprentices Are Shaping Research While Building Their Future ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn the second floor of the Marcus Nanotechnology Building, Calib Lanier operates a rotary-bed reactor unlike any other at Georgia Tech. As the system begins its specialized operations, the doctoral student in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E watches closely, monitoring temperatures, pressure, and other critical metrics that could define the tool\u2019s success.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELanier isn\u2019t just using the equipment; he\u2019s helping bring it to life.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver the last year, he has worked with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matter-systems.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInstitute for Matter and Systems (IMS)\u003C\/a\u003E staff as part of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matter-systems.gatech.edu\/graduate-apprenticeship\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EIMS Graduate Apprenticeship Program\u003C\/a\u003E to install a newly designed powder-processing, rotary-bed system. While traditional coating tools are designed to deposit ultra-thin films onto flat surfaces (like silicon computer chips or glass), this tool continuously tumbles a bed of fine powder to ensure a uniform coating of 3D objects with microscopic grains of powder at an atomic scale\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe work has involved more than just running experiments. Lanier has developed operating procedures, established safety protocols, solved technical challenges, and documented processes that future tool users will rely on long after he graduates.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity to leave something behind for IMS,\u201d Lanier said. \u201cOnce I\u2019m gone, the documentation for this tool will still be there. It\u2019s giving IMS information that will be useful for following students.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis experience reflects the mission of the apprenticeship program. Launched to provide graduate students with hands-on experience in IMS\u2019s research facilities, the program places graduate students in core facilities with experts. This gives them opportunities to develop technical expertise, support facility operations, and gain professional skills that extend beyond the classroom.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe wanted to create an experience where everyone benefits,\u201d said Anna \u00d6sterholm, principal research scientist and IMS Graduate Apprenticeship Program coordinator. \u201cStudents gain technical training and professional experience while IMS gains talented and motivated contributors who help develop new capabilities, train users, and improve facility operations.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELanier was one of nine students in the inaugural cohort, which represented a wide range of disciplines and research experience. Matthew Kim, another member of the cohort and a master\u2019s student in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, came to the program with a mechanical background and a desire to gain hands-on semiconductor experience.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore the program, much of Kim\u2019s previous exposure to semiconductors and chip packaging came from videos and lectures. Through the apprenticeship, he gained practical experience in the cleanroom, where he taught lab sections for undergraduate integrated circuit fabrication classes. In that role, Kim guided students through the process of creating semiconductors \u2014 starting with a blank silicon wafer and ending with a finished product \u2014 featuring various designs and structures.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt was a new experience for me because I was teaching students while learning the material myself,\u201d Kim said. \u201cIt really pushed me to learn everything quickly, and I think that benefited me.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough the program, Kim both taught and participated in some of the semiconductor fabrication short courses offered by IMS throughout the year.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cA lot of what we learn in class is theory-based,\u201d Kim said. \u201cIf you want hands-on experience and want to see semiconductor fabrication with your own eyes, this program is a great way to learn.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBesides semiconductor design and creation, additional focus areas for the program include materials characterization operations. Kayla Chuong, a doctoral student in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mse.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Materials Science and Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, took her existing experience with materials characterization techniques and expanded it. \u0026nbsp;She entered the program as a user of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mcf.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMaterials Characterization Facility (MCF)\u003C\/a\u003E, having previously conducted research using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tools.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs part of the program, Chuong now trains campus and industry users on tools throughout the MCF. She conducts check-offs on training sessions and authorizes researchers to use instruments. She may spend an entire day conducting back-to-back instrument training, helping everyone from undergraduate researchers to industry professionals gain access to advanced microscopy tools.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022It\u0027s really cool that external users from industry come in and get trained, and I get to meet people from different backgrounds,\u0022 she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile the program provides students with access to advanced research tools and facilities, participants said some of the most valuable lessons happened outside of the lab.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKim found teaching an unexpected source of growth. As he guided students through cleanroom processes and semiconductor fabrication techniques, he found himself developing confidence as a researcher and as an instructor.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Chuong, the program expanded her professional network and her base knowledge of SEM beyond what she thought was possible.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELanier gained a different perspective through regular interactions with IMS staff. By participating in facility staff meetings and working closely with mentors, he was exposed to the challenges of managing complex research infrastructure and learned how experienced scientists approach troubleshooting and process optimization.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Being able to see how other people look at going about research and what they do to work through troubleshooting and optimization,\u0022 Lanier said, \u0022it\u0027s a really good learning experience for myself as well.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETogether, these experiences highlight one of the program\u0027s greatest strengths: its ability to immerse students in the broader research ecosystem. Beyond learning how to operate world-class instruments, apprentices gain experience communicating across disciplines, mentoring other researchers, solving complex technical challenges, and contributing to the shared resources that support research across Georgia Tech.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Chuong, Kim, and Lanier, the apprenticeship provided more than just access to equipment. It offered a chance to become contributors to Georgia Tech\u0027s research ecosystem \u2014 whether by teaching new users, supporting education, or helping bring new capabilities online. As the program prepares for future cohorts, their experiences illustrate how immersive, hands-on training can accelerate both research and professional growth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGraduate apprentices gain experience with advanced instrumentation, mentoring, and facility operations while supporting the research ecosystem that serves Georgia Tech and its partners.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Graduate apprentices gain experience with advanced instrumentation, mentoring, and facility operations while supporting the research ecosystem that serves Georgia Tech and its partners. "}],"uid":"35272","created_gmt":"2026-07-15 15:52:48","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 16:20:46","author":"aneumeister3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-15T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-15T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680611":{"id":"680611","type":"image","title":"graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMembers of the first IMS Graduate Apprentice cohort gather for a group photo at the program kickoff, including Matthew Kim (back row, second from left), Kayla Chuong (front row, third from left), and Calib Lanier (second row, fourth from right).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1784131585","gmt_created":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","changed":"1784131585","gmt_changed":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","alt":"A group of students, researchers, and staff stand together for a group photo outside a brick building beneath a covered walkway.","file":{"fid":"264895","name":"graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1096812,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/15\/graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG?itok=ecb3XQWe"}},"680610":{"id":"680610","type":"image","title":"Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECalib Lanier wears full cleanroom protective gear in the IMS gowning area before entering the cleanroom for research and training activities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1784131585","gmt_created":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","changed":"1784131585","gmt_changed":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","alt":"Calib Lanier wearing a full cleanroom suit, face mask, safety glasses, and gloves takes a mirror selfie in a gowning area lined with cleanroom garments and lockers.","file":{"fid":"264894","name":"Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":649455,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/15\/Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG?itok=UCHWKJ_j"}},"680612":{"id":"680612","type":"image","title":"Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis scanning electron microscope (SEM) image, captured by IMS Graduate Apprentice Kayla Chuong during training on the instrument, was selected as the cover image for \u003Cem\u003EMaterials Advances.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1784131585","gmt_created":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","changed":"1784131585","gmt_changed":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","alt":"color microscopic image showing a highly porous material with interconnected openings and a textured blue-to-purple surface.","file":{"fid":"264896","name":"Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":220171,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/15\/Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg?itok=830M0oTq"}}},"media_ids":["680611","680610","680612"],"groups":[{"id":"660369","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:amelia.neumeister@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAmelia Neumeister\u003C\/a\u003E | Communications Manager\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute for Matter and Systems\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["amelia.neumeister@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691056":{"#nid":"691056","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Startup Develops Defense Technology to Counter Emerging Drone Threats ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen Robbie van Zyl first started working with drones, it was not for defense. It started with curiosity.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a high school student, van Zyl spent summers in a Georgia Tech aerospace lab, where he was introduced to rotorcraft and autonomous systems. By the time he enrolled at Georgia Tech, that early exposure had grown into a deeper interest. He became a competitive drone racer, gaining hands-on experience with the technology.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut even then, he recognized a growing risk.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI was using this technology to have fun,\u201d said van Zyl, founder and CEO of Askari. \u201cBut I also recognized it could equally be used to do very malicious things.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat realization became the foundation for Askari, a counter-drone defense company developing systems designed to detect, track, and stop hostile drones.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Real-World Problem Comes Into Focus\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVan Zyl first pitched the idea for Askari as a first-year student through Georgia Tech\u2019s CREATE-X Startup Launch, an accelerator that empowers students to launch successful startups. \u0026nbsp;At the time, the concept of counter-drone defense was not widely seen as urgent. However, that perspective shifted as global conflicts began to demonstrate the impact of low-cost, unmanned systems.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe widespread use of drones in Ukraine revealed how inexpensive and accessible technologies could reshape modern warfare. Unmanned systems now account for a significant share of battlefield activity, exposing new vulnerabilities across defense and infrastructure.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat was the first moment I could point to and say this is real,\u201d van Zyl said. \u201cThis is not theoretical anymore.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Student Idea to Scalable Solution\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAskari is building autonomous systems that can identify and neutralize drone threats in real time. The company\u2019s technology is designed to distinguish among objects such as drones, people, and the surrounding environment, allowing it to respond with precision.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are building systems that can understand what they are looking at,\u201d van Zyl said. \u201cThey can tell the difference between a drone, a person, or a tree, and act accordingly.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnlike traditional defense systems that rely on expensive infrastructure, Askari is focused on developing solutions that are scalable and accessible to a wider range of users, including frontline operators and security teams. The goal is to provide a faster, more adaptable approach to this challenge.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe company has raised approximately $1.7 million in early funding and is already working with U.S. Department of Defense customers, with growing demand for counter-drone solutions. The team has expanded to 10 people and is scaling to meet that demand.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Role of CREATE-X and Georgia Tech\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s commercialization ecosystem played a critical role in Askari\u2019s development.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough CREATE-X, van Zyl was able to test and refine his idea while gaining exposure to the fundamentals of building a company. He also gained access to a community of founders, mentors, defense leaders, and builders who helped him navigate early-stage challenges. The experience provided an environment to pressure-test the concept and receive feedback, helping him better understand how it could function in real-world scenarios. At the time, the idea was still taking shape, but it helped clarify how it could evolve into a viable solution.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter gaining experience in the robotics and defense sectors, van Zyl reengaged with Georgia Tech, where the Institute\u2019s network of mentors, resources, and programs helped accelerate the company\u2019s growth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech has been instrumental,\u201d van Zyl said. \u201cWe would not be where we are today without it.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToday, Askari operates out of The Biltmore, home to CREATE-X and part of Georgia Tech\u2019s innovation ecosystem in Tech Square, placing the company back within the same environment where the idea first began.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAskari is a strong example of what we aim to do,\u201d said Rahul Saxena, CREATE-X director. \u201cStudents building companies that address real, emerging challenges. It reflects the kind of thinking we want to encourage early on, paired with the ability to continue developing an idea as the need becomes clearer. That progression is a critical part of how students move from concept to company.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReturning to Atlanta to Build\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter graduating, van Zyl gained experience working in robotics and autonomous systems, including in Silicon Valley. He also spent time building the company outside of Atlanta before ultimately returning.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe decision to come back was both strategic and mission-driven.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany of Askari\u2019s customers, including Department of Defense organizations, are based in the Southeast. Being in Atlanta allows the company to remain close to those partners while continuing to build within Georgia Tech\u2019s ecosystem. The company\u2019s return also reflects its deep ties to Georgia Tech\u2019s talent pipeline. van Zyl\u2019s co-founders include his younger brother, Marc van Zyl, a Georgia Tech computer science student, and Benjamin Airdo, a close friend and mechanical engineering graduate. Eight of the company\u2019s 10 team members are connected to the Institute as current students, graduates, or researchers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Broader Vision for Security\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile Askari\u2019s current focus is counter-drone technology, van Zyl sees the startup\u2019s mission as part of a larger shift in how modern warfare is evolving.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor the first time, autonomous systems powered by artificial intelligence are moving beyond the digital world into physical environments. That transition introduces new risks that extend beyond traditional defense scenarios.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis is not just a drone problem,\u201d van Zyl said. \u201cIt is the broader proliferation of robotics in real-world environments.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Campus to Impact\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAskari\u2019s trajectory reflects how Georgia Tech\u2019s commercialization ecosystem supports founders as they move from early ideas to companies.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom its start in CREATE-X to its return to The Biltmore, the company remains closely tied to the Institute while building technology focused on real-world deployment and impact.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe want to build systems that help protect people,\u201d van Zyl said.\u0026nbsp; As Askari continues to grow, that focus remains central to its mission.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAskari\u0027s journey from a first-year student idea to a growing defense technology company demonstrates how Georgia Tech\u0027s commercialization ecosystem helps founders transform emerging technologies into real-world solutions. Supported by CREATE-X and the Institute\u0027s innovation ecosystem, the company is developing autonomous counter-drone systems to address one of today\u0027s fastest-growing national security challenges.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"From a student startup idea to a growing defense technology company, Askari demonstrates how Georgia Tech\u0027s commercialization ecosystem helps founders transform emerging technologies into solutions addressing real-world challenges."}],"uid":"36434","created_gmt":"2026-07-06 20:31:08","changed_gmt":"2026-07-15 20:54:56","author":"lcameron30","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680562":{"id":"680562","type":"image","title":"Askari-056.JPG","body":null,"created":"1783369879","gmt_created":"2026-07-06 20:31:19","changed":"1783369879","gmt_changed":"2026-07-06 20:31:19","alt":"Askari Team","file":{"fid":"264840","name":"Askari-056.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/Askari-056.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/Askari-056.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2747369,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/06\/Askari-056.JPG?itok=jcTZ7qHA"}},"680563":{"id":"680563","type":"image","title":"Askari-030.JPG","body":null,"created":"1783369913","gmt_created":"2026-07-06 20:31:53","changed":"1783369913","gmt_changed":"2026-07-06 20:31:53","alt":"Askari  Founders","file":{"fid":"264841","name":"Askari-030.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/Askari-030.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/Askari-030.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2447871,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/06\/Askari-030.JPG?itok=EALr52LH"}}},"media_ids":["680562","680563"],"groups":[{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"},{"id":"39521","name":"Robotics"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELacey Cameron Lcameron30@gatech.edu\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690919":{"#nid":"690919","#data":{"type":"news","title":"UPDATE: Techwood Drive Full Road Closure Date Change:  July 6 \u2014 Aug. 7","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeginning July 6, Techwood Drive will be fully closed to vehicular traffic between Bobby Dodd Way and North Avenue to support utility work associated with the renovation of the Smith and Howell residence halls. The sidewalk next to Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field will be closed to pedestrians. The eastern sidewalk, in front of the residence halls, will be open on either side of the project entrance. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat to Expect:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e070fe1fc640673826edffcd477c03a93\u0022\u003EThe closure is scheduled to remain in place through Aug. 7; weather may affect the completion date.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ea4b244c236a632d95e30befc0d8787b6\u0022\u003EDetour routes and signage will be clearly marked.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e422f9d49bd55bac60c7a4d896bc210dc\u0022\u003EPolice-assisted traffic control will help maintain the safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles in the area. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis work is part of a broader renovation of the Smith and Howell residence halls, which includes upgrades to building systems, enhanced interior spaces, and improved ADA accessibility. The addition of a new connecting structure will link the two buildings and create a welcoming central entrance.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESee the attached logistics and detour map for further details. Thank you for your patience as we make improvements to our campus residence halls.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe closure is in support of the utility work associated with the renovation of the Smith and Howell residence halls.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The closure is in support of the utility work associated with the renovation of the Smith and Howell residence halls."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2026-06-25 19:51:35","changed_gmt":"2026-07-15 16:48:16","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-25T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-25T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680517":{"id":"680517","type":"image","title":"Techwood-Dr-Utility-Install-Full-St-Closure_Smith_Howell_reno.jpg","body":null,"created":"1782417301","gmt_created":"2026-06-25 19:55:01","changed":"1782417404","gmt_changed":"2026-06-25 19:56:44","alt":"image of logistics and detour map for Techwood Drive closure July 1 - Aug. 2","file":{"fid":"264790","name":"Techwood-Dr-Utility-Install-Full-St-Closure_Smith_Howell_reno.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/Techwood-Dr-Utility-Install-Full-St-Closure_Smith_Howell_reno.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/Techwood-Dr-Utility-Install-Full-St-Closure_Smith_Howell_reno.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":506637,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/25\/Techwood-Dr-Utility-Install-Full-St-Closure_Smith_Howell_reno.jpg?itok=Es4YlUxf"}}},"media_ids":["680517"],"groups":[{"id":"383831","name":"Infrastructure and Operations"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"188001","name":"Techwood Drive"},{"id":"61411","name":"Campus Construction"},{"id":"10969","name":"road closure"},{"id":"194735","name":"Smith and Howell Residence Halls"},{"id":"194097","name":"IS News"},{"id":"193671","name":"I\u0026S Construction Notices"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EChris Williams\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProject Manager\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPlanning, Design, and Construction\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["cbwilliams@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691039":{"#nid":"691039","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Soft Wearable Device Could Support At-Home Sleep Monitoring","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGood sleep is essential for brain health. During sleep and rest, the glymphatic system, the brain\u2019s waste clearing process, helps remove metabolic waste that accumulates during awake hours. This activity is linked to memory processing, cognitive function, and neural recovery. When sleep quality is poor, metabolic waste may accumulate, potentially disrupting cognitive function and memory formation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETraditional approaches to brain monitoring are often invasive, costly, and limited to clinical settings. New research from Georgia Tech points to a more accessible approach. A recent study published in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/sciadv.aed2056\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EScience Advances\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E shows that a soft, wireless wearable device could help enable home-based monitoring of physiological changes associated with sleep and brain health.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe research team, led by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/yeo\u0022\u003EW. Hong Yeo, Peterson Endowed Professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E and director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/wish\u0022\u003EWearable Intelligent Systems and Healthcare Center\u003C\/a\u003E and the Korea KIAT-Georgia Tech Semiconductor Electronics Center, developed a wearable device that uses light-based sensing and wireless communication to support natural sleep monitoring at home. The device is designed to collect data outside of a clinical environment, allowing researchers to study sleep in a more comfortable and realistic setting.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis paper introduces the first soft, wireless, and non-invasive wearable near-infrared spectroscopy system capable of continuously monitoring brain water and glymphatic clearance dynamics in a natural home sleep environment, overcoming the restrictive, costly, and invasive limitations of traditional methods like MRI and polysomnography,\u201d Yeo said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe device works by emitting LED light at specific wavelengths. That light interacts with tissue and fluid near the brain, and reflected signals are detected by a photodetector placed on the skin. The collected data is then transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth to a nearby device for analysis.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers note that the optical measurements can be influenced by factors beyond brain-related fluid changes. Breathing depth, slight shifts in forehead pressure, body position, motion, and temperature drift can all affect the signal.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor that reason, the team focused on changes and trends over time rather than claiming precise measurements of brain water content. They also emphasize that some of the measured signal may reflect effects from the skin, scalp, device pressure, or movement, in addition to changes associated with the brain.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy making sleep monitoring more comfortable and accessible, this soft wearable technology could help advance future studies of sleep, glymphatic activity, and brain health in real-world settings. The Wearable Intelligent Systems and Healthcare Center is supported by the \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/matter-systems.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EInstitute for Matter and Systems at Georgia Tech\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/sciadv.aed2056\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDOI: 10.1126\/sciadv.aed2056\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA new Georgia Tech study shows a wireless wearable device could enable home-based monitoring of physiological changes associated with sleep and brain health.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A new Georgia Tech study shows a wireless wearable device could enable home-based monitoring of physiological changes associated with sleep and brain health."}],"uid":"35272","created_gmt":"2026-07-06 14:49:19","changed_gmt":"2026-07-15 13:38:19","author":"aneumeister3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680551":{"id":"680551","type":"image","title":"Soft-NIRS-device_georgia-tech_web.png","body":null,"created":"1783349483","gmt_created":"2026-07-06 14:51:23","changed":"1783349483","gmt_changed":"2026-07-06 14:51:23","alt":"Close-up of a flexible white wearable sensor device held between two fingers, showing its curved shape against a plain light-gray background.","file":{"fid":"264827","name":"Soft-NIRS-device_georgia-tech_web.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/Soft-NIRS-device_georgia-tech_web.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/06\/Soft-NIRS-device_georgia-tech_web.png","mime":"image\/png","size":2276274,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/06\/Soft-NIRS-device_georgia-tech_web.png?itok=trXe_Eus"}}},"media_ids":["680551"],"groups":[{"id":"660369","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"172970","name":"go-neuro"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"193656","name":"Neuro Next Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:amelia.neumeister@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAmelia Neumeister\u003C\/a\u003E | Communications Manager\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute for Matter and Systems\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["amelia.neumeister@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690883":{"#nid":"690883","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Alumni Making a Difference: Tara Stoinski","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAs a scientific advisor for the Netflix documentary\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\u201cA Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough,\u201d\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ETara Stoinski\u003C\/strong\u003E (Ph.D. Psychology 2000) helped translate decades of fieldwork into a poignant story of the historic Pablo gorilla family.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s a role she knows well.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFor more than 11 years, Stoinski has served as president, CEO, and chief scientific officer of the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gorillafund.org\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund\u003C\/a\u003E, leading efforts to help the world better understand and protect Rwanda\u2019s mountain gorillas \u2014 a species with only about 1,000 left in the wild.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAlthough she now oversees a multimillion-dollar budget and 400 employees worldwide, she never planned to be a CEO.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI\u2019m a scientist at my core,\u201d says Stoinski. \u201cDay to day, I function more as a leader and executive, but I still think of myself as a scientist first.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHer job covers a wide range of responsibilities, including fundraising, public speaking, budgeting, and strategy.\u0026nbsp;One week, she might find herself observing gorilla behavior in Rwanda; the next, she\u2019s back in the U.S., discussing conservation on\u0026nbsp;the popular\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EArmchair Expert\u003C\/em\u003E podcast.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI love my job,\u201d she says. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t feel like work; it\u2019s a passion.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Helluva Scientist\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EOne of the reasons Stoinski chose Georgia Tech for her Ph.D. was its connection to Zoo Atlanta.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHer doctoral advisor, the late Terry Maple, emeritus professor in the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/psychology.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;School of Psychological and Brain Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E, served as director of Zoo Atlanta, giving students rare access to conservation-focused research.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe zoo was our lab. I studied elephants, lemurs, gorillas, and golden lion tamarins, both in the zoo and in the wild in Brazil and Africa,\u201d says Stoinski.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe appreciates how Georgia Tech prepared her for the challenges of her career.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe rigor of a Georgia Tech education is something you need as a scientist,\u201d she says. \u201cI also had the opportunity to do a lot of public speaking and teaching, which are huge parts of my job now.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELeading Global Conservation Efforts\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAfter earning her Ph.D., Stoinski spent 14 years with Zoo Atlanta while also working with the Atlanta-based Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. She became CEO in 2014 and now oversees conservation and research programs in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EUnder her leadership, the Fossey Fund has expanded its footprint, including opening its Ellen DeGeneres Campus in 2022, a 12-acre research and education center in Rwanda.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe site includes labs, classrooms, and a restored landscape, where roughly 250,000 plants from 110 species have been planted to reestablish native ecosystems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe host hundreds of students \u2014 including groups from Georgia Tech, and support dozens of graduate and postdoctoral researchers, from countries all over the world including many from Africa,\u201d she explains. \u201cSeeing their excitement and commitment gives me lots of hope for the future.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScientific Storytelling\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EA Gorilla Story\u003C\/em\u003E follows the Pablo family of mountain gorillas living on the slopes of Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe Pablo group goes back to Dian Fossey\u2019s time,\u201d explains Stoinski. \u201cIt\u2019s the largest group of gorillas ever recorded, at one point reaching 65 individuals. An average gorilla family is about 10.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EDue to Rwandan regulations, filming could take place for just one hour each day. Filmmakers and scientists would often have to hike for five to six hours to reach the gorillas.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBecause Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund researchers have followed these gorilla families for decades, they were already familiar with the individual gorillas, including six generations of family history, which \u201cmakes the story incredibly rich,\u201d says Stoinski.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cYou see grief, relationships, alliances \u2014 all of it,\u201d she says. \u201cUltimately, I hope that connection leads people to care and to take action.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollaborative Conservation\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EStoinski\u2019s career is all about taking action \u2014 and inspiring others to do the same.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe need people on the ground doing this work, but we also need people outside of our field to support and be aware of what\u2019s happening to gorillas and the planet\u2019s biodiversity,\u201d she says.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe encourages Tech students to stay informed:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u201cEven if you\u2019re not going into conservation, take a class, listen, learn,\u201d she says. \u201cUnfortunately, there are real challenges facing the next generation.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe frequently points out that by helping gorillas, we\u2019re saving ourselves, sharing that gorillas live in the Congo Basin, one of the most important ecosystems on Earth. By dispersing seeds and maintaining forest structure, they help sustain environments critical for climate stability and planetary health.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cProtecting gorillas means\u0026nbsp;protecting\u0026nbsp;those ecosystems, which ultimately support human survival.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Lasting Georgia Tech Connection\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EStoinski maintains strong ties to Georgia Tech through research collaborations and student engagement. Projects over the years have included helping to establish the Center for Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing at the University of Rwanda, geospatial mapping, and architectural design and planning.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe invites alumni and students to engage with the work firsthand.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI encourage more Georgia Tech alumni and students to work with us or come see us. And if you want to meet with a Georgia Tech grad, I lead tours: we can put on our Tech gear and take a photo with the gorillas!\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWith a career rooted in science, alumna Tara Stoinski is shaping the future of wildlife conservation and gorilla preservation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"With a career rooted in science, alumna Tara Stoinski is shaping the future of wildlife conservation and gorilla preservation. "}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2026-06-24 13:55:41","changed_gmt":"2026-07-15 13:33:12","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-24T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-24T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680497":{"id":"680497","type":"image","title":"Tara Stoinksi","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETara Stoinksi\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1782309768","gmt_created":"2026-06-24 14:02:48","changed":"1782309863","gmt_changed":"2026-06-24 14:04:23","alt":"Headshot of a woman wearing a Dian Fossey gorilla fund ball cap","file":{"fid":"264770","name":"webheadshotTara-Stoinksi-copy.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/webheadshotTara-Stoinksi-copy.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/webheadshotTara-Stoinksi-copy.png","mime":"image\/png","size":3359387,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/24\/webheadshotTara-Stoinksi-copy.png?itok=pIBTHOOG"}},"680498":{"id":"680498","type":"image","title":"Stoinski has studied gorillas for more than three decades and is the author of over 200 scientific publications and books.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EStoinski has studied gorillas for more than three decades and is the author of over 200 scientific publications and books.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1782310646","gmt_created":"2026-06-24 14:17:26","changed":"1782311350","gmt_changed":"2026-06-24 14:29:10","alt":"A woman wearing a mask stands near a gorilla.","file":{"fid":"264771","name":"Tara-Hiwra-group-2024.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/Tara-Hiwra-group-2024.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/Tara-Hiwra-group-2024.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":561592,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/24\/Tara-Hiwra-group-2024.jpg?itok=vngR6B6J"}},"680499":{"id":"680499","type":"image","title":"As president, CEO, and chief scientific officer of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Stoinski splits her time between the Atlanta headquarters and Rwanda.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAs president, CEO, and chief scientific officer of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Stoinski splits her time between the Atlanta headquarters and Rwanda.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1782310961","gmt_created":"2026-06-24 14:22:41","changed":"1782312006","gmt_changed":"2026-06-24 14:40:06","alt":"A woman stands in the muddy jungle.","file":{"fid":"264772","name":"Tara-mud.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/Tara-mud.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/24\/Tara-mud.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5853839,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/24\/Tara-mud.jpg?itok=q3MOOx6R"}}},"media_ids":["680497","680498","680499"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.gtalumni.org\/news\/2022\/gorilla-power.html","title":"Gorilla Power"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"443951","name":"School of Psychology"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"151","name":"Policy, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"783","name":"conservation"},{"id":"506","name":"alumni"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELaura Segraves Smith, writer\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["laura.smith@cos.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691073":{"#nid":"691073","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Data Centers Are Booming. Who Benefits?","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EArtificial intelligence is reshaping how businesses operate and driving a historic surge in data center construction across the United States. These sprawling facilities, sometimes spanning more than 1,000 acres, represent one of the largest waves of capital investment in American history.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor communities across the country, this growth hits close to home, and not without controversy. What do data centers actually deliver for the local economies that host them?\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/papers.ssrn.com\/sol3\/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6497238\u0022\u003ENew research\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/directory\/faculty\/yue\/index.html?_gl=1*22ff1a*_up*MQ..*_ga*NjU1MDU4NDM5LjE3ODM2MTc4Nzg.*_ga_8XJDVR2ZKP*czE3ODM2MTc4NzckbzEkZzEkdDE3ODM2MTc4ODEkajU2JGwwJGgxNzkwMjU1NjAy\u0022\u003EDaniel Yue\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor of Information Technology Management at Georgia Tech\u2019s Scheller College of Business, and his co-author,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/directory\/faculty\/zeng\/index.html?_gl=1*1771i5w*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTM1MDIxNjE3NC4xNzgzNjE4MTk5*_ga_8XJDVR2ZKP*czE3ODM2MTgxOTkkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODM2MTgxOTkkajYwJGwwJGgxMTY0MTA2MjA4\u0022\u003EYiyang Zeng\u003C\/a\u003E, examines how data center openings affect local jobs, wages, business activity, and electricity prices. Their findings suggest that geography plays a decisive role in whether communities see meaningful economic gains.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEnormous amounts of capital are flowing into specific communities, much of it tied to new construction, while rigorous evidence on the local benefits of these facilities has been thin,\u201d said Yue. \u201cCommunity pushback has organized rapidly across the country. Our paper begins to fill that gap by providing new evidence using detailed, facility-level data paired with county-level economic indicators.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Historic Investment Wave\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere are more than 2,500 data centers, either active or under construction, across the United States. Individual hyperscale facilities often cost more than $1 billion to construct and can consume as much electricity as a small city. Is it all worth it?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn average, Yue and Zeng found that when a data center opens, the host county sees a measurable lift: Employment rises by about 3.5%, wages by 5%, business establishments by nearly 5%, and household income by about 2%. Building permits also increase sharply, reflecting construction activity tied to new facilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese are real, economically meaningful gains. But Yue and Zeng discovered that these gains are much smaller than what might be expected from a large investment. And they\u2019re not evenly distributed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Metro Areas Benefit More\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers\u2019 clearest finding is that metropolitan areas capture most of the economic benefits from data centers, while rural areas see far fewer spillover effects. While metro counties saw increases in employment and new business growth, non-metro counties saw no measurable gains.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe reason comes down to what economists call \u201cagglomeration,\u201d or economic density.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EData centers don\u2019t operate in isolation. They rely on construction contractors, engineers, equipment suppliers, professional services, and a skilled workforce. Those connections are far easier to build in places that already have deep labor markets and established business networks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMetropolitan areas are well-positioned to absorb the indirect spending that data centers generate. High-wage technical employees support restaurants, retail, and local services. Suppliers and contractors can scale up quickly. These spillover effects amplify the impact of the initial investment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn rural areas, that amplification is much harder to achieve. Facilities tend to employ relatively few permanent workers \u2014 often fewer than 100 \u2014 and many specialized services are imported from outside the county. As a result, the broader economic ripple never materializes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat doesn\u2019t mean rural communities see no benefit at all. The research finds a small but real drop in unemployment rates in non-metro counties, and local governments may still gain tax revenue or infrastructure investments. But the sweeping job and wage growth often promised during local recruitment efforts will not likely arrive on its own.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cLocation, not facility size, determines whether the local benefits show up,\u201d Yue said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Hidden Cost: Electricity Prices\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYue and Zeng\u2019s research also uncovers an important trade-off. Data centers use a lot of electricity. A single large facility can use as much power as roughly 80,000 homes. In areas where the researchers can cleanly measure price effects, electricity prices rise by about 5% after a data center enters.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen the benefits to communities are small, even downsides like higher electricity prices that strain infrastructure will be felt by locals,\u201d Yue shared.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWho pays for the increased cost of electricity isn\u2019t straightforward. Yue and Zeng\u2019s research suggests communities should ask specific questions about who pays for new infrastructure and how those costs will be distributed. Local utility companies divide costs differently among homeowners, businesses, and large industrial users, including data centers. Because cost-sharing systems vary by state, each data center development is unique.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat Communities Should Consider\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs states and cities work to attract or push back against data center construction, Yue and Zeng hope their research will encourage more evidence-based decision-making.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor metro areas with strong labor markets and dense business ecosystems, data centers can deliver meaningful, though not transformative, economic gains. For rural communities, the positive impact is more complicated.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn 10 years, communities will likely wish they had pressed harder on the quality of the decision itself, including whether the debate was evidence-based, whether their local economy was equipped to capture the gains, and whether the fine print aligned with residents\u0027 long-term interests,\u201d Yue said. \u201cIt\u2019s vital that communities look past flashy, headline incentive packages and focus on the details: tax abatement structures, electricity tariff arrangements, and who ultimately pays for infrastructure upgrades.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs data centers continue to dot the American landscape, understanding where they create shared value \u2014 and where they don\u2019t \u2014 will be critical for community leaders and policymakers alike.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/papers.ssrn.com\/sol3\/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6497238\u0022\u003ERead More: The Local Economic Effects of Data Center Entry\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs data centers expand across the U.S., new research by Daniel Yue, assistant professor of IT management, and his co-author, Yiyang Zeng, reveals that their economic benefits are real but uneven, shaped largely by local economic conditions and geography.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Data centers continue to expand across the U.S. Do the communities nearby really benefit?"}],"uid":"36730","created_gmt":"2026-07-09 17:25:59","changed_gmt":"2026-07-15 13:27:47","author":"klowe36","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680584":{"id":"680584","type":"image","title":"The economic impact of data centers","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELead story image for Scheller News story \u0022Data Centers Are Booming. Who Benefits?\u0022 A hazy photo of an electronic board, possibly an internal image of a data center.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1783617674","gmt_created":"2026-07-09 17:21:14","changed":"1783617834","gmt_changed":"2026-07-09 17:23:54","alt":"A hazy photo of an electronic board, possibly an internal image of a data center.","file":{"fid":"264862","name":"data-center.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/09\/data-center.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/09\/data-center.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":117567,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/09\/data-center.jpg?itok=hj8qj4-z"}}},"media_ids":["680584"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/data-centers-are-booming-who-benefits.html?_gl=1*3nsm4t*_up*MQ..*_ga*NjU1MDU4NDM5LjE3ODM2MTc4Nzg.*_ga_8XJDVR2ZKP*czE3ODM2MTc4NzckbzEkZzEkdDE3ODM2MTc4ODAkajU3JGwwJGgxNzkwMjU1NjAy","title":"Read More"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"168537","name":"Data Center"},{"id":"110561","name":"data centers"},{"id":"336","name":"information technology"},{"id":"602","name":"economics"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["kristin.lowe@scheller.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691105":{"#nid":"691105","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Lightning Mapping Array Helps Protect World Cup Visitors","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs soccer enthusiasts from around the globe made their way to World Cup matches and visited outdoor FIFA Fan Festival events in Atlanta, a lightning tracking system operated by the Severe Storms Research Center (SSRC) at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) was providing weather forecasters information that could help protect the fans.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe North Georgia Lightning Mapping Array (NGLMA) uses specialized detection equipment to generate detailed maps of the lightning that occurs in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Through a collaboration between GTRI and the National Weather Service (NWS), the array provided continuous lightning information to agencies responsible for visitor safety.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe North Georgia Lightning Mapping Array is providing decision-support information to agencies responsible for protecting events in Atlanta related to the World Cup,\u201d said Michael Peterson, director of the GTRI Severe Storms Research Center (SSRC). \u201cThe system has been up and running and gave us excellent measurements of the thunderstorms that occurred in mid-June. It complements the other sources of weather information that the agencies have available.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gtri.gatech.edu\/newsroom\/georgia-tech-lightning-mapping-array-helps-protect-world-cup-visitors\u0022\u003ERead the full article\u003C\/a\u003E on the Georgia Tech Research Institute news page\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"The Severe Storms Research Center provides early warning of approaching storms"}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs soccer enthusiasts from around the globe made their way to World Cup matches and events in Atlanta, a lightning tracking system operated by the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) was providing weather forecasters information that could help protect the fans.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A Georgia Tech lightning mapping array is helping authorities protect World Cup visitors from severe weather."}],"uid":"27303","created_gmt":"2026-07-13 18:31:56","changed_gmt":"2026-07-13 18:35:10","author":"John Toon","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680601":{"id":"680601","type":"image","title":"Setting up a lightning mapping array unit near Atlanta","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGTRI researchers set up a lightning mapping array unit at a location near Atlanta.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1783966872","gmt_created":"2026-07-13 18:21:12","changed":"1783967144","gmt_changed":"2026-07-13 18:25:44","alt":"Researchers set up a lightning mapping array unit at a location near Atlanta","file":{"fid":"264884","name":"weather-monitoring-lg.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/13\/weather-monitoring-lg.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/13\/weather-monitoring-lg.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5455243,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/13\/weather-monitoring-lg.jpg?itok=kZf_h_cy"}}},"media_ids":["680601"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"154","name":"Environment"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["john.toon@gtri.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691104":{"#nid":"691104","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Student Helps Perfect the Pitch at the World Cup ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore fans fill the stadiums and World Cup moments are made on match days, grounds crews are hard at work inside the 16 stadiums hosting the global tournament, preparing the pitch that will serve as the canvas for the art that is the beautiful game. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAiden Holland is a third-year Georgia Tech undergraduate and Georgia Tech Athletics Grounds Crew student assistant. His match days begin up to nine hours before kickoff as one of the crew members selected by FIFA to maintain the natural-grass surface at AT\u0026amp;T Stadium (temporarily renamed Dallas Stadium). \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter meticulously painting the end lines and stringing the goals, Holland tests the playing surface\u0027s moisture level and measures its firmness to ensure the ball will bounce and the players will get the same energy return as on any other World Cup pitch across North America.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDallas hosts its ninth and final match on Tuesday, July 14, and Holland has been in attendance for each one. But when Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history, or when Mikel Merino\u2019s extra-time goal gave Spain a dramatic win over Portugal, he was watching the grass under their feet.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTo see your work play out in front of you on a global stage is exciting,\u201d he said. \u201cAs someone who works on fields, I watch through the lens of seeing how the field reacts to the players on it. At no point in a match do you want a moment that makes you think the pitch caused a player to slip or a ball to take a bad bounce. You have the highest-level athletes in the world out there, and the last thing they need to worry about is whether the playing surface will be safe and reliable enough for them to play at the highest possible level.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHolland is one of three Yellow Jackets on the Dallas crew, joined by Assistant Athletics Director Chris May and Noonan Golf Facility groundskeeper Cody Brady. The crew of eight expands to 12 on match days to get the pitch ready for action, and days between matches consist of constant maintenance to keep it in pristine condition.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA double major in international affairs and business, Holland has been around field maintenance his entire life. His father, Eric, is the former lead groundskeeper at Tech and is now the owner of Precision Turf. For the past five summers, Holland has worked for the family business, installing pitches for international soccer matches in Atlanta, Houston, San Antonio, and more, including the 2024 Copa Am\u00e9rica tournament in Dallas. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHolland\u2019s interest in soccer took him around the world in 2025 in a study abroad program with Regents\u0027 Entrepreneur and Full Professor Kirk Bowman, examining the sport\u2019s intersection with geopolitics in Argentina and Uruguay. The Buford, Georgia, native conducted research to determine how pitch maintenance affected team performance, testing nine fields in Argentina\u2019s professional league, Liga Profesional de F\u00fatbol. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough his research and hands-on experience at the World Cup, Holland believes the skills and precision learned on the job will stay with him, regardless of his career path.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u0027s instilling a work ethic that asks you to strive toward perfection,\u201d he said. It takes a lot of work to make sure everything\u0027s perfected at all times, and that\u2019s somethingI\u2019ll take with me into my work in the classroom, my work with the Athletics Grounds Crew, and my roles within my student organizations. The World Cup is a global circus of sorts, and it provides this incredible opportunity to work with people from around the world, share experiences, and learn what type of collaboration it takes to create this type of event.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the conclusion of the World Cup, Holland will prepare for a new academic year and return to helping maintain the Institute\u2019s athletic facilities \u2014 primarily Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium and Shirley Clements Mewborn Field.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Aiden Holland is one of three Yellow Jackets in Dallas, keeping the pitch in pristine condition for the world\u2019s biggest sporting event. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAiden Holland is one of three Yellow Jackets in Dallas, keeping the pitch in pristine condition for the world\u2019s biggest sporting event.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Aiden Holland is one of three Yellow Jackets in Dallas, keeping the pitch in pristine condition for the world\u2019s biggest sporting event. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-07-13 17:51:41","changed_gmt":"2026-07-13 18:32:14","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680600":{"id":"680600","type":"image","title":"Aiden Holland","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAiden Holland, a third-year Georgia Tech undergraduate and Georgia Tech Athletics Grounds Crew student assistant, stands on the pitch inside Dallas Stadium prior to a match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Submitted photo.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1783965802","gmt_created":"2026-07-13 18:03:22","changed":"1783965802","gmt_changed":"2026-07-13 18:03:22","alt":"Aiden Holland","file":{"fid":"264883","name":"Screenshot-2026-07-13-at-2.02.40-PM.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/13\/Screenshot-2026-07-13-at-2.02.40-PM.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/13\/Screenshot-2026-07-13-at-2.02.40-PM.png","mime":"image\/png","size":4425827,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/13\/Screenshot-2026-07-13-at-2.02.40-PM.png?itok=07ceCxCC"}}},"media_ids":["680600"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2026\/06\/how-world-cup-reshaping-downtown-atlanta","title":"How the World Cup Is Reshaping Downtown Atlanta"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/06\/12\/atlantas-world-cup-beyond-hype","title":"Atlanta\u2019s World Cup Beyond the Hype"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"42901","name":"Community"}],"keywords":[{"id":"195155","name":"World Cup 2026"},{"id":"178599","name":"groundskeeper"},{"id":"26051","name":"georgia tech athletics"},{"id":"12144","name":"Georgia Tech Athletic Association"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/a\u003E \u2014\u0026nbsp;Institute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691102":{"#nid":"691102","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Hone AI Method to Track \u201cSmart\u201d Vapes with Digital Screens","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EE-cigarettes, also known as vapes, are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid that typically contains nicotine, an addictive substance. These devices are continually changing, with new flavors, novel device designs, and digital screens. Some of these e-cigarettes \u2014 sometimes called \u201csmart vapes\u201d\u2014 include built-in games and Bluetooth connectivity that have the potential to gamify the use of nicotine. Many of these devices are marketed online but cannot be easily monitored with existing data sources and methods. \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA new study published July 9 in the journal \u003Cem\u003ENicotine and Tobacco Research\u003C\/em\u003E demonstrates how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to automatically detect and classify new e-cigarette devices with screens. The study, led by Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) scientists, in collaboration with the CDC Foundation, analyzed publicly available product images from online tobacco retailers.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMonitoring online e-cigarette marketing is like a game of Whack-A-Mole, with so many new products and features popping up,\u201d said Kristy Marynak, PhD, Senior Director for Tobacco Control Initiatives at the CDC Foundation and a study author. \u201cThis study shows how machine learning techniques can shed light on the online e-cigarette marketplace and the vast quantities and types of e-cigarette products available.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gtri.gatech.edu\/newsroom\/researchers-hone-new-ai-method-track-smart-vapes-digital-screens\u0022\u003ERead the full article\u003C\/a\u003E on the Georgia Tech Research Institute news page\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"New approach helps researchers track emerging e-cigarette products "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA new study published July 9 in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research demonstrates how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to automatically detect and classify new e-cigarette devices with screens. The study, led by Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) scientists, in collaboration with the CDC Foundation, analyzed publicly available product images from online tobacco retailers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A new study shows how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to automatically detect and classify new e-cigarette devices."}],"uid":"27303","created_gmt":"2026-07-13 16:43:05","changed_gmt":"2026-07-13 16:49:28","author":"John Toon","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680599":{"id":"680599","type":"image","title":"Example of an e-cigarette device that includes screens","body":"\u003Cp\u003EImage shows an example of an e-cigarette device containing screens. (Credit: CDC Foundation)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1783960355","gmt_created":"2026-07-13 16:32:35","changed":"1783960642","gmt_changed":"2026-07-13 16:37:22","alt":"Sample e-cigarette device with a screen","file":{"fid":"264882","name":"a-20250617-IMG_5887-Edit.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/13\/a-20250617-IMG_5887-Edit.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/13\/a-20250617-IMG_5887-Edit.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":798726,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/13\/a-20250617-IMG_5887-Edit.jpg?itok=fxwp5uQa"}}},"media_ids":["680599"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["john.toon@gtri.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"691066":{"#nid":"691066","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Creating Synthetic Life in a Lab? SpudCell Falls Short of the Goal, But Raises Even More Useful Questions","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENature is beautiful, powerful and essential. But nature is not always gentle. The same biological world that gives rise to forests, coral reefs and human life also produces infections, cancer, genetic disease, crop blights and toxins. Natural processes can heal, sustain and inspire, but they can also destroy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat dichotomy is part of what drives the field of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/synthetic-biology-promised-to-rewrite-life-with-the-death-of-its-pioneer-j-craig-venter-how-close-are-scientists-281963\u0022\u003Esynthetic biology\u003C\/a\u003E: where scientists apply engineering principles to learn from and carefully adapt nature\u2019s biological systems to address human problems. By understanding biological systems, scientists can carefully redirect them when natural processes cause harm.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis principle has shaped my work \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=Xe78w-wAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Eas a biomedical engineer\u003C\/a\u003E for over two decades. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/deanslab\/\u0022\u003EMy lab\u003C\/a\u003E studies how to program cells in order to better understand their behavior and ultimately use them as medicine. The goal is not to discard or replace nature, but to learn from biological principles and use that knowledge to responsibly help society.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers announced on July 2, 2026, that they had created the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.64898\/2026.07.01.735724\u0022\u003Efirst synthetic cell\u003C\/a\u003E built from purified, nonliving components.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe lab\u2019s cell-like system, dubbed SpudCell, raises key questions: What does it take to build a cell from scratch? If scientists assemble something that feeds, grows, copies genetic material and divides, have they created life?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow to Create Cells From Scratch\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENatural cells are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/cells-have-more-mini-organs-than-researchers-thought-unbound-by-membranes-these-rogue-organelles-challenge-biologys-fundamentals-239558\u0022\u003Eastonishingly complicated\u003C\/a\u003E. Researchers want to use synthetic cells to learn more about how life works, and they are doing this by rebuilding some of life\u2019s basic features in a simpler, more understandable form.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEarlier designs of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41586-023-06288-x\u0022\u003Eminimal cells\u003C\/a\u003E, used to test which components are necessary for lifelike behavior, began with existing living cells and reduced the size of their genomes. A minimal cell is useful because it is simple, but that simplicity comes at a cost. It may reveal which parts are needed for lifelike behavior, but it usually lacks the autonomy, resilience, metabolism and evolutionary capacity of natural cells.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstead, synthetic cells are built through a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/science.1211701\u0022\u003Ebottom-up engineering\u003C\/a\u003E approach. Scientists start with a simplified compartment \u2013 a kind of biological \u201cbox\u201d \u2013 and ask what must be added for it to behave more like a living cell. A membrane separates the inside from the outside. Genetic material stores instructions. Molecular machinery reads those instructions to make molecules. Energy sources power reactions. Other components can allow growth, division and adaptation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/746476\/original\/file-20260707-57-jrf0t9.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/746476\/original\/file-20260707-57-jrf0t9.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 alt=\u0022Diagram showing a few membrane-bound components of an animal cell and a eurakyotic cell\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA useful way to think about synthetic cells is to compare them with technologies society already depends on. The radio wasn\u2019t invented all at once. Engineers learned how to combine an antenna, tuner, amplifier, power source and speaker to convert invisible electromagnetic waves into sound. A car is not just a metal shell; it becomes transportation only when a frame is connected to wheels, brakes, steering, an engine, and transmission and control systems. A computer began with switches and strings of ones and zeros that could be assembled into circuits capable of storing and processing information.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESimilarly, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.64898\/2026.07.01.735724\u0022\u003ESpudCell was assembled\u003C\/a\u003E from the bottom up with purified, nonliving parts. Researchers used lipid molecules to create a cell-like membrane, DNA molecules to store genetic instructions, purified enzymes to copy and read those instructions, and other molecular machinery to help build proteins and other molecules from small chemical building blocks, such as amino acids and nucleotides.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpudCell is exciting scientists because it appears to bring several features of life together in one system. The researchers describe it as capable of feeding, growth, genome replication, genetically encoded division and something close to evolution. These features resemble a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK26869\/\u0022\u003Ebiological cell cycle\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EClose to Life, But Not Quite\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile SpudCell is an important milestone in the field, it \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/science.zwa8dvz\u0022\u003Estops short\u003C\/a\u003E of being a fully synthetic living cell. A membrane-bound compartment containing DNA is not automatically a living cell, just as a pile of car parts is not a car.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpudCell can carry out several life-like processes, but it is not independent. It still relies on carefully controlled laboratory conditions and on researchers to supply its molecular machinery. It doesn\u2019t reliably pass on its genetic material or spontaneously evolve the way natural cells do.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo approach life, a synthetic cell must coordinate many processes at once. NASA describes life as a \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/astrobiology.nasa.gov\/research\/life-detection\/about\/\u0022\u003Eself-sustaining chemical system\u003C\/a\u003E capable of Darwinian evolution,\u201d meaning it must independently use energy, copy information, grow, divide, respond to its surroundings and persist over time. Natural cells do this with extraordinary reliability because they are the products of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/rain-may-have-helped-form-the-first-cells-kick-starting-life-as-we-know-it-238291\u0022\u003Ebillions of years of evolution\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/746474\/original\/file-20260707-57-an09wq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/746474\/original\/file-20260707-57-an09wq.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 alt=\u0022Microscopy image of a green sphere dividing into two\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpudCell still \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/science.zwa8dvz\u0022\u003Efalls short of that standard\u003C\/a\u003E. It depends on researchers to continuously supply it with the molecular machinery to function and to physically help it divide. It also cannot reproduce indefinitely outside a carefully controlled laboratory environment. In other words, SpudCell may have been built rather than born, but it is not yet autonomous life.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat limitation does not make the achievement unimportant. In fact, it is scientifically valuable precisely because it exposes what is still missing to create life. Which parts are essential? Which processes must be coordinated? How much complexity is necessary before chemistry begins to look like biology?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Create Synthetic Cells?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThose questions have practical importance. Answering them can help scientists and engineers design safer biological systems for a wide range of industries.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESynthetic cells allow scientists to more cleanly test how the surrounding membrane separates the inside of a cell from its environment, how genetic instructions are read, how energy is used, and how growth and division are coordinated. These cell-like systems could eventually become \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nist.gov\/blogs\/taking-measure\/promise-synthetic-cells-revolutionary-new-drugs-outer-space-explorers-and\u0022\u003Esimplified test beds\u003C\/a\u003E for studying biological circuits, disease mechanisms and the origins of life.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey could also help scientists \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nationalacademies.org\/projects\/DELS-BLS-22-12\u0022\u003Ebuild safer systems\u003C\/a\u003E for making medicines, fuels or materials, detecting environmental toxins, or delivering therapies without relying on fully living organisms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMore broadly, synthetic biology connects medicine and biotechnology: Viruses can be redesigned \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-the-puzzle-of-viral-vector-vaccines-was-solved-leading-to-todays-covid-19-shots-167341\u0022\u003Einto vaccines\u003C\/a\u003E or \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/gene-therapy-restores-hearing-in-toddlers-and-teenagers-born-with-congenital-deafness-new-research-258112\u0022\u003Egene therapy\u003C\/a\u003E, immune cells can be reprogrammed to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/anti-cancer-car-t-therapy-reengineers-t-cells-to-kill-tumors-and-researchers-are-expanding-the-limited-types-of-cancer-it-can-target-196471\u0022\u003Erecognize cancer\u003C\/a\u003E, and microbes can be engineered to make useful molecules, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/insulin-injections-could-one-day-be-replaced-with-rock-music-new-research-in-mice-216787\u0022\u003Esuch as insulin\u003C\/a\u003E, or \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/genetically-engineered-bacteria-make-living-materials-for-self-repairing-walls-and-cleaning-up-pollution-191411\u0022\u003Edetect pollutants\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESimilarly, researchers could use synthetic cells to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/biobots-arise-from-the-cells-of-dead-organisms-pushing-the-boundaries-of-life-death-and-medicine-238176\u0022\u003Edeliver a drug\u003C\/a\u003E only to diseased tissue, or create microbial systems that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s13036-023-00379-z\u0022\u003Edetect toxins or pathogens\u003C\/a\u003E in water. They can also act as simplified biological factories that can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/helping-cells-become-better-protein-factories-could-improve-gene-therapies-and-other-treatments-a-new-technique-shows-how-187515\u0022\u003Emake medicines\u003C\/a\u003E without requiring a fully living organism, or as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pone.0016292\u0022\u003Ebiosensors providing early warning\u003C\/a\u003E of dangerous threats, such as bioweapons.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECreating Life Responsibly\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe philosophical question \u201cIs SpudCell alive?\u201d may not have a simple yes or no answer.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDepending on whether your definition of life emphasizes metabolism, reproduction, evolution, autonomy or cellular organization, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/biobots-arise-from-the-cells-of-dead-organisms-pushing-the-boundaries-of-life-death-and-medicine-238176\u0022\u003Eboundary between living and nonliving\u003C\/a\u003E can look very different.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELife is not defined by one property alone. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-viruses-blur-the-boundaries-of-life-230802\u0022\u003EViruses\u003C\/a\u003E contain genetic information but depend on host cells to reproduce. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/mitochondria-can-sense-bacteria-and-trigger-your-immune-system-to-trap-them-revealing-new-ways-to-treat-infections-and-autoimmunity-255939\u0022\u003EMitochondria\u003C\/a\u003E perform essential metabolism but cannot live independently outside of cells. A \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/svalbard-global-seed-vault-evokes-epic-imagery-and-controversy-because-of-the-symbolic-value-of-seeds-240086\u0022\u003Eseed can remain dormant\u003C\/a\u003E for years before resuming growth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen synthetic biology is guided by a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/acssynbio.1c00129\u0022\u003Estrong sense of responsibility\u003C\/a\u003E, scientists can learn how to redirect harmful processes, build safer tools and help society. This requires not only asking whether biological systems can be built, but also whether their creation should be controlled, where they should function and what safeguards are needed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver the past two decades, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/nchembio.1979\u0022\u003Escientists have built\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.cell.2007.05.045\u0022\u003Emany kinds of\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41564-024-01913-5\u0022\u003Ebiological kill switches\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 that is, genetic circuits that can shut down engineered cells under specific conditions. Some researchers have made cells dependent on a specific nutrient. Others have created cells that can survive only in a particular environment or activate self-destructive pathways when conditions change.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKill switches are not magic off buttons and do not replace careful regulation, physical containment or public oversight. But they are an important example of synthetic biology\u2019s moral compass: to not only build useful biological tools, but to build them with safety, accountability and humility in mind.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/286762\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/creating-synthetic-life-in-a-lab-spudcell-falls-short-of-the-goal-but-raises-even-more-useful-questions-286762\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers announced on July 2, 2026, that they had created the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.64898\/2026.07.01.735724\u0022\u003Efirst synthetic cell\u003C\/a\u003E built from purified, nonliving components. The lab\u2019s cell-like system, dubbed SpudCell, raises key questions: What does it take to build a cell from scratch? If scientists assemble something that feeds, grows, copies genetic material and divides, have they created life?\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"While SpudCell is an important milestone in the field, it stops short of being a fully synthetic living cell."}],"uid":"36479","created_gmt":"2026-07-08 19:42:53","changed_gmt":"2026-07-13 16:12:48","author":"abowman41","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-08T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-08T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680580":{"id":"680580","type":"image","title":"spudcell.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1783539781","gmt_created":"2026-07-08 19:43:01","changed":"1783539781","gmt_changed":"2026-07-08 19:43:01","alt":"A rendering of transparent cells on a blue background","file":{"fid":"264858","name":"spudcell.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/08\/spudcell.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/08\/spudcell.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":4473489,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/08\/spudcell.jpeg?itok=ybyDU2tc"}}},"media_ids":["680580"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/creating-synthetic-life-in-a-lab-spudcell-falls-short-of-the-goal-but-raises-even-more-useful-questions-286762","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"188776","name":"go-research"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETara Deans, associate professor, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690920":{"#nid":"690920","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Earns Top-10 Rankings in Innovation Commercialization","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech continues to strengthen its position as one of the nation\u2019s leaders in research commercialization, earning top-10 rankings among U.S. higher education institutions in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/autm.net\/surveys-and-tools\/surveys\/licensing-survey\/2025-licensing-survey\u0022\u003E2025 AUTM Licensing Activity Survey.\u003C\/a\u003E In two key measures of innovation performance, Georgia Tech came in at No. six for invention disclosures with 454 total disclosures, as well as No. 8 in new patent applications with 230 filings. Additionally, Georgia Tech came in No. 12 in the number of issued U.S. patents with 124 granted. The annual AUTM survey is widely regarded as the leading benchmark for academic technology transfer and commercialization activity in the U.S.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe latest rankings build on a record year for Georgia Tech commercialization. In 2025, the Institute \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/georgia-tech-advances-500-technologies-toward-market-real-world-impact\u0022\u003Ereported\u003C\/a\u003E advancing hundreds of technologies toward the marketplace, while achieving record levels of invention disclosures, issued patents, and licensed technologies. Those milestones underscore Georgia Tech\u2019s expanding role in transforming research discoveries into products, companies, and partnerships that create economic and societal value.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe strong performance reflects a commercialization strategy focused not only on protecting IP, but also on helping researchers translate discoveries into practical applications,\u201d said Raghupathy \u201cSiva\u201d Sivakumar, chief commercialization officer at Georgia Tech. \u201cWhether through licensing technologies, launching startups, or partnering with industry, we are building pathways that help researchers transform discoveries into real-world solutions.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom advanced health technologies to environmental monitoring tools and next-generation aerospace ventures, Georgia Tech innovations are reaching users and markets in increasingly diverse ways. One example is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/2026\/05\/11\/kinemo-turning-small-movements-new-possibilities\u0022\u003EKinemo\u003C\/a\u003E, a startup developed through Georgia Tech research that is helping people with limited mobility regain independence through wearable assistive technology. Founded by researchers from the College of Engineering, Kinemo uses physiological sensing and small intentional movements to enable users to control digital devices. The company works closely with clinicians and patients at Shepherd Center to refine the technology and expand accessibility for individuals living with spinal cord injuries and mobility limitations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnother example is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/2026\/02\/02\/georgia-tech-researchers-commercialize-new-technology-faster-water-and-environmental\u0022\u003ESkopii\u003C\/a\u003E, a startup launched from research in the lab of environmental engineering professor Ameet Pinto. The company is commercializing portable imaging and artificial intelligence technology that enables users to rapidly analyze microorganisms in water and environmental systems, eliminating the need for lengthy laboratory testing. The technology has the potential to improve decision-making for water utilities, food production systems, and environmental monitoring efforts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs research institutions face increasing pressure to demonstrate impact beyond publications and laboratory discoveries, Georgia Tech continues to show how world-class research can translate into technologies, startups, jobs, and solutions that improve lives. The latest AUTM rankings provide another measure of that success, highlighting an innovation ecosystem that consistently moves ideas from the lab to the marketplace.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStartups such as Kinemo and Skopii illustrate the broader commercialization approach reflected in Georgia Tech\u0027s AUTM rankings.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech earns top-10 rankings among U.S. higher education institutions in two key measures of innovation performance in the 2025 AUTM Licensing Activity Survey.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech continues to strengthen its position as one of the nation\u2019s leaders in research commercialization"}],"uid":"34602","created_gmt":"2026-06-24 17:24:53","changed_gmt":"2026-07-01 19:44:19","author":"Georgia Parmelee","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-25T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-25T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680518":{"id":"680518","type":"image","title":"Kinemo co-founders Nordine Sebkhi and Arpan Bhavsar work with Wendell Odom during an assistive technology session using the Kinemo device to support independent computer and device control.","body":null,"created":"1782417464","gmt_created":"2026-06-25 19:57:44","changed":"1782417464","gmt_changed":"2026-06-25 19:57:44","alt":"Two researchers and a patient using the Kinemo technology. ","file":{"fid":"264791","name":"Kinemo-020.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/Kinemo-020.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/25\/Kinemo-020.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2571708,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/25\/Kinemo-020.JPG?itok=oJVLRVqN"}}},"media_ids":["680518"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"193593","name":"gt-commercialization"},{"id":"192930","name":"gt-commercializationnews"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Parmelee\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["georgia.parmelee@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690989":{"#nid":"690989","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Joyner Appointed Interim Vice Provost for AI in Education ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech has appointed\u202fthe College of Computing\u2019s David Joyner as interim vice provost for AI in Education, effective July 1. In this role, Joyner will lead implementation of the Institute\u2019s academic artificial intelligence (AI) strategy. He will coordinate efforts across Colleges and administrative units and seek to expand access to resources, partnerships, and opportunities that support AI fluency, faculty innovation, and student success.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cDavid has been an important contributor to Georgia Tech\u2019s academic AI strategy from the beginning,\u201d said Raheem Beyah, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. \u201cWith expertise in AI use in the classroom, a commitment to instructional innovation, and a deep appreciation for and understanding of faculty perspectives, David is exceptionally well-positioned to lead this work.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoyner\u2019s appointment kicks off the next phase of the academic AI strategy, which was developed with input from faculty, staff, students, and academic leaders from across the Institute. The strategy is organized around three goals: advancing AI-driven teaching and learning, equipping faculty and students to build and integrate AI tools effectively and responsibly, and strengthening Georgia Tech\u2019s impact and leadership through responsible AI innovation and engagement.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs interim vice provost for AI in Education, Joyner will work closely with faculty governance leaders, academic leadership, and campus partners to coordinate implementation efforts, support strategic initiatives, expand access to AI resources, and help align activities across the Institute.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoyner currently serves in the College of Computing as associate dean for Off-Campus and Special Initiatives and executive director of Online Education and the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program. He will continue to serve as executive director of OMSCS while stepping down from his associate dean responsibilities to assume the role of interim vice provost for AI Strategy.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoyner is a recognized leader in online learning, educational technology, and AI-enabled education. His research focuses on learning at scale, online instruction, and the use of AI to support student success and teaching innovation. Through his leadership of OMSCS and his work as a researcher and instructor, he has helped shape how Georgia Tech and higher education approach technology-enhanced learning.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u201cI am thrilled to take on this role at such a pivotal time for AI and education,\u201d said Joyner. \u201cGeorgia Tech\u2019s faculty, staff, and students are already making incredible strides in this area, and I can\u2019t wait to highlight and empower what they\u2019re doing while helping us all articulate how we both use and address AI responsibly, in every sense of the word.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EFaculty expertise and shared governance will remain central to the implementation of the academic AI strategy. Faculty interested in contributing to pilot projects, sharing effective practices, or helping inform future AI initiatives will have opportunities to participate as the work continues.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"The new leadership role will guide the implementation of Georgia Tech\u2019s academic AI strategy and support faculty-led AI innovation across the Institute. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe new leadership role will guide the implementation of Georgia Tech\u2019s academic AI strategy and support faculty-led AI innovation across the Institute.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The new leadership role will guide the implementation of Georgia Tech\u2019s academic AI strategy and support faculty-led AI innovation across the Institute. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-07-01 11:41:33","changed_gmt":"2026-07-01 13:36:30","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-01T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-01T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680540":{"id":"680540","type":"image","title":"David Joyner","body":null,"created":"1782906519","gmt_created":"2026-07-01 11:48:39","changed":"1782906519","gmt_changed":"2026-07-01 11:48:39","alt":"David Joyner","file":{"fid":"264814","name":"David_Joyner_Headshot.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/01\/David_Joyner_Headshot.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/01\/David_Joyner_Headshot.png","mime":"image\/png","size":216147,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/01\/David_Joyner_Headshot.png?itok=GFdarpoW"}}},"media_ids":["680540"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"132","name":"Institute Leadership"}],"keywords":[{"id":"193860","name":"Artifical Intelligence"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:julian.hills@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJulian Hills\u003C\/a\u003E, Executive Communications Specialist, Sr., Institute Communications\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690972":{"#nid":"690972","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Celebrating Independence Day Around Atlanta  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute will close on Friday, July 3, ahead of the United States\u2019 250th anniversary on July 4. Students also get a break from classes on Thursday, July 2. Celebrate the holiday weekend by exploring the city and everything it has to offer.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/stonemountainpark.com\/activities\/events\/atlanta-4th-of-july-fireworks-at-stone-mountain-park\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EStone Mountain Fantastic Fourth Celebration\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: July 1 \u2013 6, 9:30 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: Stone Mountain Park\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe nightly show features 250 choreographed drones, laser projections, and 4K imagery displayed on Stone Mountain; flame cannons and atmospheric effects for a fully immersive experience; and a grand fireworks finale. Visitors can purchase tickets for the show specifically, or it is included with an attraction pass.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/stonemountainpark.com\/activities\/events\/atlanta-4th-of-july-fireworks-at-stone-mountain-park\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.atlantahistorycenter.com\/event\/welcome-to-atlanta\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWelcome to Atlanta Party\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Friday, July 3, 6:30 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EWhere: Margaret Mitchell House\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHosted by the Atlanta History Center, this event showcases Atlanta\u0027s role in the American story, and \u201cwhere we think the city should go for the next 250 years.\u201d The event will feature music, community resources from across the city, books, and trivia with prizes.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.atlantahistorycenter.com\/event\/welcome-to-atlanta\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/beltline.org\/events\/6a0774ae170f05754eb11088\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESkate Jam\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Friday, July 3, 6:30 \u2013 7:30 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere: Washington Park\/Westside Beltline\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBring your roller skates and learn group routines with timing, control, and confidence while skating with others. This event is part of the ongoing Beltline Free Fitness series.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/beltline.org\/events\/6a0774ae170f05754eb11088\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/braves\/tickets\/promotions\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBraves vs. Mets\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: July 3 \u2013 6 \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EWhere: Truist Park\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Atlanta Braves host the division rival New York Mets for a weekend series. In addition to postgame fireworks, Friday night\u2019s game will feature music and memories celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Summer Olympics. Saturday, a Braves Block Party begins the festivities ahead of the Fourth of July celebration.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/braves\/tickets\/promotions\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.atlantatrackclub.org\/\u0022\u003ENorthside Hospital \u003Cstrong\u003EPeachtree Road Race\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Saturday, July 4, 6 a.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EWhere: Starting Line \u2013\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003ELenox Square Mall. Finish Line \u2013 Piedmont Park.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore the world\u2019s largest 10K gets underway on Saturday, July 4, Darryl \u201cDMC\u201d McDaniels will put on a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.runningusa.org\/industry-news\/dmc-of-run-dmc-to-perform-july-3-ahead-of-thenorthside-hospital-peachtree-road-race\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Especial performance\u003C\/a\u003E for registered participants at Lenox Square on Friday, July 3. On race day, more than 50,000 runners will make their way from the starting line at Lenox to Piedmont Park, and spectators can cheer them on along the way with entertainment areas lining the route.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.atlantatrackclub.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atlantabg.org\/calendar\/frog-feeding\/2026-07-04\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrog Feeding\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: July 4, 10 a.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EWhere: Atlanta Botanical Garden\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKick off the holiday with an amphibian specialist at the Fuqua Conservatory lobby to observe the frogs\u2019 feeding habits and learn fun facts about different species at the botanical garden \u2014 poison frogs, fringed leaf frogs, and more.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atlantabg.org\/calendar\/frog-feeding\/2026-07-04\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov\/events\/84099\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFourth of July Family Day\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. \u2013 4 p.m.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EWhere: Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECelebrate America\u0027s 250th anniversary with free admission and family-friendly activities at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. The event will also feature a conversation with Denise Kiernan, who will discuss her new book, \u003Cem\u003EObstinate Daughters: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution.\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov\/events\/84099\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocal Fireworks Shows\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e70b9886d5f8aed2233df3775780b13ca\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.kennesaw-ga.gov\/kennesaw-event\/salute-to-america\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EKennesaw\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 July 3\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022edb3332d0aecc2ce104b7b23578277aa0\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.alpharetta.ga.us\/498\/July-4th-Fireworks-at-Wills-Park\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAlpharetta\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 July 3 and 4\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ead999c625ad59c7dc23a139939a4b66e\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chambleega.com\/calendar.php?view=day\u0026amp;month=07\u0026amp;day=04\u0026amp;year=2026\u0026amp;calendar=\u0026amp;id=455\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChamblee\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 July 4\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e11a8d9c5c462066e6295dfc6ef216cb3\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sandyspringsga.gov\/events\/fireworks\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESandy Springs\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 July 4\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ed1ab71cb7aa2f040d9d53395704fed66\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.decaturga.com\/community\/page\/pied-piper-parade-concert-fireworks\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDecatur\u003C\/a\u003E - July 4\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/discoveratlanta.com\/blog\/15-places-to-watch-fireworks-in-metro-atlanta\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore fireworks shows in metro Atlanta\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/fernbankmuseum.org\/experiences\/3d-giant-screen-movies\/fernbank-celebrates-the-usa\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFernbank Celebrates the USA\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen: Through July 5\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EWhere: Fernbank Museum of Natural History \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EThrough a selection of special film sessions, the Fernbank will honor America\u2019s 250th birthday with films that celebrate our country\u2019s natural wonders, national parks, and musical traditions. \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/fernbankmuseum.org\/experiences\/3d-giant-screen-movies\/fernbank-celebrates-the-usa\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMore information\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"There are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday and long weekend around Atlanta. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThere are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday and long weekend around Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"There are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday and long weekend around Atlanta. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-06-30 12:04:17","changed_gmt":"2026-06-30 12:11:16","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-30T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-30T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"671065":{"id":"671065","type":"image","title":"Fourth of July fireworks seen from Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech. ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFourth of July fireworks seen from Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech. Photo credit: Danny Karnik\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n","created":"1687986776","gmt_created":"2023-06-28 21:12:56","changed":"1687986776","gmt_changed":"2023-06-28 21:12:56","alt":"Fourth of July fireworks seen from Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech. ","file":{"fid":"254063","name":"12C2003-P26-001.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2023\/06\/28\/12C2003-P26-001.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2023\/06\/28\/12C2003-P26-001.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":8843414,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2023\/06\/28\/12C2003-P26-001.jpg?itok=aSGbGh-o"}}},"media_ids":["671065"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"181600","name":"fourth of july"},{"id":"97021","name":"independence day"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:Steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 Institute Communications\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690950":{"#nid":"690950","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Apply for Education Assistance Through July 15","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019ve been thinking about starting a program or continuing your education this fall, you have until July 15 to apply for education assistance.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPrograms Available for Eligible Faculty and Staff\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ebe96b67059d232dcd5768a3b35e41364\u0022\u003EThe \u003Cstrong\u003ETuition Assistance Program (TAP) \u003C\/strong\u003Eprovides a tuition waiver to full-time, benefits-eligible employees who have worked for at least six months within the University of System of Georgia. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ol\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Col start=\u00222\u0022\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e15b73f5a1211b9fb1d3671ac569e1d21\u0022\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EThe \u003Cstrong\u003EStaff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Program (STRAP)\u003C\/strong\u003E provides partial tuition reimbursement at any accredited private institution. Employees are eligible for STRAP if they have worked at Georgia Tech for at least 12 months. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ol\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003ENote: Time worked in a temporary position \u003Cem\u003Edoes not\u003C\/em\u003E count toward the eligibility requirement for either program. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow to Apply\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ede05303a0bb36d8c45727a0b10a7a716\u0022\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EApply to your chosen institution through its admissions office.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ea8e9e76014428135cd5bb7be26827461\u0022\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOpen a TAP or STRAP application in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.service-now.com\/asc\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAdministrative Services\u003C\/a\u003E portal.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022efcf41fd626cd8d0ce6237cff5ceb900a\u0022\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EList your intended courses. If you are unsure, make your best guess. You can request to change it later via your application.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e54d563cdbc9ddb97df3557abda07a5e7\u0022\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESubmit your application and it will automatically route for approval.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ef40c41b9ca1e8148860c910e3fd53e47\u0022\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERegister for classes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ol\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAll TAP and STRAP applications must be submitted and approved by\u003Cstrong\u003E Wednesday, July 15 at 5 p.m\u003C\/strong\u003E. Late applications \u003Cstrong\u003Ecannot be accepted.\u003C\/strong\u003E A new application is required each semester.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EQuestions?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EContact the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.service-now.com\/asc\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAdministrative Services Center\u003C\/a\u003E for assistance:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ec7fb8ff4ec0d372f500b8faf7eb1b1d4\u0022\u003ECall 404.385.1111\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022eedb358da81228560036024aa19584a78\u0022\u003EEmail support@asc.gatech.edu\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ee94030af949c49cfe27ad467003cd919\u0022\u003ESubmit a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.service-now.com\/hr?id=sc_cat_item\u0026amp;sys_id=dcaaa4161bbdc950a8622f4b234bcbd6\u0026amp;referrer=popular_items\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Egeneral HR request\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEligible Georgia Tech employees can apply for fall semester tuition assistance through Wednesday, July 15. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Eligible Georgia Tech employees can apply for tuition assistance through July 15. "}],"uid":"36515","created_gmt":"2026-06-26 18:28:05","changed_gmt":"2026-06-29 19:50:10","author":"agauker6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680520":{"id":"680520","type":"image","title":"25-R10502-P3-027.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1782498621","gmt_created":"2026-06-26 18:30:21","changed":"1782498621","gmt_changed":"2026-06-26 18:30:21","alt":"Group of three Georgia Tech students at commencement ceremony with flowers.","file":{"fid":"264793","name":"25-R10502-P3-027.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/26\/25-R10502-P3-027.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/26\/25-R10502-P3-027.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2418186,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/26\/25-R10502-P3-027.jpeg?itok=Wyhkjy7l"}}},"media_ids":["680520"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/benefits.hr.gatech.edu\/education-assistance\/","title":"Education Assistance Webpage"},{"url":"https:\/\/gatech.service-now.com\/asc?id=sc_category","title":"Apply for Education Assistance (TAP or STRAP)"},{"url":"https:\/\/mediaspace.gatech.edu\/playlist\/dedicated\/1_nq4gfnea\/1_9gv5p1yz","title":"Education Assistance Recordings"}],"groups":[{"id":"660358","name":"Administrative Services Center"}],"categories":[{"id":"42911","name":"Education"}],"keywords":[{"id":"193133","name":"educational assistance"},{"id":"67881","name":"Tuition Assistance Program"},{"id":"171275","name":"Staff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Program"},{"id":"8254","name":"Administration and Finance"},{"id":"190282","name":"administrative Services center"},{"id":"192222","name":"GT Georgia Tech Human Resources"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAlicia Gauker\u003Cbr\u003EAdministrative Services Center\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["agauker6@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690866":{"#nid":"690866","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Unified ERP Program Moves Forward Through the Architect and Configure Phase","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usg.edu\/unified-erp\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EUniversity System of Georgia\u2019s (USG) Unified Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Program\u003C\/a\u003E team continues to make steady progress through the Architect and Configure phase, which will continue through the calendar year.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProgress at a Glance\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe formal \u003Cstrong\u003EFunctional Design Sessions\u003C\/strong\u003E were completed in early May. These sessions gathered input from institutions across the USG on business processes, system configurations, data integrations, reporting needs, change impacts, and potential policies and practices that may necessitate further review.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition, the \u003Cstrong\u003EInstitutional Design Review (IDR) Sessions\u003C\/strong\u003E recently concluded. During these sessions, Georgia Tech, along with other USG institutions, reviewed initial systemwide design decisions from each of the workstreams in Finance and Human Capital Management. Potential operational impacts to campuses were shared, in addition to other feedback that would help shape Prototype 1 (P1) \u2014 the first of several working test environments \u2014 also known as \u201cTenants\u201d in the new Workday system. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EP1 will serve as an initial, baseline configuration in the new Unified ERP system, using copies of institutions\u2019 data to assess how data is integrated and flowing within the system. Testing throughout the Architect and Configure phase will be iterative with a design-build-review approach. Two additional prototypes are planned for 2027. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EQuestions about the Unified ERP Program can be submitted to \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:erp@gatech.edu\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eerp@gatech.edu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWorkday Resources and Engagement Opportunities\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeginning in July, Georgia Tech\u2019s Unified ERP team will begin hosting monthly office hours \u2014 \u003Cstrong\u003E\u201cInside the Build\u201d\u003C\/strong\u003E \u2014 to help answer questions and provide insights on this transformative project. These virtual Teams sessions will be conducted on the third Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon, with the first session planned for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/calendar.gatech.edu\/event\/2026\/07\/16\/unified-erp-inside-build\u0022\u003EThursday, July 16\u003C\/a\u003E. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe USG is also hosting \u003Cstrong\u003EWorkday Wednesdays\u003C\/strong\u003E beginning in July. These live webinar demonstrations will focus on Workday and are intended to give all affected end users an opportunity to get comfortable with Workday, gradually covering one topic at a time and building familiarity and vocabulary leading up to the go-live date in July 2028. Staff, managers, and leadership at any role or level are welcome. No previous Workday knowledge or experience is required. Sessions will be held on the last Wednesday of each month, and each session runs approximately \u003Cstrong\u003E15 to 20 minutes\u003C\/strong\u003E, with time for questions at the end.\u0026nbsp; The first Workday Wednesday is planned for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/calendar.gatech.edu\/event\/2026\/07\/29\/workday-wednesday-workday-101\u0022\u003EWednesday, July 29\u003C\/a\u003E, from 2 to 2:45 p.m.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe University System of Georgia\u2019s Unified Enterprise Resource Planning Program team continues to make steady progress through the Architect and Configure phase.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The University System of Georgia\u2019s Unified Enterprise Resource Planning Program team continues to make steady progress through the Architect and Configure phase. "}],"uid":"27164","created_gmt":"2026-06-22 18:56:24","changed_gmt":"2026-06-24 19:40:17","author":"Rachael Pocklington","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-22T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-22T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680491":{"id":"680491","type":"image","title":"BOR_logo_blue--Converted-.png","body":null,"created":"1782159886","gmt_created":"2026-06-22 20:24:46","changed":"1782159886","gmt_changed":"2026-06-22 20:24:46","alt":"University System of Georgia Logo","file":{"fid":"264761","name":"BOR_logo_blue--Converted-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/22\/BOR_logo_blue--Converted-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/22\/BOR_logo_blue--Converted-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":148308,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/22\/BOR_logo_blue--Converted-.png?itok=eZ3t-3sZ"}}},"media_ids":["680491"],"groups":[{"id":"64319","name":"Administration and Finance"},{"id":"220261","name":"Finance and Planning"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"193812","name":"Unified ERP"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERachael Pocklington\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["rpocklington@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690825":{"#nid":"690825","#data":{"type":"news","title":"When Art Meets Instruction ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMalena Bisanti\u2019s work and life mirror each other. She calls herself a \u201clifetime learner\u201d by practice. She works with faculty to design the visual presentation of online graduate courses while spending her free time constructing layered works of art. Somewhere between the classroom and the studio, her philosophy, career, and creativity have come together into a real-life collage.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019ve been in teaching and learning spaces for a long time, and I\u2019ve always been curious about what makes something click for someone. That\u2019s the part of the work I love most,\u201d Bisanti said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBisanti is an instructional designer in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/lifetimelearning.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECollege of Lifetime Learning\u003C\/a\u003E, where she helps shape the design and presentation of online courses. Her role involves taking academic material \u2014 slides, scripts, and outlines \u2014 and organizing it into clear, structured courses that support how people learn in an online environment. She applies both learning science and visual design to make complex material easier to follow, ensuring that courses remain accessible.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom start to finish, building a course can take six to nine months. The work requires steady planning and a deep understanding of how learners absorb information over time. While instructors remain the content experts, Bisanti brings expertise in learning science and visual design, drawing on her artistic background to structure, pace, and present material in ways that support understanding and growth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen I\u2019m working on a course, I\u2019m constantly asking how I can break something down and build it back up in a way that makes sense for the learner,\u201d Bisanti said. \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of structuring and layering, making sure each piece connects and supports the next.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMuch of this work connects to Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/omscs.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EOnline Master of Science in Computer Science\u003C\/a\u003E, which serves learners balancing coursework with full-time careers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore coming to Georgia Tech, Bisanti worked across teaching and learning roles, including positions in public libraries, K-12 classrooms, and curriculum-focused environments \u2014 experience that continues to shape how she approaches instructional design today.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOutside of work, Bisanti is a mixed media artist who has been making art since childhood, beginning with paper dolls and handmade clay. Over time, her interests expanded to include photography, printmaking, ceramics, mosaics, and collage. Today, she focuses primarily on mixed media collage, which combines elements such as paper, paint, and drawing into a single composition.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cArt is something I have to do,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s not about producing something. It\u2019s about the process and what it gives me, and how it balances the more structured side of my work.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBisanti\u2019s connection to the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arts.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Earts at Georgia Tech\u003C\/a\u003E became more visible when she led a mixed media collage workshop during \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arts.gatech.edu\/hg\/news\/2026\/04\/20\/tech-arts-fest-2026-showcases-creativity-across-campus\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ETech Arts Fest\u003C\/a\u003E. The session invited students to experiment and create \u2014many for the first time \u2014 using layered paper, paint, and texture, reinforcing her belief that creativity has an important place in learning environments.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI had one student who was there just for a short time, but when he was leaving, he said, \u2018I was having a really bad day, and I\u2019m glad this workshop was here for me.\u2019 That made my day. That\u2019s why I do art.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough that work, she also discovered Georgia Tech\u2019s broader arts community. After attending an arts salon meeting, she encountered artists, designers, and creative practitioners working across disciplines throughout the Institute. Finding that community was both energizing and affirming.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI didn\u2019t expect to find such a strong arts community here, and that surprised me, in a good way,\u201d Bisanti said. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot more happening in the arts than people realize, and it\u2019s becoming a real part of how students experience learning here.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat experience revealed a side of Georgia Tech aligned with the Institute\u2019s broader commitment to innovation and exploration, including the launch of a new \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/creativetech.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eundergraduate program in Arts, Entertainment, and Creative Technologies\u003C\/a\u003E this fall.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI think people don\u2019t always expect the arts to be part of the experience here, but they are,\u201d Bisanti said. \u201cThe more you look, the more you see how much creativity is built into how people learn and work across campus.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe same patience, curiosity, and openness that guide her in the studio shape how she approaches learning design. Whether refining a course structure or adding a final layer to a piece of art, she grounds her work in respect for how ideas take shape over time.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe more I learn, the more intentional my work becomes, whether I\u2019m designing a course or making art,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn connecting her work, her art, and her sense of belonging on campus, Bisanti embodies the idea that learning is never static.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"For Malena Bisanti, designing courses and making art are inseparable. As an instructional designer in the College of Lifetime Learning and a mixed media artist, she brings the same curiosity and love of learning to both.   "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Malena Bisanti, designing courses and making art are inseparable. As an instructional designer in the College of Lifetime Learning and a mixed media artist, she brings the same curiosity and love of learning to both.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"For Malena Bisanti, designing courses and making art are inseparable. As an instructional designer in the College of Lifetime Learning and a mixed media artist, she brings the same curiosity and love of learning to both.   "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-06-18 20:25:53","changed_gmt":"2026-06-22 18:40:41","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680481":{"id":"680481","type":"video","title":" The Artist Behind the Role - Jackets of all Trades : Malena Bisanti","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIn this episode of Jackets of All Trades, we meet Malena Bisanti, a creative professional in Georgia Tech\u2019s College of Lifetime Learning. Blending her artistic perspective with her work in higher education, Malena shares how her experiences shape her approach\u2014connecting creativity, purpose, and impact at the Institute.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1781814333","gmt_created":"2026-06-18 20:25:33","changed":"1781814333","gmt_changed":"2026-06-18 20:25:33","video":{"youtube_id":"1AWnWlGjPqg","video_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1AWnWlGjPqg\u0026t=1s"}},"680482":{"id":"680482","type":"image","title":"Malena-Youtube-thumbnail-template-copy.jpg","body":null,"created":"1781814755","gmt_created":"2026-06-18 20:32:35","changed":"1781814775","gmt_changed":"2026-06-18 20:32:55","alt":"Malena Bisanti","file":{"fid":"264751","name":"Malena-Youtube-thumbnail-template-copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/18\/Malena-Youtube-thumbnail-template-copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/18\/Malena-Youtube-thumbnail-template-copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":159599,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/18\/Malena-Youtube-thumbnail-template-copy.jpg?itok=sBaVxpVq"}}},"media_ids":["680481","680482"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2021\/08\/staff-stories","title":"More Jackets of All Trades"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"42891","name":"Georgia Tech Arts"}],"keywords":[{"id":"183499","name":"georgia tech arts"},{"id":"13005","name":"arts at georgia tech"},{"id":"193940","name":"college of lifetime learning"},{"id":"2002","name":"Tech Square"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EStory Produced by\u202f\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:meavenson@gatech.edu\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMicah Eavenson\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u202f\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:julian.hills@gatech.edu\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJulian Hills\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690799":{"#nid":"690799","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Info-Tech Resource Available to Students and Faculty to Support Teaching, Learning, and IT Strategy","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn June 17, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.oit.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EOffice of Information Technology\u003C\/a\u003E will add \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.infotech.com\/browse\/new\u0022\u003EInfo-Tech\u003C\/a\u003E to its catalog of IT learning and development resources offered to the Georgia Tech community.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Info-Tech learning portal provides a comprehensive library of downloadable IT research reports, tools, templates, and playbooks to assist faculty and students in the preparation of project, program and action plans as well as strategic frameworks rooted in more than 450 industry research reports and methodologies. The platform also includes software evaluation resources, industry trend analysis, and an online training library with certification opportunities. The platform is owned by Info-Tech Research Group, an international information technology research and advisory company,\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis is an exciting step forward in expanding access to high-quality resources that support both teaching, learning, research and decision-making,\u201d said Leo Howell, vice president for information technology and chief information officer. \u201cInfo-Tech will equip faculty and students with research and reporting grounded in technology insights to ultimately help guide the work they do.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe service\u2019s introduction supports Georgia Tech\u2019s commitment to innovation and experiential learning by connecting academic coursework with real-world IT practices. Faculty can integrate Info-Tech material into their courses, using industry-developed frameworks, case studies, and tools to enhance instruction. Students gain exposure to professional-grade resources commonly used across the technology sector, helping bridge the gap between theory and practice.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe platform also offers value beyond the classroom: IT professionals and administrative staff can utilize Info-Tech to inform strategic planning, evaluate technology solutions, and strengthen governance practices. Access to benchmarking data and peer insights allows campus units to make more informed decisions and align with best practices across higher education.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfo-Tech is available through Georgia Tech Single Sign-On, giving users seamless access its full range of resources. Once logged in, users can search for topics, explore research areas, and navigate curated tools based on their specific needs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor more information and to access Info-Tech, visit \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.infotech.com\/browse\/new\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Einfotech.com\/sso\/gatech\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Office of Information Technology has added Info-Tech to its catalog of IT learning and development services for Georgia Tech students and faculty. The addition supports the Institute\u0027s commitment to innovation and experiential learning.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Office of Information Technology has added Info-Tech to its catalog of IT learning and development services for Georgia Tech students and faculty."}],"uid":"34932","created_gmt":"2026-06-17 16:21:01","changed_gmt":"2026-06-18 15:06:02","author":"Courtney Hill","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-16T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-16T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680476":{"id":"680476","type":"image","title":"Info-Tech-Homepage-Call-Out-Image","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Info-Tech learning portal provides a comprehensive library of downloadable IT research reports, tools, templates, and playbooks across more than 450 industry research reports and methodologies.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1781723902","gmt_created":"2026-06-17 19:18:22","changed":"1781724104","gmt_changed":"2026-06-17 19:21:44","alt":"Info-Tech research site displaying Georgia Tech SSO screen on laptop graphic surrounded by hexagon shapes","file":{"fid":"264745","name":"Info-Tech-Homepage-Call-Out-Image--2---2-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/17\/Info-Tech-Homepage-Call-Out-Image--2---2-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/17\/Info-Tech-Homepage-Call-Out-Image--2---2-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":17484,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/17\/Info-Tech-Homepage-Call-Out-Image--2---2-.png?itok=njB9qdb9"}}},"media_ids":["680476"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.infotech.com\/browse\/new","title":"Info-Tech (Georgia Tech users)"}],"groups":[{"id":"47240","name":"Georgia Tech Library"},{"id":"174291","name":"OIT"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"195178","name":"InfoTech"},{"id":"365","name":"Research"},{"id":"4112","name":"oit"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["courtney.hill@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690708":{"#nid":"690708","#data":{"type":"news","title":"EH\u0026S Supports New Lab and Workplace Safety Certificate Program With Industry\u2011Based Learning Experience ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech Environmental Health and Safety (EH\u0026amp;S) is helping prepare the next generation of safety leaders through a newly launched Lab and Workplace Safety Certificate Program, a yearlong initiative designed to strengthen laboratory safety culture and promote proactive, people\u2011centered approaches to risk management.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs part of the pilot program, Georgia Tech graduate students Megan Yutthasaksunthorn, Calib Lanier, and Youngsu Shin recently took a behind\u2011the\u2011scenes tour of Georgia Aquarium, gaining insight into how safety principles are applied in complex operational environments. The experience highlighted best practices in water quality monitoring, laboratory and workplace safety, and, most importantly, the role of a strong safety culture. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Program Rooted in Industry Best Practices\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Lab and Workplace Safety Certificate Program was developed in collaboration with ExxonMobil\u2019s laboratory safety program in Houston, Texas, bringing industry\u2011tested practices into an academic framework. Georgia Tech is participating alongside peer institutions, including Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Florida, and the University of Texas, reflecting a growing, cross-institutional commitment to advancing lab safety education.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe certificate is designed primarily for graduate students pursuing careers with a focus on chemical and process safety, though qualified undergraduate students may also be considered. Over the course of the year, participants complete both online and hands-on learning components, blending foundational knowledge with applied experience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe goal of the program is twofold: to develop safer laboratory practices and to equip participants with the skills to train and influence others\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003Ein lab settings. Rather than focusing solely on compliance, the program emphasizes leadership, communication, and systems thinking \u2014 key elements of a sustainable safety culture.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHands\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2011\u003Cstrong\u003EOn Learning Beyond the Campus Lab\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Aquarium visit was part of the program\u2019s experiential component and offered a powerful example of safety in action beyond the traditional academic laboratory. Through a detailed presentation and tour, students learned how safety principles translate into daily operations in an environment where human performance, high\u2011risk activities, and complex systems intersect.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe visit was facilitated by EH\u0026amp;S Lab and Chemical Safety Officer Alicia Wood-Jones, who coordinated with an assistant dive manager of operations at the aquarium. The session included an in\u2011depth discussion on human factors and safety, an approach that asks a critical question: How do we design systems so mistakes don\u2019t lead to injury? \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis perspective resonated with students and reinforced one of the program\u2019s central themes: Effective safety programs anticipate human error and build layers of protection through planning, communication, and shared responsibility.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuilding Leadership and Safety Culture\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThroughout the certificate program, participants engage in activities that strengthen both technical understanding and leadership capability. Hands-on components include:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e5a1352ffb3d2a1af572346c528a762d4\u0022\u003EDelivering safety talks.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ed34acde232d72b383d3b5172e6031499\u0022\u003ELearning about safety culture in both academic and private industry settings.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e3a868d1fcce1323048849624d5c1b509\u0022\u003EConducting peer lab inspections.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ed8e4e064fa7a1e487ed303b5a5c9bb3f\u0022\u003EEngaging in dialogue around real-world safety challenges.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy examining safety culture across different environments, students gain a broader understanding of how values, behaviors, and systems come together to support safe work practices.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEH\u0026amp;S Leadership and Support\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEH\u0026amp;S plays a pivotal role in supporting the certificate program and ensuring students have access to meaningful learning experiences that align with campus safety priorities. The initiative was spearheaded by Rebecca Graham, EH\u0026amp;S laboratory and chemical safety specialist, whose leadership and coordination helped bring the program and field experience to fruition. \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to help lead this program and bring industry-informed practices, including those shaped through ExxonMobil\u2019s safety framework, into an academic setting,\u201d she said. \u201cOur goal is to equip students not only with technical knowledge, but with the leadership skills needed to build and sustain a proactive safety culture wherever their careers take them.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough programs like this, EH\u0026amp;S continues its mission of fostering a culture where safety is proactive, collaborative, and embedded in everything we do. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor additional information about the certificate program, contact Laboratory and Chemical Safety Specialist \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:rebecca.graham@ehs.gatech.com\u0022\u003ERebecca Graham.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech Environmental Health and Safety (EH\u0026amp;S) is helping prepare the next generation of safety leaders through a new certificate program.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech Environmental Health and Safety (EH\u0026S) is helping prepare the next generation of safety leaders through a new certificate program."}],"uid":"35028","created_gmt":"2026-06-09 14:41:46","changed_gmt":"2026-06-17 15:29:16","author":"cbrim3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680446":{"id":"680446","type":"image","title":"aquarium_ehs_graham_.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E(L-R): Georgia Aquarium Dive Operator Jonathan Langham, student Megan Yutthasaksunthorn, student Youngsu Shin, EH\u0026amp;S Lab and Chemical Safety Specialist Taylor Porterfield, student Calib Lanier, EH\u0026amp;S Lab and Chemical Safety Specialist Rebecca Graham, and Georgia Aquarium Assistant Dive Operator Kristen Binz.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1781123402","gmt_created":"2026-06-10 20:30:02","changed":"1781196507","gmt_changed":"2026-06-11 16:48:27","alt":"EH\u0026S certificate program participants at the Georgia Aquarium","file":{"fid":"264706","name":"aquarium_ehs_graham_.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/10\/aquarium_ehs_graham_.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/10\/aquarium_ehs_graham_.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":647112,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/10\/aquarium_ehs_graham_.jpeg?itok=7EbF6Pw7"}}},"media_ids":["680446"],"groups":[{"id":"383831","name":"Infrastructure and Operations"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"10135","name":"environmental health and safety"},{"id":"195170","name":"workplace safety"},{"id":"12942","name":"georgia aquarium"},{"id":"193728","name":"I\u0026S News"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECathy Brim\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Officer II\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfrastructure and Operations | Planning, Design, and Construction | Office of Sustainability\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["cathy.brim@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690735":{"#nid":"690735","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Atlanta\u2019s World Cup Beyond the Hype","body":[{"value":"\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe four things to know:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e92b51cd2ec612499b756351e5480bb27\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIt\u2019s not about exposure anymore.\u003C\/strong\u003E Atlanta is already a global city, so the focus is on whether the World Cup delivers lasting value for residents.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e95a356753ccab3041b43cd0aee75e0c5\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEconomic impact is uneven.\u003C\/strong\u003E Big headline numbers do not show who actually benefits, and much of the spending may not reach local communities.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e192ee39142326916d971c3083b6337b3\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInfrastructure will be tested.\u003C\/strong\u003E Transportation and downtown systems will face heavy strain, raising concerns about what improvements last beyond the event.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ec674ae8213efc1dbf5cad605f912e402\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe hidden story is food and logistics.\u003C\/strong\u003E Behind the scenes, Georgia Tech researchers are working to reduce food waste and strengthen systems that could outlast the tournament.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ol\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESee a curated list of Georgia Tech experts available to comment on the World Cup \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/world-cup-experts\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Global Stage and Familiar Promises\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs Atlanta welcomes the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the promises are familiar: millions of visitors, global attention, economic growth, and a chance to showcase the city on one of the biggest stages in sports.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut Georgia Tech experts say the real question is not whether the tournament will generate activity \u2014 it is who benefits from it and what remains after the final match is played.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Visibility to Value\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMega-events have long been sold as catalysts for transformation. The 1996 Olympics reshaped Atlanta\u2019s physical landscape and helped position the city as a global destination. Thirty years later, the World Cup arrives at a very different moment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are similarities,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/planning.gatech.edu\/people\/emily-barrett\u0022\u003EEmily Barrett\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor in the School of City and Regional Planning. \u201cLike the Olympics, the World Cup is an accelerator for infrastructure upgrades and public and private investment alike.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAtlanta is seeing significant public investment in transportation improvements and billions of dollars in private development downtown. But today\u2019s Atlanta is very different from Atlanta in the 1990s.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAtlanta is no longer a city seeking recognition on the world stage,\u201d Barrett said. \u201cWe are a thriving and growing city.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat shifts the conversation from visibility to value.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe open question is whether hosting mega-events makes the city work better for the people who live here,\u201d Barrett added.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Economics Behind the Headlines\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAssessing that value becomes more complicated when economic forecasts enter the conversation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELarge projections often dominate headlines, but\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/hsoc.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/8e6ac738-7497-5f94-ab1a-0c3fd32d15a7\u0022\u003EDeclan Abernethy\u003C\/a\u003E, lecturer in the School of History and Sociology, cautions that economic impact estimates rarely tell the whole story.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt is far easier to put out an economic impact projection compared to the difficulty of measuring impact,\u201d Abernethy said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile visitors will spend money on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and entertainment, he notes that much of that spending may not reach the community.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen we look closely at that spending, we can see that much of the profit will be taken in by large corporations or FIFA in the immediate vicinity of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and not as much by Atlanta residents or small businesses,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to Barrett, economic studies often overlook a critical question: What could alternative investments have accomplished?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEconomic studies rarely account for displacement costs, or whether the same public dollars could have generated similar or better outcomes if invested elsewhere,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPressure Points Across the City\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe World Cup\u2019s impact extends beyond economics; it will also test Atlanta\u2019s infrastructure at a scale few events can match.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ce.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/michael-p-hunter\u0022\u003EMichael Hunter\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, says the biggest challenge may be the volume of people moving through the city.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere will be a number of pressure points. However, one of the most significant will be just the number of people,\u201d Hunter said. \u201cThis event will attract significant crowds.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAtlanta\u2019s transportation agencies have spent years preparing, drawing on lessons learned from events including the Super Bowl, World Series, and major concerts. Still, capacity limits are unavoidable.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere is only so much traffic that MARTA or any transit agency can handle,\u201d Hunter said. \u201cPeople need to understand that there will be congestion and longer wait times. The key is to be patient.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe concern is whether those investments result in lasting improvements or merely support a few weeks of activity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAbernethy argues that the World Cup should be viewed as part of a broader vision for Atlanta rather than a standalone catalyst.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are seeing the World Cup as a part of a longer-running and more cohesive vision for sport and economic development downtown,\u201d he said. \u201cAtlanta may not be repeating the same cycle nor cracking downtown\u2019s development problem with the World Cup itself.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBehind the Scenes: Food and Logistics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInfrastructure challenges extend beyond transportation. Feeding hundreds of thousands of visitors while minimizing waste requires its own network of logistics, coordination, and planning.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/nicole-kennard\u0022\u003ENicole Kennard\u003C\/a\u003E, a research scientist at Georgia Tech\u2019s Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems, views the tournament as an opportunity to strengthen how food moves throughout the city.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThese large events are a really big opportunity for us to coordinate and test our infrastructure,\u201d Kennard said. \u201cWe have to think critically about how to improve the infrastructure and ensure its resilience and efficiency.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWorking with organizations such as Second Helpings Atlanta,\u0026nbsp;the official food rescue partner for the World Cup, Georgia Tech researchers\u0026nbsp;are building technologies and tools to improve coordination among food rescue groups.\u0026nbsp;The effort aims to\u0026nbsp;keep surplus food out of landfills by quickly moving it from stadiums and vendors to local food organizations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s really a logistics problem, a data problem, and a coordination problem,\u201d Kennard said. \u201cThe faster you can move food from the point of surplus directly to a pantry, the more likely it is to reach people who need it.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat Legacy Looks Like\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUltimately, Atlanta\u2019s World Cup legacy may not be measured by attendance figures or visitor spending alone.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHow we evaluate success depends on what we choose to measure, and too often we focus on headline numbers instead of who actually benefits,\u201d said Abernethy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKennard sees the tournament as a chance to build systems that outlast the event itself. \u201cWhat we build for the World Cup could become critical infrastructure for future emergencies and disasters,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAtlanta already knows how to host a global event. Whether the investments, partnerships, and infrastructure created for the World Cup leave the city stronger after the crowds leave remains to be seen.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAtlanta already has global credibility, so the real question surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not exposure but lasting impact. Georgia Tech experts warn that big economic projections often obscure who actually benefits, with much of the revenue likely flowing to large corporations and FIFA rather than local businesses and residents. Transportation infrastructure will face significant strain, and whether World Cup investments produce permanent improvements or simply support a few weeks of activity remains uncertain. One bright spot is a Georgia Tech partnership with Second Helpings Atlanta to build food rescue systems that could outlast the tournament and serve the city for years to come.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech experts say the 2026 World Cup will bring global attention and economic activity, but the real measure of success is who benefits and what lasting impact the tournament leaves behind."}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2026-06-12 00:15:09","changed_gmt":"2026-06-15 19:24:31","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-12T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-12T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680455":{"id":"680455","type":"image","title":"World Cup in Atlanta","body":null,"created":"1781232926","gmt_created":"2026-06-12 02:55:26","changed":"1781233217","gmt_changed":"2026-06-12 03:00:17","alt":"Drone photo of FIFA decorated Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Georgia","file":{"fid":"264717","name":"AdobeStock_2038968132_Editorial_Use_Only.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/11\/AdobeStock_2038968132_Editorial_Use_Only.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/11\/AdobeStock_2038968132_Editorial_Use_Only.png","mime":"image\/png","size":29696386,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/11\/AdobeStock_2038968132_Editorial_Use_Only.png?itok=PGdi97nU"}}},"media_ids":["680455"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/world-cup-experts","title":"World Cup Experts"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2026\/06\/how-world-cup-reshaping-downtown-atlanta","title":"Generating Buzz: How the World Cup Is Reshaping Downtown Atlanta"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2026\/05\/world-cup-puts-atlanta-back-global-spotlight","title":"Generating Buzz: World Cup Puts Atlanta Back in Global Spotlight"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"142","name":"City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth"},{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"}],"keywords":[{"id":"195176","name":"World Cup economic impact"},{"id":"195177","name":"World Cup Atlanta"},{"id":"174223","name":"food waste"},{"id":"172","name":"infrastructure"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:aisles3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ESenior Media Relations Representative\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690751":{"#nid":"690751","#data":{"type":"news","title":"President \u00c1ngel Cabrera Named President and CEO of the Aspen Institute","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter leading Georgia Tech through one of the most successful periods in its history, President \u00c1ngel Cabrera has been selected to serve as the next president and CEO of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.aspeninstitute.org\/\u0022\u003EAspen Institute\u003C\/a\u003E, one of the world\u2019s foremost nonprofit organizations dedicated to leadership, dialogue, and addressing society\u2019s most pressing challenges.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Aspen Institute\u2019s Board of Trustees voted today to appoint Cabrera to the role, recognizing a career dedicated to education, innovation, leadership, and service.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince becoming Georgia Tech\u2019s 12th president in 2019, Cabrera has overseen record growth across enrollment, research, innovation, and philanthropy. Under his leadership, Georgia Tech has grown to enroll more than 56,000 students annually, an increase of 55%, while becoming one of the nation\u2019s most sought-after public universities. The Institute has achieved record levels of student applications, enrollment, graduation rates, research funding, startup formation, invention disclosures, and philanthropic support.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech transformed my life, first as a student and later as president,\u0022 Cabrera said. \u201cLeading this extraordinary institution has been the honor of a lifetime. I leave with immense gratitude for the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters who have made our shared progress possible and with tremendous confidence that Georgia Tech\u2019s best days are still ahead.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWorking alongside more than 5,700 faculty and staff, Cabrera led the creation of \u003Cem\u003EProgress and Service for All\u003C\/em\u003E, Georgia Tech\u2019s strategic plan for expanding opportunity, advancing discovery, and increasing the Institute\u2019s impact in Georgia and around the world.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring his tenure, annual sponsored research awards have surpassed $1.4 billion, helping propel Georgia Tech to No. 1 nationally in research expenditures among universities without a medical school and No. 2 nationally in federal research funding, while expanding the Institute\u2019s leadership in artificial intelligence, neuroscience, space research, and entrepreneurship. Georgia Tech also expanded and modernized its campus significantly and advanced the development of three innovation districts in Atlanta: Tech Square, Science Square, and Creative Quarter.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThroughout his presidency, Cabrera has remained focused on delivering exceptional value for students and families. Georgia Tech has consistently been recognized as one of the nation\u0027s best investments in higher education and among the strongest returns on investment in the country.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cPresident Cabrera\u2019s true impact on Georgia Tech goes well beyond the numbers,\u201d\u202fsaid Sonny Perdue, chancellor of the University System of Georgia. \u201cSince rejoining his alma mater, he\u2019s brought energy, warmth, and engagement to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the entire Tech community. He\u2019s been a constant, visible force, listening to stakeholders at every level, cheering on their success, and solidifying Georgia Tech\u2019s reputation as a world-class, global research institution. That personal touch has made a profound difference everywhere from Science Square to the new Fanning Center.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe scale of what \u00c1ngel achieved is clear,\u201d Chancellor Perdue continued. \u201cUnder his leadership, Georgia Tech enrolled more in-state undergraduates than ever while raising graduation rates and pushing total enrollment to the highest in the state. Tech\u2019s annual economic impact on Georgia grew to $5.8 billion \u2014 a quarter of the entire university system\u2019s total output. The university\u2019s federal research expenditures climbed to more than $1.2 billion, ranking it second in the nation. The Tech community likes to say, \u2018We can do that,\u2019 and \u00c1ngel has done it, which means we have our work cut out for us to maintain this momentum when he leaves. The system is grateful for his leadership, and we wish him and Beth the very best.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech celebrates Cabrera\u2019s selection to this important national leadership role and the lasting impact of his presidency on the Institute. Cabrera plans to remain at Georgia Tech until November to support a smooth transition. The University System of Georgia will announce plans for Georgia Tech\u2019s next leadership chapter at a later date.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAfter leading Georgia Tech through one of the most successful periods in its history, President \u00c1ngel Cabrera has been selected to serve as the next president and CEO of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.aspeninstitute.org\/\u0022\u003EAspen Institute\u003C\/a\u003E, one of the world\u2019s foremost nonprofit organizations dedicated to leadership, dialogue, and addressing society\u2019s most pressing challenges.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"After leading Georgia Tech through one of the most successful periods in its history, President \u00c1ngel Cabrera has been selected to serve as the next president and CEO of the Aspen Institute."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-06-15 14:56:02","changed_gmt":"2026-06-15 16:06:17","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-15T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-15T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680461":{"id":"680461","type":"image","title":"President \u00c1ngel Cabrera","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPresident \u00c1ngel Cabrera\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1781535281","gmt_created":"2026-06-15 14:54:41","changed":"1781535313","gmt_changed":"2026-06-15 14:55:13","alt":"President \u00c1ngel Cabrera","file":{"fid":"264726","name":"3-FG-LI-X-IG_3.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/15\/3-FG-LI-X-IG_3.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/15\/3-FG-LI-X-IG_3.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3245075,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/15\/3-FG-LI-X-IG_3.jpg?itok=sMHQJC3v"}}},"media_ids":["680461"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.aspeninstitute.org\/","title":"Aspen Institute"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"62300","name":"Office of the President"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"1271","name":"President"},{"id":"288","name":"Leadership"},{"id":"182236","name":"President \u00c1ngel Cabrera"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:media@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Emedia@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690638":{"#nid":"690638","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Awaits the World Cup ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe streets have been paved. The grass has been mowed. Projects across the city have rushed to completion in anticipation of Atlanta hosting eight World Cup matches in June and July. Georgia Tech\u2019s campus will join in the excitement, and the campus community is ready.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019m excited for people from all over the world to experience how much Atlanta has embraced soccer,\u201d said Alex Duncan, senior director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/omscs.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EOnline Master of Science in Computer Science\u003C\/a\u003E program.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuncan, originally from Plano, Texas, began following the World Cup in 1998. He traveled to Berlin for the 2006 tournament and has enjoyed seeing the world\u2019s game come closer to home with the addition of Atlanta United, U.S. Soccer\u2019s training headquarters, and the upcoming launch of a women\u2019s professional team in the city.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEven if you don\u2019t go to any games, the atmosphere and energy are palpable during the tournament, and it\u2019s one of those rare events that unites people all over the world,\u201d he said. \u201cTo have all of this happening effectively in my backyard is a dream come true.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor many students, the World Cup arriving in Atlanta represents more than a sporting event. It is a chance to connect with pieces of their identity or homes outside of Atlanta, or even outside of the United States.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESindhu Belki, an aerospace engineering student from Doha, Qatar, was in the U.S. when the World Cup was hosted in her home country. Now, she finds herself in the right place at the right time.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe excitement of entering a stadium decked in the colors and gear of your favorite team, joining hundreds of people supporting some of your favorite players, seeing little kids imitate Messi or Ronaldo, watching the players walk onto the pitch amid thunderous applause, the nail-biting anticipation with every pass of the ball, and the sheer joy of clinching the winning goal in a penalty shootout \u2014 what can be more thrilling and adventurous?\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIrene Jacob, a city and regional planning student from Maryland, is also thrilled to be living in a host city. She has followed the World Cup since 2014.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhat makes the World Cup especially unique is the atmosphere around it and how it brings people together from all over the world in a way that few other sporting events can,\u201d she said. \u201c2014-me would be so excited to know that 12 years later, the city I\u2019d be living in during the summer would actually be hosting the World Cup.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether you\u2019re a diehard soccer fan or simply interested in experiencing the spectacle, there will be plenty of activities on and around campus to enjoy. Georgia Tech will host \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.w1.calendar.oit.gatech.edu\/event\/2026\/06\/10\/club-and-country-colors-day-world-cup-celebration\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EClub and Country Colors Day\u003C\/a\u003E on June 10, and Georgia Tech and Georgia State University are teaming up for a watch party at Georgia State\u2019s Convocation Center on July 1 \u2013 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/calendar.gsu.edu\/event\/round-of-32-gsu-campus-watch-party\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eregister for a free ticket\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESee more campus events at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/world-cup-2026\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Egatech.edu\/world-cup-2026\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs Atlanta prepares to host eight FIFA World Cup matches this summer, Georgia Tech\u2019s campus will be at the center of the excitement.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"As Atlanta prepares to host eight FIFA World Cup matches this summer, Georgia Tech\u2019s campus will be at the center of the excitement. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-06-07 13:26:51","changed_gmt":"2026-06-09 13:26:34","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-07T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-07T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680424":{"id":"680424","type":"image","title":"Excitement for the World Cup","body":"\u003Cp\u003E(L-R): Sindhu Belki, Irene Jacob, and Alex Duncan show off a Georgia Tech soccer scarf.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1780879734","gmt_created":"2026-06-08 00:48:54","changed":"1780879987","gmt_changed":"2026-06-08 00:53:07","alt":"(L-R): Sindhu Belki, Irene Jacob, and Alex Duncan","file":{"fid":"264681","name":"World-Cup-People-Day-002-web.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-002-web.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-002-web.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1740801,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-002-web.jpg?itok=hkc1_qao"}},"680427":{"id":"680427","type":"image","title":"Alex Duncan","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAlex Duncan, senior director of OMSCS, wears a France jersey. Photo by Allison Carter.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1780880237","gmt_created":"2026-06-08 00:57:17","changed":"1780880319","gmt_changed":"2026-06-08 00:58:39","alt":"Alex Duncan","file":{"fid":"264684","name":"World-Cup-People-Day-014-web.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-014-web.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-014-web.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1405321,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-014-web.jpg?itok=KuRowBJ9"}},"680426":{"id":"680426","type":"image","title":"Irene Jacob","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIrene Jacob, a city and regional planning student, wears an Argentina jersey from the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Photo by Allison Carter.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1780880134","gmt_created":"2026-06-08 00:55:34","changed":"1780880229","gmt_changed":"2026-06-08 00:57:09","alt":"Irene Jacob","file":{"fid":"264683","name":"World-Cup-People-Day-017-web.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-017-web.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-017-web.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1522945,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-017-web.jpg?itok=UYYnaQo5"}},"680425":{"id":"680425","type":"image","title":"Sindhu Belki","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESindhu Belki, an aerospace engineering student, wears a shirt from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where her father was a volunteer.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1780880017","gmt_created":"2026-06-08 00:53:37","changed":"1780880102","gmt_changed":"2026-06-08 00:55:02","alt":"Sindhu Belki","file":{"fid":"264682","name":"World-Cup-People-Day-019.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-019.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-019.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1671653,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/07\/World-Cup-People-Day-019.JPG?itok=GnHoX93m"}}},"media_ids":["680424","680427","680426","680425"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/world-cup-2026","title":"Georgia Tech World Cup Events"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2026\/05\/world-cup-puts-atlanta-back-global-spotlight","title":"Generating Buzz: World Cup Puts Atlanta Back in Global Spotlight"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/12\/01\/womens-soccer-sets-sights-atlanta","title":"Women\u2019s Soccer Sets Sights on Atlanta "},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2023\/10\/10\/atlanta-primed-become-us-soccer-capital-ahead-2026-world-cup","title":"Atlanta Primed to Become U.S. Soccer Capital Ahead of 2026 World Cup "}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:kristen.bailey@comm.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EKristen Bailey\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"690637":{"#nid":"690637","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Students Lead Effort to Strengthen Campus Emergency Preparedness","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe first week of June marks \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cpr.heart.org\/en\/training-programs\/cpr-and-aed-awareness\/cpr-and-aed-awareness-week\u0022\u003ENational CPR and AED Awareness Week\u003C\/a\u003E, but year-round, Georgia Tech students are helping equip the campus community with lifesaving skills.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/emsat\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EEmergency Medical Services at Tech (EMSaT)\u003C\/a\u003E, the student organization recognized last year with a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/04\/17\/student-ems-group-earns-national-designation\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Enational EMS-Ready Campus designation\u003C\/a\u003E, has expanded access to CPR and AED training through a partnership with Georgia Tech \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ehs.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EEnvironmental Health and Safety\u003C\/a\u003E. The free courses are available to students, faculty, and staff and are taught by a team of 11 undergraduate students who hold CPR instructor certifications and volunteer their time to serve the campus community.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCPR and AED use are some of the easiest ways for everyday people to make a real difference in the event of cardiac arrest,\u201d said Esther Lee, a biomedical engineering major and outreach director for EMSaT. \u201cIf more people know what to do and feel comfortable stepping in, we can make the Georgia Tech community safer and better prepared.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring the past year, EMSaT instructors trained 472 members of the Georgia Tech community in CPR and AED use. This spring alone, the organization certified 311 participants.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe training initiative builds on EMSaT\u2019s broader mission to strengthen emergency preparedness at Georgia Tech. Founded in 2019, the group works with campus and community partners to improve emergency response, provide first aid education, and create hands-on opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare and emergency medicine.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe impact of that work can be seen in the experiences of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/01\/26\/students-making-difference-emts-juggle-schoolwork-and-emergency-medicine\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech student EMTs\u003C\/a\u003E, who balance rigorous academic schedules with jobs in hospitals and ambulance services.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe group will continue offering training sessions this fall at the Campus Recreation Center. More information will be available soon \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/emsat\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eat the EMSaT site\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe first week of June marks National CPR and AED Awareness Week, but year-round, Georgia Tech students are helping equip the campus community with lifesaving skills.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The first week of June marks National CPR and AED Awareness Week, but year-round, Georgia Tech students are helping equip the campus community with lifesaving skills. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-06-04 13:20:35","changed_gmt":"2026-06-04 19:54:14","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-06-04T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-06-04T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680415":{"id":"680415","type":"image","title":"EMSaT Students at AMSA Conference","body":"\u003Cp\u003EStudents at the 2026 American Medical Student Association Annual Pre-Health Conference, where EMSaT ran a CPR demonstration. (L-R): Aryan Singh, Shivanuja Gokarakonda, Frederick Kane, Krishna Monroe, Esther Lee.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1780579522","gmt_created":"2026-06-04 13:25:22","changed":"1780585187","gmt_changed":"2026-06-04 14:59:47","alt":"EMSaT Students at AMSA Conference","file":{"fid":"264672","name":"image2-amsa-conference.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/04\/image2-amsa-conference.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/04\/image2-amsa-conference.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1475738,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/04\/image2-amsa-conference.jpg?itok=cs3mgqFN"}},"680418":{"id":"680418","type":"image","title":"Student CPR instructors","body":"\u003Cp\u003EStudent CPR instructors. (L-R): Esther Lee, Frederick Kane, Brandon Brigner, Krishna Monroe, Julian Allen, Imani Adenuga, Savannah Spires. Other instructors include Siddarth Pejavara, Lydia Keifer, Maggie Cong, and Ira Agarwal.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1780602781","gmt_created":"2026-06-04 19:53:01","changed":"1780602832","gmt_changed":"2026-06-04 19:53:52","alt":"Student CPR instructors","file":{"fid":"264675","name":"image1_cpr-instructors.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/04\/image1_cpr-instructors.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/06\/04\/image1_cpr-instructors.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2763640,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/06\/04\/image1_cpr-instructors.jpg?itok=B2pH70tJ"}}},"media_ids":["680415","680418"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/04\/17\/student-ems-group-earns-national-designation","title":"Student EMS Group Earns National Designation "},{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/01\/26\/students-making-difference-emts-juggle-schoolwork-and-emergency-medicine","title":"Students Making a Difference: EMTs Juggle Schoolwork and Emergency Medicine "}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:kristen.bailey@comm.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EKristen Bailey\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}