Limited resources make it difficult to keep up with rising demand, and NCM’s goal to distribute one million pounds of food annually by 2026 seemed out of reach. Thanks to the Georgia Tech team, that goal is now within grasp.
The team’s first innovation was a 24/7 notification system powered by Python technology. This system monitors affordable food listings from the Atlanta Community Food Bank and sends real-time alerts to NCM staff. By acting quickly on these alerts, NCM’s food supply increases by an additional 20,000 pounds every month while saving $1.31 per pound, allowing the organization to feed more people on a tighter budget.
Recognizing that storage is another hurdle, the team analyzed NCM’s warehouse and recommended changes to maximize space. Their solutions increased storage capacity by 70%, paving the way for NCM to handle larger food deliveries without needing additional facilities.
The students didn’t stop there. They introduced SmartChoice, an inventory system designed specifically for food pantries. This system not only tracks inventory but also lets clients select the food they need based on a points system. This added flexibility means NCM can offer a greater variety of food to better meet individual needs.
“It’s amazing to know that we are a part of the reason why these shelves are so full. It’s an amazing feeling to know that this all helps the community we have been working with this entire time and to know that our work helps families have access to the food they need,” said team member Jacqueline Olsen.
“I was so impressed with their ability to relentlessly dig into what the problem is and get to the very bottom of what we’re trying to accomplish,” said Ryan Jones, executive director of Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries. “We accomplished so much more than we set out to in the first place.”
The Georgia Tech team didn’t just solve problems for NCM — they helped change lives, showing how students can make a lasting difference in their communities.
]]>Across campus, one cannot help but encounter the familiar orange and white construction cones and barriers. For more than a year, they have seemingly been everywhere. Several students — and Buzz — even commandeered one of the orange barriers during the January snow days and used it as a sled.
Now, back in its original location, the barrier serves as an important safety mechanism, and the safety of the campus community is paramount during these active projects. The Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) and campus environmental safety teams regularly review project parameters, recommending proper signage and safety protocols.
Staying informed is another way of staying safe. To help the community stay current on the status of campus construction, team members within Infrastructure and Sustainability created an interactive tool that tracks each construction project. With a combination map and calendar, users can see when projects are scheduled to begin and end. Additionally, ADA routes can be located by zooming in on individual projects. Click here to try it out.
Read below for the latest information on campus construction and renovation projects.
Facchetti Laboratories/Manufacturing Related Disciplines Complex (MRDC)
In the MRDC building, renovation wrapped on five wet labs, three supporting office spaces for the primary investigator, and his student assistants. Four wet labs were completely renovated with entirely new systems, including chemical and polypropylene fume hoods. These updated labs will support the research team and their work in materials science, specifically wearable and flexible electronic circuit technologies.
‘Pathway of Progress: Celebrating Georgia Tech Women’
With the recent removal of construction fencing, the walkway from central to east campus is now open for foot traffic, and the Pathway of Progress installation nears completion. This permanent tribute to the achievements and legacies of Tech women, and the accompanying digital experience,, will officially open Saturday, March 8, with a campuswide celebration. Learn more.
East Campus Streetscapes
Along Techwood Drive and the east side of campus, the renovation of sidewalks and roadways will improve pedestrian and micromobility (bicycles, scooters, and skateboards) access while improving campus connectivity. The remaining phase of work includes the revised intersection of Fourth Street and Techwood Drive along with milling and paving the road from Fourth Street to Ferst Drive. The project is expected to be completed in late April.
Ferst Drive Realignment and Cycle Track
The excitement around this project continues as the northern arc of the cycle track from Sixth Street to the mid-block crossing at the Klaus Advanced Computing Building and the Mac Neese Baseball Park opened earlier this semester. Individuals who use a micromobility vehicle on campus must obey the rules of the road or will be subject to citation by GTPD.
Phases 3 and 4 are currently in progress and encompass the area across from the Campus Recreation Center near the Exhibition Hall, the ISyE Annex, and the Groseclose Building. Phase 3 will realign Ferst Drive at Regents Drive, eliminating the traffic signal and enabling connectivity to the future bicycle infrastructure southwest of campus. Phase 4 addresses Ferst Drive from Fowler Street to Williams Street in Tech Square. The entire project is slated for completion by May. Read more here.
Aerospace Engineering Aircraft Hangar
Located in the North Avenue Research Area, the state-of-the-art, 10,000-square-foot aircraft hangar will house an electric powertrain laboratory, a propulsion system test cell, an avionics lab, composite fabrication areas, and an area for integrating prototype aircraft. A particular focus will be electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and other electric aircraft. The project is scheduled for completion in the spring. Read more about the Aerospace Engineering Hangar.
Artificial Intelligence Manufacturing Pilot Facility (AIMPF)
The Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility (AMPF) is a research and development facility associated with the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute. As a translational research facility, AMPF is focused on the scale-up of manufacturing capabilities from laboratory scale to pilot-scale industrial applications.
The Artificial Intelligence Manufacturing Pilot Facility (AIMPF) is the next stage in the program’s development. This new phase of the facility will integrate artificial intelligence, robotics, and augmented reality to develop and test a new generation of manufacturing systems and processes. As a key component of the Georgia AI Manufacturing Technology corridor, AIMPF will develop and deploy talent and innovation in artificial intelligence for all manufacturing sectors.
D.M. Smith Building Renewal
The building’s infrastructure will be upgraded, adding wheelchair access, an elevator, and new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. A virtual lab and hoteling space will be created for the School of Public Policy. Interior demolition and abatement are complete, with interior construction well underway. The exterior of the building is undergoing repairs, the brick is being repointed, and new windows are being installed. In support of campus climate goals, electrification plans are in place, and the renovated building will no longer rely on steam from the central plant for daily operation. Renovations are scheduled for completion this fall.
Harrison Square Infrastructure Improvements for Campus Chilled Water System
The campus chilled water distribution system is responsible for providing cool air for campus buildings. In July, a pipe failure 20 feet below Harrison Square resulted in the loss of air conditioning to many buildings. The repair is complete, but with the area excavated, teams in Infrastructure and Sustainability are fully implementing improvements to the system in this area, making it more efficient and resilient. This work is ongoing, and a completion date is in progress. Read the full story here.
Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center
Construction continues on the 100,000-square-foot facility, which will feature strength and conditioning space, nutrition areas, sports medicine offices, ticket sales, dining, and academic support space. In addition, the building will include state-of-the-art sports science and analytics spaces. Currently, steel structuring is ongoing through March, with exterior work — brick, stone, and roofing — beginning shortly thereafter.
The southbound lane of Techwood Drive adjacent to the project will remain closed until project completion in 2026. Read more here.
Curran Street Residence Hall
The first new residence hall on campus since 2005, this new facility for first-year students is located on the west side of campus along Northside Drive between Eighth and Ninth streets. The 191,000-square-foot building will contain 862 beds with rooms configured for double occupancy and the flexibility to rearrange the in-room furniture layout, as well as collaborative learning spaces, community lounges, and group kitchens. Foundation work, structural steel and framing, and underground utility work are currently in progress. Project completion is scheduled for 2026. Read more here.
Tech Square Phase 3
Rising daily, this project has reached 18 stories, with a projected topping-out targeted for March. This phase of Tech Square will include 415,000 square feet of academic and research space within two high-rise towers anchored by a large plaza and retail space at street level. The 14-story Scheller Tower will house the MBA and Executive Education programs for the Scheller College of Business and is named in recognition of the philanthropic commitment of Roberta and Ernest Scheller Jr., IM 1952, HON Ph.D. 2013. The 18-story George Tower, named to recognize Penny and Bill George, IE 1964, HON Ph.D. 2008, will be the new home for the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering. The projected occupancy date is early 2026. Read more about the Scheller Tower and the George Tower.
Howell and Smith Residence Hall Renovation
With the goal of preserving their historic character, both halls will be renovated to meet projected housing needs. Current plans are to update building systems and interior spaces. A new connecting structure will join the two halls, creating a central entry point, which will provide additional study and gathering space. This project is currently in the design phase with completion scheduled for mid-2028.
Communications Officer II
Institute Communications
Infrastructure and Sustainability
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