Giebelhaus, (PhD University of Delaware) joined the Institute in 1976, becoming a full Professor of Social Sciences in 1987. He was Founding Director (Chair) of HTS and chief architect of the School's Undergraduate HTS degree and the Master's and PhD degrees in the History and Sociology of Technology and Science. He has served in many roles to improve learning at Georgia Tech and was inducted into its ANAK, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Phi Kappa Phi honorary societies.

Giebelhaus has been honored for his teaching by both graduate and undergraduate students. He was the first recipient of the Theresa Jiminez "Commitment to Honor" award recognizing his work as member and chair of the Student Honor Committee at Georgia Tech. In 2007, he was honored as the Faculty Member of the Year by the Graduate Student Government Association. He supervised the creation of two exhibits at the American Museum of Papermaking, including "How Do They Spend It? Kids and Paper Money around the World" and "The Art of the Book."

Giebelhaus exerted strong influence on the field of history of technology as assistant and associate editor of the international journal, Technology and Culture (University of Chicago). He has published four books and numerous scholarly articles. He has played trumpet with the Georgia Tech Symphony Orchestra for many years.

In retirement, Geibelhaus will pursue music, travel, and time with his grandchildren.