{"689850":{"#nid":"689850","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Doing the Dirty Work of Sustainability ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s not glamorous. It\u2019s not trendy. In fact, it\u2019s downright grubby. But the work that a Georgia Tech researcher and his students are doing is improving campus sustainability, one pound of food waste at a time.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/2820\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDavid Hu\u003C\/a\u003E, a professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E, gave his senior-level biology class this semester a unique assignment: Feed food waste to black soldier fly larvae, collect the organic byproduct (called \u201cfrass\u201d), and analyze the results. What they\u2019ve found so far is a composting method with the potential to dramatically reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions while producing a nutrient-dense fertilizer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s something special about these grubs,\u201d said Hu, who is also a faculty member within the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bioresearch.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EParker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cThey smell, and they\u2019re kind of ugly, but they process food extremely efficiently. When we feed them, they eat twice their body weight, finish that in five hours, and you can do it again the next day. Traditional composting could never be that fast.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsing a unique closed-loop system pioneered by private-industry partner and early-stage startup \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biotechnicausa.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EBiotechnica\u003C\/a\u003E, the larvae eat their way through more than 300 pounds of food in one semester, creating valuable frass that students harvest. When the larvae mature into adults, they fly into a shared chamber to reproduce, make more grubs, and start the process over again.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cYou can get a turnaround from food waste to frass in a day or two, and then from the raw frass to our ground-up frass that we use for our plants,\u201d said Mikkelle Peters, a fourth-year biology major in Hu\u2019s class. \u201cIt\u2019s just a much quicker process to get rid of the food waste.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFeeding and studying an army of larvae that can eat more than 10 gallons of food a day keeps Hu\u2019s students busy. The solution? Divide and conquer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe first group in the process gathers and grinds food scraps to feed the grubs, then collects the frass they produce. The next group mixes the frass with soil and analyzes its chemical makeup, comparing its nutrient density to commercial fertilizers. A third group uses the fertilized soil to grow vegetables like arugula and radishes that are measured against plants grown using synthetic fertilizer. The final two groups observe the environmental conditions that affect productivity and analyze the grubs\u2019 digestion to uncover the secrets to their success.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMore testing will need to be done on outdoor farms to provide rigorous results. Data over the past few semesters were, at times, inconsistent. But the students\u2019 projects reveal a lot of promise for future experiments. Despite limitations to the study, including a small sample size and minor instrument malfunction, the students have been able to find helpful nutrients in their product and grow certain crops more successfully with frass than with commercial fertilizer. Unlike chemically based products or some traditional composts that need to be specially treated, black soldier fly frass is organic and easily processed.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cA lot of fertilizers can cause harmful runoff, and they can change soil balances over time,\u201d Peters said. \u201cFrass is a natural product, has more fibrous material, and has a lot more organic compounds.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition to the science that the students are exposed to, Hu said it is also eye-opening for them to see the work of sustainability. The project is an excellent case study for how a small group can make a big impact.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe students have learned a lot,\u201d Hu said. \u201cFor one of the activities, we had them bring in their own food waste from home to feed the composter. They realized that a person makes pounds of waste per day.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sustain.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EOffice of Sustainability\u003C\/a\u003E, the campus produces about 400 tons of food waste per year. Although Georgia Tech boasts \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/11\/07\/new-composter-enhance-campus-waste-reduction\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eone of the largest commercial composters\u003C\/a\u003E on an urban campus in the Southeast, the machine can only process 175 tons per year. That leaves a gap that Hu said his research might one day be able to fill.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cRight now, it\u2019s working,\u201d he said. \u201cWe want to expand and see if it can work some more. The big issue is visibility, getting people to know that what we\u2019re doing is good. Because in some ways, saving the planet takes energy.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of the main energy sources for the experimental composter is something Hu hopes to reduce: manpower. With a campus the size of Georgia Tech\u2019s, it\u2019s a very labor-intensive process for students to collect food waste from campus partners. Hu hopes that more community members will volunteer, not only to collect food, but also to improve the system.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe need people power \u2014 people willing to volunteer to move, because right now, campus produces a lot of waste in different places,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd we also need biologists and engineers and computer scientists. We need people to make this system more well-engineered.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlthough the current black soldier fly composter still has some flaws, Hu said his goal is to create an affordable, climate-friendly food waste recycling system that can scale up to support U.S. agriculture. By solving problems at the local level, his research is potentially removing economic and operational barriers to sustainability. But, according to Hu, the final step to long-term success is community involvement.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn the end, we need people who care,\u201d Hu said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t take that much effort to do a little bit, and a little bit can go a long way.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA Georgia Tech researcher and his students are using experimental composting to reduce campus food waste and support agriculture. Using a unique closed-loop system, black soldier fly larvae eat their way through more than 300 pounds of food in one semester, creating valuable frass that students harvest. What they\u2019ve found so far is a composting method with the potential to dramatically reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions while producing a nutrient-dense fertilizer. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A Georgia Tech researcher and his students are using experimental composting to reduce campus food waste and support agriculture. "}],"uid":"36479","created_gmt":"2026-04-17 19:22:36","changed_gmt":"2026-04-17 19:33:25","author":"abowman41","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-17T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-17T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679996":{"id":"679996","type":"image","title":"BSF-Compost-Hu.jpg","body":null,"created":"1776454082","gmt_created":"2026-04-17 19:28:02","changed":"1776454082","gmt_changed":"2026-04-17 19:28:02","alt":"Researcher standing in a greenhouse-like structure adjusts a blue barrel\u2013based composting system equipped with insulated tubing, used for black soldier fly larvae composting.","file":{"fid":"264227","name":"BSF-Compost-Hu.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/17\/BSF-Compost-Hu.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/17\/BSF-Compost-Hu.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5241811,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/17\/BSF-Compost-Hu.jpg?itok=dATV7NeP"}}},"media_ids":["679996"],"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":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"188776","name":"go-research"},{"id":"166882","name":"School of Biological Sciences"},{"id":"14545","name":"George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering"},{"id":"168693","name":"campus sustainability"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAshlie Bowman | Communications Manager\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689263":{"#nid":"689263","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Transformer Explainer Shows How AI is More Math than Human","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhile people use search engines, chatbots, and generative artificial intelligence tools every day, most don\u2019t know how they work. This sets unrealistic expectations for AI and leads to misuse. It also slows progress toward building new AI applications.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers are making AI easier to understand through their work on Transformer Explainer. The free, online tool shows non-experts how ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models (LLMs) process language.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/poloclub.github.io\/transformer-explainer\/\u0022\u003ETransformer Explainer\u003C\/a\u003E is easy to use and runs on any web browser. It quickly went viral after its debut, reaching 150,000 users in its first three months. More than 563,000 people worldwide have used the tool so far.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGlobal interest in Transformer Explainer continues when the team presents the tool at the 2026 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chi2026.acm.org\/\u0022\u003ECHI 2026\u003C\/a\u003E). CHI, the world\u2019s most prestigious conference on human-computer interaction, will take place in Barcelona, April 13-17.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E[\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/research\/chi-2026\/\u0022\u003ERelated: GT @ CHI 2026\u003C\/a\u003E]\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are moments when LLMs can seem almost like a person with their own will and personality, and that misperception has real consequences. For example, there have been cases where teenagers have made poor decisions based on conversations with LLMs,\u201d said Ph.D. student\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/aereeeee.github.io\/\u0022\u003EAeree Cho\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cUnderstanding that an LLM is fundamentally a model that predicts the probability distribution of the next token helps users avoid taking its outputs as absolute. What you put in shapes what comes out, and that understanding helps people engage with AI more carefully and critically.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA transformer is a neural network architecture that changes data input sequence into an output. Text, audio, and images are forms of processed data, which is why transformers are common in generative AI models. They do this by learning context and tracking mathematical relationships between sequence components.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETransformer Explainer demystifies how transformers work. The platform uses visualization and interaction to show, step by step, how text flows through a model and produces predictions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsing this approach, Transformer Explainer impacts the AI landscape in four main ways:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIt counters hype and misconceptions surrounding AI by showing how transformers work.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIt improves AI literacy among users by removing technical barriers and lowering the entry for learning about AI.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIt expands AI education by helping instructors teach AI mechanisms without extensive setup or computing resources.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIt influences future development of AI tools and educational techniques by providing a blueprint for interpretable AI systems.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen I first learned about transformers, I felt overwhelmed. A transformer model has many parts, each with its own complex math. Existing resources typically present all this information at once, making it difficult to see how everything fits together,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gracekimcy.github.io\/\u0022\u003EGrace Kim\u003C\/a\u003E, a dual B.S.\/M.S. computer science student.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBy leveraging interactive visualization, we use levels of abstraction to first show the big picture of the entire model. Then users click into individual parts to reveal the underlying details and math. This way, Transformer Explainer makes learning far less intimidating.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany users don\u2019t know what transformers are or how they work. The Georgia Tech team found that people often misunderstand AI. Some label AI with human-like characteristics, such as creativity. Others even describe it as working like magic.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFurthermore, barriers make it hard for students interested in transformers to start learning. Tutorials tend to be too technical and overwhelm beginners with math and code. While visualization tools exist, these often target more advanced AI experts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETransformer Explainer overcomes these obstacles through its interactive, user-focused platform. It runs a familiar GPT model directly in any web browser, requiring no installation or special hardware.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsers can enter their own text and watch the model predict the next word in real time. Sankey-style diagrams show how information moves through embeddings, attention heads, and transformer blocks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe platform also lets users switch between high-level concepts and detailed math. By adjusting temperature settings, users can see how randomness affects predictions. This reveals how probabilities drive AI outputs, rather than creativity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMillions of people around the world interact with transformer-driven AI. We believe that it is crucial to bridge the gap between day-to-day user experience and the models\u0027 technical reality, ensuring these tools are not misinterpreted as human-like or seen as sentient,\u201d said Ph.D. student\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.alexkarpekov.com\/\u0022\u003EAlex Karpekov\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cExplaining the architecture helps users recognize that language generated by models is a product of computation, leading to a more grounded engagement with the technology.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECho, Karpekov, and Kim led the development of Transformer Explainer. Ph.D. students\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/alechelbling.com\/\u0022\u003EAlec Helbling\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/seongmin.xyz\/\u0022\u003ESeongmin Lee\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bhoov.com\/\u0022\u003EBen Hoover\u003C\/a\u003E, and alumni\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/zijie.wang\/\u0022\u003EZijie (Jay) Wang\u003C\/a\u003E (Ph.D. ML-CSE 2024) and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/minsuk.com\/\u0022\u003EMinsuk Kahng\u003C\/a\u003E (Ph.D. CS-CSE 2019) assisted on the project.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProfessor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/poloclub.github.io\/polochau\/\u0022\u003EPolo Chau\u003C\/a\u003E supervised the group and their work. His lab focuses on data science, human-centered AI, and visualization for social good.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcceptance at CHI 2026 stems from the team winning the best poster award at the 2024 IEEE Visualization Conference. This recognition from one of the top venues in visualization research highlights Transformer Explainer\u2019s effectiveness in teaching how transformers work.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTransformer Explainer has reached over half a million learners worldwide,\u201d said Chau, a faculty member in the School of Computational Science and Engineering.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u0027m thrilled to see it extend Georgia Tech\u0027s mission of expanding access to higher education, now to anyone with a web browser.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhile people use search engines, chatbots, and generative artificial intelligence tools every day, most don\u2019t know how they work. This sets unrealistic expectations for AI and leads to misuse. It also slows progress toward building new AI applications.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers are making AI easier to understand through their work on Transformer Explainer. The free, online tool shows non-experts how ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models (LLMs) process language.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/poloclub.github.io\/transformer-explainer\/\u0022\u003ETransformer Explainer\u003C\/a\u003E is easy to use and runs on any web browser. It quickly went viral after its debut, reaching 150,000 users in its first three months. More than 563,000 people worldwide have used the tool so far.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGlobal interest in Transformer Explainer continues when the team presents the tool at the 2026 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chi2026.acm.org\/\u0022\u003ECHI 2026\u003C\/a\u003E). CHI, the world\u2019s most prestigious conference on human-computer interaction, will take place in Barcelona, April 13-17.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers are making AI easier to understand through their work on Transformer Explainer. The free, online tool shows non-experts how ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models (LLMs) process language, improving AI literacy."}],"uid":"36319","created_gmt":"2026-03-31 16:42:57","changed_gmt":"2026-04-17 18:58:09","author":"Bryant Wine","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-31T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-31T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679798":{"id":"679798","type":"image","title":"Transformer-Explainer-Head-Image.jpg","body":null,"created":"1774975392","gmt_created":"2026-03-31 16:43:12","changed":"1774975392","gmt_changed":"2026-03-31 16:43:12","alt":"CHI 2026 Transformer Explainer","file":{"fid":"264002","name":"Transformer-Explainer-Head-Image.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/Transformer-Explainer-Head-Image.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/Transformer-Explainer-Head-Image.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":120484,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/31\/Transformer-Explainer-Head-Image.jpg?itok=eryBAi-R"}},"679799":{"id":"679799","type":"image","title":"Transformer-Explainer-Text-Image.jpg","body":null,"created":"1774975428","gmt_created":"2026-03-31 16:43:48","changed":"1774975428","gmt_changed":"2026-03-31 16:43:48","alt":"CHI 2026 Transformer Explainer","file":{"fid":"264003","name":"Transformer-Explainer-Text-Image.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/Transformer-Explainer-Text-Image.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/Transformer-Explainer-Text-Image.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":69012,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/31\/Transformer-Explainer-Text-Image.jpg?itok=0B-WDInX"}}},"media_ids":["679798","679799"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/transformer-explainer-shows-how-ai-more-math-human","title":"Transformer Explainer Shows How AI is More Math than Human"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50877","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"},{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"166983","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"},{"id":"170447","name":"Institute for Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"176858","name":"machine learning center"},{"id":"9167","name":"machine learning"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"14646","name":"human-computer interaction"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"194384","name":"Tech AI"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBryant Wine, Communications Officer\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:bryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689587":{"#nid":"689587","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Researchers Use Statistics and Math to Understand How The Brain Works","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENothing rivals the human brain\u2019s complexity. Its 86 billion neurons and 85 billion other cells make an estimated 100 trillion connections. If the brain were a computer, it would perform an exaflop (a billion-billion) mathematical calculations every second and use the equivalent of only 20 watts of power. As impressive as the brain is, neurologists can\u2019t fully explain how neurons work together.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo help find answers, researchers at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EInstitute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society\u003C\/a\u003E (INNS) are using math, data, and AI to unlock the secrets of thought. Together they are helping turn the brain\u2019s raw electrical \u201cnoise\u201d into real insights about how people think, move, and perceive the world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFair warning: Prepare your neurons for the complexity of this brain research ahead.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EBuilding AI Like a Brain\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat if artificial neurons in AI programs were arranged as they are in the brain?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI programs would then help us understand why the brain is organized the way it is. This neuro-AI synthesis would also work faster, use less energy, and be easier to interpret. Creating such systems is the goal of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/psychology.gatech.edu\/people\/apurva-ratan-murty\u0022\u003EApurva Ratan Murty\u003C\/a\u003E, an assistant professor of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/psychology.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EPsychology\u003C\/a\u003E who is creating topographic AI models like the one above of three domains \u2014 vision, audition, and language inspired by the brain. In the near future, he predicts doctors might be able to use these patterns to predict the effects of brain lesions and other disorders. \u201cWe\u2019re not there yet,\u201d he says. \u201cBut our work brings us significantly closer to that future than ever before.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EComputing Thought and Movement\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHow cats walk keeps \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/5354\u0022\u003EChethan Pandarinath\u003C\/a\u003E on his toes. This biomedical engineer uses sensors to analyze how two sets of feline leg muscles \u2014 flexors and extensors \u2014 are controlled by the spinal cord. Understanding how that happens could help patients partially paralyzed from spinal cord injuries, strokes, or progressive neuro-degenerative diseases get back on their feet again. \u201cMy lab is using AI tools that allow us to turn complex spinal cord activity data into something we can interpret. It tells us there\u2019s a simple underlying structure behind the complex activity patterns,\u201d says the associate professor.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003ERevealing the Brain\u2019s Spike Patterns\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe brain is like a symphony conductor,\u201d says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/3736\u0022\u003ESimon Sponberg\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cIndividual instruments have some independent control, but most of the music comes from the brain\u2019s precise coordination of notes among the different players in the body.\u201d This \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Ephysics\u003C\/a\u003E professor studies the fantastically fast-beating wings of the hummingbird-sized hawk moth (Manduca sexta). Its agile flight movement comes as a result of spikes in electrical activity in 10 muscles. Sponberg found something that surprised him \u2014 the brain focuses less on creating the number of spikes than in orchestrating their precise patterns over time. To Sponberg, every millisecond matters. \u201cWe are just beginning to understand how the nervous system first acquires precisely timed spiking patterns during development,\u201d he says.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EPredicting Decisions Through Statistics\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPut a mouse in a maze with food far away, and it will learn to find it. But life for mice \u2014 and people \u2014 isn\u2019t so simple. Sometimes they want to explore, only want water, or just want to go home. What\u2019s more, animals make decisions based on their history, not just on how they feel at the moment. To dig deeper into the decision-making process, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/18557\u0022\u003EAnqi Wu\u003C\/a\u003E, an assistant professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cse.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Computational Science and Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, is giving mice more options. By using a new computational framework called SWIRL (Switching Inverse Reinforcement Learning), her findings have outperformed models that fail to take historical behavior into account. \u201cWe\u2019re seeking to understand not only animal behavior but also human behavior to gain insight into the human decision-making process over a long period of time,\u201d she says.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EModeling the Mind\u2019s Wiring With Math\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EConnectivity shapes cognition in the cerebral cortex, a layered structure in the brain. The visual cortex, in particular, processes visual data from the retina relayed through the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN) in the thalamus, and directs it to the correct cognitive domain in the brain. How it does this is the mystery that computational neuroscientist \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/13005\u0022\u003EHannah Choi\u003C\/a\u003E wants to solve. \u201cThe big question I\u2019m interested in is how network connectivity patterns in the architecture of the LGN are related to computations,\u201d says this assistant \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/math.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Emath\u003C\/a\u003E professor. To find answers, she shows mice repeated image patterns such as flower-cat-dog-house and then disrupts the pattern. The goal? To grasp how the thalamus\u2019s nonlinear dynamical system works. If scientists and doctors better understand how brain regions are wired together, such knowledge could lead to better disease treatment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis story was originally published through the Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine. Read the original publication \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gtalumni.org\/news\/2026\/georgia-tech-researchers-use-statistics-and-math-to-understand-how-the-brain-works.html\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Ehere\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResearchers at Georgia Tech are using math, science, and artificial intelligence to better understand how people think, move, and perceive the world.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers at Georgia Tech are using math, science, and artificial intelligence to better understand how people think, move, and perceive the world."}],"uid":"35575","created_gmt":"2026-04-09 14:51:00","changed_gmt":"2026-04-17 16:22:48","author":"adavidson38","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679908":{"id":"679908","type":"image","title":"AdobeStock_506880018.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at Georgia Tech are using math, science, and artificial intelligence to better understand how people think, move, and perceive the world.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775747910","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 15:18:30","changed":"1775747910","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 15:18:30","alt":"Digital illustration of a human brain split down the middle: the left side is filled with white mathematical equations, diagrams, and formulas, while the right side is surrounded by colorful, flowing lines and abstract wave patterns against a dark blue background.","file":{"fid":"264129","name":"AdobeStock_506880018.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/AdobeStock_506880018.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/AdobeStock_506880018.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":11158535,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/AdobeStock_506880018.jpeg?itok=smMzQtFc"}},"679903":{"id":"679903","type":"image","title":"Brain-Data-New-480x3301.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECaption:\u0026nbsp;This image shows a topographic vision model trained to have a brain-like organization.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775746394","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 14:53:14","changed":"1775746394","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 14:53:14","alt":"Three layered, abstract heat\u2011map style grids in shades of blue, red, and beige, stacked to resemble data layers or visualization panels.","file":{"fid":"264124","name":"Brain-Data-New-480x3301.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/Brain-Data-New-480x3301.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/Brain-Data-New-480x3301.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":53268,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/Brain-Data-New-480x3301.jpg?itok=vNYzcaPf"}},"679904":{"id":"679904","type":"image","title":"Chethan-480x330.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECaption:\u0026nbsp;This shows how spinal cord activity guides transitions in muscle output for extensor muscles.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775746465","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 14:54:25","changed":"1775746465","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 14:54:25","alt":"Two side\u2011by\u2011side scientific diagrams labeled Cat 1 and Cat 2 showing clusters of colored data points and curved gray lines representing muscle\u2011activity patterns during movement. Each diagram includes blue, green, and yellow point clusters and marked \u2018extensor onset\u2019 and \u2018extensor offset\u2019 angles.","file":{"fid":"264125","name":"Chethan-480x330.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/Chethan-480x330.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/Chethan-480x330.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":67950,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/Chethan-480x330.jpg?itok=RaB1s5Rq"}},"679906":{"id":"679906","type":"image","title":"new_figure-480x330.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECaption: This shows how mice behave differently when they are pursuing different goals.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775746563","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 14:56:03","changed":"1775746563","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 14:56:03","alt":"Three maze-like diagrams labeled \u2018water,\u2019 \u2018home,\u2019 and \u2018explore,\u2019 each showing colored paths representing an animal\u2019s movement through the maze. The paths shift from dark purple at the start to bright yellow at the end, indicating progression over time according to the color scale on the right","file":{"fid":"264127","name":"new_figure-480x330.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/new_figure-480x330.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/new_figure-480x330.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":103865,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/new_figure-480x330.jpg?itok=wezz9ZzE"}},"679905":{"id":"679905","type":"image","title":"Brain-Data-Sponberg-480x330.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECaption:\u0026nbsp;This shows the spike patterns of a hawk moth. Motor systems use spike codes to control motor output.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775746508","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 14:55:08","changed":"1775746508","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 14:55:08","alt":"Diagram showing a hawk moth in the center surrounded by twelve circular charts. Each chart displays proportional black and blue segments representing spike count and spike timing data for left and right muscle groups. A legend explains the colors, and text below notes that the values show mutual information estimates for 10 muscles across seven moths","file":{"fid":"264126","name":"Brain-Data-Sponberg-480x330.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/Brain-Data-Sponberg-480x330.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/Brain-Data-Sponberg-480x330.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":81244,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/Brain-Data-Sponberg-480x330.jpg?itok=l_G56joM"}},"679907":{"id":"679907","type":"image","title":"GaTech_Brain-Data_Hannanh-Choi_480x330.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECaption:\u0026nbsp;This shows how visual data from the retina is directed to the correct cognitive domain in the brain through a region of the visual cortex.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775746605","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 14:56:45","changed":"1775746605","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 14:56:45","alt":"Diagram showing neural connectivity between cortical layers in regions labeled V1 and LM. Arrows connect circular nodes representing layers L2\/3, L4, and L5, with green and orange arrows indicating directional pathways. A magnified inset on the right illustrates a simplified microcircuit with shapes labeled Pyr, Sst, and Vip connected by colored arrows.","file":{"fid":"264128","name":"GaTech_Brain-Data_Hannanh-Choi_480x330.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/GaTech_Brain-Data_Hannanh-Choi_480x330.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/GaTech_Brain-Data_Hannanh-Choi_480x330.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":51645,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/GaTech_Brain-Data_Hannanh-Choi_480x330.jpg?itok=MfeiKQbd"}}},"media_ids":["679908","679903","679904","679906","679905","679907"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/georgia-tech-uses-computing-and-engineering-methods-shift-neuroscience-paradigms","title":"Georgia Tech Uses Computing and Engineering Methods to Shift Neuroscience Paradigms"},{"url":"https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/head-toe-georgia-tech-researchers-treat-entire-human-body-through-neuroscience-research","title":"Head to Toe: Georgia Tech Researchers Treat the Entire Human Body Through Neuroscience Research"},{"url":"https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/better-brain-machine-interfaces-could-allow-paralyzed-communicate-again","title":"Better Brain-Machine Interfaces Could Allow the Paralyzed to Communicate Again"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"66220","name":"Neuro"},{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1279","name":"School of Mathematics"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"},{"id":"443951","name":"School of Psychology"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"172970","name":"go-neuro"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193656","name":"Neuro Next Initiative"}],"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\u003Cstrong\u003EWriter:\u003C\/strong\u003E George Spencer\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENews and Media Contact:\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:audra.davidson@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAudra Davidson\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["audra.davidson@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689586":{"#nid":"689586","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Computing Associate Dean Cultivates Innovation With CREATE-X","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen Olufisayo \u201cFisayo\u201d Omojokun joined Georgia Tech, his teaching followed a familiar cadence. His courses were highly structured and consistent. Lectures, exams, office hours, and semester breaks were always known months in advance. The goals were clear, the outcomes known, and the educational journey largely mapped. Then, he heard about \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/createx.gatech.edu\u0022\u003ECREATE-X\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA Spark of Curiosity\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2017, faculty conversations began circulating about a new kind of capstone experience, one driven by student discovery and entrepreneurial thinking rather than predetermined client requirements. The idea intrigued Omojokun.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI remember thinking, this is really different from anything I\u2019ve ever taught,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn his previous courses, Omojokun took pride in providing the structured, rigorous framework students needed to master complex concepts. While those interactions were dynamic, the curriculum required a specific, focused trajectory. CREATE-X offered a different kind of challenge: the \u0022X\u0022 of the program, representing undefined, endless potential.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCREATE-X is full of unknowns. You don\u2019t know what industry the students are diving into, what roadblocks they\u2019ll run into and navigate out of, or what small- to large-scale successes they\u2019ll achieve throughout the semester. It really had my blood pumping,\u201d he said. As someone who loves the challenge of academia, it was an invigorating way to help the next generation apply what they\u2019ve learned in a new context.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOmojokun co-taught the first CREATE-X Capstone section with College of Computing students in fall 2018 alongside Craig Forest, associate director of the Invention Studio. While the initial computer science cohort was small, the experience was immediately powerful.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt was humble beginnings but deeply eye-opening,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn this new environment, students weren\u0027t just solving problems; they were seeking them and sometimes pivoting. Traditional client-driven capstones offer students invaluable experiences in delivering high-quality products, responding to clients\u2019 often evolving needs, and adhering to professional standards. CREATE-X added a layer of venture-validation, requiring students to identify a gap in the market and build something with commercial viability.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs the semesters continued, CREATE-X grew from a program with an interesting capstone course Omojokun enthusiastically co-taught to a professional inflection point for him. He found himself talking about it frequently, with colleagues, with students, even with prospective undergraduates who may not see a capstone for years.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe began encouraging prospective and incoming students to take CREATE-X pathways.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI would tell students, down to first-year students, when you get that opportunity to engage with CREATE-X, take it. You don\u2019t even have to wait until capstone, as there are multiple pathways; in fact, Startup Lab has no prerequisites. Whatever path you take, you\u2019ll remember it for years to come. Whether you officially take a problem solution to market or not, the entrepreneurial confidence gained is priceless.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ESpreading CREATE-X Into the College of Computing\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy 2020, when the first Jim Pope Faculty Fellowship cohort opened, applying felt natural. He had already become an unofficial ambassador for CREATE-X, helping students navigate options, promoting programs in classes, and rallying colleagues to engage.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt was an opportunity to become more connected to this thing that I felt was changing the game on campus,\u201d he said. \u201cIt cemented my affiliation with CREATE-X.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe fellowship gave name and weight to the work he was already doing, while also expanding what was possible.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Jim Pope Faculty Fellowship provides faculty with $15,000 in discretionary funding, which can support a one-semester break from teaching, along with structured training in evidence\u2011based entrepreneurship, dedicated mentorship, and the opportunity to work closely with students launching startups.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe fellowship also equips faculty to become entrepreneurial instructors and mentors through the CREATE\u2011X ecosystem, giving them tools to integrate entrepreneurship into their coursework and curricula. Each cohort of fellows is trained to embed entrepreneurial methods, develop new innovation\u2011focused assignments, and serve as advisors within programs like Startup Lab, Idea\u2011to\u2011Prototype, and Startup Launch.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor faculty across Georgia Tech, the fellowship offers something rare: institutional backing, resources, and formal recognition for bringing entrepreneurship into their teaching and shaping how students learn to become problem\u2011solvers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOmojokun said he sees CREATE-X as the apex of applying technical fundamentals.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs part of the fellowship, Omojokun brought the program\u2019s ethos into his courses, even a foundational course like CS 1331: Introduction to Object Oriented Programming, where he created a CREATE-X\u2013branded final project. Students built a \u201cproblem database\u201d application as their final homework assignment, cataloging real issues they encountered in daily life, assessing their skills to solve them, evaluating markets and metrics, and then deciding potential pathways forward.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s an innovation diary,\u201d he said. \u201cA tool that can get them closer to thinking like a founder.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe response from students, including many non-computing majors who take his section each semester, has been overwhelmingly positive. While the project is challenging, the open-ended nature and real-world relevance motivate deeper engagement.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen students believe their work will solve a meaningful problem for a meaningful population, they bring passion to it,\u201d he said. \u201cThey start observing the world differently.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe more Omojokun saw, the deeper his enthusiasm grew.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EShaping the College of Computing\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven as he stepped into the role of inaugural chair of the School of Computing Instruction in 2022, CREATE-X remained at the forefront of Omojokun\u2019s conversations. Interest in the program continued to grow significantly. Students stopped him in the hallways to talk about their ideas. Faculty reached out to ask about mentorship opportunities. And he continued championing the program in the many settings he entered.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt turns out that the most engaged group of students in CREATE-X is computing undergraduates,\u201d Omojokun said. \u201cI wanted to make sure that high involvement continued, no matter what size we are,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver time, Omojokun strengthened the partnership between the College of Computing and CREATE-X, weaving entrepreneurship deeper into the College\u0027s curricular fabric.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELast January, Omojokun was appointed as the associate dean for Undergraduate Education in the College of Computing. One of his priorities was highlighting CREATE-X\u2019s curricular impact. In coordination with key stakeholders \u2014 including Kelly Ann Fitzpatrick (computing), Craig Forest (mechanical engineering), and Raul Saxena (CREATE-X) \u2014 he nominated the program for the ABET Innovation Award. \u0026nbsp;The award honors programs that challenge the status quo in technical education and demonstrate a measurable impact on student learning in ABET-accredited disciplines, such as natural sciences, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. CREATE-X won.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe CREATE-X Advantage With Faculty\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen faculty are considering something like the Jim Pope Fellowship, Omojokun said the biggest barrier he hears about from them is time. With courses that can enroll 300 students per section and extensive responsibilities beyond the classroom, time is a scarce resource.\u003Cbr\u003EHe could relate.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are always lots of things on my physical and virtual desktop. I always warn people before they enter my office,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, Omojokun argued that participating in the fellowship program was time well spent because it helps them rediscover the most exciting parts of teaching.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s worth the time. One of the goals of teaching is to see students passionate about what they\u2019re learning, and CREATE-X makes that happen consistently,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe Future With Technology\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs AI reshapes industries, Omojokun believes that CREATE-X equips students to navigate the unknown and forge new paths as existing ones shift, providing a versatile skill set that transfers to employment, potentially self-employment, and beyond.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of uncertainty with AI in the workspace, but CREATE-X gives students the confidence and skills to succeed at whatever comes,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are putting students through this process of finding a problem that\u2019s meaningful and matters to the world; mastering that allows them to lead in any environment.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EApplications Now Open: Become a Jim Pope Faculty Fellow\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_8cOnwIrm4eKEh9Q\u0022\u003E2026 Jim Pope Faculty Fellowship\u003C\/a\u003E is now accepting applications. For faculty who want to explore integrating entrepreneurship into their teaching, mentoring student founders, and helping shape a culture of innovation across campus, this fellowship offers resources and a supported pathway to begin. Faculty from all disciplines are encouraged to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_8cOnwIrm4eKEh9Q\u0022\u003Eapply to the Jim Pope Fellowship\u003C\/a\u003E. Priority deadline: July 1; final deadline: Aug. 11.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen Olufisayo \u201cFisayo\u201d Omojokun first encountered CREATE\u2011X, it challenged the highly structured teaching model he was accustomed to by centering learning around uncertainty, discovery, and entrepreneurial problem\u2011finding. As a faculty member, Jim Pope Faculty Fellow, and now associate dean in the College of Computing, he has championed CREATE\u2011X as a powerful way to help students apply technical fundamentals in unpredictable, real\u2011world contexts. Through initiatives like CREATE\u2011X\u2013inspired course projects and cross\u2011college partnerships, Omojokun has helped embed entrepreneurship more deeply into computing education at Georgia Tech. He believes programs like CREATE\u2011X are essential in preparing students to adapt, lead, and innovate in a future increasingly shaped by emerging technologies such as AI.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Olufisayo \u201cFisayo\u201d Omojokun, Georgia Tech associate dean in the College of Computing, found new energy in teaching through CREATE\u2011X, where open\u2011ended entrepreneurship equips students to confidently navigate uncertainty and solve real\u2011world problems."}],"uid":"36436","created_gmt":"2026-04-09 13:46:31","changed_gmt":"2026-04-17 16:21:57","author":"bdurham31","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679902":{"id":"679902","type":"image","title":" Olufisayo \u201cFisayo\u201d Omojokun Associate Dean ","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003EOlufisayo \u201cFisayo\u201d Omojokun, associate dean in Georgia Tech\u2019s College of Computing\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1775741406","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 13:30:06","changed":"1775742590","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 13:49:50","alt":" Olufisayo \u201cFisayo\u201d Omojokun, associate dean in Georgia Tech\u2019s College of Computing","file":{"fid":"264123","name":"FisayoCloseUp-23-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/FisayoCloseUp-23-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/FisayoCloseUp-23-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":477042,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/FisayoCloseUp-23-.png?itok=3qsEriy1"}}},"media_ids":["679902"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/gatech.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_8cOnwIrm4eKEh9Q","title":"2026 Jim Pope Faculty Fellowship "}],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"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":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:breanna.durham@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EBreanna Durham\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EMarketing Strategist\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689825":{"#nid":"689825","#data":{"type":"news","title":"ISyE Student, Faculty Help Georgia Tech Take First at IEEE MagNet Challenge","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAn interdisciplinary team that included graduate student \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/dongmin-li\u0022\u003EDongmin Li\u003C\/a\u003E from the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EH. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (ISyE) earned first place at the prestigious \u003Cstrong\u003EIEEE Power Electronics Society 2025 MagNet Challenge\u003C\/strong\u003E, outpacing 39 teams from around the world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELi worked alongside ISyE Assistant Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/xiaochen-xian\u0022\u003EXiaochen Xian\u003C\/a\u003E, Georgia Tech School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Assistant Professor Baoyun Ge, ECE graduate students Piyush Chauhan and Yuanhao Mo, and Le Chang, an engineer from General Motors. The team was honored for its innovative approach to modeling magnetic systems, an area critical to the performance and efficiency of modern power electronics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe MagNet Challenge tasks student teams with developing advanced software algorithms that learn from existing training data and accurately predict magnetic behavior in previously unseen materials and operating conditions. Competitors are evaluated on both modeling accuracy and robustness, with applications spanning electric vehicles, power converters, motors, and transformers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDrawing on engineering principles in modeling, optimization, and data-informed decision-making, the team developed a physics\u2011informed prediction model based on mechanical analogies for magnetic systems. The approach allowed the model to explicitly capture complex nonlinear effects, including saturation, hysteresis, eddy currents, and displacement currents, that have long challenged engineers and researchers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETheir model significantly reduced prediction errors across five different testing materials, operating over a wide range of switching frequencies (from 50 kHz to 800 kHz) and temperatures between 25\u00b0C and 70\u00b0C, outperforming all other competitors.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe project spanned 10 months, beginning in March 2025, and reflects ISyE\u2019s growing role in tackling complex, interdisciplinary engineering challenges through advanced modeling and data-driven methods. The team has since submitted two provisional patents related to the technology developed during the competition.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe award was formally presented at the IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference on March 24, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. Hosted by Princeton University and Dartmouth College, the MagNet Challenge was sponsored by the IEEE Power Electronics Society along with industry leaders including Nvidia, Texas Instruments, W\u00fcrth Elektronik, ITG Electronics, and pSemi.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor ISyE, the win highlights the impact of its students and faculty in shaping next-generation solutions at the intersection of systems engineering, computation, and emerging energy technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EAn interdisciplinary Georgia Tech team including an ISyE graduate student and faculty member earned first place at the IEEE Power Electronics Society 2025 MagNet Challenge, a global competition focused on advancing magnetic modeling.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"An ISyE\u2011represented Georgia Tech team took first place at the IEEE Power Electronics Society 2025 MagNet Challenge for work addressing a major bottleneck in power electronics."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2026-04-17 14:29:23","changed_gmt":"2026-04-17 14:30:54","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-17T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-17T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679988":{"id":"679988","type":"image","title":"IEEE MagNet Challenge Winners","body":null,"created":"1776436172","gmt_created":"2026-04-17 14:29:32","changed":"1776436172","gmt_changed":"2026-04-17 14:29:32","alt":"IEEE MagNet Challenge Winners","file":{"fid":"264217","name":"magnet.jpg.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/17\/magnet.jpg.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/17\/magnet.jpg.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":8217713,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/17\/magnet.jpg.jpeg?itok=ICcRpO8R"}}},"media_ids":["679988"],"groups":[{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689627":{"#nid":"689627","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Engineering a Faster Path to Life-Saving Therapies ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen Mason Chilmonczyk, M.S. ME 2017, Ph.D. ME 2020, arrived at Georgia Tech to pursue graduate degrees in mechanical engineering, his goal was to become a professor. Instead, an unexpected turn in his research led him to entrepreneurship.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToday, he is the chief executive officer of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/andsonbiotech.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAndson Biotech\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a growing biotools startup he co-founded with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/fedorov\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAndrei Fedorov\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, associate chair for graduate studies and the Rae S. and Frank H. Neely Chair at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/me.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. The company is commercializing a breakthrough technology Chilmonczyk developed during his doctoral research that simplifies the development and production of cell and gene therapies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/news\/engineering-faster-path-life-saving-therapies\u0022\u003ERead the full story on the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering website\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen Mason Chilmonczyk, M.S. ME 2017, Ph.D. ME 2020, arrived at Georgia Tech to pursue graduate degrees in mechanical engineering, his goal was to become a professor. Instead, an unexpected turn in his research led him to entrepreneurship.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToday, he is the chief executive officer of Andson Biotech, a growing biotools startup he co-founded with Andrei Fedorov, associate chair for graduate studies and the Rae S. and Frank H. Neely Chair at the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. The company is commercializing a breakthrough technology Chilmonczyk developed during his doctoral research that simplifies the development and production of cell and gene therapies.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"When Mason Chilmonczyk, M.S. ME 2017, Ph.D. ME 2020, arrived at Georgia Tech to pursue graduate degrees in mechanical engineering, his goal was to become a professor. Instead, an unexpected turn in his research led him to entrepreneurship."}],"uid":"35851","created_gmt":"2026-04-10 17:59:06","changed_gmt":"2026-04-16 21:03:57","author":"aritchie6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679913":{"id":"679913","type":"image","title":"Andson_Lab-10.jpg","body":null,"created":"1775843960","gmt_created":"2026-04-10 17:59:20","changed":"1775843960","gmt_changed":"2026-04-10 17:59:20","alt":"Andson Lab","file":{"fid":"264134","name":"Andson_Lab-10.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/10\/Andson_Lab-10.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/10\/Andson_Lab-10.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":25805113,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/10\/Andson_Lab-10.jpg?itok=U1fdQpjq"}}},"media_ids":["679913"],"groups":[{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"},{"id":"193593","name":"gt-commercialization"},{"id":"192930","name":"gt-commercializationnews"},{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:ashley.ritchie@me.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAshley Ritchie\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689753":{"#nid":"689753","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Selected for Upcoming EcoCAR Challenge  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech students will once again take part in a national competition that connects them directly with automotive industry leaders to develop the next generation of mobility innovations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor the fourth consecutive cycle, Georgia Tech has been selected to participate in the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition\u2019s EcoCAR Challenge, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors, Stellantis, MathWorks, and other industry partners.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech is among 20 universities chosen for the four-year competition, which challenges students to apply emerging technologies \u2014 including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and exascale computing \u2014 to create intelligent mobility solutions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute is one of 10 schools competing on the General Motors track and has been provided a 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV. During the cycle, the team will modify the vehicle\u2019s propulsion system to optimize efficiency and design connected and automated vehicle technologies without sacrificing safety or driving dynamics, closely mirroring industry goals.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERecruitment for the competition will begin this spring, following the conclusion of the current cycle, which culminates in final competition events in Detroit in late May.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMade up of more than 50 undergraduate and graduate students from six of Georgia Tech\u2019s Colleges, the team reflects what faculty advisor Antonia Antoniou believes is the essence of the competition. Antoniou is a professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe have students represented from all over campus, and they have risen to meet every challenge,\u201d she said. \u201cThey work together to optimize, design, and execute these tasks. Everything you can think of that we do at Georgia Tech happens while we\u0027re working on this car \u2014 from engineering and design of hardware and software to communications.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcross six subteams, EcoCAR members have transformed a Cadillac LYRIQ EV to include new motors, a selectable drivetrain, and automated driving features. After testing the vehicle in environments ranging from Georgia Tech\u2019s Student Competition Center to the Arizona desert, the team has earned multiple second-place finishes at competitions and first-place awards for presentation skills.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAntoniou, as well as David Taylor, a professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering who will enter his fifth cycle, will return for the latest challenge, and three new advisors will join the team, including Frank K. Webb Academic Professional Chair in Communication Skills in the Woodruff School Jill Fennell and associate professors Sam Coogan (ECE) and Shuman Xia (ME).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParticipation in the EcoCAR Challenge is paired with coursework through Georgia Tech\u2019s Vertically Integrated Projects program, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while earning academic credit. The technical training and real-world problem-solving skills developed through the program make the competition a valuable experience, said Mason Shackelford, subsystem design and integration lead. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cA lot of what you do on the job, you have to learn on the job, and that\u2019s what makes EcoCAR such a great opportunity,\u201d Shackelford said. \u201cYou learn something new every day; there is always a new challenge and the thrill of finding unique ways to solve them. You get to meet a lot of people, work on a great team, and apply what you learn in class.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEric Gustafson, a graduate student in mechanical engineering, has worked on the project for five years, beginning as an undergraduate at Georgia Tech. As he prepares to graduate and start his career at MathWorks, he said he cannot imagine his time at Tech without EcoCAR and encouraged more students to join the upcoming cycle.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen I look back in 15 years on what I did at Tech, all my memories will be of this competition,\u201d Gustafson said. \u201cTraveling to different testing sites \u2014 Austin, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Orlando \u2014 working with these amazing people, the 12-hour days. Those are going to be core memories forever.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor application information, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/ecocar\/recruitment-info\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Evisit the EcoCAR VIP\u2019s website.\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"The EcoCAR Challenge gives students hands-on experience developing real-world solutions for the automotive industry. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe EcoCAR Challenge gives students hands-on experience developing real-world solutions for the automotive industry.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The EcoCAR Challenge gives students hands-on experience developing real-world solutions for the automotive industry. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-04-14 19:06:46","changed_gmt":"2026-04-14 20:18:48","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-14T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-14T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679949":{"id":"679949","type":"image","title":"EcoCAR","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPhoto courtesy of EcoCAR Innovation Challenge\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776194341","gmt_created":"2026-04-14 19:19:01","changed":"1776194341","gmt_changed":"2026-04-14 19:19:01","alt":"EcoCAR","file":{"fid":"264174","name":"EcoCar-1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/14\/EcoCar-1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/14\/EcoCar-1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":11901428,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/14\/EcoCar-1.jpg?itok=oyxLcvMO"}}},"media_ids":["679949"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/07\/strong-year-three-finish-sets-ecocar-team-final-push","title":"Strong Year Three Finish Sets Up EcoCAR Team for Final Push"},{"url":"https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/ecocar\/recruitment-info\/","title":"EcoCAR Team Website"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"194612","name":"Workforce Development"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2084","name":"EcoCAR"},{"id":"13885","name":"College of Engineering; ECE; ME; ChemE; EcoCAR challenge"},{"id":"8673","name":"General Motors"},{"id":"74791","name":"electric vehicle"}],"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\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689734":{"#nid":"689734","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech, The Coca-Cola Company Finalizing Agreement on North Avenue Property","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology and The Coca-Cola Company are finalizing an agreement for the Institute to purchase property along North Avenue, strengthening Georgia Tech\u2019s capacity to educate students, advance research, and serve communities across Georgia.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECoca-Cola, a neighbor to Georgia Tech since 1920, expects to sell a building and adjacent land in a transaction valued at $31.3 million. The company chose to work directly with Georgia Tech on the planned transaction, reflecting the long-standing relationship between the two organizations and a shared commitment to Atlanta\u2019s continued growth and innovation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe expected sale includes a two-story brick building, part of Coca-Cola\u2019s holdings since 1988, and an adjoining two-acre park along North Avenue.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis strategic addition to our core campus will support our growth in enrollment and research activity for years to come,\u201d said Georgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera. \u201cI appreciate our long relationship with The Coca-Cola Company that allowed us to pursue this opportunity as we continue to invest in our campus, our neighborhood, and Atlanta\u2019s innovation ecosystem.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJames Quincey, Coca-Cola\u2019s executive chair and Georgia Tech\u2019s 2020 Commencement speaker, said the company wanted the property to continue contributing to Atlanta\u2019s innovation ecosystem.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen we decided this space was no longer needed for our corporate campus, our goal was to work with Georgia Tech, as this site offers a great opportunity for them to expand,\u201d Quincey said. \u201cCoca-Cola has a long legacy of involvement and partnership with Georgia Tech, and we are excited to see them redevelop this important area in Atlanta.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech will evaluate how the property can best support academic, research, and student needs as part of its long-term campus planning efforts. The acquisition represents a strategic step in ensuring Georgia Tech has the space needed to educate future leaders and advance research that strengthens Georgia\u2019s economy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout Georgia Tech\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Institute of Technology, or Georgia Tech, is one of the top public research universities in the U.S., developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute offers\u202fbusiness, computing, design, engineering, liberal arts,\u202fand sciences degrees, as well as professional development and K-12 programs for fostering success at every stage of life. Its more than 56,000 undergraduate and graduate students represent 54 U.S. states and territories and more than 146 countries. They study at the main campus in Atlanta, at instructional sites around the world, and through distance and online learning.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a leading technological university, Georgia Tech is an engine of economic development for Georgia, the Southeast, and the nation, conducting more than $1 billion in research annually for government, industry, and society.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout The Coca-Cola Company\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company\u2019s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference.\u0026nbsp;We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide.\u0026nbsp;Our portfolio\u0026nbsp;of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta.\u0026nbsp;Our water, sports, coffee, and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak, and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife, and Santa Clara. We\u2019re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people\u2019s lives, communities, and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices, and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.coca-colacompany.com\/\u0022\u003Ewww.coca-colacompany.com\u003C\/a\u003E and follow us on\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thecocacolaco\/?hl=en\u0022\u003EInstagram\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheCocaColaCo\/\u0022\u003EFacebook\u003C\/a\u003E, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-coca-cola-company\u0022\u003ELinkedIn\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology and The Coca\u2011Cola Company are finalizing an agreement for the Institute to purchase property along North Avenue, pending approval by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. The $31.3 million acquisition of the vacant Two Coca\u2011Cola Plaza building and adjacent park would expand Georgia Tech\u2019s campus footprint, strengthen connections to nearby Institute\u2011owned property, and support the Institute\u2019s long\u2011term capacity to educate students, advance research, and serve communities across Georgia.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The agreement expands capacity for education and research, building on a century-long relationship between two Atlanta mainstays."}],"uid":"35797","created_gmt":"2026-04-14 14:39:41","changed_gmt":"2026-04-14 19:37:00","author":"Siobhan Rodriguez","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-14T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-14T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679941":{"id":"679941","type":"image","title":"ProjectMap_Final.png","body":null,"created":"1776177589","gmt_created":"2026-04-14 14:39:49","changed":"1776177589","gmt_changed":"2026-04-14 14:39:49","alt":"Map of the Coca cola property","file":{"fid":"264166","name":"ProjectMap_Final.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/14\/ProjectMap_Final.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/14\/ProjectMap_Final.png","mime":"image\/png","size":4017664,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/14\/ProjectMap_Final.png?itok=hEEWdvhT"}}},"media_ids":["679941"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"142","name":"City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"109","name":"Georgia Tech"},{"id":"246","name":"Georgia Institute of Technology"},{"id":"195014","name":"The Coca\u2011Cola Company"},{"id":"2741","name":"coca-cola"},{"id":"195015","name":"North Avenue property"},{"id":"195016","name":"Atlanta campus expansion"},{"id":"195017","name":"property acquisition"},{"id":"195018","name":"real estate transaction"},{"id":"195019","name":"$31.3 million transaction"},{"id":"195020","name":"campus real estate deal"},{"id":"195021","name":"institutional land acquisition"},{"id":"489","name":"atlanta"},{"id":"166991","name":"midtown atlanta"},{"id":"12507","name":"North Avenue"},{"id":"342","name":"Georgia"},{"id":"195022","name":"core campus"},{"id":"195023","name":"two\u2011story brick building"},{"id":"195024","name":"two\u2011acre park"},{"id":"195025","name":"academic growth"},{"id":"195026","name":"research expansion"},{"id":"195027","name":"student needs"},{"id":"195028","name":"enrollment growth"},{"id":"195029","name":"long\u2011term campus planning"},{"id":"195030","name":"public research university"},{"id":"195031","name":"Atlanta innovation ecosystem"},{"id":"815","name":"economic development"},{"id":"195032","name":"university\u2011industry partnership"},{"id":"195033","name":"institutional investment"},{"id":"195034","name":"long\u2011standing partnership"},{"id":"195035","name":"corporate\u2013academic collaboration"},{"id":"189031","name":"Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera"},{"id":"195036","name":"Coca\u2011Cola Executive Chair James Quincey"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"},{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech Media Relations\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["media@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689748":{"#nid":"689748","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Research Shows East Coast Gateway Best Choice For Atlanta, Memphis And Nashville","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA new study conducted by researchers with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute\u003C\/a\u003E shows that the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gaports.com\/facilities\/port-of-savannah\/\u0022\u003EPort of Savannah\u003C\/a\u003E is the most cost-effective and reliable gateway for cargo destined for Atlanta, Memphis, and Nashville. According to the research, shippers can save more than $1,000 per container by routing freight through Savannah instead of West Coast ports, when evaluating full end-to-end supply chain costs and transit reliability.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe study emphasizes that gateway decisions should not be based solely on ocean rates or sailing time. While trans-Pacific routes to the West Coast are shorter at sea, researchers found that congestion, cargo rehandling, and inland transportation complexity often introduce delays and variability. In contrast, Savannah\u0027s efficient port operations, on-terminal rail service, and direct interstate access help offset longer ocean voyages with faster inland movement and greater predictability.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers analyzed vessel and inland transportation data from ten Asian ports to the three Southeastern markets. Their findings showed that Savannah\u0027s reliable port processing and inland logistics significantly reduce congestion exposure and transit variability, making it a more dependable gateway for shippers seeking consistent delivery performance.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe study was conducted by Georgia Tech faculty and PhD students at the Institute\u0027s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/picenter.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EPhysical Internet Center\u003C\/a\u003E and reinforces previous Atlanta-focused research demonstrating similar benefits of East Coast routing. The findings support the growing role of the Port of Savannah as a strategic gateway for U.S. supply chains serving inland Southeast markets.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ERead the original press release from the Georgia Ports Authority here:\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gaports.com\/press-releases\/georgia-tech-research-shows-east-coast-gateway-best-choice-for-atlanta-memphis-and-nashville\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech research shows East Coast gateway best choice for Atlanta, Memphis and Nashville\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers have found that routing cargo through the Port of Savannah offers significant cost savings and more reliable transit for shipments bound for Atlanta, Memphis, and Nashville, outperforming traditional West Coast gateways in total landed cost and consistency.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Independent study shows Savannah saves shippers $1,000 per container compared to West Coast ports."}],"uid":"27233","created_gmt":"2026-04-14 18:02:30","changed_gmt":"2026-04-14 18:11:05","author":"Andy Haleblian","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Savannah, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679945":{"id":"679945","type":"image","title":"Georgia Tech Research Shows East Coast Gateway Best Choice For Atlanta, Memphis And Nashville","body":null,"created":"1776188877","gmt_created":"2026-04-14 17:47:57","changed":"1776189100","gmt_changed":"2026-04-14 17:51:40","alt":"Railroad yard serving the Georgia Ports Authority with more than 6 railroad lanes with one engine towing a long line of intermodal containers.","file":{"fid":"264170","name":"260409-GPA-GA-Tech-Study-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/14\/260409-GPA-GA-Tech-Study-.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/14\/260409-GPA-GA-Tech-Study-.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":541590,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/14\/260409-GPA-GA-Tech-Study-.jpg?itok=RnLPxWpp"}}},"media_ids":["679945"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/news\/scl-study-shows-savannah-beats-west-coast-cost-reliability-atlanta-cargo","title":"SCL Study Shows Savannah Beats West Coast on Cost, Reliability for Atlanta Cargo"}],"groups":[{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"142","name":"City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth"},{"id":"194609","name":"Industry"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194848","name":"shipping costs"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003Einfo@scl.gatech.edu\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689352":{"#nid":"689352","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Researchers Develop First Genetic Passcode Lock to Protect Valuable DNA","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn recent years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Homeland Security, and other authorities have flagged a record number of unauthorized shipments of biological materials. At the same time, global intelligence communities have identified numerous attempts to smuggle sensitive biological samples in efforts of industrial theft or espionage.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cA small vial of genetically engineered cells can contain multiple millions of dollars\u2019 worth of intellectual property and require several years of work to develop,\u201d said Corey Wilson, a professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chbe.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EChBE\u003C\/a\u003E). \u201cAccordingly, the protection of high-value engineered cell lines has become critically important to the biotechnology industry.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/wilson.chbe.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EWilson\u003C\/a\u003E and his research team have published their findings in \u003Cem\u003EScience Advances\u003C\/em\u003E demonstrating the effectiveness of their new biological security technology, known as GeneLock\u2122, in protecting high-value engineered cell lines.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeneLock is a cybersecurity-inspired technology that protects valuable genetic material directly at the DNA level. To demonstrate its strength, Wilson\u2019s team conducted what they describe as a first-of-its-kind biohackathon, detailed in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/sciadv.aeb8556\u0022\u003Enew paper\u003C\/a\u003E, to simulate unauthorized access.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeneLock greatly improves our ability to protect high-value engineered cell lines by expanding security from the lab environment to the genetic level,\u201d Wilson said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEconomic Impact\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat are the stakes? Estimates place the global market for high-value genetic materials at more than $1.5 trillion, projected to reach $8 trillion by 2035. The use of these materials ranges from advanced medicines and proprietary research enzymes to specialty chemicals and sustainable materials.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECurrently, the protection of high-value cell lines depends on physical safeguards such as restricted lab access and secure facilities, Wilson explained.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe key weakness of physical security measures is once circumvented, there are typically no measures in place to protect valuable cells from theft, abuse, or unauthorized use,\u201d Wilson said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOnce a sample leaves the building, the DNA it carries typically remains fully functional. This is like placing an unlocked cellphone in a desk drawer. Anyone who gains access to the drawer can view sensitive content on the phone\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u2014or in this case will have full access to the valuable cell line.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGenetic Passcode Protection\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe GeneLock biological security technology developed by Wilson and his team places a passcode on engineered cells, akin to those used on ATM machines and protected cellphones.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInstead of leaving a valuable gene in readable form, the team scrambles the DNA sequence of interest. The scrambled genetic asset remains in a nonfunctional state unless the living cell where it resides receives the correct sequence of chemical inputs. Those inputs act as a molecular passcode.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOnly the right combination, delivered in the right order, rearranges the DNA into a working form,\u201d Wilson said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBiohackathon Security Test\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo evaluate the technology, the researchers organized a blue team and a red team in what they describe as an ethical biohackathon. The blue team designed the encrypted DNA sequence, while the red team was challenged to discover the correct chemical passcode through experimentation in a gray box exercise, meaning the red team had partial knowledge of the system but did not have access to the internal designs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis approach for testing security strength is commonly used in cybersecurity,\u201d Wilson explained.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe blue team engineered the system inside \u003Cem\u003EEscherichia coli\u003C\/em\u003E, or \u003Cem\u003EE. coli\u003C\/em\u003E, a bacterium widely used in biotechnology. The protected asset was a fluorescent protein gene selected as a measurable stand-in for commercially valuable targets. When the correct chemical sequence was applied, the fluorescence turned on. Without the correct passcode, the gene remained scrambled and the cells could not fluoresce green.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn practice, most DNA sequences produce valuable proteins or chemicals that are essentially invisible to the human eye, requiring specialized devices or experiments to observe,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cIf the biohackathon were conducted with a standard commercially valuable target, the penetration testing would have taken more than 10 times longer to complete, years instead of months.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe biohackathon results showed a dramatic reduction in risk. GeneLock reduced the probability of unlocking the genetic asset by random search to about 1 in 85,000 (a 0.001% chance), assuming the unauthorized user had access to the required chemical inputs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWithout access to those inputs, \u201cthe likelihood of success by chance becomes effectively negligible,\u201d said Dowan Kim (Georgia Tech PhD 2024), co-lead author of the study.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommercial Uses and What\u2019s Next\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlthough the researchers used a non-commercial fluorescent protein as a test case, the implications extend much further. Many biotechnology companies rely on proprietary engineered strains. New England Biolabs, for example, produces more than 265 non-disclosed enzymes in E. coli, each representing a high-value cell line.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProtein-based drugs are also manufactured in living cells, and proprietary metabolic pathways are used to produce specialty chemicals, bioplastics, and high-value ingredients.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn each case, the genetic blueprint inside the cell represents intellectual property that can be protected by our technology,\u201d said Ishita Kumar, a PhD candidate in ChBE and co-lead author of the study.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile the team\u2019s current focus is on protecting intellectual property in the form of high-value cells, future iterations aim to strengthen biological security more broadly.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are currently developing protection measures to mitigate unauthorized use or release of sensitive cell lines that can be potentially hazardous to human health or the environment,\u201d Wilson said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAs it stands, GeneLock represents an important shift in biological security, enabling, for the first time, protection of valuable cells at the genetic level, even after physical security measures have been bypassed,\u201d he added.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe work is already moving toward commercialization. The team filed a provisional patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in February 2026 and is forming a company to deploy the technology.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECITATION:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDowan Kim, Ishita Kumar, Mohamed Hassan, Luisa F. Barraza-Vergara, Christopher A. Voigt, and Corey J. Wilson, \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/sciadv.aeb8556\u0022\u003EProtecting cells at the genetic level and simulating unauthorized access via a biohackathon\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d Science Advances, 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"New System Strengthens Security for the Biotech Industry"}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeneLock is a cybersecurity-inspired technology that protects valuable genetic material directly at the DNA level. To demonstrate its strength, the rearches conducted what they describe as a first-of-its-kind biohackathon to simulate unauthorized access.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Research published in Science Advances demonstrated the effectiveness of this technology in protecting high-value engineered cell lines."}],"uid":"27271","created_gmt":"2026-04-01 17:57:53","changed_gmt":"2026-04-14 16:55:03","author":"Brad Dixon","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679818":{"id":"679818","type":"image","title":"Wilsonresearchteam.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EResearch team members Ishita Kumar,\u0026nbsp;Corey Wilson,\u0026nbsp;and Luisa F. Barraza-Vergara\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775066280","gmt_created":"2026-04-01 17:58:00","changed":"1775066280","gmt_changed":"2026-04-01 17:58:00","alt":"Research team members Ishita Kumar, Corey Wilson, and Luisa F. Barraza-Vergara","file":{"fid":"264022","name":"Wilsonresearchteam.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/01\/Wilsonresearchteam.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/01\/Wilsonresearchteam.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2729628,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/01\/Wilsonresearchteam.jpg?itok=uDoLEes8"}},"679819":{"id":"679819","type":"image","title":"biohackathon.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ETo evaluate the GeneLock technology, the researchers organized a blue team and a red team into a biohackathon.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775066327","gmt_created":"2026-04-01 17:58:47","changed":"1775066327","gmt_changed":"2026-04-01 17:58:47","alt":"To evaluate the GeneLock technology, the researchers organized a blue team and a red team into a biohackathon.","file":{"fid":"264023","name":"biohackathon.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/01\/biohackathon.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/01\/biohackathon.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":91942,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/01\/biohackathon.jpg?itok=PdOgnWMg"}}},"media_ids":["679818","679819"],"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"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"175579","name":"biotech industry"},{"id":"3031","name":"genetic"},{"id":"1041","name":"dna"},{"id":"175113","name":"biosecurity"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBrad Dixon, \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:braddixon@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebraddixon@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["braddixon@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689714":{"#nid":"689714","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Bringing the Classroom to the Coast","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EWhile many students spent Spring Break chasing sun and surf, a group enrolled in the \u003Cem\u003EEAS 4755: Sea Level Rise and Global Geotechnics\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Ecourse, taught by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/people\/robel-alexander\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlex Robel\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ce.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/jorge-macedo\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EJorge Macedo\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Eheaded to the coast for a different reason \u2014 to learn how three coastal communities across the Southeast are responding to sea-level rise and flooding and how science, engineering, and community priorities intersect.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThis is the third time the class has been offered, but the first to include an extended community-based learning experience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe students were able to see firsthand how concepts discussed in the classroom translated into real infrastructure decisions shaping vulnerable coastal communities,\u201d says Robel, an associate professor in the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIn previous years, the course relied on guest speakers, often remote, to provide real-world insights. Robel and Macedo, an associate professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ce.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Civil and Environmental Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, advocated for this year\u2019s field trip to give students direct exposure to how the concepts taught in class are used in coastal communities.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cPlaces like Savannah, Tybee Island, and Charleston aren\u2019t planning for a distant future; they\u2019re making real infrastructure decisions right now,\u201d explains Robel.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECoastal case studies\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EOn Tybee Island, city leaders and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff discussed with students how to balance tourism, environmental protection, and shoreline preservation. Site visits highlighted tide gates and living shorelines as flood mitigation strategies.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThen, in Savannah, students met with city staff to explore challenges facing historic, low-lying cities and visited the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chsgeorgia.org\/pin-point-heritage-museum\/?gad_source=1\u0026amp;gad_campaignid=22849387911\u0026amp;gbraid=0AAAABAqP5dcvz7sLdulhSOGywjIQeklj1\u0026amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw-dfOBhAjEiwAq0RwI59jWRaJPfy1zynMN4cT3osvJhOlKEqoDZFGnC_BVcL3GUjTwKwtmxoCHcwQAvD_BwE\u0022\u003EPin Point Heritage Museum\u003C\/a\u003E where Gullah-Geechee community leaders spoke about the cultural, environmental, and equity dimensions of flood planning.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe trip concluded in Charleston with discussions led by the city\u2019s chief resilience officer and tours of the Low Battery Seawall and a neighborhood pump station, illustrating how flood infrastructure can serve both functional and public-facing roles. Students also visited\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/jmt.com\/\u0022\u003EJMT\u003C\/a\u003E, the engineering firm behind several of the projects studied, where engineers discussed design trade-offs and career paths in coastal and municipal infrastructure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERegional risks, real responses\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe regional context is especially important because Georgia Tech graduates are heavily concentrated in the Southeast, and many go on to careers designing, managing, or approving infrastructure projects in coastal communities,\u201d says Robel. \u201cWith a more concentrated vulnerability to sea-level rise in the Southeast than any other part of the United States, the most potential flooding is likely to occur here in the Atlantic Southeast and Gulf Coast.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHe adds that \u201cif we\u2019re educating the scientists, engineers, and decision-makers who will be working in these communities, they must understand the practicalities of flood resilience and how to make informed decisions based on the best current science.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAlthough the idea for the field experience had been years in the making, it became feasible only recently with support from an internal grant on sustainability education and community-based learning administered by the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scre.research.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E Center for Sustainable Communities Research and Education\u003C\/a\u003E. Robel also emphasized the importance of long-standing relationships with coastal communities and governments in making the trip a success.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe reached a point where we had both the resources and the relationships to make the experience meaningful,\u201d he shares.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECareer context\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe students met professionals from a wide range of career paths, including federal and local government agencies, private engineering firms, and municipal stormwater departments.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cA major goal of the trip was giving students the chance to see what career paths in coastal resilience really look like,\u201d says Robel. \u201cThose conversations helped students understand not just the technical work, but also the financing, politics, and community concerns that shape infrastructure decisions \u2014 parts of the job that are harder to capture in the classroom.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EStudents enjoyed the opportunity to get real-world context:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis trip made me reconsider my post-graduation plans. I used to think the geology industry was just oil and gas, but this trip showed me different ways I can apply my skills to help the environment as well as local communities in their efforts to adapt to sea-level rise concerns,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EMandala Pham\u003C\/strong\u003E, a Ph.D. student studying geophysics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe most valuable part of the experience was observing sea-level rise mitigation infrastructure in-person, and the trip was a great experience overall to make new friends and gain valuable experiences,\u201d adds\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAlexander Brison\u003C\/strong\u003E, a fourth-year environmental engineering major.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBy grounding classroom concepts in real places and real decisions, the Spring Break field experience reinforced the course\u2019s goal: preparing students to engage thoughtfully with the challenges coastal communities are already facing.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EStudents study sea-level rise and coastal resilience on spring break field experience.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Students study sea-level rise and coastal resilience on spring break field experience."}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2026-04-13 18:08:43","changed_gmt":"2026-04-13 19:26:14","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679933":{"id":"679933","type":"image","title":"Class members spent the first day on the beach at Tybee Island learning how beach nourishment and dune restoration are helping preserve one of the most popular beaches in the southeast.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EClass members spent the first day on the beach at Tybee Island learning how beach nourishment and dune restoration are helping preserve one of the most popular beaches in the southeast.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776104340","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 18:19:00","changed":"1776104340","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 18:19:00","alt":"A group of people standing on a beach.","file":{"fid":"264156","name":"Day1_TybeeIsland_Beach_GroupPhoto_01-copy-2.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/Day1_TybeeIsland_Beach_GroupPhoto_01-copy-2.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/Day1_TybeeIsland_Beach_GroupPhoto_01-copy-2.png","mime":"image\/png","size":29262725,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/Day1_TybeeIsland_Beach_GroupPhoto_01-copy-2.png?itok=u1Hmq958"}},"679934":{"id":"679934","type":"image","title":"Charleston city officials spoke with students about how multiple municipal departments work together on flood mitigation","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003ECharleston city officials spoke with students about how multiple municipal departments work together on flood mitigation\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1776105481","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 18:38:01","changed":"1776105481","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 18:38:01","alt":"A group sitting around a big table in a conference room.","file":{"fid":"264158","name":"bafkreiehbez7batf7ukyosqkx3rqbgauazshsglq6cfaazf5hvsovet4nu.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/bafkreiehbez7batf7ukyosqkx3rqbgauazshsglq6cfaazf5hvsovet4nu.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/bafkreiehbez7batf7ukyosqkx3rqbgauazshsglq6cfaazf5hvsovet4nu.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":746185,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/bafkreiehbez7batf7ukyosqkx3rqbgauazshsglq6cfaazf5hvsovet4nu.jpg?itok=w6YrOj_G"}},"679935":{"id":"679935","type":"image","title":"A highlight of the trip included a visit to the Pin Point Heritage Museum to learn about one of the largest remaining Gullah-Geechee communities in the Southeast and their historical relationship to the marsh, fisheries, and flooding.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA highlight of the trip included a visit to the Pin Point Heritage Museum to learn about one of the largest remaining Gullah-Geechee communities in the Southeast and their historical relationship to the marsh, fisheries, and flooding.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776105560","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 18:39:20","changed":"1776105560","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 18:39:20","alt":"A group of students standing by a wooden rowboat.","file":{"fid":"264159","name":"Pinpointbafkreidtshhdvtbuwgbtiwwjlmu4yhxnkx4ieku66lipuhiw6xcpzflzze.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/Pinpointbafkreidtshhdvtbuwgbtiwwjlmu4yhxnkx4ieku66lipuhiw6xcpzflzze.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/Pinpointbafkreidtshhdvtbuwgbtiwwjlmu4yhxnkx4ieku66lipuhiw6xcpzflzze.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":899292,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/Pinpointbafkreidtshhdvtbuwgbtiwwjlmu4yhxnkx4ieku66lipuhiw6xcpzflzze.jpg?itok=M1juWLG6"}}},"media_ids":["679933","679934","679935"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/news\/17\/eas-faculty-named-endowed-positions","title":"EAS Faculty Named to Endowed Positions"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"}],"categories":[{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"192254","name":"cos-climate"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"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":""}},"689713":{"#nid":"689713","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Universities and U.K. Partners Strengthen Collaboration on Critical Minerals at GEMS\u20114 Symposium","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn February, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E, \u0026nbsp;together with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.uga.edu\/\u0022\u003EUniversity of Georgia\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gsu.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia State University\u003C\/a\u003E, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/georgiamining.org\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Mining Association\u003C\/a\u003E, and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/world\/organisations\/british-consulate-general-atlanta\u0022\u003EBritish Consulate\u2011General Atlanta\u003C\/a\u003E, hosted the fourth Growing Partnerships for Essential Minerals (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gems.research.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGEMs\u20114\u003C\/a\u003E) workshop in Atlanta. The workshop built on a growing transatlantic partnership dedicated to advancing innovation across the critical minerals value chain.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;two\u2011day event took place Feb. 4 \u2013 5, coinciding with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.state.gov\/releases\/office-of-the-spokesperson\/2026\/02\/2026-critical-minerals-ministerial\u0022\u003ECritical Minerals Ministerial\u003C\/a\u003E hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 4, which brought together more than 50 nations to strengthen and diversify global critical mineral supply chains. During this ministerial, U.K. Minister Seema Malhotra and U.S. Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg signed a Critical Minerals Memorandum of Understanding, strengthening bilateral cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom on critical mineral supply chains.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese broad efforts are supported by White House Executive Order 14363, which defines the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/genesis.energy.gov\/\u0022\u003EGenesis Mission\u003C\/a\u003E and aims to accelerate scientific discovery through AI. The order identifies critical minerals supply chain resilience as a national security imperative.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn Atlanta, these themes were brought to life in real time. The GEMs-4 workshop brought together researchers, policymakers, national labs, industry leaders, and workforce organizations from both the U.S. and the U.K. to address shared challenges in technology translation, permitting, investment, and talent development.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe state of Georgia\u2019s integrated ecosystem, linking research universities, legacy industries, technical colleges, national labs, and public\u2011private partnerships, served as a case study. Presenters highlighted how existing industrial assets in the Southeast are being incorporated into emerging clean energy and critical minerals supply chains, offering a model for other regions seeking to build capabilities around extraction, processing, and manufacturing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA U.K. member of Parliament representing Cornwall, where the U.K. has lithium reserves and deep critical mineral expertise, joined the convening, as well as representatives from the U.K. Critical Mineral Association, Camborne School of Mines, and the University of Kent. Together, they explored opportunities and challenges, from a fundamental science to a commercialization perspective grounded in real-world experience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe alignment between the ministerial in Washington and the expertise present in Atlanta demonstrated the value of state-level engagement and how national agreements translate into practical collaboration on the ground.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe Southeast has the research depth, industrial footprint, and collaborative spirit needed to lead in critical minerals innovation,\u201d\u0026nbsp;said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/energy.gatech.edu\/people\/yuanzhi-tang\u0022\u003EYuanzhi Tang\u003C\/a\u003E, Georgia Power Professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, executive director of the Strategic Energy Institute, and founding director of the Center for Critical Mineral Solutions at Georgia Tech. \u201cGEMs\u20114 showed what\u2019s possible when universities, industry, and government partners align around shared priorities.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDay one featured strategic dialogue on critical mineral resources, innovation pathways, and partnership models. A recurring theme was the co-production of critical minerals alongside major mineral commodities. \u201cMany critical minerals are produced as byproducts of larger mining operations, making it essential to integrate recovery strategies into existing mineral industries rather than developing entirely new extraction systems,\u201d noted \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cas.gsu.edu\/profile\/w-crawford-elliott\/\u0022\u003ECrawford Elliott\u003C\/a\u003E, professor of geosciences at Georgia State University.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDay two transitioned to field\u2011based learning, led by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/geology.uga.edu\/directory\/people\/paul-schroeder\u0022\u003EPaul Schroeder\u003C\/a\u003E, professor of geology at the University of Georgia. Participants visited active operations to better understand how regional industrial strengths can support national and international supply chain goals. Schroeder said, \u201cConnecting people to the long-standing mineral extraction economy at the mining and plant sites, where the work gets done with an amazingly skilled workforce, underscores the unique role of Georgia\u2019s place\u2011based capacity in advancing national and transatlantic supply\u0026nbsp;chain goals.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrganizers emphasized that resilient supply chains rely on regional capabilities built over time through university collaboration, industry partnerships, and community engagement. With three years of inter\u2011university coordination now underpinning the GEMS platform, the 2026 workshop demonstrated how the Southeast is contributing actionable models for U.S.-U.K. cooperation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEcosystem-building at this scale requires participation from every part of the value chain, and we are encouraged by the model GEMs presents,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rachel-galloway-518014292\/\u0022\u003ERachel Galloway\u003C\/a\u003E, Consul General at British Consulate General Atlanta. \u201cThe collaboration across universities, industry, and government is exactly what enables long\u2011term impact on both sides of the Atlantic.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough focused dialogue and partnership-building, the symposium strengthened transatlantic collaboration, highlighted regional strengths, and accelerated innovation and translation across the critical minerals value chain, from resource characterization and processing to recycling, manufacturing, and deployment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor more information about the GEMS initiative, visit: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gems.research.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/gems.research.gatech.edu\/\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn February, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E, \u0026nbsp;together with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.uga.edu\/\u0022\u003EUniversity of Georgia\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gsu.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia State University\u003C\/a\u003E, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/georgiamining.org\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Mining Association\u003C\/a\u003E, and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/world\/organisations\/british-consulate-general-atlanta\u0022\u003EBritish Consulate\u2011General Atlanta\u003C\/a\u003E, hosted the fourth Growing Partnerships for Essential Minerals (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gems.research.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGEMs\u20114\u003C\/a\u003E) workshop in Atlanta. The workshop built on a growing transatlantic partnership dedicated to advancing innovation across the critical minerals value chain.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"In February, the Georgia Institute of Technology,  together with the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, the Georgia Mining Association, and the British Consulate\u2011General Atlanta, hosted the fourth GEMs workshop."}],"uid":"36413","created_gmt":"2026-04-13 17:45:13","changed_gmt":"2026-04-13 18:25:18","author":"pdevarajan3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679927":{"id":"679927","type":"image","title":"20260204_GEMs-IV-Group-Photo_LR.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGroup photo of the attendees of the GEMs-4 symposium.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776102371","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 17:46:11","changed":"1776102371","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 17:46:11","alt":"Attendees of the GEMs-4 symposium","file":{"fid":"264149","name":"20260204_GEMs-IV-Group-Photo_LR.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/20260204_GEMs-IV-Group-Photo_LR.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/20260204_GEMs-IV-Group-Photo_LR.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1521193,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/20260204_GEMs-IV-Group-Photo_LR.jpeg?itok=46uGjXAX"}},"679928":{"id":"679928","type":"image","title":"31932AB2-B646-4E29-9BEF-3FD7C6054815.JPG.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDay 2 of the symposium included a visit to a Georgia mining operation.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776102491","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 17:48:11","changed":"1776102491","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 17:48:11","alt":"Day 2 of the symposium included a visit to a Georgia mining operation","file":{"fid":"264150","name":"31932AB2-B646-4E29-9BEF-3FD7C6054815.JPG.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/31932AB2-B646-4E29-9BEF-3FD7C6054815.JPG.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/31932AB2-B646-4E29-9BEF-3FD7C6054815.JPG.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2766293,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/31932AB2-B646-4E29-9BEF-3FD7C6054815.JPG.jpeg?itok=6UE7bW0o"}},"679929":{"id":"679929","type":"image","title":"P1003694-Attendees-LR.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAttendees at the GEMs-4 workshop\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776103013","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 17:56:53","changed":"1776103013","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 17:56:53","alt":"Attendees at the GEMs-4 workshop","file":{"fid":"264151","name":"P1003694-Attendees-LR.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/P1003694-Attendees-LR.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/P1003694-Attendees-LR.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":672603,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/P1003694-Attendees-LR.jpeg?itok=WORRhc1_"}},"679930":{"id":"679930","type":"image","title":"P1003821-panel.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECritical Mineral Significance and Resources Panel at the GEMs-4 symposium\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776103013","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 17:56:53","changed":"1776103013","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 17:56:53","alt":"Panelists discussing at the GEMs-4 symposium","file":{"fid":"264152","name":"P1003821-panel.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/P1003821-panel.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/P1003821-panel.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":614552,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/P1003821-panel.jpeg?itok=wPJagMbS"}},"679931":{"id":"679931","type":"image","title":"P1003941-AttendeeQuestions.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAttendee asking a question to the panel at the GEMS-4 Symposium\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776103013","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 17:56:53","changed":"1776103013","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 17:56:53","alt":"Attendee asking a question to the panel at the GEMS-4 Symposium","file":{"fid":"264153","name":"P1003941-AttendeeQuestions.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/P1003941-AttendeeQuestions.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/P1003941-AttendeeQuestions.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":646826,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/P1003941-AttendeeQuestions.jpeg?itok=tVXDFwY1"}}},"media_ids":["679927","679928","679929","679930","679931"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"367481","name":"SEI Energy"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"},{"id":"660398","name":"Sustainability Hub"}],"categories":[{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"133","name":"Special Events and Guest Speakers"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"},{"id":"194612","name":"Workforce Development"}],"keywords":[{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:priya.devarajan@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EPriya Devarajan\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:sydnie.hammond@fcdo.gov.uk\u0022\u003ESydnie Hammond\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EBritish Consulate-Atlanta\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:ahead13@gsu.edu\u0022\u003EAmanda Head\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EGeorgia State University\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:Kay.Torrance@uga.edu\u0022\u003EKay Alison Torrance\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EUniversity of Georgia\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:leelemke@georgiamining.org\u0022\u003ELee Lemke\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EGeorgia Mining Association\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["priya.devarajan@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689639":{"#nid":"689639","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Welcomes a Neuroethics Pioneer","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArtificial intelligence has been touted as the most transformative technology of our time. With only a few years of mainstream use, it\u2019s changed how we work and communicate, generated billions of dollars in investments, and sparked global debate. But according to leading neuroethics expert \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/dana.org\/article\/karen-rommelfanger-a-neuroscience-society-champion-of-ethics-and-inclusion\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EKaren Rommelfanger\u003C\/a\u003E, the race isn\u2019t over yet.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCan you think of a more transformative technology than one that intervenes with the fundamental organ that drives your experience in the world?\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat fundamental organ is the brain.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETechnologies interfacing directly with the brain have been reserved for treating severe injury or disease for decades. Now, neurotechnology is expanding into brain-responsive wearables meant to enhance, augment, and monitor everyday life. As these technologies accelerate and AI is incorporated, the question is no longer \u003Cem\u003Eif \u003C\/em\u003Eneurotechnology will transform society, but \u003Cem\u003Ehow \u003C\/em\u003E\u2014 and who will shape the boundaries.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese are some of the questions on which Karen Rommelfanger has built her career. Trained as a biomedical researcher and neuroscientist, Rommelfanger went on to found the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/instituteofneuroethics.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInstitute for Neuroethics\u003C\/a\u003E, the world\u2019s first think and do tank devoted entirely to neuroethics, public engagement, and policy implementation.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe brain is special; it\u2019s central to who we are,\u201d says Rommelfanger, who was also an inaugural recipient of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/dana.org\/article\/dana-foundation-recognizes-two-neuroscience-society-champions-with-inaugural-awards\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDana Foundation Neuroscience and Society Award\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cAnd that means when you intervene with the brain, there are unique responsibilities. The field of neuroethics addresses things like: How do you ensure mental privacy? How do you protect free will? How do you ensure that people have the power to be narrators of their own lives and their cognitive experience?\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENow, Rommelfanger is joining Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInstitute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society\u003C\/a\u003E (INNS) as a professor of the practice, where she will work to further embed neuroethics into Georgia Tech\u2019s research and technology development ecosystem.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech is producing the next generation of neurotechnologists, and Karen\u2019s expertise will help ensure we\u2019re preparing them to think about societal impact as deeply as they think about the technical and scientific aspects of their work,\u201d says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/directory\/christopher-john-rozell\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChristopher Rozell\u003C\/a\u003E, executive director of INNS. \u201cHer leadership strengthens the Institute in exactly the way this moment in neurotechnology demands.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech has many, many ways that it leads in the technology ecosystem. But one of the powerful, unique ways it can lead is through neurotechnology,\u201d says Rommelfanger. \u201cI hope that the INNS, given its unique mandate for neuroscience, neurotechnology, and society, can be a lighthouse for these types of conversations.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENeuroethics by Design\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom institutional review boards to mandatory responsible research conduct training, ethics are a foundational part of scientific research. But designing neurotechnologies raises ethical challenges beyond the scope of typical training. What happens when discoveries leave the lab and enter people\u2019s lives?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat question sits at the core of Rommelfanger\u2019s work. She argues it\u2019s a neurotechnologist\u2019s responsibility to recognize and proactively address the need for unique safeguards for privacy, autonomy, and long-term responsibility. Her solution is to move neuroethics upstream, embedding it directly into the research, design, and deployment of neurotechnology through an approach she calls \u201cneuroethics by design.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cNeuroethics by design considers ethics as a core criterion where principles can drive innovation with more of a lens toward societal outcomes,\u201d she says \u2014 an approach informed by years of advising national-level brain research initiatives and her experience at the intersection of clinical practice and ethics scholarship.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERather than treating ethics as a compliance checklist or a post hoc review, neuroethics by design integrates ethical thinking throughout the entire innovation lifecycle, from early ideation and research questions to product requirements, governance strategies, and long-term sustainability. She has used the approach for years as an embedded partner for neurotechnology startups in her neuroethics consultancy, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ningenstrategy.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENingen Co-Lab\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter decades as a traditional academic professor and then years advising companies and policymakers with this philosophy, Rommelfanger says Georgia Tech is the right place to scale this work. With its strength in neurotechnology and INNS\u2019s rare focus on neuroscience\u003Cem\u003E and\u003C\/em\u003E society, \u201cI could not think of a better place to launch and pilot this neuroethics by design scaling effort.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe will work with INNS to help equip researchers, students, and industry partners with practical tools for ethical decision-making. Her vision is not to create neuroethicists as a standalone profession, but to cultivate ethically engaged neurotechnologists and engineers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECentral to her plans at INNS are hands-on training programs that bring ethics out of the abstract and into practice. \u201cI wanted to be a professor of the practice because, while the field does need more scholars, what it really needs most at this point are practitioners.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERommelfanger is exploring modular content that can be embedded into existing courses across disciplines, as well as immersive training \u2014 such as neuroethics boot camps and problem-solving hackathons \u2014 that bring together students, faculty, and professionals to tackle real-world challenges collaboratively.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cNo one discipline can solve all the ethical challenges ahead,\u201d says Rommelfanger. She is particularly interested in creating spaces where experts from across science and engineering, policy and law, design and the arts, and philosophy can work side by side with people with lived experience of neurological conditions. \u201cThe onus is not on scientists alone, but is a shared responsibility that benefits immensely from dialogue, accountability, and action across diverse communities.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy situating neuroethics within Georgia Tech\u2019s broader research ecosystem, Rommelfanger hopes INNS can help shift how the field evolves globally.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u0027s really difficult to get your arms around something once it\u0027s out of the gate,\u201d she says, citing the rapid adoption of AI without proper ethical or policy guidelines. \u201cWith neurotechnology, we still have a little bit of time, but not that much time. We are at that moment where we could change the course of global history.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs brain interfacing tools move out of the lab and into everyday life, Karen Rommelfanger is bringing her global neuroethics expertise to Georgia Tech to prepare the next generation of ethical innovators.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"As brain interfacing tools move out of the lab and into everyday life, Karen Rommelfanger is bringing her global neuroethics expertise to Georgia Tech to prepare the next generation of ethical innovators."}],"uid":"35575","created_gmt":"2026-04-13 15:20:52","changed_gmt":"2026-04-13 17:46:36","author":"adavidson38","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679924":{"id":"679924","type":"image","title":"Karen-Rommelfanger.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EKaren Rommelfanger recently joined Georgia Tech as a professor of the practice, where she will work with the Institute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society to embed neuroethics into Georgia Tech\u2019s research and technology development ecosystem. Photo via the Dana Foundation.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776101751","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 17:35:51","changed":"1776102415","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 17:46:55","alt":"Karen Rommelfanger smiling in a warmly lit room. A window and brick wall are visible behind her.","file":{"fid":"264146","name":"Karen-Rommelfanger.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/Karen-Rommelfanger.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/Karen-Rommelfanger.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":101822,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/Karen-Rommelfanger.jpg?itok=uivAseBV"}},"679926":{"id":"679926","type":"image","title":"BrainMind.JPG","body":"\u003Cp\u003EKaren Rommelfanger (left) is a leading voice in neuroethics, with years of experience bridging neuroscience, technology development, ethics, and public policy to address the societal impacts of emerging brain technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1776101944","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 17:39:04","changed":"1776101944","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 17:39:04","alt":"Seated on the left, Karen Rommelfanger speaks on a panel at the 2026 Asilomar for the Brain and Mind conference. Panelists sit on stage in front of a large screen displaying the conference name, dates, and a brain-themed graphic, with an audience visible in the foreground.","file":{"fid":"264148","name":"BrainMind.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/BrainMind.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/BrainMind.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":167461,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/BrainMind.JPG?itok=HALewFCU"}}},"media_ids":["679924","679926"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/lab-life-inside-institute-neuroscience-neurotechnology-and-society","title":"From Lab to Life: Inside the Institute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society (INNS)"},{"url":"https:\/\/dana.org\/article\/karen-rommelfanger-a-neuroscience-society-champion-of-ethics-and-inclusion\/","title":"Karen Rommelfanger: A Neuroscience \u0026 Society Champion of Ethics and Inclusion"},{"url":"https:\/\/dana.org\/article\/why-neuroethics-matters-in-the-age-of-brain-technology\/","title":"Why Neuroethics Matters in the Age of Brain Technology: A Conversation with Karen Rommelfanger"}],"groups":[{"id":"66220","name":"Neuro"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"194610","name":"National Interests\/National Security"},{"id":"151","name":"Policy, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"172970","name":"go-neuro"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"193656","name":"Neuro Next Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:audra.davidson@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAudra Davidson\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EResearch Communications Program Manager\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society (INNS)\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["audra.davidson@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689660":{"#nid":"689660","#data":{"type":"news","title":"A Guide to Birdwatching at Georgia Tech","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMore than 11 million people live in Georgia, but on April nights, the state\u2019s residents on the ground are outnumbered by tens of millions of small songbirds flying overhead.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESpring migration season typically runs from March through May, peaking in April, according to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/people\/benjamin%20freeman\u0022\u003EBen Freeman\u003C\/a\u003E, an ecologist and assistant professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech. Georgia lies along the Atlantic Flyway, aiding migratory birds \u2014 such as warblers, sparrows, and flycatchers \u2014 with a path to the Appalachians, the Great Lakes, and their home territories, where they will breed in the spring.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAtlanta is often called a city in a forest, but the Tech campus offers additional green space, food, and shelter for many of the area\u2019s native species. From above, it attracts migrating birds in search of a rest stop along their route.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EFor birds native to the Atlanta metro area, like the Brown-headed Nuthatch and Northern Parula, Freeman says April is also the best time to see and hear them.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cApril is the prime bird month in Georgia,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s because, in addition to the migrating species passing through, our birds are breeding, they\u2019re out looking for food, and singing to defend their territory and impress a mate. This is also the time of year when they have their fanciest feathers, making it a beautiful time to observe them in nature.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2026\/04\/guide-birdwatching-georgia-tech\u0022\u003ERead the full story\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/node\/45127\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E. \u00bb\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EApril is peak bird season in Georgia, so expect to see and hear plenty of species on campus.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"April is peak bird season in Georgia, so expect to see and hear plenty of species on campus."}],"uid":"36583","created_gmt":"2026-04-13 16:13:16","changed_gmt":"2026-04-13 17:21:12","author":"lvidal7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679923":{"id":"679923","type":"image","title":"American Robin","body":null,"created":"1776096880","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 16:14:40","changed":"1776096880","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 16:14:40","alt":"American Robin sitting on Georgia Tech sign ","file":{"fid":"264145","name":"Early-Bird-Gets-the-Worm--American-Robin-.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/Early-Bird-Gets-the-Worm--American-Robin-.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/Early-Bird-Gets-the-Worm--American-Robin-.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2277086,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/Early-Bird-Gets-the-Worm--American-Robin-.JPG?itok=zHoUjJMu"}}},"media_ids":["679923"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"194631","name":"cos-georgia"},{"id":"4620","name":"bird"},{"id":"166882","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["steven.gagliano@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689471":{"#nid":"689471","#data":{"type":"news","title":"College of Sciences Students Awarded Walk-on Stamps President\u2019s Scholarships","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETwo\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E students,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAnnie Lin\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eand\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EMadeline Weller\u003C\/strong\u003E, were selected as walk-on recipients of the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/stampsps.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Stamps President\u2019s Scholars Program.\u003C\/a\u003E As Scholars, they will\u0026nbsp;be awarded a full-ride scholarship, special mentoring, and travel opportunities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThough this scholarship is typically given to 50 exceptional incoming first-year students, a select few second- and third-year students are chosen to receive the honor for exemplifying the program\u2019s pillars of scholarship, leadership, progress, and service.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cAnnie and Madeline are exemplary campus leaders and will be able to build on their progress and service with the support of the Stamps Program. We are thrilled for the contributions they bring to the environmental science community,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ELinda Green\u003C\/strong\u003E, principal academic professional and interim director of the Environmental Sciences (ENVS) program.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout Annie Lin\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ELin is a second-year ENVS major conducting undergraduate research on methane and natural gas in the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/jennifer-glass\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Glass Research Group.\u003C\/a\u003E Previous research highlights include quantifying microplastics in Georgia\u2019s coastal water and working with a student group to publish the first publicly available data on microplastics pollution in the Chattahoochee River.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI hope to build a career in environmental policy and justice \u2014 developing and implementing scientific, holistic, and equitable solutions to environmental issues and bridging the gaps between research, policy, and communities,\u201d says Lin.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe is a student coordinator for Georgia Tech\u2019s Center for Sustainable Communities Research and Education and the Georgia Tech student engagement and network coordinator for the United Nations Regional Centre of Expertise Greater Atlanta.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EWhy environmental science?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI was born and raised in Atlanta and grew up close to the Chattahoochee River,\u201d explains Lin. \u201cIn high school, I was very involved with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, including an 11-mile, eight-hour paddling cleanup; field\u0026nbsp;and lab work to track bacterial contamination caused by sewage spills; and speaking to state legislators about environmental bills.\u0026nbsp;These experiences taught me the importance of helping make the necessary systemic changes to address environmental issues.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout Madeline Weller\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EWeller is a second-year ENVS major working in the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/tang.eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Tang Research Group\u003C\/a\u003E, characterizing rare earth elements from Georgia kaolinite clay minerals for renewable energy applications. She also works on the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/vip.gatech.edu\/teams\/entry\/1260\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Georgia Tech Methane Vertically Integrated Project\u003C\/a\u003E to pioneer local methane measurements and in\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sustain.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Office of Sustainability\u003C\/a\u003E to further sustainability efforts and outreach with Solar Stewards.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThrough experiences with Solar Stewards, I saw firsthand how community and rooftop solar can impact people, reducing their energy burden\u2026,\u201d says Weller. \u0022Being at Georgia Tech has provided me with the resources and courage to act on my passion for achieving sustainability through energy equity, ensuring everybody has access to reliable and affordable electricity.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EOutside of research, she is a member of Energy Club @ GT; Sigma Gamma Epsilon,\u0026nbsp;the national honor society for the Earth Sciences;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Association of Environmental Engineers and Scientists; Photography @ GT; and Runnin\u2019 Wreck.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EWhy environmental science?\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI chose environmental science because I was inspired to use my science skills to help find a solution to environmental issues, including climate change,\u201d she explains. \u201cImproving environmental conditions is not just important for biodiversity and ecosystems, but essential for human health and the longevity of future generations.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECongratulations to environmental science majors Annie Lin\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;Madeline Weller.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Congratulations to environmental science majors Annie Lin\u00a0and\u00a0Madeline Weller."}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2026-04-06 13:26:11","changed_gmt":"2026-04-13 16:00:13","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-06T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-06T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679865":{"id":"679865","type":"image","title":"Annie Lin","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAnnie Lin\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775486964","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 14:49:24","changed":"1775486964","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 14:49:24","alt":"Headshot of smiling female student","file":{"fid":"264075","name":"Annie-Lin.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/Annie-Lin.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/Annie-Lin.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":87234,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/Annie-Lin.jpg?itok=koo-CaN2"}},"679857":{"id":"679857","type":"image","title":"Madeline Weller","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMadeline Weller\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775483688","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 13:54:48","changed":"1775483688","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 13:54:48","alt":"Headshot of a young woman","file":{"fid":"264067","name":"Madeline-Weller-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/Madeline-Weller-.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/Madeline-Weller-.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":154843,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/Madeline-Weller-.jpg?itok=0kb7-1kn"}}},"media_ids":["679865","679857"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2024\/11\/19\/college-sciences-students-earn-walk-stamps-presidents-scholarships","title":"College of Sciences Students Earn Walk-on Stamps President\u2019s Scholarships"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"}],"categories":[{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"192254","name":"cos-climate"},{"id":"192259","name":"cos-students"},{"id":"169715","name":"stamps scholars"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELaura. S. Smith, writer\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["laura.smith@cos.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689636":{"#nid":"689636","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Bad Vibes: AI-Generated Code is Vulnerable, Researchers Warn","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EVibe coding programmers are releasing batches of vulnerable code, according to researchers at the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy (SCP) at Georgia Tech, who have scanned over 43,000 security advisories across the web.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe programming style relies on using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to create software code using tools like Claude, Gemini, and GitHub Copilot. According to graduate research assistant \u003Cstrong\u003EHanqing Zhao\u003C\/strong\u003E of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gts3.org\/\u0022\u003ESystems Software \u0026amp; Security Lab\u003C\/a\u003E (SSLab), no one had been tracking these common vulnerabilities and exposures before the launch of their \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/vibe-radar-ten.vercel.app\/\u0022\u003EVibe Security Radar\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe vulnerabilities we found lead to breaches,\u201d he said. \u201cEveryone is using these tools now. We need a feedback loop to identify which tools, which patterns, and which workflows create the most risk.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe radar extensively scans public vulnerability databases, finds the error for each vulnerability, and then examines the code\u2019s history to find who introduced the bug. If they discover an AI tool\u0027s signature, the radar flags it.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOf the 74 confirmed cases uncovered so far by the tool, 14 are critical risks, and 25 are high. These vulnerabilities include command injection, authentication bypass, and server-side request forgery. Zhao explained that since AI models tend to repeat the same mistakes, an attacker would need to find these bugs just once.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMillions of developers using the same models means the same bugs showing up across different projects,\u201d he said. \u201cFind one pattern in one AI codebase, you can scan for it across thousands of repositories.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite its success, the team has only scratched the surface of the problem. The radar can trace metadata like co-author tags, bot emails, and other known tool signatures, but it can\u0027t identify an issue if these markers have been removed.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe next step is behavioral detection. AI-written code has patterns in how it names variables, structures functions, and handles errors.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u0027re building models that can identify AI code from the code itself, no metadata needed,\u201d said Zhao. \u201cThat opens up a lot of cases we currently can\u0027t touch.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team is also improving its verification pipeline and expanding its sources to include more vulnerability databases. The goal is to get a more complete picture of AI-introduced vulnerabilities across open source, not just the ones that happen to leave signatures behind.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs more programmers rely on vibe coding, Zhao warns that it still needs to be reviewed as thoroughly as any other project.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe whole point of vibe coding is not reading it afterward, I know,\u201d he said. \u201cBut if you\u0027re shipping AI output to production, review it the way you\u0027d review a junior developer\u0027s pull request. Especially anything around input handling and authentication.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen prompting AI, SSLab also recommends providing more detailed instructions to get it closer to production-ready. There are also tools to check the code for vulnerabilities after \u0026nbsp;code it has been generated. Not double-checking could lead to a catastrophe.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe attack surface keeps growing,\u201d said Zhao. \u201cMore people running AI agents locally means the attacker doesn\u0027t need to break into the company infrastructure. They just need one vulnerability in a model context protocol server that someone installed and never reviewed.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne reason the attack surfaces are expanding rapidly is AI\u2019s evolution. In the second half of 2025, the Vibe Security Radar found about 18 cases across seven months. Then, in the first three months of 2026, it identified 56. March 2026 alone had 35, more than all of 2025 combined.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany tools, like Claude, are now more autonomous, allowing developers to write entire features, create files, and even make architecture decisions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen an agent builds something without authentication, that\u0027s not a typo,\u201d said Zhao. \u201cIt\u0027s a design flaw baked in from the start. Claude Code and Copilot together account for most of what we detect, but that\u0027s partly because they leave the clearest signatures.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at the Georgia Tech School of Cybersecurity and Privacy are uncovering a growing risk in modern software development: vulnerabilities introduced by AI-generated code.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsing the Vibe Security Radar, the team analyzed more than 43,000 security advisories and identified dozens of confirmed vulnerabilities tied to tools like GitHub Copilot, Claude, and Gemini\u2014including critical flaws such as authentication bypass and command injection.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers at the Georgia Tech School of Cybersecurity and Privacy are uncovering a growing risk in modern software development: vulnerabilities introduced by AI-generated code."}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2026-04-13 14:32:02","changed_gmt":"2026-04-13 14:44:00","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679920":{"id":"679920","type":"image","title":"Vibe-Coding.jpg","body":null,"created":"1776090752","gmt_created":"2026-04-13 14:32:32","changed":"1776090752","gmt_changed":"2026-04-13 14:32:32","alt":"A man typing on a computer. There is a hovering screen hovering over his hands that says \u0022Vibe Coding\u0022","file":{"fid":"264142","name":"Vibe-Coding.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/Vibe-Coding.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/13\/Vibe-Coding.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1783427,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/13\/Vibe-Coding.jpg?itok=jhk18PZE"}}},"media_ids":["679920"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2835","name":"ai"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"186861","name":"go-cyber"},{"id":"194393","name":"AI and Cybersecurity"},{"id":"1404","name":"Cybersecurity"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJohn Popham\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Officer II at the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jpopham3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689472":{"#nid":"689472","#data":{"type":"news","title":"2026 Frontiers in Science: Advancing Space Exploration","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EOne day after the historic Artemis II launch, the College of Sciences welcomed more than 150 researchers, students, and community members to its signature\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/frontiers-space\u0022\u003EFrontiers in Science\u003C\/a\u003E conference. Held on April 2, the full-day event focused on space research guiding discovery and innovation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAs during previous editions, this year\u2019s conference featured more than two dozen scientists, engineers, policy experts, and thought leaders from Georgia Tech and beyond, illustrating how collaboration across fields \u2013 from science and engineering to public policy and international affairs \u2013 helps to advance strategic research priorities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cFrontiers is about discovery and connections across disciplines and generations,\u201d says\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/lozier.eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESusan Lozier\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, dean of the College of Sciences and Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair. \u201cThis edition provided an inspiring glimpse into the future of space exploration and the many ways Georgia Tech is contributing to research and missions seeking answers to what lies beyond our planet.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommitment to Space\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESpace research is a key institutional priority at Georgia Tech, which is home to numerous academic and research programs in planetary sciences, robotics, mission design, space policy, and other areas.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe recently established\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/space.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESpace Research Institute\u003C\/a\u003E (SRI) serves as the central hub connecting the broad range of space-related research across campus. Led by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/2885\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJud Ready\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, who also serves as principal research engineer at the Georgia Tech Research Institute, SRI has expanded support for space research and commercialization through initiatives such as the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/2026\/02\/26\/new-space-startups-take-georgia-tech\u0022\u003ECreationsVC Space Fellows Program\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/2025\/12\/10\/georgia-techs-space-research-institute-announces-inaugural-seed-grant-awardees\u0022\u003ECenters, Programs, and Initiatives seed grant program\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESRI\u2019s efforts are in line with Georgia Tech\u2019s long-standing contribution to space exploration. Hundreds of Yellow Jacket alumni work in the space sector, including several graduates who are playing key roles in the Artemis program. To date, more than a dozen Georgia Tech alumni have traveled to space.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExploring the Final Frontier\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe conference featured a series of panels and discussions led by faculty and researchers from the Colleges of Sciences and Engineering as well as the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESessions explored how researchers are studying the processes and conditions that support planetary habitability, seeking to answer one of humanity\u2019s greatest questions: Does life exist beyond Earth? Speakers also examined how analog fieldwork in Earth\u2019s extreme environments can inform space exploration, and how space research, in turn, can deepen our understanding of our own world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAdditional conversations centered on building better space missions through improved understanding of team and individual resilience, data collection, navigation, and the development of advanced technologies like the robots developed through the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/good-dog-lassie-spirit-learns-walk-moon\u0022\u003ENASA LASSIE Project\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFrontiers also highlighted Georgia Tech\u2019s commitment to preparing the next generation of space scientists, engineers, and leaders. Student training and engagement were recurring themes throughout the day, with speakers emphasizing opportunities for student-led and student-run missions and research. A panel of Georgia Tech alumni shared their own STEM career journeys, challenging the idea of \u201cone right path\u201d to success \u2014 and acknowledging the resources and opportunities available at the Institute.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EA highlight of the conference was a fireside chat with Atlanta-native, retired U.S. Army Colonel and NASA Astronaut\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/kimbrough-rs.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ER. Shane Kimbrough\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (M.S. Operations Research 1998). Kimbrough, who spent a total of 388 days in space and performed nine spacewalks across three missions, reflected on his career and the evolution of spaceflight. He emphasized the expanding role of public-private and international partnerships in advancing ambitious goals, such as creating a permanent human outpost on the Moon.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPolicy and Public\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe conference also explored how policy influences space discovery and innovation, with discussions touching on such issues as space security, access, governance, sustainability \u2014\u0026nbsp;and the influence of technology and science fiction on public perception and policy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EPanelists described current policy frameworks governing outer space as struggling to keep pace with rapidly advancing technologies and expanding activities. According to these experts, increasing tensions among commercial, research, and recreational uses of space call for greater coordination among private and government entities to balance competing priorities while maximizing opportunities for innovation and exploration.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe conference was punctuated by a networking lunch connecting attendees with Atlanta\u2019s public astronomy community \u2013 including partners at several universities and the Georgia Tech Astronomy Club, which set up telescopes for attendees to safely observe the sun. Later that evening, the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/astronomy.gatech.edu\/Observatory.php\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Observatory\u003C\/a\u003E hosted its Public Night, welcoming the broader Atlanta community to campus for telescope views of Jupiter, the Orion Nebula, and other celestial bodies.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Observatory Night was a fitting conclusion to a full day focused on Georgia Tech\u2019s commitment and contributions to inspiring future generations of space explorers through research, education, and outreach.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EExperience the Frontiers conference in pictures on the\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/gtsciences\/albums\/72177720332868366\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECollege of Sciences\u2019 Flickr account\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOne day after the historic Artemis II launch, the College of Sciences welcomed more than 150 researchers, students, and community members to its signature\u0026nbsp;Frontiers in Science conference.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"One day after the historic Artemis II launch, the College of Sciences welcomed more than 150 researchers, students, and community members to its signature\u00a0Frontiers in Science conference."}],"uid":"36583","created_gmt":"2026-04-06 14:05:00","changed_gmt":"2026-04-10 21:23:26","author":"lvidal7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-06T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-06T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679862":{"id":"679862","type":"image","title":" Retired NASA astronaut R. Shane Kimbrough (M.S. Operations Research 1998) reflects on his career and the evolution of spaceflight.","body":null,"created":"1775484488","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","changed":"1775484488","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","alt":"R. Shane Kimbrough speaks in front of room of people during a fireside chat","file":{"fid":"264072","name":"55185614870_ef06b5fa33_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185614870_ef06b5fa33_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185614870_ef06b5fa33_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2611719,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/55185614870_ef06b5fa33_o.jpg?itok=9k4zXi2s"}},"679861":{"id":"679861","type":"image","title":"Joyce Shi Sim, assistant professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences","body":null,"created":"1775484488","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","changed":"1775484488","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","alt":"Joyce Shi Sim holds a microphone and laser pointer while presenting to room of people","file":{"fid":"264071","name":"55185376153_8350a8e96f_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185376153_8350a8e96f_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185376153_8350a8e96f_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1858656,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/55185376153_8350a8e96f_o.jpg?itok=QKyejMSW"}},"679863":{"id":"679863","type":"image","title":"Professor James Wray, professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences","body":null,"created":"1775485879","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 14:31:19","changed":"1775485923","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 14:32:03","alt":"Professor James Wray holds microphone and points to powerpoint slide during his presentation","file":{"fid":"264073","name":"55184328417_3a02de62dc_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55184328417_3a02de62dc_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55184328417_3a02de62dc_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2636888,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/55184328417_3a02de62dc_o.jpg?itok=saXBEEUR"}},"679860":{"id":"679860","type":"image","title":" [From left] Professor Glenn Lightsey, Professor Thom Orlando, Moderator Naia Butler-Craig  (M.S. AE 2023, Ph.D. AE 2026), Associate Professor Brian Gunter, and Research Engineer I Ava Thrasher ","body":null,"created":"1775484488","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","changed":"1775484488","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","alt":"Group photo of five people, including Georgia Tech faculty","file":{"fid":"264070","name":"55184003111_c862d712f2_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55184003111_c862d712f2_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55184003111_c862d712f2_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":6182876,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/55184003111_c862d712f2_o.jpg?itok=dcGAnsv4"}},"679858":{"id":"679858","type":"image","title":" The Georgia Tech Astronomy Club set up telescopes for attendees to safely observe the sun.","body":null,"created":"1775484488","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","changed":"1775484488","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","alt":"Three people stand outdoors with one person looking at the sun through a telescope","file":{"fid":"264068","name":"55185476429_49ab238e05_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185476429_49ab238e05_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185476429_49ab238e05_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2674661,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/55185476429_49ab238e05_o.jpg?itok=cCQeyNP0"}},"679859":{"id":"679859","type":"image","title":"Georgia Tech Observatory\u2019s April 2, 2026 Public Night","body":null,"created":"1775484488","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","changed":"1775484488","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 14:08:08","alt":"Adults and children observing the night sky through a computer that is connected to a telescope","file":{"fid":"264069","name":"55185567256_ba1be5a592_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185567256_ba1be5a592_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/55185567256_ba1be5a592_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":4887238,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/55185567256_ba1be5a592_o.jpg?itok=NaAICFg3"}}},"media_ids":["679862","679861","679863","679860","679858","679859"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/frontiers-space","title":"2026 Frontiers in Science: Advancing Space Exploration - Program"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/38-billion-year-old-titanium-clue-sheds-new-light-moons-early-chemistry","title":"3.8\u2011Billion\u2011Year\u2011Old Titanium Clue Sheds New Light on the Moon\u2019s Early Chemistry"},{"url":"https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/georgia-tech-pioneers-first-space-sustainability-course-us","title":"Georgia Tech Pioneers First Space Sustainability Course in the U.S."},{"url":"https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/welcome-future-artemis-ii-set-launch-moon","title":"\u2018Welcome to the Future!\u2019 Artemis II Set for Launch to the Moon"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/2026\/02\/26\/new-space-startups-take-georgia-tech","title":"New Space Startups Take Off at Georgia Tech"},{"url":"https:\/\/news.research.gatech.edu\/2025\/12\/10\/georgia-techs-space-research-institute-announces-inaugural-seed-grant-awardees","title":"Georgia Tech\u2019s Space Research Institute Announces Inaugural Seed Grant Awardees"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"},{"id":"443951","name":"School of Psychology"},{"id":"660370","name":"Space"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"133","name":"Special Events and Guest Speakers"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"192252","name":"cos-planetary"},{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"172511","name":"Frontiers Conference"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"194975","name":"go-space"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193657","name":"Space Research Initiative"}],"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\u003EWriter: Lindsay C. Vidal\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["lvidal7@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689630":{"#nid":"689630","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Researchers Create \u201cLiving\u201d Polymers That Grow, Heal, and Transform ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMost plastic and rubber materials remain in a fixed shape from the moment they leave the mold. Their size and function are the same until they wear out or break. But what if synthetic materials could behave more like living organisms, growing or repairing themselves when needed?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA research team led by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/hu-2\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYuhang Hu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, has created a new material designed to do exactly that. In a new \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1002\/adma.202518567\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Estudy published in \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdvanced Materials\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Hu and her collaborators describe a groundbreaking class of \u201cliving\u201d polymers that can grow, shrink, heal, and even regenerate long after fabrication.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETheir work combines advances in chemistry, mechanics, and materials design into a polymer platform that could reshape how engineered products are built, maintained, and recycled.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/news\/georgia-tech-researchers-create-living-polymers-grow-heal-and-transform\u0022\u003ERead the full story on the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering website\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMost plastic and rubber materials remain in a fixed shape from the moment they leave the mold. Their size and function are the same until they wear out or break. But what if synthetic materials could behave more like living organisms, growing or repairing themselves when needed?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA research team led by Yuhang Hu, associate professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, has created a new material designed to do exactly that. In a new study published in Advanced Materials, Hu and her collaborators describe a groundbreaking class of \u201cliving\u201d polymers that can grow, shrink, heal, and even regenerate long after fabrication.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETheir work combines advances in chemistry, mechanics, and materials design into a polymer platform that could reshape how engineered products are built, maintained, and recycled.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A research team led by Yuhang Hu describe a groundbreaking class of \u201cliving\u201d polymers that can grow, shrink, heal, and even regenerate long after fabrication."}],"uid":"35851","created_gmt":"2026-04-10 18:49:20","changed_gmt":"2026-04-10 18:51:08","author":"aritchie6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-25T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-25T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679916":{"id":"679916","type":"image","title":"IMG_2578.jpg","body":null,"created":"1775846974","gmt_created":"2026-04-10 18:49:34","changed":"1775846974","gmt_changed":"2026-04-10 18:49:34","alt":"Yuhang Hu and students in the lab","file":{"fid":"264137","name":"IMG_2578.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/10\/IMG_2578.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/10\/IMG_2578.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5920775,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/10\/IMG_2578.jpg?itok=TLH4hBVG"}}},"media_ids":["679916"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"108731","name":"School of Mechanical Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39471","name":"Materials"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:ashley.ritchie@me.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAshley Ritchie\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689628":{"#nid":"689628","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech-led Research Team to Develop SHIELD Against Deadly Biological Threats ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe United States continues to face deadly infectious disease outbreaks, from emerging viruses to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, underscoring the nation\u2019s need for rapid, effective response systems. These threats extend beyond public health, disrupting daily life, straining health care systems, and impacting military readiness.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA team of researchers led by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/singh\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnkur Singh\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, the Carl Ring Family Professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and professor in\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ethe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bme.gatech.edu\/bme\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech and Emory\u0026nbsp;University, has been awarded up to $6 million from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) of the U.S. Department of Defense to accelerate the development of medical countermeasures (MCMs) against deadly biological threats that endanger public health, national security, and warfighters.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDTRA\u2019s mission is to provide solutions that enable the Department of Defense, the U.S. government, and international partners to deter strategic threats. A key priority is advancing new or improved MCMs that can be deployed before or after exposure to biological or chemical agents.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESingh\u2019s multi-year project, Systematic Human Immune Engineering for Lethal Disease (SHIELD) Countermeasures, aims to create a threat-agnostic platform that transforms how respiratory pathogens and toxins are studied. The platform is designed to speed up the discovery, development, and production of immune-based countermeasures.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/news\/georgia-tech-led-research-team-develop-shield-against-deadly-biological-threats\u0022\u003ERead the full story on the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering website\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe United States continues to face deadly infectious disease outbreaks, from emerging viruses to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, underscoring the nation\u2019s need for rapid, effective response systems. These threats extend beyond public health, disrupting daily life, straining health care systems, and impacting military readiness.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA team of researchers led by Ankur Singh, the Carl Ring Family Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, has been awarded up to $6 million from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) of the U.S. Department of Defense to accelerate the development of medical countermeasures (MCMs) against deadly biological threats that endanger public health, national security, and warfighters.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A team of researchers led by Ankur Singh has been awarded up to $6 million from DTRA of the U.S. Department of Defense to accelerate the development of MCMs against deadly biological threats that endanger public health, national security, and warfighters."}],"uid":"35851","created_gmt":"2026-04-10 18:23:18","changed_gmt":"2026-04-10 18:44:23","author":"aritchie6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679914":{"id":"679914","type":"image","title":"DTRA-1.jpg","body":null,"created":"1775845424","gmt_created":"2026-04-10 18:23:44","changed":"1775845424","gmt_changed":"2026-04-10 18:23:44","alt":"Ankur Singh, the Carl Ring Family Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, in his lab.","file":{"fid":"264135","name":"DTRA-1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/10\/DTRA-1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/10\/DTRA-1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1085392,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/10\/DTRA-1.jpg?itok=vffgq6CB"}}},"media_ids":["679914"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"108731","name":"School of Mechanical Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:ashley.ritchie@me.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAshley Ritchie\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689629":{"#nid":"689629","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Anna Erickson Wins 2026 Corones Award for Research and Societal Impact ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/erickson\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnna Erickson\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Woodruff Professor of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nremp.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Enuclear and radiological engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, has been awarded the 2026 James Corones Award in Leadership, Community Building and Communication from the Krell Institute.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.krellinst.org\/about-krell\/corones-award\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, named for the Iowa-based nonprofit\u2019s founder, recognizes midcareer scientists and engineers for research impact, mentoring, scientific-community activities, and commitment to communicating science and technology. It will be formally presented to Erickson in May on the Georgia Tech campus.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/news\/anna-erickson-wins-2026-corones-award-research-and-societal-impact\u0022\u003ERead the full story on the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering website\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAnna Erickson, Woodruff Professor of nuclear and radiological engineering in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, has been awarded the 2026 James Corones Award in Leadership, Community Building and Communication from the Krell Institute.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe award, named for the Iowa-based nonprofit\u2019s founder, recognizes midcareer scientists and engineers for research impact, mentoring, scientific-community activities, and commitment to communicating science and technology. It will be formally presented to Erickson in May on the Georgia Tech campus.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Anna Erickson, Woodruff Professor of nuclear and radiological engineering, has been awarded the 2026 James Corones Award in Leadership, Community Building and Communication from the Krell Institute."}],"uid":"35851","created_gmt":"2026-04-10 18:42:29","changed_gmt":"2026-04-10 18:43:20","author":"aritchie6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679915":{"id":"679915","type":"image","title":"DSC_8473-Enhanced-NR--1-_0.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1775846559","gmt_created":"2026-04-10 18:42:39","changed":"1775846559","gmt_changed":"2026-04-10 18:42:39","alt":"Anna Erickson","file":{"fid":"264136","name":"DSC_8473-Enhanced-NR--1-_0.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/10\/DSC_8473-Enhanced-NR--1-_0.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/10\/DSC_8473-Enhanced-NR--1-_0.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":784715,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/10\/DSC_8473-Enhanced-NR--1-_0.jpeg?itok=6O02n0ai"}}},"media_ids":["679915"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"108731","name":"School of Mechanical Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:ashley.ritchie@me.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAshley Ritchie\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689605":{"#nid":"689605","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Use Light to Make Their Microscopic \u2018Muscle\u2019 Contract on Command","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEngineers interested in creating artificial cells to deliver drugs to unhealthy parts of the body face a key challenge: for a cell-like system to move, change shape, or divide, it needs a way to generate force on command.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBiological cells rely on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to move muscles, transport substances across membranes, and perform other functions.\u0026nbsp;Many cellular machines couple ATP hydrolysis (a process where chemical energy stored in ATP is released) directly to motion.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut some single-celled organisms called ciliates use a different strategy. A pulse of calcium triggers an ultrafast contraction, and ATP is used afterward to pump calcium back into storage and reset the system.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41467-026-69651-2\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENature Communications\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E study\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E led by Georgia Tech, researchers learned how to use a similar mechanism to control the movements of artificial protein networks without relying on ATP-powered motor proteins. Instead, they used calcium as a trigger to make the networks contract or relax.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf engineers want synthetic cells that can do cell-like things, they need a way to generate force on command,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/saad-bhamla\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESaad Bhamla\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a co-author and an associate professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cCells have to move, change shape, and divide. We\u2019re trying to build a controllable engine from simple parts.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the National Science Foundation-funded study, the team produced and purified \u003Cem\u003ETetrahymena thermophila\u003C\/em\u003E calcium-binding protein 2 (Tcb2), which is found in ciliates. The protein forms a fibrous network and contracts when exposed to calcium. The researchers reconstituted Tcb2 protein networks in the lab and then used a light-sensitive calcium chelator (a \u201ccage\u201d molecule that holds the calcium until illuminated) to control when and where calcium was released.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey projected light patterns of stars and circles to prompt the network to assemble and contract in matching shapes. Then, to continuously \u201crecharge\u201d the system, the multi-university team pulsed the light on the protein networks, repeatedly releasing calcium and driving cycles of assembly and contraction.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/researchers-use-light-make-their-microscopic-muscle-contract-command?utm_source=twitter\u0026amp;utm_medium=social\u0026amp;utm_campaign=news\u0022\u003ERead the full story.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41467-026-69651-2\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENature Communications\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E study\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E led by Georgia Tech, researchers learned how to use a similar mechanism to control the movements of artificial protein networks without relying on ATP-powered motor proteins. Instead, they used calcium as a trigger to make the networks contract or relax.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Engineers interested in creating artificial cells to deliver drugs to unhealthy parts of the body face a key challenge: for a cell-like system to move, change shape, or divide, it needs a way to generate force on command."}],"uid":"36479","created_gmt":"2026-04-10 12:47:50","changed_gmt":"2026-04-10 12:49:38","author":"abowman41","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-10T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-10T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679909":{"id":"679909","type":"image","title":"artificial-cells.jpg","body":null,"created":"1775825279","gmt_created":"2026-04-10 12:47:59","changed":"1775825279","gmt_changed":"2026-04-10 12:47:59","alt":"A yellow star shape is shown next to a microscope image of an artificial cell colony that has been directed to form the shape of a star.","file":{"fid":"264130","name":"artificial-cells.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/10\/artificial-cells.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/10\/artificial-cells.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":17653,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/10\/artificial-cells.jpg?itok=XEcClJeF"}}},"media_ids":["679909"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/researchers-use-light-make-their-microscopic-muscle-contract-command?utm_source=twitter\u0026utm_medium=social\u0026utm_campaign=news","title":"Full Story"}],"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":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"188776","name":"go-research"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJason Maderer\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Communications | College of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689585":{"#nid":"689585","#data":{"type":"news","title":"CREATE-X Startup Brings Digital Access to the Unbanked","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen Victor Espinosa was an undergraduate student in Bogot\u00e1, he kept running into the same problem every time he tried to order books or basic items online: He didn\u2019t have a credit card. Instead, he had to give cash to someone who had a credit card and ask them to purchase for him. This wasn\u2019t strange in Colombia.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cIt was frustrating, but it showed me how many people were being left out of the digital world,\u201d Espinosa said. \u201cIn Colombia, only about two out of 10 people have a credit card. Cash is the main form of payment, but everything online requires digital access.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThat gap sparked the idea that would evolve into Loto Punto, a fintech startup building self-service kiosks to bridge the physical and digital worlds for unbanked communities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EFrom a Single Problem to a Scalable Platform\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEspinosa began his startup as an online platform for buying lottery tickets. He saw that customers didn\u2019t trust the idea of a digital receipt because they were used to a printout, so he pivoted to a kiosk similar to the ones in U.S. grocery stores. Customers could walk up, insert cash, and print a lottery ticket instantly.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cIt worked, but it had a ceiling,\u201d Espinosa said. \u201cIt only served people buying lottery tickets. We knew it wouldn\u2019t scale.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ETo address this, he expanded the kiosks to handle mobile phone top-ups, bill payments, and basic banking services. Then, in 2024, the company incorporated advanced technologies such as biometric recognition and blockchain. Stellar Blockchain, first a partner, later became an investor of the startup, which helped Loto Punto to enable low-cost, real-time digital transactions and remittances.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ENow, users can convert physical cash into digital value or withdraw cash from digital wallets through a single machine.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EA Global Solo Founder\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEspinosa is the sole founder of Loto Punto, supported now by a 10\u2011person team of highly specialized engineers, designers, and manufacturing experts. He is currently pursuing his master\u2019s degree in computer science at Georgia Tech while leading the company through its next chapter as part of the CREATE-X Startup Launch Spring 2026 cohort.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EFinding CREATE-X and Finding a Community\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEspinosa learned about CREATE-X during his first semester at Georgia Tech. In 2024, CREATE-X widened its Startup Launch program to include a spring cohort to give founders, particularly graduating seniors, another chance to go all-in on developing their startup.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEspinosa admits he didn\u2019t expect much when he first learned about the program.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cI didn\u2019t know universities had programs like this. In Colombia, we don\u2019t have accelerators embedded inside universities with venture support and dedicated staff,\u201d he said. \u201cSo, I assumed CREATE X would be small, maybe one office helping a few students.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWhat Espinosa found was different.\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cThey\u2019re leveraging every resource that Georgia Tech offers. They can help with any challenge by tapping the doors of the network they already have established,\u201c he said. \u201cIt\u2019s an ecosystem.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAs a part of the Startup Launch program, CREATE-X brings in founders from its ecosystem to speak to participants and give them actionable insights \u2014 founders who have raised funds, been acquired, and have had other successes as entrepreneurs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cThat\u2019s different,\u201d Espinosa said. \u201cThey\u2019ve brought successful founders who have walked the talk. It\u2019s different to interact with somebody who was already successful in doing what you\u2019re doing.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ETesting, Measuring, and Learning Through Startup Launch\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEven as a remote participant, Espinosa has connected well with his mentor, who meets with him weekly, and his mini-batch. During the program, startup teams are grouped together. They share their strategies, successes, and struggles as they develop throughout the program. Teams have weekly sprints where they focus on one or two activities and then measure those activities, which Espinosa said is helpful for maintaining focus and actually executing on ideas.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cIf you, as an entrepreneur, start thinking of the whole world of activities that you must do to get somewhere with your startup, you won\u2019t start,\u201d he said. \u201cBy creating attainable goals, step by step, that\u2019s how it compounds to reach bigger goals. But, you have to begin with something.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003ETeams are also encouraged to take calculated risks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cCREATE-X gives us a safe environment to test ideas,\u201d Espinosa said. \u201cAs an entrepreneur, it\u2019s a lonely road, but having someone who has been in your shoes before, it makes you brave to try things.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EOne of the first major tests he shared with the cohort was an ad campaign timed around the Super Bowl. In Startup Launch, Espinosa learned how to structure the experiment: defining KPIs, iterating audiences, and evaluating performance compared to industry benchmarks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cWe got around 45,000 views and above-average click-through rates,\u201d he said. \u201cBut the biggest lesson was that brand awareness alone can\u2019t be our only marketing strategy.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEspinosa said his mentor helped open doors for him and kept him accountable, and the program itself kept him from being overwhelmed by all that a founder has to do.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cIn Startup Launch, you see how different approaches fit different phases,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019re creating a path to grow and execute on your goals as a founder.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWhy Now Is the Easiest Time to Build\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEspinosa also emphasized that the tools to build and test ideas have never been more accessible.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cWhen I started, we didn\u2019t have AI. You had to do everything by hand. It was harder, and it took more resources,\u201d he said. \u201cRight now, it\u2019s a matter of prompting. In one hour, you can file for a grant. Before, it took at least a week to get your documents together.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EHe said the ability to test quickly and learn has also become inexpensive.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cYou don\u2019t need millions of dollars to do this,\u201d Espinosa said. \u201cIt\u0027s very cheap to fail, right? If that doesn\u0027t work, you can just try again in the morning.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAbove all, Espinosa encouraged budding founders to take advantage of the opportunities around them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cAs a founder, you must tap every door that you have available to you. You have to explore different paths,\u201d he said. \u201cSome of those are networking, some are physical space, some are interest. Get your hands on every single resource that comes your way.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ELooking Ahead: The Future of Payments\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAs he thinks about where the finance world is going, Espinosa said the payments industry is rapidly converging toward blockchain, stablecoins, and faster, frictionless user experiences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re seeing a lot of movement around stablecoins. We\u2019re seeing resource flow from one country to another. We believe things are converging to leverage blockchain and driving down the cost of moving money,\u201c he said. \u201cThat\u2019s how we see the future of our industry.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EMeet Loto Punto and the Spring Cohort at Startup Launch Showcase\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEspinosa will travel to Atlanta for the first time in May to present Loto Punto at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/spring-startup-launch-showcase-tickets-1984784570078?aff=article\u0022\u003ECREATE-X Spring Startup Launch Showcase\u003C\/a\u003E, where the public can meet founders and see their ventures firsthand. The event will be held in The Biltmore Ballrooms on Thursday, May 21, from 5 to 7 p.m.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe showcase will feature dozens of startups built by Georgia Tech students and alumni. Tickets are free but limited. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/spring-startup-launch-showcase-tickets-1984784570078?aff=article\u0022\u003ERegister for the showcase\u003C\/a\u003E today to grab your spot.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAfter experiencing firsthand how limited access to credit cards excluded millions from the digital economy, Victor Espinosa set out to bridge that gap by founding Loto Punto. The fintech startup uses self\u2011service kiosks that allow users to convert physical cash into digital transactions, expanding access to essential services like bill payments, mobile top\u2011ups, and remittances. As a solo founder in the CREATE\u2011X Startup Launch Spring 2026 cohort, Espinosa refined his venture through structured experimentation, mentorship, and weekly execution sprints. He credits CREATE\u2011X with providing both the accountability and community needed to test ideas safely and scale solutions for real\u2011world impact.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech master\u2019s student Victor Espinosa is building Loto Punto, a fintech startup using self\u2011service kiosks to help unbanked communities convert cash into digital financial access through the CREATE\u2011X Startup Launch program."}],"uid":"36436","created_gmt":"2026-04-09 13:26:31","changed_gmt":"2026-04-09 13:29:19","author":"bdurham31","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679901":{"id":"679901","type":"image","title":"Victor Espinosa Founder of Loto Punto","body":"\u003Cp\u003EVictor Espinosa, Founder of Loto Punto, stands in front of his product, pitching it on Columbia\u0027s Shark Tank\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775740749","gmt_created":"2026-04-09 13:19:09","changed":"1775740994","gmt_changed":"2026-04-09 13:23:14","alt":"Victor Espinosa, Founder of Loto Punto, stands in front of his product, pitching it on Columbia\u0027s Shark Tank","file":{"fid":"264122","name":"STCOL_S5_EP16_12_TW.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/STCOL_S5_EP16_12_TW.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/09\/STCOL_S5_EP16_12_TW.png","mime":"image\/png","size":899710,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/09\/STCOL_S5_EP16_12_TW.png?itok=TrsrUGf8"}}},"media_ids":["679901"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/spring-startup-launch-showcase-tickets-1984784570078?aff=article","title":"Register for Spring 2026 Startup Launch Showcase"}],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"139","name":"Business"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"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":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBreanna Durham\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMarketing Strategist\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["breanna.durham@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689495":{"#nid":"689495","#data":{"type":"news","title":"ISyE Graduate Program Maintains Top Ranking for 36th Consecutive Year","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor the 36th year in a row, Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EH. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (ISyE) has earned the No. 1 spot in the 2026 Best Engineering Schools ranking released by \u003Cem\u003EU.S. News \u0026amp; World Report.\u003C\/em\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis continued recognition reflects the exceptional work of our faculty and staff, students, and alumni, who are pushing the boundaries of industrial and systems engineering every day,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/pinar-keskinocak\u0022\u003EP\u0131nar Keskinocak\u003C\/a\u003E, H. Milton and Carolyn J. Stewart School Chair and Professor.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBeing ranked No. 1 for 36 consecutive years highlights the strength of our community and our commitment to innovation, impact, and leadership in the field.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s College of Engineering (COE) also maintained its strong national standing, placing fourth overall for the third consecutive year. In addition, all 11 of the Institute\u2019s graduate engineering programs have ranked within the top 9 in their respective disciplines for the 12th straight year in the 2026 \u003Cem\u003EU.S. News \u0026amp; World Report \u003C\/em\u003Erankings.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EExplore the full list of COE program rankings \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/engineering-grad-programs-remain-no-4-2026-rankings\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EH. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (ISyE) continues to set the standard for excellence, with its graduate program earning the No. 1 ranking for the 36th consecutive year by \u003Cem\u003EU.S. News \u0026amp; World Report. \u003C\/em\u003EThis sustained leadership reflects ISyE\u2019s unwavering commitment to innovation, rigorous academic training, and impactful research that addresses some of the world\u2019s most complex challenges.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"ISyE\u2019s graduate program continues to lead the nation, earning the No. 1 ranking for the 36th consecutive year and reinforcing its position at the forefront of industrial and systems engineering."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2026-04-07 16:37:01","changed_gmt":"2026-04-08 16:28:46","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-07T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-07T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679875":{"id":"679875","type":"image","title":"2026 USNWR.png","body":null,"created":"1775579829","gmt_created":"2026-04-07 16:37:09","changed":"1775579829","gmt_changed":"2026-04-07 16:37:09","alt":"2026 USNWR","file":{"fid":"264095","name":"Rankings_2026--1080-x-1080-px---3-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/07\/Rankings_2026--1080-x-1080-px---3-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/07\/Rankings_2026--1080-x-1080-px---3-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":160890,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/07\/Rankings_2026--1080-x-1080-px---3-.png?itok=wMPXLVpf"}}},"media_ids":["679875"],"groups":[{"id":"1250","name":"Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems (CHHS)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689562":{"#nid":"689562","#data":{"type":"news","title":"2026 Suddath Symposium Showcases Biomedical Applications of Synthetic Biology","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe 34th\u0026nbsp;annual\u0026nbsp;Suddath Symposium, hosted by the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/bio\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EParker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(IBB)\u0026nbsp;on March 18-19,\u0026nbsp;brought together researchers, trainees, and invited speakers from across disciplines to discuss\u0026nbsp;cutting-edge\u0026nbsp;efforts to translate synthetic biology advances into human health-relevant technologies, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and clinical tools\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe topic of the Suddath Symposium changes every year, which allows the Georgia Tech research community to annually learn about recent advances on a specific topic from across the immense fields of\u0026nbsp;bioengineering and\u0026nbsp;bioscience,\u201d\u0026nbsp;said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/3718\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENicholas Hud\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;Regents\u2019 Professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;Associate Director of IBB.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe symposium also included presentation of the\u0026nbsp;2026 Suddath Award, which recognizes outstanding graduate research. This year\u2019s award was presented to\u0026nbsp;Myeongsoo\u0026nbsp;Kim, a Ph.D. candidate in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bioengineering.gatech.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EBioengineering Graduate Program\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;for his work at the intersection of cell engineering,\u0026nbsp;cancer treatment, and biomedical imaging.\u0026nbsp;The award is presented each year by members of the Suddath family, including Vincent Suddath,\u0026nbsp;grandson of Bud and\u0026nbsp;a current\u0026nbsp;freshman\u0026nbsp;at Georgia Tech majoring in mathematics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe symposium and award\u0026nbsp;honor the legacy of\u0026nbsp;F. L. \u201cBud\u201d Suddath\u0026nbsp;and his lasting contributions to the Institute and the wider Georgia Tech research community.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBud was influential in promoting the growth of bioscience research at Georgia Tech, efforts that helped establish\u0026nbsp;IBB\u0026nbsp;in the 1990s,\u201d Hud said. \u201cBud\u2019s\u0026nbsp;research interests were at the forefront of structural biology, a field that laid the foundation for much of what we know today about biology at the molecular level.\u0026nbsp;It\u2019s\u0026nbsp;fitting that we honor Bud\u2019s\u0026nbsp;contributions by annually providing the Georgia Tech community with the opportunity to learn about\u0026nbsp;research on a timely topic within the biological sciences.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESymposium co-chairs\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bme.gatech.edu\/bio\/tara-l-deans\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ETara Deans\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/2915\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMark Styczynski\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;said that in addition to upholding the legacy of Bud Suddath, the event also\u0026nbsp;provides a unique setting and opportunity for both established researchers and trainees to interact over the course of the two day event.\u0026nbsp;The intimate format of the symposium, which is limited to approximately 100 attendees, and the annual selection of a different interdisciplinary topic\u0026nbsp;sets\u0026nbsp;it apart\u0026nbsp;from other\u0026nbsp;symposia.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe Suddath Symposium is an amazing opportunity to bring multiple world-class researchers right to our trainees\u2019 front door, to hear about their work and connect with them in a small setting that you can\u2019t really find at most conferences,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;Styczynski,\u0026nbsp;who is a professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cWe are really grateful to IBB and the Suddath family for supporting this unique event.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDeans, who is an associate professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bme.gatech.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EWallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;highlighted how this year\u2019s theme reflects a broader shift in the field.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis year\u2019s focus on biomedical applications of synthetic biology highlights a major inflection point in the field: the transition from proof-of-concept systems to human health-relevant technologies,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u201cThe theme also reflects increasing convergence across disciplines; synthetic biology is no longer\u0026nbsp;operating\u0026nbsp;in isolation,\u0026nbsp;but it is deeply intertwined with immunology, machine learning, diagnostics, and clinical translation. Addressing real-world biomedical problems requires this kind of integration, and the symposium captured that shift very clearly.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Suddath Symposium annually serves as a cornerstone event for Georgia Tech\u2019s bioengineering and bioscience community\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;connecting researchers, honoring scientific legacy, and spotlighting the next generation of scientific innovation.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe 34th annual Suddath Symposium brought together researchers, trainees, and invited speakers from across disciplines to discuss cutting-edge efforts to translate synthetic biology advances into human health-relevant technologies. In addition to upholding the legacy of Bud Suddath, the event also\u0026nbsp;provides a unique setting and opportunity for both established researchers and trainees to interact\u0026nbsp;in a closer setting.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The 34th annual Suddath Symposium brought together researchers, trainees, and invited speakers from across disciplines to discuss cutting-edge efforts to translate synthetic biology advances into human health-relevant technologies."}],"uid":"36479","created_gmt":"2026-04-08 14:27:05","changed_gmt":"2026-04-08 14:30:37","author":"abowman41","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-08T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-08T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679893":{"id":"679893","type":"image","title":"2026-Suddath-Symposium.jpg","body":null,"created":"1775658434","gmt_created":"2026-04-08 14:27:14","changed":"1775658434","gmt_changed":"2026-04-08 14:27:14","alt":"A presenter stands at the front of a lecture room speaking to a seated audience while a projected slide titled \u201cSynthetic Biology: Engineered Gene Circuits\u201d illustrates the design\u2013build\u2013test cycle with diagrams and icons explaining gene circuit construction and testing.","file":{"fid":"264114","name":"2026-Suddath-Symposium.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/08\/2026-Suddath-Symposium.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/08\/2026-Suddath-Symposium.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1840500,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/08\/2026-Suddath-Symposium.jpg?itok=1yDWHq1D"}}},"media_ids":["679893"],"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":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAshlie Bowman | Communications Manager\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689553":{"#nid":"689553","#data":{"type":"news","title":"\u2018Dialogue Across Difference\u2019 Launches Georgia Tech Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn April 2, Georgia Tech launched its new \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/civicleadership.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInstitute for Technology and Civic Leadership\u003C\/a\u003E with a symposium built around a simple idea. Society benefits when people are willing to listen, especially to those who disagree with them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe Institute will serve as a space to share ideas, learn from one another, and discover common ground,\u201d said Amanda Murdie, dean of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis is especially important in a moment when technology is rapidly altering how we encounter information, form beliefs, and relate to one another.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe Institute creates opportunities for students to examine the civic and social implications of technological innovation,\u201d said Aaron Levine, associate dean for research and outreach in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts and interim executive director of the Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt will support leaders who can approach difficult questions thoughtfully, drawing on evidence, expertise, and an understanding of diverse perspectives.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat focus was reflected in the symposium\u2019s keynote dialogue between Robert George and Cornel West, eminent scholars, longtime friends, and coauthors of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Truth-Matters-Dialogue-Fruitful-Disagreement\/dp\/B0DBR1PYWL\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ETruth Matters: A Dialogue on Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe keynote conversation modeled the kind of thoughtful dialogue across deep differences that the new Institute aims to cultivate. George and West do not expect to change each other\u2019s minds.For them, persuasion isn\u2019t the point.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe don\u2019t often completely change each other\u2019s minds about things, but that\u2019s not the goal,\u201d said George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cYou can have 100% agreement and be wrong. My goal isn\u2019t to persuade him, but to learn what I can from him.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EListening with care and humility to someone who is coming from a very different place, George added, can offer new ways of seeing an issue.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor West, that process begins with resisting easy labels.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe don\u2019t look at the world through the lens of -isms,\u201d said West, who is the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cYou try to listen to a particular argument, put forward by a specific person, and to stay in contact with their humanity. Embrace their humanity.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe two-day event also included panel discussions featuring insights from peer institutions and breakout sessions inviting the campus community to contribute feedback and ideas about the new institute.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe new Institute aims to give students the chance to explore a broad range of ideas about how innovation shapes communities, the economy, and public life. It aims to be a place where people can exchange ideas freely, learn from one another and find common ground \u2014 all anchored in open debate, scientific inquiry and evidence-based problem-solving.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt will also serve as a hub for bringing together leaders from government, industry, academia and other sectors to tackle pressing challenges and pursue science- and data-driven solutions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"The new Institute aims to be a place where people can exchange ideas freely, learn from one another, and find common ground."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe new Institute aims to be a place where people can exchange ideas freely, learn from one another, and find common ground.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The new Institute aims to be a place where people can exchange ideas freely, learn from one another, and find common ground."}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-04-07 20:47:48","changed_gmt":"2026-04-07 21:05:13","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-07T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-07T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679887":{"id":"679887","type":"video","title":"Perspectives on Technology and Civic Leadership An Inaugural Symposium","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts Dean Amanda Murdie moderates a conversation with Robert George, director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, and Cornel West, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary, on the themes of their recent book \u0022Truth Matters: Fruitful Disagreement in an Era of Rapid Technological Change.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775594853","gmt_created":"2026-04-07 20:47:33","changed":"1775594853","gmt_changed":"2026-04-07 20:47:33","video":{"youtube_id":"ygiaJAOmLjY","video_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ygiaJAOmLjY"}},"679888":{"id":"679888","type":"image","title":"\u2018Dialogue Across Difference\u2019 symposium","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAmanda Murdie, dean of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts at Georgia Tech, moderates a discussion between Robert George and Cornel West, eminent scholars, longtime friends, and coauthors of Truth Matters: A Dialogue on Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division.\u0026nbsp;Photo by Joya Chapman.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775595358","gmt_created":"2026-04-07 20:55:58","changed":"1775595358","gmt_changed":"2026-04-07 20:55:58","alt":"\u2018Dialogue Across Difference\u2019 symposium","file":{"fid":"264108","name":"DSC_1935.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/07\/DSC_1935.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/07\/DSC_1935.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":8057052,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/07\/DSC_1935.jpeg?itok=MRO8xWvZ"}}},"media_ids":["679887","679888"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/civicleadership.gatech.edu","title":"Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership"}],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"132","name":"Institute Leadership"},{"id":"151","name":"Policy, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts"}],"keywords":[{"id":"183059","name":"civic leadership"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39511","name":"Public Service, Leadership, and Policy"}],"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:megan.mcrainey@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EMegan McRainey\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689484":{"#nid":"689484","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Incoming College of Sciences Faculty to Attend 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAfroditi Papadopoulou\u003C\/strong\u003E has been invited to attend the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.lindau-nobel.org\/news-75-nobel-laureates-and-600-young-scientists-gather-in-lindau\/\u0022\u003E75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting\u003C\/a\u003E in Germany to debate the future of science. Papadopoulou is one of the 600 young scientists selected from around the world to engage directly with 75 Nobel Laureates during this prestigious forum for intergenerational and interdisciplinary scientific exchange. Discussions this year will focus on how science can help societies navigate an increasingly complex world.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cAttending the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting is both an honor and a responsibility: a chance to represent my academic community which focuses on the study of elusive particles called neutrinos while learning from those who have shaped the field,\u201d says Papadopoulou, who will join Georgia Tech as a\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E assistant professor in August 2026. \u201cI hope to come away with a deeper understanding of how transformative ideas emerge and how to cultivate the kind of leadership and vision needed to guide future large-scale scientific efforts that will unravel some of the mysteries of the universe.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EPapadopoulou obtained her Ph.D. in experimental physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As part of her research, she analyzed neutrino data collected by the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/microboone.fnal.gov\/\u0022\u003EMicroBooNE detector\u003C\/a\u003E at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois and electron scattering data from the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jlab.org\/\u0022\u003EJefferson Lab\u003C\/a\u003E in Virginia.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIn 2022, she joined Argonne National Laboratory as a Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellow, continuing her research as a member of the MicroBooNE,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sbn-nd.fnal.gov\/\u0022\u003EShort-Baseline Near Detector\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.dunescience.org\/\u0022\u003EDeep Underground Neutrino Experiment\u003C\/a\u003E, and Jefferson Lab\u2019s Electrons-For-Neutrinos collaborations. Her work focuses on testing the performance of simulation predictions against existing and new neutrino and electron data sets.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EPapadopoulou currently serves as a J. Robert Oppenheimer Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory where she is working to better understand neutrino interactions.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Afroditi Papadopoulou meets with Nobel Laureates before joining the School of Physics this fall"}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBefore joining the School of Physics as an assistant professor this fall, Afroditi Papadopoulou will engage with Nobel Laureates during a global forum focused on intergenerational and interdisciplinary scientific exchange.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Before joining the School of Physics as an assistant professor this fall, Afroditi Papadopoulou will engage with Nobel Laureates during a global forum focused on intergenerational and interdisciplinary scientific exchange."}],"uid":"36583","created_gmt":"2026-04-06 19:45:14","changed_gmt":"2026-04-07 13:41:24","author":"lvidal7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-07T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-07T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679868":{"id":"679868","type":"image","title":"Afroditi Papadopoulou","body":null,"created":"1775504931","gmt_created":"2026-04-06 19:48:51","changed":"1775504931","gmt_changed":"2026-04-06 19:48:51","alt":"Headshot of Afroditi Papadopoulou wearing pink collared shirt and glasses","file":{"fid":"264079","name":"33933D34_PSE_PORTRAIT_Afroditi-Papadopoulou__web.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/33933D34_PSE_PORTRAIT_Afroditi-Papadopoulou__web.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/06\/33933D34_PSE_PORTRAIT_Afroditi-Papadopoulou__web.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2447456,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/06\/33933D34_PSE_PORTRAIT_Afroditi-Papadopoulou__web.jpg?itok=ybag3L1d"}}},"media_ids":["679868"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"}],"categories":[{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"166937","name":"School of Physics"},{"id":"1646","name":"New Faculty"},{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWriter: Lindsay C. Vidal\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["lvidal7@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687195":{"#nid":"687195","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Illness Is More Than Just Biological \u2013 Medical Sociology Shows How Social Factors Get Under the Skin and Cause\u00a0Disease","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHealth and medicine is more than just biological \u2013 societal forces can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1146\/annurev.publhealth.29.020907.090852\u0022\u003Eget under your skin and cause illness\u003C\/a\u003E. Medical sociologists \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=HQtYrggAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Elike me study these forces\u003C\/a\u003E by treating society itself as our laboratory. Health and illness are our experiments in uncovering meaning, power and inequality, and how it affects all parts of a person\u2019s life.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, why do low-income communities \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nationalacademies.org\/read\/19015\u0022\u003Econtinue to have higher death rates\u003C\/a\u003E, despite improved social and environmental conditions across society? Foundational research in medical sociology reveals that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2307\/2626958\u0022\u003Eaccess to resources\u003C\/a\u003E like money, knowledge, power and social networks strongly affects a person\u2019s health. Medical sociologists have shown that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383498\u0022\u003Esocial class is linked to numerous diseases and mortality\u003C\/a\u003E, including risk factors that influence health and longevity. These include \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/secondhand-smoke-may-be-a-substantial-contributor-to-lead-levels-found-in-children-and-adolescents-new-study-finds-212256\u0022\u003Esmoking\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/fixing-the-global-childhood-obesity-epidemic-begins-with-making-healthy-choices-the-easier-choices-and-that-requires-new-laws-and-policies-207975\u0022\u003Eoverweight\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/hispanics-live-longer-than-most-americans-but-will-the-us-obesity-epidemic-change-things-146006\u0022\u003Eobesity\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/black-mothers-trapped-in-unsafe-neighborhoods-signal-the-stressful-health-toll-of-gun-violence-in-the-u-s-203307\u0022\u003Estress\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/loneliness-is-making-us-physically-sick-but-social-prescribing-can-treat-it-podcast-199939\u0022\u003Esocial isolation\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/health-insurance-premiums-rose-nearly-3x-the-rate-of-worker-earnings-over-the-past-25-years-271450\u0022\u003Eaccess to health care\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/kids-neighborhoods-can-affect-their-developing-brains-a-new-study-finds-184035\u0022\u003Eliving in disadvantaged neighborhoods\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMoreover, social class alone cannot explain such health inequalities. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/singh.hsoc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EMy own research\u003C\/a\u003E examines how inequalities related to social class, race and gender affect \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ssmqr.2023.100234\u0022\u003Eaccess to autism services\u003C\/a\u003E, particularly among single Black mothers who rely on public insurance. This work helps explain \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1542\/peds.2019-3629\u0022\u003Edelays in autism diagnosis\u003C\/a\u003E among Black children, who often wait three years after initial parent concerns before they are formally diagnosed. White children with private insurance typically \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.18553\/jmcp.2023.29.4.378\u0022\u003Ewait from 9 to 22 months\u003C\/a\u003E depending on age of diagnosis. This is just one of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s40615-024-02280-x\u0022\u003Enumerous examples of inequalities\u003C\/a\u003E that are entrenched in and deepened by medical and educational systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMedical sociologists like me investigate how all of these \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.who.int\/publications\/i\/item\/WHO-IER-CSDH-08.1\u0022\u003Efactors interact to affect a person\u2019s health\u003C\/a\u003E. This \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4324\/9781003569824\u0022\u003Esocial model of illness\u003C\/a\u003E sees sickness as shaped by social, cultural, political and economic factors. We examine both \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383496\u0022\u003Eindividual experiences and societal influences\u003C\/a\u003E to help address the health issues affecting vulnerable populations through large-scale reforms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy studying the way \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383496\u0022\u003Esocial forces shape health inequalities\u003C\/a\u003E, medical sociology helps address how health and illness extend beyond the body and into every aspect of people\u2019s lives.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Protesters standing in front of a federal building, holding signs in the shape of graves reading \u0026apos;16 MILLION LIVES\u0026apos; and \u0026apos;R.I.P. DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS,\u0026apos; wearing shirts that read \u0026apos;MEDICAID SAVES LIVES\u0026apos;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710832\/original\/file-20260105-62-evcc0s.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EAccess to health insurance is a political issue that directly affects patients. Here, care workers gathered in June 2025 to protest Medicaid cuts.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/care-workers-with-the-service-employees-international-union-news-photo\/2221731651\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003ETasos Katopodis\/Getty Images for SEIU\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EOrigins of Medical Sociology in the US\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMedical sociology \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/9781444314786.ch1\u0022\u003Eformally began in the U.S after World War II\u003C\/a\u003E, when the National Institutes of Health started investing in joint medical and sociological research projects. Hospitals began hiring sociologists to address questions like how to improve patient compliance, doctor-patient interactions and medical treatments.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, the focus of this early work was on issues specific to medicine, such as quality improvement or barriers to medication adherence. The goal was to study problems that could be directly applied in medical settings rather than challenging medical authority or existing inequalities. During that period, sociologists viewed illness mostly as a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/socialsystem00pars\/page\/n3\/mode\/2up\u0022\u003Edeviation from normal functioning\u003C\/a\u003E leading to impairments that require treatment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, the concept of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/socialsystem00pars\/page\/n3\/mode\/2up\u0022\u003Esick role\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 developed by medical sociologist Talcott Parsons in the 1950s \u2013 saw illness as a form of deviance from social roles and expectations. Under this idea, patients were solely responsible for seeking out medical care in order to return to normal functioning in society.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the 1960s, sociologists began \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/stigmanotesonman0000goff\/page\/n5\/mode\/2up\u0022\u003Ecritiquing medical diagnoses and institutions\u003C\/a\u003E. Researchers criticized the idea of the sick role because it assumed illnesses were temporary and did not account for chronic conditions or disability, which can last for long periods of time and do not necessarily allow people to deviate from their life obligations. The sick role assumed that all people have access to medical care, and it did not take into account how social characteristics like race, class, gender and age can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1467-9566.1991.tb00522.x\u0022\u003Einfluence a person\u2019s experience of illness\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Patient wearing surgical mask sitting in chair of exam room, talking to a doctor\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=338\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=338\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=338\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=424\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=424\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710831\/original\/file-20260105-62-pk5w60.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=424\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EEarly models of illness in medical sociology discounted the experience of the patient.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/man-talks-with-dr-stela-kostova-at-families-together-of-news-photo\/1470350026\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EPaul Bersebach\/MediaNews Group\/Orange County Register via Getty Images\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParsons\u2019 sick role concept also emphasized the expertise of the physician rather than the patient\u2019s experience of illness. For example, sociologist Erving Goffman showed that the way \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4324\/9781351327763\u0022\u003Ecare is structured in asylums shaped how patients are treated\u003C\/a\u003E. He also examined how the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/stigmanotesonman0000goff\/page\/n5\/mode\/2up\u0022\u003Eexperience of stigma\u003C\/a\u003E is an interactive process that develops in response to social norms. This work influenced how researchers understood chronic illness and disability and laid the groundwork for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1467-9566.2009.01161.x\u0022\u003Elater debates on what counts as pathological or normal\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the 1970s, some researchers began to question the model of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1467-954X.1972.tb00220.x\u0022\u003Emedicine as an institution of social control\u003C\/a\u003E. They critiqued how medicine\u2019s jurisdiction expanded over many societal problems \u2013 such as old age and death \u2013 which were defined and treated as medical problems. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1146\/annurev.so.18.080192.001233\u0022\u003EResearchers were critical of the tendency to medicalize\u003C\/a\u003E and apply labels like \u201chealthy\u201d and \u201cill\u201d to increasing parts of human existence. This shift emphasized how a medical diagnosis can carry political weight and how medical authority can affect social inclusion or exclusion.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe critical perspective aligns with critiques from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/09687599.2013.818773\u0022\u003Edisability studies\u003C\/a\u003E. Unlike medical sociology, which emerged through the medical model of disease, disability studies emerged from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.bloomsbury.com\/us\/new-politics-of-disablement-9780333945674\/\u0022\u003Edisability rights activism and scholarship\u003C\/a\u003E. Rather than viewing disability as pathological, this field sees disability as a variation of the human condition rooted in social barriers and exclusionary environments. Instead of seeking cures, researchers focus on increasing accessibility, human rights and autonomy for disabled people.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA contemporary figure in this field was \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/disabilityvisibilityproject.com\/about\/\u0022\u003EAlice Wong\u003C\/a\u003E, a disability rights activist and medical sociologist who \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/obituaries\/2025\/11\/15\/disability-activist-alice-wong\/\u0022\u003Edied in November 2025\u003C\/a\u003E. Her work amplified disabled voices and helped shaped how the public understood disability justice and access to technology.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EStructural Forces Shape Health and Illness\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy focusing on social and structural influences on health, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383496\u0022\u003Emedical sociology has contributed significantly\u003C\/a\u003E to programs addressing issues like segregation, discrimination, poverty, unemployment and underfunded schools.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, sociological research on racial health disparities invite \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383838\u0022\u003Eneighborhood interventions\u003C\/a\u003E that can help improve overall quality of life by increasing the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/free-school-meals-for-all-may-reduce-childhood-obesity-while-easing-financial-and-logistical-burdens-for-families-and-schools-223270\u0022\u003Eavailability of affordable nutritious foods\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/what-is-food-insecurity-152746\u0022\u003Ein underserved neighborhoods\u003C\/a\u003E or initiatives that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/socioeconomic-status-explains-most-of-the-racial-and-ethnic-achievement-gaps-in-elementary-school-237931\u0022\u003Eprioritize equal access to education\u003C\/a\u003E. At the societal level, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383496\u0022\u003Elarge-scale social policies\u003C\/a\u003E such as guaranteed minimum incomes or universal health care can dramatically reduce health inequalities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022People carrying boxes of food under a tent\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=360\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=360\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=360\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=452\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=452\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/710822\/original\/file-20260105-70-3hpn4u.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=452\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EAccess to nutritious food is critical to health.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/escondido-ca-juliana-ramos-of-interfaith-community-services-news-photo\/2243706444\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EK.C. Alfred \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMedical sociology has also expanded the understanding of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383496\u0022\u003Ehow health care policies affect health\u003C\/a\u003E, helping ensure that policy changes take into account the broader social context. For example, a key area of medical sociological research is the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0022146510383504\u0022\u003Erising cost of and limited access to health care\u003C\/a\u003E. This body of work focuses on the complex social and organizational factors of delivering health services. It highlights the need for more state and federal regulatory control as well as investment in groups and communities that need care the most.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EModern medical sociology ultimately considers all societal issues to be health issues. Improving people\u2019s health and well-being requires improving education, employment, housing, transportation and other social, economic and political policies.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/270258\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\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\/illness-is-more-than-just-biological-medical-sociology-shows-how-social-factors-get-under-the-skin-and-cause-disease-270258\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBy studying the way social forces shape health inequalities, medical sociology helps address how health and illness extend beyond the body and into every aspect of people\u2019s lives.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"By studying the way social forces shape health inequalities, medical sociology helps address how health and illness extend beyond the body and into every aspect of people\u2019s lives."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-01-08 15:37:58","changed_gmt":"2026-04-06 18:16:40","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-08T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-08T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678961":{"id":"678961","type":"image","title":"Lack of access to safe and affordable housing is harmful to health. Robert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELack of access to safe and affordable housing is harmful to health. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/news-photo\/los-angeles-ca-tuesday-may-31-2022-dana-vanderford-news-photo\/1242004141\u0022\u003ERobert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1768232345","gmt_created":"2026-01-12 15:39:05","changed":"1768232345","gmt_changed":"2026-01-12 15:39:05","alt":"Lack of access to safe and affordable housing is harmful to health. Robert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images","file":{"fid":"263064","name":"file-20260105-70-1qzwti.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/12\/file-20260105-70-1qzwti.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/12\/file-20260105-70-1qzwti.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":239539,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/12\/file-20260105-70-1qzwti.jpg?itok=J-V7i4lM"}}},"media_ids":["678961"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/illness-is-more-than-just-biological-medical-sociology-shows-how-social-factors-get-under-the-skin-and-cause-disease-270258","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"66220","name":"Neuro"},{"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":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"172970","name":"go-neuro"},{"id":"194974","name":"go-theconversation"}],"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\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/jennifer-singh-2531279\u0022\u003EJennifer Singh\u003C\/a\u003E, Associate Professor of Sociology, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\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":""}},"689444":{"#nid":"689444","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Why the Strait of Hormuz Is More Than an Energy Crisis ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERising oil and gasoline prices have been the center of attention since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But that immediate effect tells only part of the story. Because oil and gas underpin production, transportation, and logistics, higher energy costs will gradually move through supply chains \u2014 meaning the most significant economic consequences may not appear for months.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe effects move slowly and appear in places people do not connect to energy,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/econ.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/tibor-besedes\u0022\u003ETibor Besedes\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the School of Economics. \u201cOil and natural gas are part of the cost structure for an enormous range of goods.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAbout 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows through the waterway linking the Persian Gulf to world markets. When that flow is constrained, the impact ripples outward across industries most people never associate with an energy crisis.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn complex supply chains, a disruption in one critical link, even if only briefly, can cascade through the system, well beyond the initial event,\u201d says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/pinar-keskinocak\u0022\u003EPinar Keskinocak\u003C\/a\u003E, chair and professor in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering. \u201cAs delays persist and compound, interconnected systems often take a long time to recover, rebalance, and return to normal.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPrice Pressures That Arrive Quietly\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEarly effects are already visible.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJet fuel availability is tightening, and diesel prices are rising across Asia. China has ordered refineries to stop exporting fuel, creating shortages that are increasing shipping costs for U.S. imports, from consumer electronics to pharmaceuticals.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe strait is also a key corridor for naphtha, a feedstock used to produce plastics, packaging, solvents, textiles, and pharmaceutical components. Roughly 85% of Middle Eastern polyethylene exports move through the strait.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cConsumers won\u0027t see the effect of this quickly,\u201d Besedes says, \u201cbut the longer the strait is closed, the higher the cost will be of all of these products naphtha is used for.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAluminum is equally exposed.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSmelters require sustained, low-cost energy,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/expert\/chris-gaffney\u0022\u003EChris Gaffney\u003C\/a\u003E, a professor of the practice in the Stewart School. \u201cThe Middle East accounted for roughly 21% of U.S. unwrought aluminum imports in 2025. When energy prices spike or supply is constrained, capacity is reduced or shut down, and those decisions are difficult and slow to reverse.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFertilizer is one of the clearest examples of delayed inflation. Natural gas is essential for its production, and Persian Gulf states account for one-third of global urea exports and half of global sulfur exports. Urea prices at the New Orleans import hub have already climbed sharply.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe won\u0027t see the effects quickly, but rather in six to 12 months, depending on the crop and its cycle,\u201d Besedes says. \u201cWithout or with less fertilizer, crop yields will decrease, resulting in higher prices.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Hormuz Is Different From Other Chokepoints\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn top of all those factors, the strait closure presents a uniquely dangerous vulnerability.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cUnlike a port strike or canal blockage, there is no meaningful way to reroute volume,\u201d says Gaffney. \u201cIf it is disrupted, flow is constrained rather than redirected.\u201d Pipeline alternatives replace only a fraction of the 20 million barrels per day that normally transit the strait.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cChoke point vulnerability arises when a large portion of flow depends on a route that is hard to substitute,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/mathieu-dahan\u0022\u003EMathieu Dahan\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor in the Stewart School. \u201cHormuz has no scalable alternatives with sufficient capacity.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/alan-erera\u0022\u003EAlan Erera\u003C\/a\u003E, senior associate chair in the Stewart School expanded on Dahan\u2019s point, noting that strait disruptions raise costs across manufacturing and distribution.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cShips are rerouted onto longer paths, which drives up fuel and labor costs, ties up vessels and containers for longer periods, and ultimately raises inventory costs for shippers because capital is locked up while goods are still in transit,\u201d Erera said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhen Geopolitics Meets Global Supply Chains\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally, the strait closure raises the risk of wartime miscalculation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe haven\u2019t seen a disruption on this scale since the tanker wars of the late 1980s,\u201d said Larry Rubin, associate professor in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs. Gulf states\u0027 dependence on the strait constrains both regional actors and U.S. strategy, raising risks around crisis decision-making.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERubin also points to a dimension most coverage has missed entirely. \u201cOne thing that has been overlooked by many commentators is the fact that the Iranian people have probably been hit the hardest economically,\u201d he says. \u201cThey were already in a challenging situation. The Iranian economy won\u0027t recover quickly after the war.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResilience Has a Short Memory\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeanwhile, for the United States, \u201cThe Strategic Petroleum Reserve provides a buffer, and domestic energy production has improved resilience,\u201d says Gaffney. \u201cBut the gap remains between enabling capacity and sustaining resilience. Policy can support infrastructure, but it cannot ensure private sector participants invest in resilience when cost pressures rise.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor policymakers and industry leaders, the disruption reinforces a familiar pattern. \u0022The supply chain remains optimized for efficiency rather than resilience, in part due to the high investment costs required to build flexibility,\u0022 says Dahan.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGaffney added that resilience does improve after disruption, but that \u201cit erodes over time if not actively maintained.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven if the strait reopens, higher costs and slow restart timelines mean the system will not snap back. Experts suggest that when headlines have moved on from this disruption, it will still be shaping prices across the economy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe closure of the Strait of Hormuz is sending shockwaves far beyond rising gas prices, threatening to reshape global supply chains for months or even years to come. With roughly 20% of the world\u0027s oil and liquefied natural gas flowing through this critical chokepoint, disruptions are already rippling across industries from plastics and pharmaceuticals to aluminum, fertilizers, and consumer electronics. Unlike other trade disruptions, the strait offers no scalable rerouting alternatives, forcing longer shipping paths that drive up fuel, labor, and inventory costs worldwide. Experts warn that the most severe economic consequences \u2014 including higher food prices, reduced crop yields, and costlier manufactured goods \u2014 may not surface for six to twelve months, long after headlines have moved on. As global supply chains remain optimized for efficiency over resilience, the Hormuz crisis exposes just how vulnerable interconnected economies are to a single point of failure in international energy trade.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech experts warn that disruptions at the world\u0027s most critical energy choke point will ripple far beyond oil and gas prices. "}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2026-04-03 15:45:08","changed_gmt":"2026-04-03 17:36:56","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-03T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-03T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679846":{"id":"679846","type":"image","title":"Strait of Hormuz","body":null,"created":"1775237120","gmt_created":"2026-04-03 17:25:20","changed":"1775237252","gmt_changed":"2026-04-03 17:27:32","alt":"Image of a map of Iran, with a magnifying glass over the Strait of Hormuz","file":{"fid":"264054","name":"Strait-Of-Hormuz.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/Strait-Of-Hormuz.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/Strait-Of-Hormuz.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":255785,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/03\/Strait-Of-Hormuz.jpeg?itok=98t95NPB"}}},"media_ids":["679846"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"194610","name":"National Interests\/National Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"167074","name":"Supply Chain"},{"id":"194979","name":"strait of hormuz"},{"id":"8319","name":"iran"},{"id":"194980","name":"iran conflict"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"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\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689446":{"#nid":"689446","#data":{"type":"news","title":"GTRI Supports Initiative to Assess Quantum Computing Efforts","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EQuantum computers may one day enable revolutionary advances in fluid dynamics, drug discovery, development of better agricultural fertilizers, improved materials design and other technical areas that are beyond the capabilities of today\u2019s conventional computers. To reach those goals, companies from around the world are pursuing a variety of approaches aimed at developing large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe approaches of over a dozen quantum computing companies are now being evaluated through the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), a project of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). According to the agency, QBI \u201caims to rigorously verify and validate whether any quantum computing approach can achieve utility-scale operation \u2013 meaning its computational value exceeds its cost \u2013 by the year 2033.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESupporting the effort, a 40-person interdisciplinary research team from the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) has joined the test and evaluation component of QBI, providing unbiased subject-matter experts to work with 13 other research organizations in evaluating the R\u0026amp;D plans of participating quantum computer companies. Through this collaboration, the GTRI team is working with more than 400 other third-party experts on the project.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gtri.gatech.edu\/newsroom\/gtri-supports-initiative-assess-quantum-computing-efforts\u0022\u003ERead the complete article on the GTRI news site\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe approaches of over a dozen quantum computing companies are now being evaluated through the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), a project of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). GTRI researchers are supporting the initiative.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers are supporting a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) initiative to evaluate different approaches to quantum computing."}],"uid":"27303","created_gmt":"2026-04-03 17:29:16","changed_gmt":"2026-04-03 17:35:58","author":"John Toon","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-03T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-03T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679845":{"id":"679845","type":"image","title":"Quantum computing could enable revolutionary advances in numerous technology areas","body":"\u003Cp\u003EQuantum computers may one day enable revolutionary advances in fluid dynamics, drug discovery, development of better agricultural fertilizers, improved materials design and other technical areas. (Credit: Tim Hynes)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1775236418","gmt_created":"2026-04-03 17:13:38","changed":"1775236825","gmt_changed":"2026-04-03 17:20:25","alt":"Quantum research and potential benefits","file":{"fid":"264053","name":"Quantum_banner_03B_03-web.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/Quantum_banner_03B_03-web.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/03\/Quantum_banner_03B_03-web.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":839777,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/03\/Quantum_banner_03B_03-web.jpg?itok=QRIkBs4z"}}},"media_ids":["679845"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["gtri.media@gtri.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689428":{"#nid":"689428","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Build AI Tutor Grounded in Course Materials","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs students increasingly turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to help with coursework, some worry that their learning could be compromised. Georgia Tech researchers are working to counter this potential decline with an AI tool they hope will promote learning rather than hinder it.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETokenSmith is a citation-supported large language model (LLM) tutor that can be hosted locally on a user\u2019s personal computer. The tutor only provides answers based on course materials, such as the textbook or lecture slides.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAssociate Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/faculty.cc.gatech.edu\/~jarulraj\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJoy Arulraj\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E began the project with support from the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/c21u-announces-inaugural-bill-kent-ai-higher-education-fellows\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBill Kent Family Foundation AI in Higher Education Faculty Fellowship\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E last year. The fellowship, led by Georgia Tech\u2019s Center for 21st Century Universities, supports faculty projects exploring innovative and ethical uses of AI in teaching.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArulraj has enlisted assistant professors \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/kexinrong.github.io\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKexin Rong\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/steve.mussmann.us\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESteve Mussmann\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to help build TokenSmith.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMussmann said TokenSmith is a synergistic blend of a database system and a machine learning system. The model stores textbooks, textbook annotations by course staff, common questions and answers, a learning state of the student, and student feedback in a structured database system. However, machine learning plays a key role in the answer generation as well as adapting the system to the student, course staff guidance, and user feedback.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022What excites me most is demonstrating how data-driven ML and principled database systems design can reinforce each other \u2014 one providing adaptability and flexibility, the other providing structure and traceability \u2014 in a way that benefits students,\u0022 Mussmann said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKeeping the model local has been an important focus of the project. The team wanted to create an AI tutor that helps students learn from their class resources rather than just giving answers. With each response, TokenSmith cites the origin of the answer in the provided documents.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOne problem with LLMs is that they can hallucinate and provide wrong answers, but in this controlled environment, we can add these guardrails to make sure it\u2019s actually helpful in an educational setting,\u201d Rong said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERong said she feels that students often undervalue textbooks, and she hopes TokenSmith can motivate students to make better use of them.\u202f\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTextbooks can sometimes be daunting, but maybe if we combine them with the model, students might be more willing to read a paragraph or page in the textbook, and that could help clarify something for them,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERunning the model locally is more cost-effective and helps preserve the user\u2019s privacy. But running the new tool locally comes with technical challenges.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne challenge with creating the model is speed. Since it is a locally based model, TokenSmith depends solely on the user\u2019s computer memory. \u0026nbsp;Tests have also shown that the tutor currently struggles to answer more complex questions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are interested in pushing the boundaries of these local models so that they give students good answers and also run fast enough to keep students engaged,\u201d Arulraj said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETokenSmith is a citation-supported large language model (LLM) tutor that can be hosted locally on a user\u2019s personal computer. The tutor only provides answers based on course materials, such as the textbook or lecture slides.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAssociate Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/faculty.cc.gatech.edu\/~jarulraj\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJoy Arulraj\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E began the project with support from the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/c21u-announces-inaugural-bill-kent-ai-higher-education-fellows\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBill Kent Family Foundation AI in Higher Education Faculty Fellowship\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E last year. The fellowship, led by Georgia Tech\u2019s Center for 21st Century Universities, supports faculty projects exploring innovative and ethical uses of AI in teaching.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"TokenSmith is a citation-supported large language model (LLM) tutor that can be hosted locally on a user\u2019s personal computer. The tutor only provides answers based on course materials, such as the textbook or lecture slides.  "}],"uid":"36532","created_gmt":"2026-04-02 20:25:02","changed_gmt":"2026-04-02 20:30:36","author":"Morgan Usry","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-02T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-02T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679842":{"id":"679842","type":"image","title":"AI-Tutor-Image.jpg.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1775161510","gmt_created":"2026-04-02 20:25:10","changed":"1775161510","gmt_changed":"2026-04-02 20:25:10","alt":"Graphic showing the researchers in front of a computer screen","file":{"fid":"264048","name":"AI-Tutor-Image.jpg.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/02\/AI-Tutor-Image.jpg.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/02\/AI-Tutor-Image.jpg.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":321180,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/02\/AI-Tutor-Image.jpg.jpeg?itok=yDJdQ838"}}},"media_ids":["679842"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50875","name":"School of Computer Science"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"193860","name":"Artifical Intelligence"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"194394","name":"AI in Education"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMorgan Usry, Communications Officer\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["morgan.usry@cc.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689424":{"#nid":"689424","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech-led Research Team to Develop SHIELD Against Deadly Biological Threats","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe United States continues to face deadly infectious disease outbreaks, from emerging viruses to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, underscoring the nation\u2019s need for rapid, effective response systems. These threats extend beyond public health, disrupting daily life, straining health care systems, and impacting military readiness.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA team of researchers led by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/singh\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnkur Singh\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, the Carl Ring Family Professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and professor in\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ethe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bme.gatech.edu\/bme\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech and Emory\u0026nbsp;University, has been awarded up to $6 million from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) of the U.S. Department of Defense to accelerate the development of medical countermeasures (MCMs) against deadly biological threats that endanger public health, national security, and warfighters.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDTRA\u2019s mission is to provide solutions that enable the Department of Defense, the U.S. government, and international partners to deter strategic threats. A key priority is advancing new or improved MCMs that can be deployed before or after exposure to biological or chemical agents.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESingh\u2019s multi-year project, Systematic Human Immune Engineering for Lethal Disease (SHIELD) Countermeasures, aims to create a threat-agnostic platform that transforms how respiratory pathogens and toxins are studied. The platform is designed to speed up the discovery, development, and production of immune-based countermeasures.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESingh leads a collaborative team that includes Cornell University\u2019s Matthew DeLisa and Stanford University\u2019s Michael Jewett. Together, they will integrate immune-engineering technologies with advanced cell-free protein synthesis platforms to discover and manufacture protein-based MCMs. Cell-free protein synthesis is a laboratory technique that efficiently produces proteins without relying on living cells, which can be unpredictable and technically demanding when it comes to expressing complex or toxic proteins and scaling production quickly. The team expects the SHIELD Countermeasures platform to reduce the time and cost of MCM development by more than tenfold.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe foundational science and cutting-edge tools we develop will ignite future discoveries, ensuring a robust pipeline of advanced protein-based MCMs for chemical and biological defense,\u201d said Singh, who also directs the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/immunoengineering.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECenter for Immunoengineering at Georgia Tech\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cThis will significantly enhance national security and equip our warfighters with next-generation biodefense capabilities.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETraditional animal models often fail to accurately replicate human immune responses, and standard tissue cultures lack the complexity required to study how immune cells interact with pathogens. In contrast, human immune organoids and immune-competent devices \u2014 built from human cells \u2014 are emerging as groundbreaking research tools. These systems recreate key immune features, such as lymph nodes and mucosal environments, within three-dimensional or microengineered platforms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMany organoid and engineering devices, often called organ-on-chip platforms, lack immune integration,\u201d Singh said. \u201cBecause immunity sits at the center of human health, these limitations have broad consequences. Immune-competent organ-on-chip platforms extend this concept by combining human cells with microfluidic engineering that simulates blood flow, tissue barriers, and chemical gradients.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESingh has previously published studies on a synthetic \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41563-024-02037-1\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehuman immune chip\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41551-025-01491-9\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eimmunocompetent lung on a chip\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and has also teamed up with DeLisa previously to use synthetic immune organoids for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/10.1021\/acscentsci.2c01473\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eimmuno-profiling antibacterial MCMs\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s about being able to test far larger numbers of candidate protein-based MCMs in a single experiment\u2014and to do it much faster,\u201d DeLisa said. \u201cCell-free systems allow us to produce MCMs at unprecedented speed and scale, but traditional evaluation methods can\u2019t keep up with those numbers. By combining cell-free MCM production with immune organoid technology, we can assess the potency of dozens or even hundreds of candidates at a time and characterize the resulting immune responses within just a few days.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy integrating immune cells with tissues such as lung, gut, skin, or vascular systems, these devices allow scientists to observe immune responses in real time, including cell migration, inflammation, and interactions with pathogens or therapeutics. As biological threats evolve, the development and deployment of immune-competent platforms will be critical for rapid, effective countermeasures.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDTRA\u2019s investment in Singh\u2019s work highlights the urgent national priority of strengthening U.S. biodefense capabilities. The SHIELD Countermeasures platform and its cutting-edge technologies promise to transform the nation\u2019s response to biological threats and help safeguard communities from biological and chemical attacks.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003ELed by Ankur Singh, the multi-institutional SHIELD (Systematic Human Immune Engineering for Lethal Disease) project aims to transform how scientists study and respond to dangerous respiratory pathogens and toxins. The effort brings together researchers from Georgia Tech, Cornell, and Stanford to enable faster and more cost-effective development of protein-based medical countermeasures. The team expects the platform to reduce the time and cost of developing these defenses by more than tenfold, strengthening the nation\u2019s preparedness against biological threats.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A Georgia Tech-led research team has received up to $6 million to develop SHIELD, a new platform designed to rapidly create immune-based countermeasures against a wide range of deadly biological threats."}],"uid":"36479","created_gmt":"2026-04-02 19:06:48","changed_gmt":"2026-04-02 19:17:40","author":"abowman41","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-02T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-02T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679841":{"id":"679841","type":"image","title":"DTRA-2.jpg","body":null,"created":"1775156814","gmt_created":"2026-04-02 19:06:54","changed":"1775156814","gmt_changed":"2026-04-02 19:06:54","alt":"Ankur Singh, a man in a gray suit jacket with a dark pink button-up shirt stands in front of a work bench in a lab.","file":{"fid":"264047","name":"DTRA-2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/02\/DTRA-2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/02\/DTRA-2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1541575,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/02\/DTRA-2.jpg?itok=UsJZzTJB"}}},"media_ids":["679841"],"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"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"188776","name":"go-research"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"190256","name":"G.W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETracie Troha | Communications Officer, Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689408":{"#nid":"689408","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Singh Family Gift Funds High-Risk Research at Center for Immunoengineering","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA philanthropic gift from the family of J.P. Singh is helping researchers at Georgia Tech push the boundaries of biomedical innovation.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Singh Family Research Awards were established as part of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/immunoengineering.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECenter for Immunoengineering\u003C\/a\u003E, creating a seed funding program supporting both faculty and students that is designed to accelerate early-stage ideas with the potential to transform medicine. The awards support interdisciplinary projects pursuing high-risk, high-reward research that could lead to new therapies for cancer, infectious diseases, and chronic illnesses.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe gift honors the legacy of J.P. Singh and reflects his family\u2019s commitment to advancing research that could lead to safer and more effective treatments for patients.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe gift is giving scientists the freedom to pursue bold ideas that might otherwise be too early or too unconventional for traditional funding,\u201d said Ankur Singh, Director of the Center for Immunoengineering and Professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/schools\/biomedical-engineering\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EWallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech and Emory (BME). \u201cIt allows Georgia Tech scientists to explore new frontiers in immunoengineering, from cancer to autoimmunity, and to build the scientific foundations that could ultimately lead to the next generation of transformative therapies.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe inaugural awards support four innovative projects that span multiple areas of biomedical research, including two Faculty Research Awards and two Student Fellowship Awards.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUsing AI to Guide the Immune System\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne Singh Family Faculty Research Award, given to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/17370\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAndrew McShan\u003C\/a\u003E in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/a\u003E, will help develop AI\u2011guided tools to design synthetic immune\u2011like molecules that can detect lipids on cell surfaces. Most current immunotherapies are designed to recognize protein fragments presented on cells, leaving a largely untapped class of disease-associated targets \u2014 lipids \u2014 beyond the reach of modern immune engineering. By enabling programmable molecules that can detect lipids on cell surfaces, the work aims to expand immune targeting beyond traditional protein targets and open new diagnostic and treatment strategies for diseases such as leukemia, tuberculosis, and inflammatory skin disorders.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAn AI-guided design framework for lipid-sensing immune receptors would create an entirely new class of programmable immune molecules capable of identifying disease signals that were previously inaccessible. Such tools could enable earlier disease detection, new immune-based therapeutics, and a broader ability to engineer immune systems to recognize complex biological threats, fundamentally expanding the scope of targets addressable by modern immunotherapy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDeveloping the Next Generation of Cancer Treatments\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe second faculty award project, led by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/3702\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EJohn Blazeck\u003C\/a\u003E 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, focuses on engineering next-generation cancer immunotherapies using CAR-T cells, which are a patient\u2019s own immune cells that have been re\u2011engineered to recognize and attack specific cancer cells. The team is developing new receptors for CAR-T cells designed to improve safety while enabling immune cells to recognize multiple tumor targets simultaneously.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis approach addresses two major barriers that have limited the success of CAR-T therapies in solid tumors: the risk of attacking healthy tissues and the ability of tumors to evade treatment by changing or losing a single target antigen. If successful, the work could significantly expand the reach of CAR-T cell therapy, which has already transformed the treatment of certain blood cancers but has struggled to treat solid tumors such as breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy enabling immune cells to distinguish tumors more precisely and attack cancers that display multiple markers, the new receptor designs could make CAR-T therapies both safer and more effective. The technology could represent a major step toward translating cellular immunotherapies to the far larger population of patients with solid tumors, potentially opening the door to powerful new treatments for some of the most resistant cancers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EImaging Heart Risk Early with Ultrasound\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe gift also established two Singh Family Fellow Awards, supporting graduate students pursuing innovative research in immunoengineering.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne fellowship was awarded to Yann Ferry, a graduate student advised by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/arvanitis\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECostas Arvanitis\u003C\/a\u003E in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (ME) and BME. Ferry\u2019s project aims to advance ultrasound imaging technologies designed to visualize immune activity inside Atherosclerosis plaques, the fatty deposits that accumulate in arteries and can trigger heart attacks or strokes when they rupture.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy tracking immune cells that drive plaque inflammation and instability (called macrophages), the team aims to develop a noninvasive imaging approach that can measure the immune state of plaques in real time. If successful, the technology could transform how cardiovascular disease is diagnosed and monitored.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToday, physicians can detect plaque buildup but cannot easily determine whether a plaque is actively inflamed and likely to rupture. Imaging immune activity could allow doctors to identify high-risk plaques earlier, monitor how patients respond to therapy, and intervene before a heart attack or stroke occurs. Given that cardiovascular disease remains the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nchs\/fastats\/leading-causes-of-death.htm\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eleading cause of death\u003C\/a\u003E in the United States, such a tool could significantly improve prevention and treatment strategies.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWorking Toward a Cure for Type 1 Diabetes\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe second fellowship supports Alexander Kedzierski, a Ph.D. student in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/3691\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAndr\u00e9s Garc\u00eda\u003C\/a\u003E\u2019s\u0026nbsp; lab within ME. Kedzierski\u2019s research focuses on improving stem-cell-based treatments for Type 1 Diabetes. The project aims to design degradable biomaterials that present that help control the immune response, protecting transplanted insulin\u2011producing cells from being attacked by the body.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECurrent experimental therapies using insulin-producing cells that are derived from stem cells have shown promise but are limited by the need for lifelong medications that suppress the immune system to prevent rejection. By engineering biomaterials that locally regulate immune responses around transplanted cells, the researchers hope to enable long-term graft survival without suppressing the entire immune system.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf successful, the approach could bring regenerative therapies for Type 1 diabetes closer to a practical cure, allowing patients to restore natural insulin production while avoiding the risks associated with chronic immunosuppressive treatment.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELooking Ahead\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETogether, the projects illustrate the core mission of the Center for Immunoengineering and the Singh Family gift. By investing in bold, interdisciplinary research, the Singh family\u2019s gift is helping the Center for Immunoengineering accelerate innovations at the intersection of engineering, biology, and medicine.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the years ahead, the program is expected to expand a pipeline of high-impact research, from next-generation immunotherapies to immune-guided diagnostics and regenerative medicine. For the scientists involved, the goal is not only to advance discovery but to translate new insights about the immune system into real-world solutions for patients.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EThe Center for Immunoengineering at Georgia Tech has named the inaugural recipients of the Singh Family Research Awards, recognizing four interdisciplinary projects led by Andrew McShan, John Blazeck, Yann Ferry, and Alexander Kedzierski. Together, the awardees exemplify high\u2011risk, high\u2011reward research aimed at translating fundamental immune engineering advances into safer, more effective treatments for patients.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Center for Immunoengineering at Georgia Tech has awarded the inaugural Singh Family Research Awards to two faculty members and two students advancing innovative immunoengineering projects."}],"uid":"36479","created_gmt":"2026-04-02 18:09:35","changed_gmt":"2026-04-02 19:16:10","author":"abowman41","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-02T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-02T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679836":{"id":"679836","type":"image","title":"Singh-Award-Winners-2026.jpg","body":null,"created":"1775153384","gmt_created":"2026-04-02 18:09:44","changed":"1775153384","gmt_changed":"2026-04-02 18:09:44","alt":"Four headshots of Singh Family Award winners: Andrew McShan, John Blazeck, Yann Ferry, and Alexander Kedzierski","file":{"fid":"264042","name":"Singh-Award-Winners-2026.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/02\/Singh-Award-Winners-2026.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/02\/Singh-Award-Winners-2026.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":160700,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/02\/Singh-Award-Winners-2026.jpg?itok=6yTaA74y"}}},"media_ids":["679836"],"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":"188776","name":"go-research"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"101691","name":"College of Engineering; School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineerin"},{"id":"166928","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"},{"id":"94321","name":"College of Engineering; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering"},{"id":"569","name":"bioengineering"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWritten by: Ankur Singh, Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEdited by: Ashlie Bowman, Communications Manager, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689255":{"#nid":"689255","#data":{"type":"news","title":"\u0027Welcome to the Future!\u0027 Artemis II Set for Launch to the Moon","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIf all goes according to plan, humans will head toward the moon this week for the first time since 1972. \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ENASA\u2019s Artemis II is set to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Wednesday, April 1, at 6:24 p.m. Four astronauts will slingshot around the moon before landing in the Pacific Ocean after a 10-day mission.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe launch has captivated the Georgia Tech space community, both here on campus and within the alumni base. Several Georgia Tech graduates have key roles in the Artemis program.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EOn the eve of this next chapter of lunar exploration, several current and former Yellow Jackets discuss why Artemis II matters, what excites them about the mission, and what happens next.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/welcome-future-artemis-ii-set-launch-moon\u0022\u003ERead the entire story on the College of Engineering website\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Georgia Tech alumni, including some with NASA leadership roles in this week\u2019s launch, reflect on the first crewed launch to the moon in more than 50 years. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOn the eve of this next chapter of lunar exploration, several current and former Yellow Jackets discuss why Artemis II matters, what excites them about the mission, and what happens next.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"On the eve of this next chapter of lunar exploration, several current and former Yellow Jackets discuss why Artemis II matters, what excites them about the mission, and what happens next. "}],"uid":"27560","created_gmt":"2026-03-31 13:55:24","changed_gmt":"2026-04-02 13:16:03","author":"Jason Maderer","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-31T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-31T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679795":{"id":"679795","type":"image","title":"Artemis II on Launch Pad","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECredit: NASA\/John Kraus\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1774965547","gmt_created":"2026-03-31 13:59:07","changed":"1774965547","gmt_changed":"2026-03-31 13:59:07","alt":"rocket on the launch pad with full moon in background ","file":{"fid":"263998","name":"moon-and-pad-1--1-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/moon-and-pad-1--1-_2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/moon-and-pad-1--1-_2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":161880,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/31\/moon-and-pad-1--1-_2.jpg?itok=sBE4OCro"}}},"media_ids":["679795"],"groups":[{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"},{"id":"188776","name":"go-research"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193657","name":"Space Research Initiative"}],"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\u003EJason Maderer\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:maderer@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Emaderer@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689025":{"#nid":"689025","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Why Mosquitoes Swarm Your Head: They\u2019re Following Signals, Not Each Other","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAfter watching hundreds of mosquitoes buzzing around one of their colleagues and collecting 20 million data points, Georgia Tech and Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers have created a mathematical model that predicts how and where female mosquitoes will fly to feast on humans.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe new study is the first to visualize mosquito flight patterns and provides hard data for improving capture and control strategies. In addition to being a nuisance, mosquitoes transmit diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and Zika, which cause more than 700,000 deaths every year.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s like a crowded bar,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/hu\u0022\u003EDavid Hu\u003C\/a\u003E, a professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E and the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E, with an adjunct appointment in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cCustomers aren\u2019t there because they followed each other into the bar. They\u2019re attracted by the same cues: drinks, music, and the atmosphere. The same is true of mosquitoes. Rather than following the leader, the insect follows the signals and happens to arrive at the same spot as the others. They\u2019re good copies of each other.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERead more and watch:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/why-mosquitoes-swarm-your-head-theyre-following-signals-not-each-other\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Tech College of Engineering newsroom\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E and \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/hundreds-of-hungry-mosquitoes-a-student-volunteer-and-a-mesh-suit-helped-us-figure-out-how-these-deadly-insects-reach-their-targets-278486\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Researchers have visualized mosquito flight behavior for the first time \u2014\u00a0which could improve mosquito-control strategies. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers have visualized mosquito flight behavior for the first time \u2014\u0026nbsp;which could improve mosquito-control strategies.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers have visualized mosquito flight behavior for the first time \u2014\u00a0which could improve mosquito-control strategies. "}],"uid":"34528","created_gmt":"2026-03-18 20:43:56","changed_gmt":"2026-04-01 19:58:53","author":"jhunt7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679682":{"id":"679682","type":"image","title":"A female mosquito lands on a human.","body":null,"created":"1773866953","gmt_created":"2026-03-18 20:49:13","changed":"1773866953","gmt_changed":"2026-03-18 20:49:13","alt":"A female mosquito lands on a human.","file":{"fid":"263872","name":"mosquito2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/mosquito2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/mosquito2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1110207,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/18\/mosquito2.jpg?itok=hj3xhNm7"}}},"media_ids":["679682"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJason Maderer (maderer@gatech.edu)\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["maderer@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689321":{"#nid":"689321","#data":{"type":"news","title":"The Future of AI\u2011Powered Manufacturing","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EManufacturing is undergoing a significant transformation as artificial intelligence reshapes how industrial systems operate, adapt, and scale. The \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EH. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (ISyE) has launched its \u003Cstrong\u003EManufacturing and AI Initiative\u003C\/strong\u003E, which brings together faculty expertise in statistics, optimization, data science, and systems engineering to address emerging challenges and opportunities in modern manufacturing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EISyE researchers are applying AI to complex manufacturing environments, including multistage production systems, asset management, quality improvement, and human\u2011centered manufacturing. Faculty leaders emphasize the importance of contextualizing large volumes of manufacturing data so AI can support reliable decision\u2011making, efficient operations, and sustainable outcomes. At the same time, the initiative acknowledges challenges such as data integration, system complexity, and the need to balance automation with human involvement. Together, these efforts position ISyE at the forefront of shaping AI\u2011powered manufacturing systems that are innovative, resilient, and socially responsible.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERead the full article in \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/magazine\/2026\/spring\/future-ai-powered-manufacturing\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EISyE Magazine\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EISyE is launching its Manufacturing and AI Initiative to unite pioneering researchers with interdisciplinary partners in the development of research and education programs that address issues of industrial, societal, and global concern.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"ISyE is advancing the next generation of manufacturing through AI\u2011driven research that integrates data analytics, optimization, and human\u2011centered systems to create smarter, more resilient industrial ecosystems. "}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2026-04-01 14:59:16","changed_gmt":"2026-04-01 15:10:11","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679812":{"id":"679812","type":"image","title":"The Future of AI-Powered Manufacturing.jpg","body":null,"created":"1775055564","gmt_created":"2026-04-01 14:59:24","changed":"1775055564","gmt_changed":"2026-04-01 14:59:24","alt":"The Future of AI-Powered Manufacturing","file":{"fid":"264016","name":"IMG_0592.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/01\/IMG_0592.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/04\/01\/IMG_0592.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2937547,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/04\/01\/IMG_0592.jpg?itok=azK3lZM3"}}},"media_ids":["679812"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"194685","name":"Manufacturing"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"},{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAnnette Filliat, ISyE Communications Writer\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689280":{"#nid":"689280","#data":{"type":"news","title":"The Potential of Data Center Energy","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA recent review by EPIcenter faculty affiliate \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/constance-crozier\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EConstance Crozier\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology) and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/matthew-liska\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMatthew Liska\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology) explores the growing role of data centers in providing flexibility, the ability to shift or reduce electricity use in response to grid conditions, to the electric grid as renewable energy penetration and AI-driven computing demand surge. The authors highlight that data centers, particularly those supporting high-performance computing and AI workloads, are projected to consume nearly 10% of U.S. electricity by the end of the decade, presenting both challenges and opportunities for grid stability.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe paper examines various strategies for enhancing the flexibility of data center energy use. One approach is to use backup power systems, such as uninterruptible power supplies, to support the grid during emergencies. Another method involves rerouting computing jobs to different data centers in other locations to balance energy demand. The authors also discuss implementing smart scheduling techniques that shift workloads to off-peak hours, reducing strain on the grid. Additionally, they highlight adjusting processor speeds by lowering CPU (central processing unit) and GPU (graphics processing unit) clock rates to limit power consumption when needed. Finally, the paper suggests pre-cooling data center equipment to limit the energy required for cooling during peak demand periods. Notably, experimental evidence shows that underclocking GPUs can cut power consumption by 40% with only a 22% performance loss, suggesting technical feasibility for demand-response interventions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite these technical options, the authors find that real-world cost considerations and reliability concerns limit widespread adoption. Data center operators generally do not change their behavior in response to electricity prices, as job revenue far outweighs energy costs under normal conditions. For example, a GPU rented at $2 per hour consumes only $0.04 worth of electricity at average prices, making curtailment unattractive except during extreme price spikes. Surveys indicate that operators are reluctant to compromise reliability or deploy backup systems for ancillary services. Consequently, price-based incentives alone are unlikely to drive meaningful flexibility.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/2026\/03\/24\/the-potential-of-data-center-energy\/\u0022\u003ERead more on the EPIcenter Webpage\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/2026\/03\/24\/the-potential-of-data-center-energy\/\u0022\u003EListen to a podcast on the research here\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA recent review by EPIcenter faculty affiliate \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/constance-crozier\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EConstance Crozier\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology) and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/matthew-liska\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMatthew Liska\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology) explores the growing role of data centers in providing flexibility, the ability to shift or reduce electricity use in response to grid conditions, to the electric grid as renewable energy penetration and AI-driven computing demand surge. The authors highlight that data centers, particularly those supporting high-performance computing and AI workloads, are projected to consume nearly 10% of U.S. electricity by the end of the decade, presenting both challenges and opportunities for grid stability.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A recent review by EPIcenter faculty affiliate highlights that data centers, particularly those supporting high-performance computing and AI workloads, are projected to consume nearly 10% of U.S. electricity by the end of the decade."}],"uid":"36413","created_gmt":"2026-03-31 19:00:21","changed_gmt":"2026-03-31 19:08:59","author":"pdevarajan3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-24T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-24T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679804":{"id":"679804","type":"image","title":"PotentialofDatacenterEnergy-AdobeStock_248626760.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1774983673","gmt_created":"2026-03-31 19:01:13","changed":"1774983673","gmt_changed":"2026-03-31 19:01:13","alt":"Adobe Stock image showing solar panels, wind mills and energy storage units in a desert-like landscape with the sun setting in the background","file":{"fid":"264008","name":"PotentialofDatacenterEnergy-AdobeStock_248626760.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/PotentialofDatacenterEnergy-AdobeStock_248626760.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/PotentialofDatacenterEnergy-AdobeStock_248626760.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1531847,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/31\/PotentialofDatacenterEnergy-AdobeStock_248626760.jpeg?itok=VE5-39Gn"}}},"media_ids":["679804"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/2026\/03\/24\/the-potential-of-data-center-energy\/","title":"Full Story on the EPIcenter Webpage"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"367481","name":"SEI Energy"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"},{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"151","name":"Policy, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"}],"keywords":[{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"39511","name":"Public Service, Leadership, and Policy"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:ggonzalez68@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EGilbert Gonzalez\u003C\/a\u003E, EPIcenter\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["priya.devarajan@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689229":{"#nid":"689229","#data":{"type":"news","title":"ISyE Student Awarded IBM Fellowship for Research Excellence","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/hoang-nguyen\u0022\u003EHoang Nguyen\u003C\/a\u003E, a graduate student in the Algorithms, Combinatorics, and Optimization Ph.D. program at the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EH. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, has been awarded an IBM fellowship in recognition of his research contributions and academic achievements. The IBM fellowship program is a prestigious, invitation-only award that identifies exceptional Ph.D. students conducting pioneering research in their disciplines.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENguyen began his academic journey as an undergraduate at Minerva University, where he studied in a different country nearly every semester. This experience abroad shaped his approach to problem-solving. After graduating, Nguyen remained passionate about mathematics but became interested in applying theory to real-world challenges.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI still wanted to do math, but I wanted to apply my mathematical research to some tangible applications,\u201d Nguyen said. \u201cI wanted to see the meaning behind my research.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat desire, along with ISyE\u2019s long-standing top national ranking in industrial engineering, led Nguyen to pursue his doctoral studies at Georgia Tech. His primary research focuses on applied probability, with an emphasis on bridging theoretical models and practical systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENguyen received the IBM Fellowship in recognition of his ongoing research. One of his current research projects examines how far a process is from the steady state and seeks to better understand the finite-time behavior of the system and to make accurate real-time decisions. This work has meaningful applications in many real-world service systems models, such as the load balancing algorithms found in data centers and ride-hailing systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn additional his work in applied probability, Nguyen is exploring ways to improve artificial intelligence reasoning. His research investigates how large language models can verify their own outputs using mathematical heuristics and training data. By identifying and correcting discrepancies before displaying results to the user, the system could become more accurate and reliable.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENguyen contributes much to the mentorship of his advisor, Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/siva-theja-maguluri\u0022\u003ESiva Theja Magulur\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI would like to thank my advisor, Professor Siva Theja, for supporting me through this journey,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u0027s an extremely caring, insightful, and attentive professor. He\u0027s also very supportive of me pursuing the AI reasoning research at Google DeepMind, although this is not his main research. Over the years, I have learned a lot from him as his student.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe IBM Fellowship is the latest in a series of achievements for Nguyen. In 2024 and 2025, respectively, he was part of a Google DeepMind team that earned silver and gold medals in the International Mathematical Olympiad. He also won second place at the ACM SIGMETRICS 2025 Student Research Contest for his work on the finite-time behavior of queuing systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs he continues his doctoral studies, Nguyen remains focused on advancing his research and contributing to both theoretical and applied fields.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENguyen\u0027s work focuses on understanding real-world system behavior, such as queuing and load balancing, while also advancing methods for improving AI reasoning, building more reliable and effective technologies with practical applications.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Hoang Nguyen, a Ph.D. student at the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, has earned an IBM Fellowship for his innovative research in applied probability and AI, advancing real-world systems and intelligent technologies."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2026-03-30 13:26:44","changed_gmt":"2026-03-31 16:05:20","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-30T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-30T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679770":{"id":"679770","type":"image","title":"Hoang Nguyen.jpg","body":null,"created":"1774877220","gmt_created":"2026-03-30 13:27:00","changed":"1774877220","gmt_changed":"2026-03-30 13:27:00","alt":"Hoang Nguyen","file":{"fid":"263971","name":"Hoang-Nguyen.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/30\/Hoang-Nguyen.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/30\/Hoang-Nguyen.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":45371,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/30\/Hoang-Nguyen.jpg?itok=jlrk7h12"}}},"media_ids":["679770"],"groups":[{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EParker Avery, Student Writing Assistant\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689256":{"#nid":"689256","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Study Shows Explainability is a Must for Older Adults to Trust AI","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EVoice-activated, conversational artificial intelligence (AI) agents must provide clear explanations for their suggestions, or older adults aren\u2019t likely to trust them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat\u2019s one of the main findings from a study by AI Caring on what older adults expect from explainable AI (XAI).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ai-caring.org\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAI Caring\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is one of three AI Institutions led by Georgia Tech and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The institution supports AI research that benefits older adults and their caregivers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENiharika Mathur, a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Interactive Computing, was the lead author of a paper based on the study. The paper will be presented in April at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chi2026.acm.org\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2026 ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI) in Barcelona\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMathur worked with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/empowerment.emory.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECognitive Empowerment Program at Emory University\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to interview 23 older adults who live alone and use voice-activated AI assistants like Amazon\u2019s Alexa and Google Home.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany of them told her they feel excluded from the design of these products.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe assumption is that all people want interactions the same way and across all kinds of situations, but that isn\u2019t true,\u201d Mathur said. \u201cHow older people use AI and what they want from it are different from what younger people prefer.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne example she gave is that young people tend to be informal when talking with AI. Older people, on the other hand, talk to the agent like they would a person.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf Older adults are talking to their family members about Alexa, they usually refer to Alexa as \u2018she\u2019 instead of \u2018it,\u2019\u201d Mathur said. \u201cThey tend to humanize these systems a lot more than young people.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGood Explanations\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe study evaluated AI explanations that drew information from four sources of data:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUser history (past conversations with the agent)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEnvironmental data (indoor temperature or the weather forecast)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EActivity data (how much time a user spends in different areas of the home)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EInternal reasoning (mathematical probabilities and likely outcomes)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMathur said older users trust the agent more when it bases its explanations on data from the first three sources. However, internal reasoning creates skepticism.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInternal reasoning means the AI doesn\u2019t have enough data from the other sources to give an explanation. It provides a percentage to reflect its confidence based on what it knows.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe overwhelming response was negative toward confidence scores,\u201d Mathur said. \u201cIf the AI says it\u2019s 92% confident, older adults want to know what that\u2019s based on.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is another example that Mathur said points to generational preferences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of explainable AI research that shows younger people like to see numbers in explanations, and they also tend to rely too much on explanations that contain numerical confidence. Older adults are the opposite. It makes them trust it less.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKnowing the Context\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMathur said that AI agents interacting with older adults should serve a dual purpose. They should provide users with companionship and support independence while reducing the caretaking burden often placed on family members.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome studies have shown that engineers have tended to favor caretakers in the design of these tools. They prioritize daily tasks and routines, leaving some older adults to feel like they are merely a box to be checked.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe discovered that in urgent situations, older users prefer the AI to be straightforward, while in casual settings, they desire more conversation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHow people interact with technological systems is grounded in what the stakes of the situation are,\u201d she said. \u201cIf it had anything to do with their immediate sense of safety, they did not want conversational elaboration. They want the AI to be very direct and factual.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENot Just Checking Boxes\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMathur said AI agents that interact with older adults are ideally constructed with a dual purpose. They should provide companionship and autonomy for the users while alleviating the burden of caretaking that is often placed on their family members.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome studies have shown that engineers have strayed toward favoring caretakers in the design of these tools. They prioritize daily tasks and routines, leaving some older adults to feel like they are a box to be checked.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThey\u2019re not being thought of as consumers,\u201d Mathur said. \u201cA lot of products are being made for them but not with them.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe also said psychological well-being is one of the most important outcomes these tools should produce.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShowing older adults that they are listened to can significantly help in gaining their trust. Some interviewees told Mathur they want agents who are deliberate about understanding their preferences and don\u2019t dismiss their questions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeeting these needs reduces the likelihood of protesting and creating conflict with family members.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt highlights just how important well-designed explanations are,\u201d she said. \u201cWe must go beyond a transparency checklist.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAn AI Caring study led by Georgia Tech researchers shows that older adults are more likely to trust conversational AI systems that provide them with clear explanations for their decision-making. The study also shows that including older adults more in the design process benefits their well-being and reduces the caretaking burden of family members\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A Georgia Tech study finds older adults are more likely to trust voice-activated AI systems when those systems clearly explain how and why they make decisions."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-03-31 14:01:07","changed_gmt":"2026-03-31 14:04:59","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-31T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-31T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679796":{"id":"679796","type":"image","title":"0A6A0355.jpg","body":null,"created":"1774965687","gmt_created":"2026-03-31 14:01:27","changed":"1774965687","gmt_changed":"2026-03-31 14:01:27","alt":"An older couple sitting on a couch as a man helps them use Amazon\u0027s Alexa","file":{"fid":"263999","name":"0A6A0355.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/0A6A0355.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/0A6A0355.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":171883,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/31\/0A6A0355.jpg?itok=t62aVqXD"}}},"media_ids":["679796"],"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":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"193860","name":"Artifical Intelligence"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"14342","name":"older adults"},{"id":"148721","name":"Amazon Alexa"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689249":{"#nid":"689249","#data":{"type":"news","title":"EPIcenter Launches Georgia Data Center Ordinance Hub ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Energy Policy and Innovation Center (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EEPIcenter\u003C\/a\u003E) at Georgia Tech has launched an interactive tool to help communities navigate the dynamic land-use and policy landscape surrounding data center development: the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/data-center\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Data Center Ordinance Hub\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs new data centers continue to be built and proposed in Georgia, counties and municipalities across the state are considering how to guide this growth. EPIcenter\u2019s data center dashboard provides policymakers, planners, researchers, and community stakeholders with a centralized resource to better understand how data center regulations are being developed and applied across Georgia and the U.S.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur Data Center Hub provides Georgia communities with a one-stop shop to understand how their neighbors are managing land-use regulations for data centers,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/laura-taylor\u0022\u003ELaura Taylor\u003C\/a\u003E, director of EPIcenter. \u201cIt brings together clear, accessible information to help jurisdictions\u0026nbsp;plan when data center growth occurs in their area.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe dashboard is organized around five thematic areas commonly addressed in data center land-use regulations: \u003Cstrong\u003ESite Planning and Building Design, Infrastructure and Utilities, Environmental and Community Protections, Public Safety and Security, and Lifecycle Governance\u003C\/strong\u003E. Within each theme, users can explore specific regulatory topics and access the relevant ordinances enacted by Georgia communities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo build the dashboard, EPIcenter researchers conducted a comprehensive review of municipal codes across the state.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe reviewed municipal codes for about 180 cities and counties across Georgia and identified ordinances that specifically address data center development,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/people-yang-you\/\u0022\u003EYang You\u003C\/a\u003E, EPIcenter\u2019s research associate who developed the project. \u201cIn total, we found 19 data center-specific topics that ordinances tend to cover. We analyzed ordinances across jurisdictions and organized their ordinance provisions into topics such as building placement, setbacks, infrastructure, and environmental considerations to make it easier to compare how different jurisdictions regulate data centers.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou added that the dashboard also incorporates examples from outside of Georgia. By gathering ordinances from other states and pairing them with Georgia-specific examples, EPIcenter aims to provide a clear framework to help communities efficiently address data center land-use regulation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Data Center Ordinance Hub is available through the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/initiatives-in-the-southeast\/\u0022\u003EEnergy Policy and Innovation Center website\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Energy Policy and Innovation Center (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EEPIcenter\u003C\/a\u003E) at Georgia Tech has launched an interactive tool to help communities navigate the dynamic land-use and policy landscape surrounding data center development: the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/data-center\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Data Center Ordinance Hub\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs new data centers continue to be built and proposed in Georgia, counties and municipalities across the state are considering how to guide this growth. EPIcenter\u2019s data center dashboard provides policymakers, planners, researchers, and community stakeholders with a centralized resource to better understand how data center regulations are being developed and applied across Georgia and the U.S.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur Data Center Hub provides Georgia communities with a one-stop shop to understand how their neighbors are managing land-use regulations for data centers,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/laura-taylor\u0022\u003ELaura Taylor\u003C\/a\u003E, director of EPIcenter. \u201cIt brings together clear, accessible information to help jurisdictions\u0026nbsp;plan when data center growth occurs in their area.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Energy Policy and Innovation Center (EPIcenter) at Georgia Tech has launched an interactive tool to help communities navigate the dynamic land-use and policy landscape surrounding data center development: the Georgia Data Center Ordinance Hub."}],"uid":"36413","created_gmt":"2026-03-31 02:42:32","changed_gmt":"2026-03-31 13:54:10","author":"pdevarajan3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-30T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-30T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679785":{"id":"679785","type":"image","title":"Datacenter-Cooling-TopView.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1774924962","gmt_created":"2026-03-31 02:42:42","changed":"1774924962","gmt_changed":"2026-03-31 02:42:42","alt":"Aerial view of a datacenter with air conditioner compressor fans on the roof of the building","file":{"fid":"263987","name":"Datacenter-Cooling-TopView.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/30\/Datacenter-Cooling-TopView.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/30\/Datacenter-Cooling-TopView.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":936768,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/30\/Datacenter-Cooling-TopView.jpeg?itok=xBJaUq7j"}},"679793":{"id":"679793","type":"image","title":"DataCenterDashboard-HeaderImage-Final.jpg","body":null,"created":"1774965063","gmt_created":"2026-03-31 13:51:03","changed":"1774965063","gmt_changed":"2026-03-31 13:51:03","alt":"US Map showing States Represented in the Ordinance Hub and State of Georgia with Data Centers and Local Ordinances highlighted","file":{"fid":"263995","name":"DataCenterDashboard-HeaderImage-Final.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/DataCenterDashboard-HeaderImage-Final.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/DataCenterDashboard-HeaderImage-Final.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":400200,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/31\/DataCenterDashboard-HeaderImage-Final.jpg?itok=q9cFpM_p"}},"679794":{"id":"679794","type":"image","title":"DataCenterDashboard-HeaderImage-Final2.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThematic Areas covered by EPIcenter\u0027s Datacenter Ordinance Hub\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1774965063","gmt_created":"2026-03-31 13:51:03","changed":"1774965063","gmt_changed":"2026-03-31 13:51:03","alt":"Thematic Areas covered by EPIcenter\u0027s Datacenter Ordinance Hub","file":{"fid":"263996","name":"DataCenterDashboard-HeaderImage-Final2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/DataCenterDashboard-HeaderImage-Final2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/DataCenterDashboard-HeaderImage-Final2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":397163,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/31\/DataCenterDashboard-HeaderImage-Final2.jpg?itok=iCDuFZ6-"}}},"media_ids":["679785","679793","679794"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/data-center\/","title":"EPIcenter Georgia Datacenter Ordinance Hub"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"367481","name":"SEI Energy"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"151","name":"Policy, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"}],"keywords":[{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"39511","name":"Public Service, Leadership, and Policy"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:priya.devarajan@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EPriya Devarajan\u003C\/a\u003E || SEI Communications Program Manager\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["priya.devarajan@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689250":{"#nid":"689250","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Look to Bolster Technology Support for Menopause","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWomen in need of supportive maternal and menstrual healthcare in patriarchal societies have increasingly found outlets for disclosure in online communities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat support, however, begins to disappear in these restrictive cultures once women reach menopause, according to new research from Georgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENaveena Karusala, an assistant professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing, and master\u2019s student Umme Ammara are working toward improving existing technologies and designing new ones for a demographic they believe has been neglected.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKarusala and Ammara co-authored a paper based on a study they conducted with women in urban Pakistan experiencing menopause.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWomen\u2019s health is understudied in general, but menopause is more neglected than other women\u2019s health issues,\u201d Karusala said. \u201cOur choice to focus on menopause is motivated by expanding how we holistically think about women\u2019s well-being across their lifespan.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKarusala and Ammara will present their paper in April at the 2026 ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI) in Barcelona.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMasking Symptoms\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMenopause is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period, vaginal bleeding, or spotting. The transition to menopause, called perimenopause, usually happens over two to eight years.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHormone changes may cause symptoms such as irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, mood swings, and brain fog.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese symptoms can be debilitating in some cases and affect daily life. However, Ammara said women are pressured to remain silent, maintain appearances, and regulate their emotions to meet social expectations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cUnderstanding menopause is important because a woman would be experiencing all these symptoms, and people will not understand those as actual symptoms,\u201d Ammara said. \u201cThere\u2019s been resistance to the idea of the medicalization of menopause. People don\u2019t view it as an illness, but as a life transition and something that happens naturally.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFeeling Isolated\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe women interviewed by Karusala and Ammara either stayed at home full-time or were part of the workforce.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers discovered that trusted family members might be the only sources women who stay at home and do not work turn to for disclosure.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWomen at home have the flexibility to take breaks or work at their own pace, so a lot of their experience is shaped by the emotional barriers they face,\u201d Ammara said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat could come from their husbands and family members. Some are supportive and some are not. They might weaponize it and use that term against them, or they might dismiss what they\u2019re going through.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAmmara said it might be easier for women in the workforce to confide in their coworkers, but explaining to an employer that they need sick leave for menopause symptoms can be intimidating.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven in online communities that have enabled women to anonymously share their health experiences, menopause is seldom discussed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERaising Awareness\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKarusala and Ammara argue in their paper that a public health approach could be the most effective way to spark conversation about menopause in a patriarchal culture in which technology use varies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey said the challenge in implementing technologies geared toward menopause support is that the condition isn\u2019t well understood in public. Improving maternal health, for example, is easier to promote within these societies because of the general understanding that motherhood is important.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere must be an existing infrastructure to build on,\u201d Karusala said. \u201cFor example, menstrual and maternal health are taught in schools and regularly discussed in primary care. Cultural and social meaning and importance are placed on motherhood.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cA lot of that doesn\u2019t exist for menopause. Primary care doctors are unprepared to talk about menopause compared to other health issues.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDesign Solutions\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAmmara said that the most effective way for technologies to make an impact on women going through menopause is to directly address systemic power structures around women\u2019s health within Pakistani culture.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt can start with the husbands.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFraming the issue for husbands to understand menopause should be at the forefront of designing technology solutions,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn Islamic contexts, we suggest using faith-based framings. This has been proposed for maternal health in prior works that draw on Islamic principles to engage expectant fathers in providing care and support. Framing it around religious responsibility to involve men in the journey can also be done for menopause.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech assistant professor Naveena Karusala and master\u0027s student Umme Ammara are researching how to improve existing technologies and design new ones to better support women experiencing menopause. Their work is based on a study conducted with women in urban Pakistan, where patriarchal social norms pressure women to stay silent about menopause symptoms and limit their ability to seek support, even in online communities that have otherwise helped women discuss other health issues\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers are looking at how technology can better support women experiencing menopause in urban Pakistan, where patriarchal norms leave them largely isolated and without resources for managing their symptoms."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-03-31 12:09:13","changed_gmt":"2026-03-31 13:18:07","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-30T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-30T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679788":{"id":"679788","type":"image","title":"Ammara-Umme_86A2210.jpg","body":null,"created":"1774958961","gmt_created":"2026-03-31 12:09:21","changed":"1774958961","gmt_changed":"2026-03-31 12:09:21","alt":"Umme Ammar sits in a booth with laptop in front of her","file":{"fid":"263990","name":"Ammara-Umme_86A2210.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/Ammara-Umme_86A2210.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/31\/Ammara-Umme_86A2210.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":95810,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/31\/Ammara-Umme_86A2210.jpg?itok=7jqYXbcn"}}},"media_ids":["679788"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"8900","name":"women\u0027s history month"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"3543","name":"women\u0027s health"},{"id":"171911","name":"women of pakistan"}],"core_research_areas":[{"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":[{"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":""}},"689213":{"#nid":"689213","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Meghan Meredith Recognized with IISE Award for Maternal Health Research","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMeghan Meredith (IE Ph.D. 2025, Operations Research), has been named the\u0026nbsp;first-place winner of the Pritsker Doctoral Dissertation Award by the \u003Cstrong\u003EInstitute of Industrial and Systems Engineers \u003C\/strong\u003E(IISE)\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Efor her dissertation,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\u201cOperations Research for Improved and Equitable Maternal Health.\u201d\u003C\/em\u003E The recognition highlights the impact of her work in applying operations research to one of the most pressing healthcare challenges in the United States: poor maternal health outcomes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMy dissertation focused on maternal health in the U.S., particularly in Georgia,\u201d Meredith said. \u201cWomen are experiencing maternal morbidity and mortality at much higher rates than in other high-income countries. There are also significant racial, ethnic, and rural-urban disparities. All of this points to systemic issues in how maternal healthcare is provided.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeredith\u2019s research combined data analysis, modeling, and policy-focused tools to understand and improve access to obstetric care. A major focus was how access is measured and how to use existing resources more effectively.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOne widely used metric, \u2018maternity care deserts,\u2019 looks at access by county,\u201d she explained. \u201cBut in Georgia, someone might be labeled as lacking care even if a hospital is just a mile across the county line. We realized that this metric was measuring the wrong thing in Georgia. Our work focuses on providing actionable insights to policymakers so they can ensure women have high-quality care nearby.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHer research was motivated by the urgent need to address poor maternal outcomes in Georgia, which ranks among the worst states in the U.S. for both maternal mortality and racial disparities. \u201cWe see that half of women who die due to pregnancy-related causes die after delivery,\u201d Meredith said. \u201cPregnancy is a critical opportunity to engage women in their healthcare, and it\u2019s essential to focus on both maternal and fetal health.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeredith\u2019s contributions aim to bridge the gap between complex operations research models and real-world healthcare decision making. \u201cWe want to take the guesswork out of policy decisions,\u201d she said. \u201cIf a hospital closes or receives funding, our models can estimate the impact on care access and outcomes.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EReceiving the IISE award underscores the impact of Meredith\u2019s research. \u201cWe were so focused on improving maternal health in Georgia,\u201d she said. \u201cThis recognition shows that meaningful healthcare research can also advance the field of operations research and industrial engineering.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeredith credits much of her success to her advisor, Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/lauren-steimle\u0022\u003ELauren Steimle\u003C\/a\u003E, who nominated her for the award and provided guidance throughout her PhD program, which she began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. \u201cHer support was critical, especially during the first year and a half of online learning and isolation,\u201d Meredith said. She also highlighted the importance of her women-led team of collaborators, including physicians and epidemiologists, working on this women-centered research.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECurrently a postdoctoral researcher at NYU Langone Health, Meredith is applying her expertise to organ transplant policy, a field where operations research directly informs life-saving decisions. \u201cAccess, efficiency, and equity are still central themes,\u201d she said. \u201cThe goal is to use powerful tools to improve care outcomes wherever they\u2019re needed most.\u201d\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\u003Cp\u003EMeghan Meredith (IE Ph.D. 2025, Operations Research), winner of IISE\u2019s Pritsker Doctoral Dissertation Award, uses operations research to uncover maternal health disparities in Georgia and help policymakers improve access to care.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Her award-winning research addresses maternal health disparities in Georgia, providing data-driven insights to improve access and outcomes for women."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2026-03-27 13:22:43","changed_gmt":"2026-03-27 19:50:41","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-27T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-27T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679753":{"id":"679753","type":"image","title":"Meghan Meredith","body":null,"created":"1774618423","gmt_created":"2026-03-27 13:33:43","changed":"1774618495","gmt_changed":"2026-03-27 13:34:55","alt":"Meghan Meredith","file":{"fid":"263952","name":"Meghan-meredith.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/27\/Meghan-meredith.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/27\/Meghan-meredith.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":76216,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/27\/Meghan-meredith.jpg?itok=XHJxJjGA"}}},"media_ids":["679753"],"groups":[{"id":"1250","name":"Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems (CHHS)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EErin Whitlock Brown, Communications Manager II\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688902":{"#nid":"688902","#data":{"type":"news","title":"3.8\u2011Billion\u2011Year\u2011Old Titanium Clue Sheds New Light on the Moon\u2019s Early Chemistry","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EA chemical signature hidden in a 3.8\u2011billion\u2011year\u2011old lunar rock is offering new insights into the availability of oxygen within the young Moon.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EPublished today in the journal\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003ENature Communications,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Ethe paper \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41467-026-69770-w\u0022\u003ETrivalent Titanium in High-Titanium Lunar Ilmenite\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d confirms titanium in a reduced, trivalent state in a black, metal-rich lunar mineral called\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003Eilmenite\u003C\/em\u003E. It\u2019s a state only possible in low-oxygen environments, conditions researchers refer to as \u201creducing.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cModels have suggested that these reducing conditions may have varied at different locations and times across the surface of the Moon,\u201d says lead author\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/advik-vira\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdvik Vira\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a graduate student in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E who recently earned his doctoral degree. \u201cWe hope our microscopy technique can be a valuable step in mapping and understanding the Moon\u2019s 4.5-billion-year history.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe team anticipates that their technique could be used on many of the lunar samples collected more than 50 years ago by the Apollo missions in addition to the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/lunar-science\/programs\/angsa\/\u0022\u003EApollo Next Generation Samples\u003C\/a\u003E \u2014 a group of lunar samples that have been stored under pristine conditions \u2014 and new samples from the planned\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/artemis-ii\/\u0022\u003EArtemis missions\u003C\/a\u003E, with Artemis II slated for launch this spring. The technique might also be applicable to samples collected from the far side of the Moon and returned in 2024 by the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.planetary.org\/space-missions\/change-6\u0022\u003EChang\u2019e-6 mission\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe Moon holds clues not only to its own past, but also to the earliest eras of Earth\u2019s evolution \u2014 history that has long since been erased from our planet,\u201d Vira says. \u201cThis study is a step toward understanding the history of both and a reminder that there is still so much left to learn from the lunar rocks we\u2019ve brought back to Earth.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe School of Physics research team included corresponding authors Vira and Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/phillip-first\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPhillip First\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E; in addition to graduate student\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ERoshan Trivedi\u003C\/strong\u003E; undergraduate students\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EGabriella Dotson, Keyes Eames\u003C\/strong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EDean Kim,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eand\u003Cstrong\u003E Emma Livernois\u003C\/strong\u003E; and Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/zhigang-jiang\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EZhigang Jiang\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, along with Institute for Matter and Systems Materials Characterization Facility Senior Research Scientist\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matter-systems.research.gatech.edu\/people\/mengkun-tian\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMengkun Tian\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E;\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/a\u003E Senior Research Scientist\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/people\/brant-m-jones\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBrant Jones\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/people\/thomas-orlando\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThom Orlando\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003ERegents\u0027 Professor in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry with a joint appointment in the School of Physics.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Georgia Tech team was joined by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/addisenergy.com\/\u0022\u003EAddis Energy\u003C\/a\u003E Senior Geochemist\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EKatherine Burgess\u003C\/strong\u003E; Macalester College Assistant Professor of Geology\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geology\/facultystaff\/emily-first\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEmily First\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E; along with\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.lbl.gov\/\u0022\u003ELawrence Berkeley National Laboratory\u003C\/a\u003E Research Scientist\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/energygeosciences.lbl.gov\/profile\/hlisabeth\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHarrison Lisabeth\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Senior Scientist\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/als.lbl.gov\/people\/nobumichi-tamura\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENobumichi Tamura\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eand\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EPostdoctoral Fellow\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ETyler Farr,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ewho recently earned a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECLEVER research\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe investigation began with a dark gray rock called a lunar basalt. Formed when ancient magma erupted on the Moon\u2019s surface, minerals crystallized as it cooled \u2014 preserving key information in their structures. Billions of years later, the rock was brought to Earth by the 1972 Apollo 17 mission, where a small piece is now stored at Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/clever.research.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECenter for Lunar Environment and Volatile Exploration Research (CLEVER)\u003C\/a\u003E, a NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) center led by Orlando.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAs a NASA virtual institute, CLEVER supports researchers exploring lunar conditions and developing tools for the upcoming crewed Artemis missions, and provided the lunar samples for this research. The SSERVI also plays a critical role in training the next generation of planetary researchers: both Vira and Farr earned their Ph.D.s while on the CLEVER team.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cAt CLEVER, we are very interested in understanding the impacts of space weathering,\u201d Vira says. \u201cWe implemented modern\u0026nbsp;sample preparation and advanced microscopy techniques\u0026nbsp;to image samples at the atomic level, and were curious to apply it more broadly to the collection of Apollo rocks in the Orlando Lab. This sample caught our attention.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWhen we imaged an ilmenite crystal from the lunar basalt, what struck us first was how uniform and perfect the crystal structure was,\u201d he recalls. \u201cWe found no defects from space weathering and instead saw an undamaged, pristine crystal \u2014 undisturbed for 3.8 billion years.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETo investigate further, the team analyzed small chips of the rock with Burgess,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ea member of the RISE2 SSERVI team and then a geologist at the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nrl.navy.mil\/\u0022\u003EU.S. Naval Research Laboratory\u003C\/a\u003E. Using state-of-the-art electron microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, Vira determined the oxidation state of the elements in the ilmenite\u003Cem\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Epresent.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIn spectroscopy measurements, each element leaves a distinct \u2018signature,\u2019 Vira explains. \u201cWhen we brought our results back to Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matter-systems.research.gatech.edu\/mcf\/materials-characterization-facility\u0022\u003EMaterials Characterization Facility\u003C\/a\u003E, Mengkun (Tian) noticed something unusual: the signature showed titanium might be present in the trivalent state.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe presence of trivalent titanium had long been suspected in this lunar mineral. The team was intrigued.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA new window into old rocks\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EWith funding from Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cstar.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECenter for Space Technology and Research (CSTAR)\u003C\/a\u003E, Vira returned to the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory to analyze additional samples. The results confirmed that more titanium was present than the mineral\u2019s formula (FeTiO\u2083) predicts \u2014 indicating a portion of the titanium present was trivalent.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThat led me to place our measurements in terms of the broader geological context,\u201d Vira shares. Working with First, Vira explored how ilmenite with trivalent titanium could help reconstruct the nature of ancient magmas from the Moon, especially the chemical availability of oxygen.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cBecause its location on the Moon was noted during the Apollo mission, we know exactly where this rock is from, and we can determine how old the rock is,\u201d he explains. \u201cWhen coupled with our trivalent titanium measurements, we can use that information to estimate the reducing conditions for this specific region at the specific time our rock formed.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIf the upcoming Artemis missions return samples suitable for the team\u2019s technique, these rocks could provide a new window into ancient lunar geology. The research also highlights that many lunar samples already on Earth could be reexamined to look for trivalent titanium.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThere is still so much to learn from the lunar samples we have already brought to Earth,\u201d Vira says. \u201cIt\u2019s a testament to the long-term value of each sample return mission. As technology continues to advance, this type of work will continue to give us critical insights into our planet and our place in the universe for years to come.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDOI\u003C\/strong\u003E: \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41467-026-69770-w\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E10.1038\/s41467-026-69770-w\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFunding\u003C\/strong\u003E: This work was directly supported by the NASA SSERVI under CLEVER. Researchers were also supported by the NASA RISE2 SSERVI and the Heising-Simons Foundation. Funding for collaborations between the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and Georgia Tech for the investigation of lunar minerals was provided by the Georgia Tech Center for Space Technology and Research. Sample preparation was performed at the Georgia Tech Institute for Matter and Systems, which is supported by the National Science Foundation. This work utilized the resources of the Advanced Light Source, a user facility supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, and was supported in part by previous breakthroughs obtained through the Laboratory Direct.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe finding offers new clues about the oxygen conditions that shaped the Moon\u2019s early environment.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The finding offers new clues about the oxygen conditions that shaped the Moon\u2019s early environment."}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2026-03-12 18:40:17","changed_gmt":"2026-03-27 14:09:07","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-27T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-27T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679604":{"id":"679604","type":"image","title":"Taken aboard Apollo 8 by Bill Anders, this iconic picture shows Earth peeking out from beyond the lunar surface as the first crewed spacecraft circumnavigated the Moon, with astronauts Anders, Frank Borman, and Jim Lovell aboard. (Credit: NASA)","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETaken aboard Apollo 8 by Bill Anders, this iconic picture shows Earth peeking out from beyond the lunar surface as the first crewed spacecraft circumnavigated the Moon, with astronauts Anders, Frank Borman, and Jim Lovell aboard. (Credit: NASA)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773340129","gmt_created":"2026-03-12 18:28:49","changed":"1774620147","gmt_changed":"2026-03-27 14:02:27","alt":"Earth peeking out from beyond the lunar surface.","file":{"fid":"263785","name":"Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-11.32.02-AM_0.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/12\/Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-11.32.02-AM_0.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/12\/Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-11.32.02-AM_0.png","mime":"image\/png","size":884051,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/12\/Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-11.32.02-AM_0.png?itok=MbOCiQtk"}},"679608":{"id":"679608","type":"image","title":"Advik Vira","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAdvik Vira\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773340703","gmt_created":"2026-03-12 18:38:23","changed":"1773340750","gmt_changed":"2026-03-12 18:39:10","alt":"Advik Vira. He is wearing a colorful science-print button up.","file":{"fid":"263789","name":"Vira-Headshot.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/12\/Vira-Headshot.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/12\/Vira-Headshot.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":341274,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/12\/Vira-Headshot.jpg?itok=ogP_wqEd"}},"679610":{"id":"679610","type":"image","title":"An illustration\u00a0of the Apollo rock 75035\u00a0on the Moon, an atomic image of the sample, and its spectral signature.\u00a0(Credit: August Davis)","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAn illustration\u0026nbsp;of the Apollo rock 75035\u0026nbsp;on the Moon, an atomic image of the sample, and its spectral signature.\u0026nbsp;(Credit: August Davis)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773350645","gmt_created":"2026-03-12 21:24:05","changed":"1774620172","gmt_changed":"2026-03-27 14:02:52","alt":"A figure showing moon rocks, a magnifying glass showing the internal structure, with a green wavy line emitting from the rock.","file":{"fid":"263792","name":"feature-image-suggestion--1-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/12\/feature-image-suggestion--1-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/12\/feature-image-suggestion--1-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":752836,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/12\/feature-image-suggestion--1-.png?itok=wx3iLDkB"}},"679606":{"id":"679606","type":"image","title":"An optical image of the chip\u00a0from the lunar\u00a0rock\u00a0the team investigated.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAn optical image of the chip\u0026nbsp;from the lunar\u0026nbsp;rock\u0026nbsp;the team investigated.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773340509","gmt_created":"2026-03-12 18:35:09","changed":"1774620185","gmt_changed":"2026-03-27 14:03:05","alt":"A chip of the lunar sample.","file":{"fid":"263787","name":"optical-image-75035.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/12\/optical-image-75035.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/12\/optical-image-75035.png","mime":"image\/png","size":284379,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/12\/optical-image-75035.png?itok=7TX3fZrH"}},"679607":{"id":"679607","type":"image","title":"An image of the chip from the sample, imaged using scanning electron microscopy. Titanium is shown in light blue, and white boxes show areas where\u00a0samples\u00a0were\u00a0extracted\u00a0to analyze the\u00a0ilmenite\u00a0crystal.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAn image of the chip from the sample, imaged using scanning electron microscopy. Titanium is shown in light blue, and white boxes show areas where\u0026nbsp;samples\u0026nbsp;were\u0026nbsp;extracted\u0026nbsp;to analyze the\u0026nbsp;ilmenite\u0026nbsp;crystal.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773340593","gmt_created":"2026-03-12 18:36:33","changed":"1774620199","gmt_changed":"2026-03-27 14:03:19","alt":"The chip, colored in large areas with purple, with blue ribbons of color. There are a total of five white rectangles on the blue areas.","file":{"fid":"263791","name":"SEM-image-75035.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/12\/SEM-image-75035.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/12\/SEM-image-75035.png","mime":"image\/png","size":5511950,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/12\/SEM-image-75035.png?itok=aaHnKhSw"}}},"media_ids":["679604","679608","679610","679606","679607"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41467-026-69770-w","title":"Trivalent titanium in high-titanium lunar ilmenite"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"},{"id":"141","name":"Chemistry and Chemical Engineering"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"192252","name":"cos-planetary"},{"id":"192259","name":"cos-students"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"},{"id":"39471","name":"Materials"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"193657","name":"Space Research Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWritten by:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689175":{"#nid":"689175","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Tech Swarms into Athens for Clean, Old-Fashioned Computing","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe in-state rivalry between the Yellow Jackets and the Bulldogs usually heats up when Georgia Tech visits the University of Georgia. However, one Saturday last month, the focus shifted from competition to collaboration.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Scientific Computing Symposium (GSCS) held its annual meeting on February 21 in Athens. Since 2009, the event has hosted researchers from across the Peach State to showcase homegrown advances in scientific computing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/haoningwu.github.io\/GSCS2026.html\u0022\u003EThe symposium\u003C\/a\u003E highlighted Georgia\u2019s reputation as a computing innovation hub. People from around the world come to Georgia universities to lead computing research. By advancing science, engineering, medicine, and technology, their work improves communities at home and abroad.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFaculty and students from Georgia Tech, UGA, Georgia State University, and Emory University presented at the symposium. Georgia Tech participants came from the colleges of Computing, Engineering, and Sciences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis year\u2019s organizers agreed to meet in Atlanta for the 2027 symposium. Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cse.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Computational Science and Engineering (CSE)\u003C\/a\u003E will host the 19th GSCS.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFrom healthcare to computer chip design, scientific computing underpins many of the technological advances we see in our lives,\u201d said Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/faculty.cc.gatech.edu\/~echow\/\u0022\u003EEdmond Chow\u003C\/a\u003E, associate chair of the School of CSE.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cScientific computing provides the mathematical models, simulations, and data\u2011driven tools that make modern innovation possible. It allows people to analyze complex systems, test ideas virtually before building them, and make faster, more accurate decisions across nearly every sector of society.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProfessor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/hmzhou.math.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EHaomin Zhou\u003C\/a\u003E and Assistant Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/itshelenxu.github.io\/\u0022\u003EHelen Xu\u003C\/a\u003E delivered two of the symposium\u2019s five plenary talks.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZhou presented a new method for solving the Schr\u00f6dinger equation, a landmark equation in quantum mechanics. Drawing inspiration from the mathematics used in generative artificial intelligence models, his approach develops an algorithm that more effectively simulates waves, particle motion, and other physical systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EXu focused on improving how computers move and organize data during complex calculations. Her work uses \u201ccache-friendly\u201d layouts that help computers access data more efficiently, boosting performance for scientific and engineering applications.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSpeaking at GSCS was a great opportunity,\u201d Xu said. \u201cThe symposium fostered connections within the scientific computing community and gave us a chance to share exciting research.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe symposium showcased student work through a poster blitz and a poster session. During the blitz, 36 students each had one minute to introduce their research to the full audience. They then shared more details about their research during the poster session.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe student projects showed the range of fields supported by scientific computing. The session also provided attendees with an opportunity to connect and expand their professional networks, helping grow the field\u2019s future impact.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAs an aerospace engineer by training and aspiring computational scientist, GSCS gave me the platform to network with other researchers in the field while showcasing my own research,\u201d said M.S. student \u003Cstrong\u003EKashvi Mundra\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI was able to connect with scientists across different disciplines whose work intersects with my own in unexpected ways. Those conversations pushed my thinking beyond my own lab\u0027s perspective, helping me see my work on physics-informed machine learning for inverse problems in a broader scientific computing context.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech students who presented posters included:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbir Haque\u003C\/strong\u003E (CSE), \u003Cem\u003EMassively Parallel Random Phase Approximation Correlation Energy via Lanczos Quadrature\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAntonio Varagnolo\u003C\/strong\u003E (CSE), \u003Cem\u003EPhysics-Enhanced Deep Surrogates for the Phonon Boltzmann Transport Equation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBen Burns\u003C\/strong\u003E (CSE), \u003Cem\u003EInfinite-Dimensional Stein Variational Inference with Derivative-Informed Neural Operators\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBen Wilfong\u003C\/strong\u003E (CSE), \u003Cem\u003EShocks without Shock Capturing; Compressible Flow at 1 quadrillion Degrees of Freedom without Loss of Accuracy\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDaniel Vickers\u003C\/strong\u003E (CSE), \u003Cem\u003EHighly-Parallel Fluid-Solid Interactions for Compressible Flows\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEric Fowler\u003C\/strong\u003E (CSE), \u003Cem\u003EHigh-Performance Tensor Contractions in Computational Chemistry\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHaoran Yan\u003C\/strong\u003E (Math), \u003Cem\u003EUnderstanding Denoising Autoencoders through the Manifold Hypothesis: A Geometric Perspective\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKashvi Mundra\u003C\/strong\u003E (CSE), \u003Cem\u003EAutoregressive Multifidelity Neural Surrogate Modeling under Scarce Data Regimes\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESebasti\u00e1n Guti\u00e9rrez Hern\u00e1ndez\u003C\/strong\u003E (Math\/CSE), \u003Cem\u003EPDPO: Parametric Density Path Optimization\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVivian Zhang\u003C\/strong\u003E (AE), \u003Cem\u003EMultifidelity Operator Inference: Non-Intrusive Reduced Order Modeling from Scarce Data\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EXian Mae Hadia\u003C\/strong\u003E (CSE), \u003Cem\u003EData Efficiency of Surrogate Models: Learning Physics Data from Full Field Data vs. Inductive Bias from Approximate PDE Solvers\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EXiangming Huang\u003C\/strong\u003E (CSE), \u003Cem\u003ENeural Operator Accelerated Evolutionary Strategies for PDE-Constraint Optimization\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EZhaiming Shen\u003C\/strong\u003E (Math), \u003Cem\u003EUnderstanding In-Context Learning on Structured Manifolds: Bridging Attention to Kernel Methods\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EZhongjie Shi\u003C\/strong\u003E (Math), \u003Cem\u003ETowards Understanding Generalization in DP-GD: A Case Study in Training Two-Layer CNNs\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe in-state rivalry between the Yellow Jackets and the Bulldogs usually heats up when Georgia Tech visits the University of Georgia. However, one Saturday last month, the focus shifted from competition to collaboration.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Scientific Computing Symposium (GSCS) held its annual meeting on February 21 in Athens. Since 2009, the event has hosted researchers from across the Peach State to showcase homegrown advances in scientific computing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/haoningwu.github.io\/GSCS2026.html\u0022\u003EThe symposium\u003C\/a\u003E highlighted Georgia\u2019s reputation as a computing innovation hub. People from around the world come to Georgia universities to lead computing research. By advancing science, engineering, medicine, and technology, their work improves communities at home and abroad.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers from universities across Georgia, including Georgia Tech, set aside rivalry to collaborate at the 2026 Georgia Scientific Computing Symposium, highlighting the state\u2019s growing role as a hub for innovation in scientific computing."}],"uid":"36319","created_gmt":"2026-03-25 13:04:13","changed_gmt":"2026-03-25 19:41:06","author":"Bryant Wine","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-25T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-25T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679732":{"id":"679732","type":"image","title":"GSCS-2026-Head-Image.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1774443866","gmt_created":"2026-03-25 13:04:26","changed":"1774443866","gmt_changed":"2026-03-25 13:04:26","alt":"2026 Georgia Scientific Computing Symposium","file":{"fid":"263927","name":"GSCS-2026-Head-Image.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/25\/GSCS-2026-Head-Image.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/25\/GSCS-2026-Head-Image.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":217081,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/25\/GSCS-2026-Head-Image.jpeg?itok=2Vs3GesS"}},"679733":{"id":"679733","type":"image","title":"Kashvi-Mundra-Poster.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1774443901","gmt_created":"2026-03-25 13:05:01","changed":"1774443901","gmt_changed":"2026-03-25 13:05:01","alt":"2026 Georgia Scientific Computing Symposium","file":{"fid":"263928","name":"Kashvi-Mundra-Poster.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/25\/Kashvi-Mundra-Poster.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/25\/Kashvi-Mundra-Poster.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":84134,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/25\/Kashvi-Mundra-Poster.jpeg?itok=i7BjGyOA"}}},"media_ids":["679732","679733"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/tech-swarms-athens-clean-old-fashioned-computing","title":"Tech Swarms into Athens for Clean, Old-Fashioned Computing"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50877","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"166983","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"},{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"168681","name":"scientific computing"},{"id":"194970","name":"2026 Georgia Scientific Computing Symposium"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBryant Wine, Communications Officer\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:bryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689185":{"#nid":"689185","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Find Training Gaps Impacting Maritime Cybersecurity Readiness","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhether it\u2019s a fire or a flood, a ship\u2019s crew can only rely on itself and its training in emergencies at sea. The same is true for crews facing digital threats on oil tankers, cargo ships, and other commercial vessels.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENew cybersecurity research from the Georgia Institute of Technology, however, revealed that crews aboard commercial vessels were often not adequately prepared to manage cyberattacks effectively due to systemic training gaps.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe findings are based on interviews conducted by researchers with more than 20 officer-level mariners to assess the maritime industry\u2019s readiness to handle cybersecurity attacks at sea.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Historically, cybersecurity research has focused heavily on cyber-physical systems like cars, factories, and industrial plants, but ships have largely been overlooked,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/annaraymaker.dad\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnna Raymaker\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Ph.D. student and lead researcher.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat gap is concerning when more than 90% of the world\u2019s goods travel by sea. Recent incidents, from GPS spoofing to ships linked to subsea cable disruptions, show that maritime systems are increasingly part of the global cyber threat landscape.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers proposed four practical strategies to strengthen maritime cyber defenses and close the training gaps. Their findings were presented recently at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sigsac.org\/ccs\/CCS2025\/call-for-papers\/\u0022\u003EACM SIGSAC Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS).\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch6\u003E1. Make Cybersecurity Training Actually Maritime\u003C\/h6\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany of those interviewed for the study described current cybersecurity training as \u201cboilerplate\u201d \u2014 generic modules that don\u2019t reflect real shipboard risks.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers recommend:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERole-specific instruction: Navigation officers should learn to detect and identify GPS spoofing. Engineers should focus on vulnerabilities in remotely monitored systems.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBridging IT and Operational Technology: Crews need to understand how attacks on IT systems can trigger physical consequences in operational technology \u2014 including collisions, groundings, or explosions.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EHands-on delivery: Replace passive PowerPoints with drills and in-person exercises that build muscle memory.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAccessible standards: Training must account for the wide range of educational backgrounds across crews and be standardized across ranks.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch6\u003E2. Move Beyond \u201cCall IT\u201d\u003C\/h6\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt sea, crews can\u2019t simply escalate a cyber incident to a shore-based IT department and wait. Operational resilience requires onboard readiness.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers recommend:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EVessel-specific response plans: Ships need clear, actionable protocols for threats such as AIS jamming or radar manipulation.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMilitary-style drills: Adopting MCON (Emission Control) exercises \u2014 used by the U.S. Military Sealift Command \u2014 can train crews to operate safely without electronic systems.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStronger connectivity controls: High-bandwidth satellite systems like Starlink introduce new risks. Clear policies and network segregation are essential to prevent new entry points for attackers.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Ch6\u003ERelated Article: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/when-gps-lies-at-sea-how-electronic-warfare-is-threatening-ships-and-their-crews-278181\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhen GPS lies at sea: How electronic warfare is threatening ships and their\u0026nbsp;crews\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E by Anna Raymaker\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h6\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Ch6\u003E3. Create Unified, Ship-Specific Regulations\u003C\/h6\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMaritime cybersecurity regulations are often reactive and fragmented. Researchers argue the industry needs a cohesive, domain-specific framework.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKey recommendations include:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EA unified global model: Like the energy sector\u2019s NERC CIP standards, a maritime framework could mandate baseline controls such as encryption, network segmentation, and anonymous incident reporting.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERules built for real crews: Regulations designed for large naval operations don\u2019t translate well to smaller merchant or research vessels. Standards must reflect actual shipboard conditions.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFuture-proofing requirements: Autonomous ships and remotely operated vessels expand the cyber-physical attack surface. Regulations must proactively address these emerging technologies.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch6\u003E4. Invest in Maritime-Specific Cyber Research\u003C\/h6\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFinally, the researchers stress that long-term resilience requires deeper technical research focused on maritime systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPriority areas include:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EReal-time intrusion detection systems tailored to shipboard protocols.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EProactive security risk assessments of interconnected onboard systems.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECyber-physical modeling to better understand cascading failures in complex maritime environments.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch6\u003EThe Bottom Line\u003C\/h6\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECyber threats at sea are no longer hypothetical. Mariners report real-world incidents ranging from GPS spoofing to ransomware that disrupts global trade.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThrough our interviews with mariners, I saw firsthand how much dedication and pride they take in their work,\u201d said Raymaker. \u201cOur goal is for this research to serve as a call to action for researchers, policymakers, and industry to invest more attention in maritime cybersecurity and support the people who risk their lives every day to keep global trade, food, and energy moving.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/dl.acm.org\/doi\/10.1145\/3719027.3744816\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EA Sea of Cyber Threats: Maritime Cybersecurity from the Perspective of Mariners\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Ewas presented at CCS 2025. It was written by Raymaker and her colleagues, Ph.D. students \u003Cstrong\u003EAkshaya Kumar\u003C\/strong\u003E, \u003Cstrong\u003EMiuyin Yong Wong\u003C\/strong\u003E, and \u003Cstrong\u003ERyan Pickren\u003C\/strong\u003E; Research Scientist \u003Cstrong\u003EAnimesh Chhotaray\u003C\/strong\u003E, Associate Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EFrank Li,\u003C\/strong\u003E Associate Professor \u003Cstrong\u003ESaman Zonouz\u003C\/strong\u003E, and Georgia Tech Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs \u003Cstrong\u003ERaheem Beyah\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EResearch from the Georgia Institute of Technology shows that commercial ship crews are often unprepared for cyberattacks due to inadequate, generic training, despite rising threats like GPS spoofing and ransomware. Because ships must handle incidents independently at sea, researchers recommend more practical, maritime-specific training, stronger onboard response plans, unified global cybersecurity regulations, and increased investment in ship-focused cyber research. These steps are critical to protecting maritime operations, which carry over 90% of global trade.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Research from the Georgia Institute of Technology shows that commercial ship crews are often unprepared for cyberattacks due to inadequate, generic training, despite rising threats like GPS spoofing and ransomware."}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2026-03-25 16:47:20","changed_gmt":"2026-03-25 18:01:30","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-25T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-25T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679738":{"id":"679738","type":"image","title":"Cyber Navy","body":null,"created":"1774461240","gmt_created":"2026-03-25 17:54:00","changed":"1774461240","gmt_changed":"2026-03-25 17:54:00","alt":"A graphic of a boat sailing across the globe with a cyber shield at its front. ","file":{"fid":"263933","name":"AdobeStock_1936842040.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/25\/AdobeStock_1936842040.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/25\/AdobeStock_1936842040.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":50518,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/25\/AdobeStock_1936842040.jpeg?itok=CQWC0YmI"}}},"media_ids":["679738"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"},{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJohn Popham\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Officer II\u0026nbsp;School of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jpopham3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689184":{"#nid":"689184","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Cybersecurity and Privacy Faculty Earns Promotion and Tenure","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Institute of Technology recently announced that \u003Cstrong\u003EFrankLi\u003C\/strong\u003E has been promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and has been granted tenure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELi, an accomplished computer security and privacy researcher, joined Georgia Tech in 2020 as the Institute was launching the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy (SCP). He holds a joint appointment with the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhile tenure may be an individual\u0027s milestone, in reality, it reflects the help, support, and hard work of countless others,\u201d Li said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe credits his accomplishments to the ongoing mentorship and support he has received from faculty and staff at SCP, ECE, and Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u0027m also extremely thankful to work with such amazing students at Georgia Tech, especially the Ph.D. students in my research lab, and the BS and MS students in my classes, who help our research efforts. Georgia Tech has been an amazing place to start my faculty career,\u201d said Li.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELi advises five Ph.D. students at his Better Empirically Established Security (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/faculty.cc.gatech.edu\/~frankli\/beeslab.html\u0022\u003EBEES\u003C\/a\u003E) lab in SCP. They take a data-driven approach to understanding how security and privacy concerns manifest in practice, and use the insights gained to drive improvements in real-world security.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETheir research examines how users, security operators, and attackers behave in various security and privacy-sensitive situations, often using internet-wide measurements, network traffic analysis, user studies and experiments, and large-scale data mining.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe tenure and promotion to associate professor rank is in recognition of the outstanding research program Frank has developed at SCP,\u201d said \u003Cstrong\u003EMustaque\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003EAhamad\u003C\/strong\u003E, interim chair and Regents\u2019 Entrepreneur.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHe is an award-winning educator. We look forward to his continued leadership in the important areas of usable security and network security in the future.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELi was among nine College of Computing faculty members who received promotion and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/institute-announcement-recognizes-faculty-achievement-and-excellence\u0022\u003Etenure this year\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJohn P. Imlay Jr. Dean of Computing \u003Cstrong\u003EVivek\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003ESarkar\u003C\/strong\u003E emailed the College community with the good news.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are truly thrilled to celebrate this moment with you, as we recognize your contributions to our students and to the advancement of our College and Institute in so many ways,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2025, Li received the prestigious \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/new-research-will-move-us-closer-passwordless-society\u0022\u003ECAREER Award\u003C\/a\u003E from the National Science Foundation (NSF). His CAREER project will investigate real-world uses of FIDO2\/passkeys and address security and usability issues that can arise. A goal of his research is to identify and resolve problems before they become widespread and more difficult to solve.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/strong\u003E promoted \u003Cstrong\u003EFrank Li\u003C\/strong\u003E to associate professor with tenure, recognizing his impactful research and teaching since joining in 2020 in the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy and ECE. Li leads the BEES Lab, where he and his students use data-driven methods to study real-world security and privacy challenges, including user behavior and network activity, to improve practical systems. Praised for his leadership in usable and network security, he was also among nine faculty honored this year and received a 2025 CAREER Award from the \u003Cstrong\u003ENational Science Foundation\u003C\/strong\u003E to study FIDO2\/passkeys and address emerging security and usability issues.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Institute of Technology promoted Frank Li to associate professor with tenure, recognizing his impactful research and teaching since joining in 2020 in the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy and ECE. Li leads the BEES Lab, where he and his student"}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2026-03-25 16:41:30","changed_gmt":"2026-03-25 16:42:42","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-25T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-25T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679737":{"id":"679737","type":"image","title":"Frank-Li-Story-Graphic-web-copy.jpg","body":null,"created":"1774456919","gmt_created":"2026-03-25 16:41:59","changed":"1774456919","gmt_changed":"2026-03-25 16:41:59","alt":"A graphic showing Frank Li\u0027s promotion to associate professor. ","file":{"fid":"263932","name":"Frank-Li-Story-Graphic-web-copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/25\/Frank-Li-Story-Graphic-web-copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/25\/Frank-Li-Story-Graphic-web-copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1860330,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/25\/Frank-Li-Story-Graphic-web-copy.jpg?itok=6PznWAGU"}}},"media_ids":["679737"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJohn Popham\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Officer II\u0026nbsp;School of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jpopham3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688969":{"#nid":"688969","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Turning Carbon Into Chemistry","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe building blocks of proteins, amino acids are essential for all living things. Twenty different amino acids build the thousands of proteins that carry out biological tasks. While some are made naturally in our bodies, others are absorbed through the food we eat.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAmino acids also play a critical role commercially where they are manufactured and added to pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, cosmetics, animal feeds, and industrial chemicals \u2014 an energy-intensive process leading to greenhouse gas emissions, resource consumption, and pollution.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EA landmark new system developed at Georgia Tech could lead to an alternative: a commercially scalable, environmentally sustainable method for amino acid production that is carbon negative, using more carbon than it emits.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe breakthrough builds on\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/new-carbon-negative-method-produce-essential-amino-acids\u0022\u003Ea method that the team pioneered\u003C\/a\u003E in 2024 and solves a key issue \u2013 increasing efficiency to an unprecedented 97% and reducing the bioprocess cost by over 40%.\u0026nbsp;It\u2019s\u0026nbsp;the highest reported conversion of CO2 equivalents into amino acids using any synthetic biology system to date.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EPublished in the journal\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EACS Synthetic Biology,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Ethe study, \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/10.1021\/acssynbio.5c00352\u0022\u003ECell-Free-Based Thermophilic Biocatalyst for the Synthesis of Amino Acids From One-Carbon Feedstocks\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d was led by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/catalog.gatech.edu\/programs\/bioengineering-phd\/\u0022\u003EBioengineering\u003C\/a\u003E Ph.D. student\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ERay Westenberg\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eand\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/peralta-yahya.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProfessor Pamela Peralta-Yahya\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, who holds joint appointments in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E. The team also included\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EShaafique Chowdhury\u003C\/strong\u003E (Ph.D. ChBE 25) and\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EKimberly Wennerholm\u003C\/strong\u003E (ChBE 23)\u003Cstrong\u003E;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ealongside\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.washington.edu\/\u0022\u003EUniversity of Washington\u003C\/a\u003E collaborators\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chainreaction.anl.gov\/ryan-cardiff\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERyan Cardiff\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, then a Ph.D. student and now a Chain Reaction Innovations Fellow at Argonne National Laboratory, and Charles W. H. Matthaei Endowed Professor in Chemical Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cheme.washington.edu\/facultyfinder\/james-carothers\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJames M. Carothers\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E; in addition to\u0026nbsp;Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Synthetic Biology Team Leader\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pnnl.gov\/people\/alex-beliaev\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlexander S. Beliaev\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0022This work shifts the narrative from simply reducing carbon emissions to actually consuming them to create value,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;Peralta-Yahya.\u0026nbsp;\u201cWe are taking low-cost carbon sources and building essential ingredients in a truly carbon-negative process that is efficient, effective, and scalable.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeat-Loving Organisms\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe work builds on the cell-free technology the team used in their earlier study. \u201cPreviously, we discovered that a system that uses the machinery of cells, without using actual living cells, could be used to create amino acids from carbon dioxide,\u201d Peralta-Yahya explains. \u201cBut to create a commercially viable system, we needed to increase the system\u2019s efficiency and reduce the cost.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe team discovered that bits of leftover cells were consuming starting materials, and \u2014 like a machine with unnecessary gears or parts \u2014 this limited the system\u2019s efficiency. To optimize their \u201cmachine,\u201d the team would need to remove the extra background machinery.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0022Leftover cell parts were using key resources without helping produce the amino acids we were looking for,\u201d says Peralta-Yahya. \u201cWe knew that heating the system could be one way to purify it because heat can denature these components.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe challenge was in how to protect the essential system components from the high temperatures, she adds. \u201cWe wondered if introducing enzymes produced by a heat-loving bacterium,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EMoorella thermoacetica,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Emight protect our system, while still allowing us to denature and remove that inefficient background machinery.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe results were astounding: after introducing the enzymes, heating and \u201ccleaning\u201d the system, and letting it cool to room temperature, synthesis of the amino acids serine and glycine leaped to 97% yield \u2014 nearly three times that of the team\u2019s previous system.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScaling for Sustainability\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETo make the system viable for large-scale use, the team also needed to reduce costs. \u201cOne of the most costly components in this system is the cofactor tetrahydrofolate (THF),\u201d Peralta-Yahya shares. \u201cReducing the amount of THF needed to start the process was one way to make the system more inexpensive and ultimately more commercially viable.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBy linking reaction steps so waste from one step fueled the next, the team devised a method to recycle THF within the system that reduces the amount of THF needed by five-fold \u2014 lowering bioprocessing costs by 42%.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis decrease in cost and increase in yield is a critical step forward in creating a method with real potential for use in industry and manufacturing,\u201d Peralta-Yahya says. \u201cThis system could pave the way for moving this carbon-negative technology out of the lab and onto the continuous, industrial scale.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EFunding: The Advanced Research Project Agency-Energy (ARPA-E); U.S. Department of Energy; and the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research Program.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDOI: \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/acssynbio.5c00352\u0022 title=\u0022DOI URL\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/acssynbio.5c00352\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers have developed a breakthrough system to manufacture valuable amino acids. It\u2019s the most efficient system of its kind \u2014 and removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers have developed a breakthrough system to manufacture valuable amino acids. It\u2019s the most efficient system of its kind \u2014 and removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits."}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2026-03-17 16:04:13","changed_gmt":"2026-03-25 14:16:42","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-17T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-17T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679657":{"id":"679657","type":"image","title":"Amino Acids","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAn illustration of a chain of amino acids forming a protein (Credit: Adobe Stock)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773763467","gmt_created":"2026-03-17 16:04:27","changed":"1773763467","gmt_changed":"2026-03-17 16:04:27","alt":"Blue and orange spirals against a light blue background.","file":{"fid":"263840","name":"AdobeStock_421110334_Preview.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/17\/AdobeStock_421110334_Preview.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/17\/AdobeStock_421110334_Preview.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":483310,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/17\/AdobeStock_421110334_Preview.jpeg?itok=nVtDwueb"}}},"media_ids":["679657"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"},{"id":"660370","name":"Space"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"141","name":"Chemistry and Chemical Engineering"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"194685","name":"Manufacturing"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"192259","name":"cos-students"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"},{"id":"39491","name":"Renewable Bioproducts"}],"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\u003EWritten by:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689150":{"#nid":"689150","#data":{"type":"news","title":"The Future of Brand in an AI-Driven World: A Supply Chain Perspective","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EBy Chris Gaffney, Managing Director of the Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute, Supply Chain Advisor, and former executive at Frito\u2011Lay, AJC International, and Coca\u2011Cola\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe recently wrapped our semi\u2011annual industry advisory board meeting, where a core element of the agenda is a set of \u0022hot topics\u0022 sourced in advance from our member companies, curated, and facilitated to reflect what is most top of mind in the field. This cycle, one of those topics focused on the impact of AI on supply chain technology investment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat began as a discussion on technology quickly surfaced a broader issue:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAI is not just changing supply chains\u2014it is raising the standard for execution, and in doing so, redefining what it takes to sustain a brand.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhen Capability Becomes Cheap\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWithin that discussion, a simple example sparked debate. Most of us would trust a platform like DocuSign without hesitation. It has earned that trust through reliability, security, and consistent performance.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut what if a new entrant\u2014call it \u201cFredSign\u201d\u2014offered similar functionality, powered by AI, at lower cost and with comparable features? Would you use it?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe room split. Some argued that established brands are durable because of the trust they have built over time. Others pushed back, suggesting that AI\u2011enabled challengers could close that gap faster than expected, making brand less relevant.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe discussion quickly moved beyond software to a broader question:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EIn a world where AI lowers the cost of building capability, does trust shift from brand to performance\u2014or does brand become even more important?\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EBrand as a Promise\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom a supply chain perspective, this is no longer theoretical. It is already happening.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt its core, a brand is a promise. For product companies, that promise is built on quality, consistency, and the experience of using the product over time. For supply chain technology and service providers, it is grounded in reliability, security, and confidence in execution.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHistorically, brand has been reinforced by performance\u2014but also protected by time, scale, and familiarity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAI is changing that balance.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ELower Barriers, Higher Expectations\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn one hand, AI lowers barriers to entry. New entrants can replicate functionality faster, improve user experiences, and target specific gaps in incumbent offerings.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn supply chain technology, this is particularly relevant. Many organizations have made significant, long\u2011term investments in systems that have not always delivered as expected. That creates an opening for AI\u2011enabled providers to enter through narrow use cases, solve specific problems better, and establish a foothold. Over time, they build credibility.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut there is a second dimension that is more immediate\u2014and more consequential.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EAI Raises the Execution Standard\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne way to frame this is simple: data is a terrible thing to waste.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor years, supply chains have generated vast amounts of data across planning systems, transportation networks, warehouses, and customer interactions. Much of that data has been underutilized\u2014captured, stored, but not fully leveraged to anticipate risk or improve outcomes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThat is changing.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe capability now exists\u2014and is rapidly maturing\u2014to sense, interpret, and act on that data in ways that were not previously practical. Risks can be identified earlier. Disruptions can be predicted. Corrective actions can be taken before the customer ever feels the impact.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EFrom Disruption to Preventability\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver the past week, in the span of just six days and four unrelated conversations with members of my network, I heard a series of examples that all pointed to this shift.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EA global food company managing risk tied to a critical supplier whose quality issues could impact multiple major brands\u2014raising the question of whether AI could have surfaced a near sole\u2011source dependency earlier.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAn e\u2011commerce retailer using machine learning to reduce theft and damage in its fulfillment network, improving the customer experience.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAn organization proactively shifting its fulfillment partner mix based on AI\u2011driven insights into which nodes can and cannot handle surge capacity.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EA high\u2011end clothing shipment arriving wet due to a fulfillment breakdown\u2014where the loss was not just the product, but a time\u2011sensitive moment that could not be recovered.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EA consumer receiving an empty box after successfully purchasing a limited\u2011release product that could not be replaced.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese are not isolated anecdotes. The common thread is not disruption\u2014it is preventability.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs AI enables earlier detection of risk, better prediction of disruptions, and faster response to exceptions, the tolerance for failure is declining. Companies are no longer judged simply on whether something went wrong. They are judged on whether it should have been avoided.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EBrand Is the Delivered Experience\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom a brand perspective, that is a fundamental shift.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA product brand may invest heavily in innovation and customer engagement. But if the product arrives damaged, late, or not at all, the customer does not distinguish between the brand owner and the supply chain behind it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThere is only one experience\u2014and therefore only one brand.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIn an AI\u2011enabled supply chain, failure is no longer just a risk\u2014it is increasingly a choice.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe Weakest Node Defines the Brand\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA brand is now only as strong as its weakest node.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat node may be a supplier, a logistics provider, a fulfillment partner, or a technology platform. Many sit outside the direct control of the brand owner, yet their performance is inseparable from the customer\u2019s perception of the brand.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI makes it possible to identify and address these weak points\u2014but it also makes it more apparent when companies fail to do so.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EImplications for the Supply Chain Ecosystem\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis dynamic extends directly to platform and software providers. In an AI\u2011enabled environment, it is no longer sufficient for supply chain technology to be stable or functionally adequate. It must evolve\u2014continuously\u2014to sense risk earlier, enable better decisions, and improve execution outcomes. If it does not, its limitations will be exposed quickly, and alternatives will emerge.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETechnology providers are not insulated by their brand; they are judged by the outcomes they enable. Their brand will strengthen if their platforms improve execution\u2014and erode if they do not.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProduct companies must use AI to protect the customer experience end\u2011to\u2011end. Logistics providers must adopt AI to remain credible partners. Technology providers must evolve their platforms to meet a higher execution standard.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf one part of the system advances while another does not, the gap will be visible\u2014and acted upon quickly.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWinners and losers are being judged daily.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat This Means for Leaders\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENone of this suggests that brand is no longer important. In high\u2011trust, high\u2011risk environments\u2014contracts, financial transactions, healthcare, and other sensitive use cases\u2014brand remains critical.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven in this environment, trust must be continuously reinforced through performance. Leaders must clearly understand what underpins their brand. Brand is not an asset to be protected; it is the result of consistently delivering on a promise. Any performance gaps must be addressed before others move in. AI\u2011enabled challengers will not challenge strengths\u2014they will target weaknesses.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFinally, leaders must elevate their ecosystem. Brand performance is now inseparable from partner performance. That requires greater visibility, tighter integration, and higher expectations\u2014not only internally, but across suppliers, logistics providers, and technology partners.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EOne Question to Answer Now\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis execution dimension is only one part of how AI is reshaping brand\u2014but it is already decisive.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA great product can still win. A strong brand can still endure. But in an AI\u2011driven world, where disruptions can be anticipated and failures mitigated, the margin for error is disappearing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd in many cases\u2014especially where the purchase is infrequent or the moment is critical\u2014you only get one shot. At the conclusion of our discussion, one participant framed it simply:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat is our secret sauce\u2014and what are we doing to build on it?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat is the question every supply chain leader should be answering now.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBecause in an AI\u2011enabled world, your brand will be defined by what your system consistently delivers.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAI is transforming supply chains by lowering the cost of building capability and raising execution standards, which forces brands to rely more on consistent performance rather than just historical trust. In this new landscape, a brand\u2019s promise is inseparable from its supply chain\u0027s reliability, as AI-driven data makes operational failures increasingly preventable and less tolerable for customers.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Practical guidance to drive real progress in 2026."}],"uid":"27233","created_gmt":"2026-03-24 14:57:25","changed_gmt":"2026-03-24 19:00:46","author":"Andy Haleblian","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-24T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-24T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679724":{"id":"679724","type":"image","title":"The Future of Brand in an AI-Driven World: A Supply Chain Perspective","body":null,"created":"1774372889","gmt_created":"2026-03-24 17:21:29","changed":"1774372889","gmt_changed":"2026-03-24 17:21:29","alt":"A split-panel conceptual infographic asks a central question: \u0022IN A WORLD OF LOWERED CAPABILITY COSTS, WHERE DOES TRUST LIE: BRAND OR PERFORMANCE?\u0022 The left side, \u0022THE BRAND DIMENSION,\u0022 features a glowing shield on a pedestal with an \u0027X\u0027 logo and lists traits like \u0022TRUST\u0022 and \u0022HERITAGE.\u0022 The right side, \u0022THE PERFORMANCE DIMENSION,\u0022 displays a holographic data interface with metrics like \u0022EXECUTION,\u0022 \u0022RELIABILITY,\u0022 and \u0022PREDICTABILITY.","file":{"fid":"263916","name":"20260324_FutureOfBrandInAnAI-DrivenWorld.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/24\/20260324_FutureOfBrandInAnAI-DrivenWorld.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/24\/20260324_FutureOfBrandInAnAI-DrivenWorld.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":444486,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/24\/20260324_FutureOfBrandInAnAI-DrivenWorld.jpg?itok=DBEaOCed"}},"674087":{"id":"674087","type":"image","title":"Chris Gaffney","body":"\u003Cp\u003EChris Gaffney\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1717067903","gmt_created":"2024-05-30 11:18:23","changed":"1771883375","gmt_changed":"2026-02-23 21:49:35","alt":"Chris Gaffney, Managing Director, Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute","file":{"fid":"257557","name":"chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":129544,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg?itok=_M0fOBTF"}}},"media_ids":["679724","674087"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/news-events\/newsletters","title":"View past SCL newsletters and join our mailing list"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/","title":"Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute"}],"groups":[{"id":"1250","name":"Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems (CHHS)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"194489","name":"scl-spot"},{"id":"167074","name":"Supply Chain"},{"id":"187190","name":"-go-gtmi"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["info@scl.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689157":{"#nid":"689157","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Explore New Remote Sensing Uses for Scheimpflug Principle","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAn optical principle discovered more than a century ago may soon find new applications in such areas as monitoring atmospheric turbulence, tracking airborne objects, and mapping the environment, thanks to researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI).\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EApplying the Scheimpflug technique, the researchers are developing inexpensive rangefinder camera technology, advanced sensors and computational techniques to both complement and provide an alternative to established light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology in certain applications. The technique works best in short- and medium-distance metrology, and can be used passively or in collaboration with laser-based techniques.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe Scheimpflug technique is a complete alternative to time-of-flight (ToF) LiDAR, and we\u2019re looking for everything we can do with it,\u201d said Nathan Meraz, a GTRI senior research scientist who has been refining the new applications for several years. \u201cIt measures things differently, and since it\u2019s a camera sensor, there\u2019s a lot more information to process compared to a LiDAR signal. And there are also data fusion aspects.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA paper on the technique and its potential remote sensing applications was presented during 2025 at the SPIE Defense + Commercial Systems (DCS) Conference. The research was supported by GTRI\u2019s Independent Research and Development (IRAD) program and also has been advanced by teams of student researchers from the GTRI Research Internship Program (GRIP).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gtri.gatech.edu\/newsroom\/researchers-explore-new-remote-sensing-uses-scheimpflug-principle\u0022\u003ESee the complete article on the GTRI news site\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAn optical principle discovered more than a century ago may soon find new applications in such areas as monitoring atmospheric turbulence and mapping the environment.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"An optical principle discovered a century ago may soon find new applications in such areas as atmospheric monitoring and environmental mapping."}],"uid":"27303","created_gmt":"2026-03-24 17:49:38","changed_gmt":"2026-03-24 17:54:22","author":"John Toon","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-24T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-24T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679725":{"id":"679725","type":"image","title":"Dual laser prototype highlighting the low-cost Scheimpflug optical ranging technology","body":"\u003Cp\u003EExample of a functional dual-laser prototype using 3D printed materials and off-the-shelf components, highlighting the compact low-cost paradigm exhibited by the Scheimpflug optical ranging technology for wide-domain application. (Credit: Sean McNeil, GTRI)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1774373652","gmt_created":"2026-03-24 17:34:12","changed":"1774374024","gmt_changed":"2026-03-24 17:40:24","alt":"Scheimpflug optical ranging technology","file":{"fid":"263917","name":"scheimpflug_24.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/24\/scheimpflug_24.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/24\/scheimpflug_24.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1933741,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/24\/scheimpflug_24.jpg?itok=pM6Vk3As"}}},"media_ids":["679725"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["gtri.media@gtri.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689114":{"#nid":"689114","#data":{"type":"news","title":"ATDC Startups Secure Rare  FDA \u2018Breakthrough Device\u2019 Status ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s\u0026nbsp;uncommon\u0026nbsp;for any startup to receive the Food and\u0026nbsp;Drug\u0026nbsp;Administration\u2019s\u202f(FDA) Breakthrough Devices\u202fdesignation.\u0026nbsp;For the\u0026nbsp;roughly 40%\u0026nbsp;of applicants who receive the designation, it\u0026nbsp;shows that\u0026nbsp;the technology has real potential to improve patient outcomes and should get priority attention from the agency.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atdc.org\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAdvanced Technology Development Center\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(ATDC)\u0026nbsp;in Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/commercialization.gatech.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EOffice of Commercialization\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003Eannounced two of its\u0026nbsp;health technology\u0026nbsp;(HealthTech) portfolio\u0026nbsp;companies,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nephrodite.com\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENephrodite\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.orthopreserve.com\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EOrthoPreserve\u003C\/a\u003E, earned\u0026nbsp;the designation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAchieving this rare milestone\u0026nbsp;underscores\u0026nbsp;the caliber of founders, science, and support in ATDC\u2019s\u0026nbsp;30-company\u0026nbsp;HealthTech\u0026nbsp;portfolio, the incubator\u2019s largest focus\u0026nbsp;area.\u0026nbsp;It\u2019s\u0026nbsp;also a\u0026nbsp;win for\u0026nbsp;Georgia\u0026nbsp;because it\u0026nbsp;reflects\u0026nbsp;the strength of the state\u2019s\u0026nbsp;health\u0026nbsp;innovation\u0026nbsp;ecosystem.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis designation is one of the strongest signals the FDA gives that\u0026nbsp;a technology\u0026nbsp;could change the\u0026nbsp;standard of care,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;Greg Jungles, HealthTech catalyst at\u0026nbsp;ATDC.\u0026nbsp;\u201cFor ATDC to\u0026nbsp;have two in the same year is remarkable.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe\u202fBreakthrough Device\u202fProgram\u0026nbsp;doesn\u2019t\u0026nbsp;waive evidence requirements, but it\u202faccelerates learning\u202fwith the FDA, ATDC\u2019s Jungles said. \u201cThat means shorter response times,\u202fmore frequent meetings, and\u202fprioritized review. Teams avoid dead ends and align earlier on study designs and endpoints.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor the founders\u0026nbsp;of both startups,\u0026nbsp;their technologies\u0026nbsp;come one step closer to moving their innovations to market.\u0026nbsp;Nephrodite\u2019s\u0026nbsp;technology\u0026nbsp;improves\u0026nbsp;the lives of dialysis\u0026nbsp;patients.\u0026nbsp;OrthoPreserve\u2019s\u0026nbsp;device addresses challenges faced by\u0026nbsp;those who suffer from chronic knee pain.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENephrodite: Advancing Continuous Artificial Kidney Technology\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDr. Nikhil\u0026nbsp;Shah\u0026nbsp;and Dr. Hiep Nguyen,\u0026nbsp;cofounders\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;Nephrodite, aim\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;improve\u0026nbsp;care for dialysis patients\u0026nbsp;with end-stage kidney disease\u0026nbsp;who need transplants. These patients\u0026nbsp;often\u0026nbsp;spend\u0026nbsp;three to four hours in a\u0026nbsp;dialysis\u0026nbsp;clinic\u0026nbsp;up to\u0026nbsp;three times a week. Being\u0026nbsp;tethered to stationary machines\u0026nbsp;with needles\u0026nbsp;drawing blood via arm grafts\u0026nbsp;complicates\u0026nbsp;everyday\u0026nbsp;activities\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;from work\u0026nbsp;tasks\u0026nbsp;to the ability to travel.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDialysis addresses chronic kidney disease, which means kidneys no longer work properly. The treatments filter out toxins,\u0026nbsp;waste, and other fluids in the blood. Kidney disease\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/kidney-disease\/ckd-facts\/index.html\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ecosts Medicare\u0026nbsp;$124.5 billion\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And those costs are expected to rise because of increasing rates of kidney failure and chronic kidney disease.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cDialysis, while lifesaving\u0026nbsp;when it was pioneered\u0026nbsp;in 1952, is incredibly burdensome,\u201d Shah said.\u0026nbsp;Besides being\u0026nbsp;a long process\u0026nbsp;that keeps the patient in a fixed location,\u0026nbsp;it\u2019s\u0026nbsp;physically tiring.\u0026nbsp;\u201cTaking out your blood\u0026nbsp;continually\u0026nbsp;many, many times over, and over the course of four hours\u0026nbsp;is the equivalent of running\u0026nbsp;the Boston Marathon, hitting the finish line, and then someone saying, \u2018You\u0027re not done;\u0026nbsp;go do\u0026nbsp;it again,\u2019\u0026nbsp;\u201d\u0026nbsp;he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA surgeon by training,\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;expertise\u0026nbsp;in transplantation and oncology, Shah\u0026nbsp;is also an adjunct associate professor\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing. He\u0026nbsp;worked with\u0026nbsp;Nguyen\u0026nbsp;to develop a\u0026nbsp;continuously\u0026nbsp;functioning mechanical artificial kidney, leading to\u0026nbsp;Nephrodite\u2019s\u0026nbsp;formation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;FDA\u2019s\u0026nbsp;breakthrough designation\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;its\u0026nbsp;artificial kidney\u0026nbsp;allows the company\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;pursue approvals to\u0026nbsp;begin tests in\u0026nbsp;human trials.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe company traces its beginnings to a German aerospace facility outside Munich,\u0026nbsp;where\u0026nbsp;Nguyen and\u0026nbsp;Shah\u0026nbsp;watched engineers\u0026nbsp;demonstrate\u0026nbsp;a pediatric artificial heart\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.berlinheart.com\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EBerlin Heart\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat\u2019s\u0026nbsp;how we got started,\u201d Shah said.\u0026nbsp;\u201cSeeing\u0026nbsp;an artificial heart that led us to\u0026nbsp;think about doing this for kidneys\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;because the kidney space has been largely ignored for 70 years.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBacked by a German federal grant,\u0026nbsp;Nephrodite\u0026nbsp;grew, moving from Germany to Boston, Massachusetts, then\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;Austin, Texas, before calling Atlanta home.\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;company joined\u0026nbsp;ATDC\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;tapped\u0026nbsp;into other Georgia Tech programs.\u0026nbsp;This\u0026nbsp;included\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/medtech.gatech.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECenter for MedTech Excellence\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;Nephrodite\u0026nbsp;also\u0026nbsp;drew on\u0026nbsp;student talent as\u0026nbsp;the researchers\u0026nbsp;quietly\u0026nbsp;worked\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;their\u0026nbsp;continuous mechanical artificial kidney.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENephrodite\u0026nbsp;began\u0026nbsp;interviewing\u0026nbsp;patients\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;find out what they wanted\u0026nbsp;the artificial kidney needed to solve.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey learned patients\u0026nbsp;want\u0026nbsp;the ability to be mobile.\u0026nbsp;Patients also\u0026nbsp;desire\u0026nbsp;an alternative\u0026nbsp;therapy to large needles being inserted into arm grafts\u0026nbsp;because the injection sites are prone to\u0026nbsp;infection\u0026nbsp;and the grafts can fail. In addition, the process\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;painful and disfiguring. Finally,\u0026nbsp;patients want\u0026nbsp;a quality of life\u0026nbsp;independent of\u0026nbsp;machines.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThose\u0026nbsp;quality-of-life\u0026nbsp;needs, especially being free and mobile,\u0026nbsp;were\u0026nbsp;absolutely universal,\u201d Shah said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENephrodite\u0026nbsp;began developing the technology to\u0026nbsp;build\u0026nbsp;its device\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;a filter surgically implanted in the pelvis area.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe developed an implant designed to run\u0026nbsp;constantly, connected to larger blood vessels\u0026nbsp;in the pelvis\u0026nbsp;to\u202favoid arm graft failures, and paired with an external interface that lets patients sleep at night while the system removes toxins and excess fluid,\u201d Shah\u0026nbsp;explained.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe device also has\u0026nbsp;built-in sensors, with\u0026nbsp;data uploaded to the cloud,\u0026nbsp;enabling\u0026nbsp;medical care teams\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;remotely\u0026nbsp;monitor\u0026nbsp;their patients\u0026nbsp;while freeing\u0026nbsp;patients from frequent\u0026nbsp;in-clinic\u0026nbsp;visits.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShah said\u0026nbsp;Nephrodite\u2019s\u0026nbsp;device\u0026nbsp;could restore everyday\u202findependence,\u0026nbsp;while potentially\u202flowering infection risk.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u0027s like having an actual kidney, but\u0026nbsp;without\u0026nbsp;all the issues\u0026nbsp;of an unhealthy one,\u201d Shah said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOrthoPreserve: Innovating a Minimally Invasive Meniscus Implant\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EOrthoPreserve\u2019s technology aims\u0026nbsp;to address issues\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;people have with their meniscus,\u0026nbsp;the C\u2011shaped piece of cartilage in a knee joint that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh bone and shin bone.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThough\u0026nbsp;patients undergo a now-routine surgery to address it,\u0026nbsp;incomplete recoveries are\u0026nbsp;also\u0026nbsp;common.\u0026nbsp;An estimated\u0026nbsp;quarter\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;patients\u202flater experience\u0026nbsp;recurring knee pain.\u0026nbsp;No FDA-approved implant\u202fcurrently exists for this population.\u0026nbsp;Now,\u0026nbsp;OrthoPreserveis developing a minimally invasive,\u202fartificial meniscus implant\u202fto\u202frestore cushioning,\u0026nbsp;relieve pain, and\u202fdelay\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;or even\u0026nbsp;prevent\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;knee replacement\u202ffor\u0026nbsp;some patients.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are a million meniscus\u0026nbsp;surgeries every year, and 25% of those patients still live with recurring pain,\u201d said Jonathan Schwartz,\u0026nbsp;OrthoPreserve\u2019s\u0026nbsp;founder and CEO.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPatients\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;face\u202fdaily pain\u202ffrom\u0026nbsp;ordinary activities, such as\u0026nbsp;prolonged\u0026nbsp;standing\u0026nbsp;or\u0026nbsp;walking\u0026nbsp;a dog. Other activities like\u0026nbsp;jogging and\u0026nbsp;recreational sports\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;trigger flares\u202fthat\u0026nbsp;can lead to\u0026nbsp;swelling and\u0026nbsp;prolonged\u0026nbsp;discomfort, Schwartz said.\u0026nbsp;\u201cThose patients have\u202fno\u0026nbsp;reliable\u0026nbsp;options today,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re building a minimally invasive implant to\u202frestore cushioning\u202fand help people get back to the activities they love.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrhoPreserve\u2019s\u0026nbsp;durable implant\u0026nbsp;restores cushioning, and it\u0026nbsp;could help people\u202freturn to normal activities\u0026nbsp;and\u202fdelay invasive knee replacement. Along with this comes\u0026nbsp;potential cost and recovery benefits for the healthcare\u0026nbsp;system.\u202f \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESchwartz\u202fcreated the implant as his\u202f\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/tech-alum-launches-meniscus-implant-startup\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech master\u2019s thesis\u003C\/a\u003E\u202fin the lab of\u202f\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/ku\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDavid Ku\u003C\/a\u003E\u202fin\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;Lawrence P. Huang Endowed Chair for Engineering Entrepreneurship and Regents\u0027 Professor\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. After industry experience,\u0026nbsp;Schwartz\u0026nbsp;returned to\u0026nbsp;further\u0026nbsp;develop\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;technology,\u0026nbsp;building on Georgia Tech\u2019s translational\u0026nbsp;expertise\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrthoPreserve\u0026nbsp;has completed\u202fmechanical testing and a successful\u202fstudy. The company\u0026nbsp;is raising a\u202f$2 million seed\u202fto complete validations and begin human trials, which Schwartz expects to start in\u0026nbsp;18 months.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe\u0026nbsp;FDA\u0026nbsp;breakthrough designation validates that nothing like this\u0026nbsp;technology\u0026nbsp;exists,\u0026nbsp;and that it has the potential to disrupt the standard of care,\u201d Schwartz\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;adding the\u0026nbsp;U.S.\u2019\u0026nbsp;market\u0026nbsp;opportunity\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;roughly\u0026nbsp;$1.5 billion. \u201cWe finally have a minimally invasive\u0026nbsp;option to bridge the gap between meniscus surgery and knee replacement.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat FDA Breakthrough Designation Means for\u0026nbsp;ATDC\u2019s\u0026nbsp;HealthTech Startups\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHaving a\u0026nbsp;faster\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;clearer path is a\u202fderisking milestone\u202ffor investors\u0026nbsp;who are\u0026nbsp;evaluating\u0026nbsp;capital intensive\u0026nbsp;medical\u0026nbsp;device\u0026nbsp;technologies,\u0026nbsp;Jungles\u0026nbsp;said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis\u0026nbsp;breakthrough device designation is a really big deal for medical\u0026nbsp;device companies,\u201d Jungles said, adding\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;startups often fear navigating the FDA\u0026nbsp;approval\u0026nbsp;process.\u0026nbsp;\u201cBut this designation\u0026nbsp;adds to the legitimacy of their technologies\u0026nbsp;and the problemsthey are solving. The designation will help them get to market faster, assuming their data continues to meet expectations.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EATDC launched its\u202f\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atdc.org\/industry\/healthtech\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EHealthTech vertical\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;in 2018,\u0026nbsp;which is\u0026nbsp;now\u0026nbsp;sponsored by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/catalyst.wellstar.org\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECatalyst by Wellstar\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;ATDC\u2019s HealthTech\u0026nbsp;portfoilo\u0026nbsp;companies\u0026nbsp;include\u0026nbsp;medical devices, biotech, and digital health, among other segments.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EATDC\u2019s Role in Accelerating HealthTech Innovation\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENephrodite\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;OrthoPreserve\u2019s\u0026nbsp;founders\u0026nbsp;noted\u0026nbsp;ATDC\u2019s\u202fcoaching\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;programming\u0026nbsp;as critical in navigating fundraising and regulatory milestones.\u0026nbsp;Another\u0026nbsp;factor, they said,\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;ATDC\u2019s\u0026nbsp;connection\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;labs and facilities\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;prototyping support and clinical advisors\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;across\u0026nbsp;metro\u0026nbsp;Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe meet with ATDC coaches every two to four weeks to troubleshoot and plan,\u201d Schwartz said. \u201cHaving that level of seasoned guidance, all\u0026nbsp;without consultant-level costs,\u0026nbsp;has been huge.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJungles added\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;two\u0026nbsp;Breakthrough device\u0026nbsp;designations in the same year\u0026nbsp;reflects\u0026nbsp;ATDC\u2019s selection rigor, noting\u0026nbsp;he\u2019s\u0026nbsp;evaluated hundreds of technologies since the HealthTech vertical launched.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt reflects the caliber\u0026nbsp;of the companies in\u0026nbsp;ATDC, specifically in the medical\u0026nbsp;device space,\u201d Jungles said. \u201cIt\u2019s the strength of their teams, the persistence of the founders, and the collaboration of the ecosystem in Georgia and Atlanta.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFDA Breakthrough Device designation is rare for health technology startups.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Milestone designation signals strong potential to reshape care for dialysis patients and those with chronic knee pain."}],"uid":"28137","created_gmt":"2026-03-20 21:15:57","changed_gmt":"2026-03-24 15:34:46","author":"P\u00e9ralte Paul","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-20T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-20T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679705":{"id":"679705","type":"image","title":"Shah and Nguyen headshots","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDr. Nikhil\u0026nbsp;Shah\u0026nbsp;and Dr. Hiep Nguyen,\u0026nbsp;are cofounders\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;Nephrodite, an ATDC startup.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1774043491","gmt_created":"2026-03-20 21:51:31","changed":"1774043761","gmt_changed":"2026-03-20 21:56:01","alt":"Shah and Nguyen headshots","file":{"fid":"263896","name":"Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-17.49.33.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/20\/Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-17.49.33.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/20\/Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-17.49.33.png","mime":"image\/png","size":289138,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/20\/Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-17.49.33.png?itok=tG6Q9aU1"}},"679703":{"id":"679703","type":"image","title":"Jonathan Schwartz headshot","body":"\u003Cp\u003EJonathan Schwartz,\u0026nbsp;OrthoPreserve\u2019s\u0026nbsp;founder and CEO.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1774042486","gmt_created":"2026-03-20 21:34:46","changed":"1774042827","gmt_changed":"2026-03-20 21:40:27","alt":"Headshot of Jonathan Schwartz.","file":{"fid":"263894","name":"J-schwartz-headshot_W.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/20\/J-schwartz-headshot_W.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/20\/J-schwartz-headshot_W.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":514027,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/20\/J-schwartz-headshot_W.jpg?itok=fyQrz_1r"}}},"media_ids":["679705","679703"],"groups":[{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"}],"keywords":[{"id":"4238","name":"atdc"},{"id":"194965","name":"Greg Jungles"},{"id":"194966","name":"Catalyst by Wellstar"},{"id":"14713","name":"FDA"},{"id":"189701","name":"breakthrough device designation"},{"id":"194967","name":"Nephrodite"},{"id":"194968","name":"OrthoPreserve"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"},{"id":"193654","name":"Enterprise Innovation Institute"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"},{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EP\u00e9ralte C. Paul\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:peralte@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eperalte@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E404.316.1210\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["peralte@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689137":{"#nid":"689137","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Four Challenges to the U.S. Energy Transition","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EEfficiently transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy means looking at so much more than just the technology we use.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EReliable energy is required to keep safe in cold winters and hot summers, making it a matter of national security. There are also vying economic policies to consider, political and financial incentives to navigate, and questions of social and economic inequality.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EExperts in Georgia Tech\u2019s Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts examine \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/featured-news\/2026\/03\/us-energy-transition-challenges\u0022\u003Ethe challenges we face with the U.S. energy transition,\u003C\/a\u003E and work to help make it safe, fair, and effective for all.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EChallenge No. 1: Managing National Security \u2014 with Adam N. Stulberg, professor and chair of the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EChallenge No. 2: Confronting Inequality \u2014 with Bijesh Mishra, a postdoctoral scholar in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EChallenge No. 3: Choosing the Right Economic Policies \u2014 with Bobby Harris, an assistant professor in the School of Economics.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EChallenge No. 4: Navigating Financial and Political Incentives \u2014 with Kate Pride Brown, a sociologist in the School of History and Sociology.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/featured-news\/2026\/03\/us-energy-transition-challenges\u0022\u003ERead the article on the Ivan Allen College website.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EReliable energy is required to keep safe in cold winters and hot summers, making it a matter of national security. There are also vying economic policies to consider, political and financial incentives to navigate, and questions of social and economic inequality. Experts in Georgia Tech\u2019s Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts examine the challenges we face with the U.S. energy transition, and work to help make it safe, fair, and effective for all.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Reliable energy is a matter of national security. There are also vying economic policies to consider, political and financial incentives to navigate, and questions of social and economic inequality to consider."}],"uid":"35766","created_gmt":"2026-03-23 18:34:56","changed_gmt":"2026-03-23 20:13:07","author":"dminardi3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-23T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-23T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679717":{"id":"679717","type":"image","title":"MERCURY--1-.jpg","body":null,"created":"1774291064","gmt_created":"2026-03-23 18:37:44","changed":"1774291064","gmt_changed":"2026-03-23 18:37:44","alt":"Power lines running through open land.","file":{"fid":"263909","name":"MERCURY--1-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/23\/MERCURY--1-.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/23\/MERCURY--1-.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1363201,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/23\/MERCURY--1-.jpg?itok=3CSxj0Wp"}}},"media_ids":["679717"],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1285","name":"Sam Nunn School of International Affairs"},{"id":"1282","name":"School of Economics"},{"id":"1288","name":"School of History and Sociology"},{"id":"1289","name":"School of Public Policy"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:dminardi3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EDi Minardi\u003C\/a\u003E \u2014 Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["dminardi3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"689007":{"#nid":"689007","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Mobile App Turns Phones into At-Home Fetal Heart Monitors","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA new mobile app will soon put the ability to monitor a baby\u2019s prenatal heartbeat in the hands of pregnant women who may worry about their baby\u2019s health in between doctor\u2019s visits.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudies show that one in five pregnant women experiences \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/perinatal-anxiety-one-in-five-women-experience-it-but-many-still-suffer-alone-before-or-after-childbirth-133667\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eperinatal anxiety\u003C\/a\u003E, which is characterized by intense negative thoughts about their pregnancy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDopFone turns any smartphone speaker into a Doppler radar by emitting a low-pitched ultrasound and detecting reflected signals of abdominal surface vibrations caused by a fetal heartbeat.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.alexandertadams.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlex Adams\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, an assistant professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing, said he came up with the idea for DopFone as he and his wife, Elise, experienced two miscarriages. At the time, she couldn\u2019t reliably measure the fetal heart rate with a standard fetal Doppler monitor.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThose experiences exposed gaps in the maternal healthcare process.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are a lot of great devices in hospitals and clinics, but there\u2019s not much outside of those venues, even for high-risk pregnancies,\u201d Adams said. \u201cThis is about filling the gaps between checkups.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.poojitagarg.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPoojita Garg\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E joined Adams to work on DopFone while completing her master\u2019s degree at Georgia Tech. She is now pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Washington and is co-advised by Professor Swetak Patel, who earned his Ph.D. from Georgia Tech in 2008.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGarg is working with the University of Washington School of Medicine to conduct DopFone\u2019s first clinical trials.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGarg tested DopFone on 23 patients and achieved a plus-minus of 4.9 beats per minute, well within the clinical standard range of eight beats per minute for reliable fetal heart rate measurement.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdams said it measured within two beats per minute in most cases, with an error rate of less than one percent.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAbout one million pregnancies in the U.S. end in miscarriage, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/medicine.yale.edu\/news-article\/dr-harvey-kliman-study-finds-the-placenta-holds-answers-to-many-unexplained-pregnancy-losses\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eaccording to a study from the Yale School of Medicine\u003C\/a\u003E, and doctors know little about what causes them. Adams said that number is probably higher because many go unreported.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdams and Garg said it\u2019s unclear whether the innovation could reduce the number of miscarriages. However, consistent fetal heart rate data collection outside of the doctor\u2019s office could provide a better idea of what happens leading up to a miscarriage.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFrom there, we can take preventative action,\u201d Adams said. \u201cIf nothing else, we can give a sense of comfort to those who may be worried.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExpanding Access\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile couples can purchase portable fetal heart rate monitors, Adams and Garg see DopFone as a low-cost alternative for those who live in areas with limited or inaccessible healthcare systems.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of potential for using it in what doctors like to call maternity deserts,\u201d Garg said. \u201cThese are areas where a pregnant person, at the time of delivery, would have to travel long distances to reach a hospital. This technology will be useful globally in underdeveloped areas of the world.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers also mentioned that external add-ons and attachments aren\u2019t part of their design goals. They prefer to rely on the phone\u2019s built-in features to keep the technology accessible.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe real value is that 96% of America already has the technology in their pocket, along with 60% of the world\u2019s population,\u201d Adams said. \u201cHalf of the battle is having the right tools. The more we can get from what\u2019s already in the phone, the more we can guarantee people have access to it.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENot a Substitute\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome patients may feel a constant need to check their unborn child\u2019s heart rate, and Garg acknowledged that a tool like DopFone could increase that anxiety. She and Adams said a future version of the app will tell the parent if the heart rate is within a healthy range.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of tradeoffs between a tool that could provide reassurance or create anxiety,\u201d she said. \u201cWe want the use of this tool to be recommended by a doctor and for doctors and their care teams to be kept in the loop.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe also said DopFone is not meant to replace anything that is done in a clinic.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are devices that make the whole process possible at home, but this is something that should be done in a clinic, so that\u2019s the line we want to draw,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EDopFone uses smartphone speakers to emit a low-pitched ultrasound that detects reflected signals of abdominal surface vibrations caused by fetal cardiac activity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.alexandertadams.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlex Adams\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, an assistant professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing, said he came up with the idea for DopFone as he and his wife, Elise, suffered through two miscarriages.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.poojitagarg.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPoojita Garg\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E joined Adams to work on DopFone while completing her master\u2019s at Georgia Tech. She is now pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Washington and is co-advised by Professor Swetak Patel, who earned his Ph.D. from Georgia Tech in 2008.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGarg is working with the University of Washington School of Medicine to conduct DopFone\u2019s first clinical trials.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGarg tested DopFone on 23 patients and achieved a plus-minus of 4.9 beats per minute, well within the clinical standard for reliable fetal heart rate measurement of plus-minus 8 beats per minute.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A new app will allow pregnant women to conduct an ultrasound and receive an accurate fetal heart rate from their mobile phones."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-03-18 13:23:19","changed_gmt":"2026-03-23 13:16:06","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679666":{"id":"679666","type":"image","title":"DopFone-PR-Photo-with-blur.jpg","body":null,"created":"1773840209","gmt_created":"2026-03-18 13:23:29","changed":"1773840209","gmt_changed":"2026-03-18 13:23:29","alt":"Woman holds mobile phone to the belly of a pregnant woman","file":{"fid":"263850","name":"DopFone-PR-Photo-with-blur.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/DopFone-PR-Photo-with-blur.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/18\/DopFone-PR-Photo-with-blur.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":113510,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/18\/DopFone-PR-Photo-with-blur.jpg?itok=A5qhfUr7"}}},"media_ids":["679666"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"181431","name":"maternal"},{"id":"7677","name":"ultrasound"},{"id":"34741","name":"mobile app"},{"id":"29561","name":"pregnancy"},{"id":"190383","name":"pregnant women"},{"id":"168908","name":"smartphone"},{"id":"188420","name":"babies"},{"id":"178046","name":"fetal monitoring"}],"core_research_areas":[{"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":""}},"688801":{"#nid":"688801","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Energy Day: Meeting AI\u2019s Growing Energy Demands","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/energyday\u0022\u003EEnergy Day\u003C\/a\u003E returns this year on March 19 with an expanded focus and a new collaborative momentum. Cohosted by the Georgia Tech\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matter-systems.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EInstitute for Matter and\u0026nbsp;Systems\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;(IMS) and the \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.research.gatech.edu\/energy\u0022\u003EStrategic Energy Institute\u003C\/a\u003E,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;(SEI) \u003C\/strong\u003Ewith plenary session support from the\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EEnergy Policy and Innovation Center\u003C\/a\u003E, Energy Day 2026 convenes leaders from academia, industry, government, and students to address the challenges associated with meeting the rapidly growing electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESet in the heart of Tech Square on the Georgia Tech campus, this year\u2019s event explores how energy systems, materials, technologies, supply chains, and policy must evolve in response to AI\u2019s accelerating impact. As digital infrastructure expands and computation intensifies, the need for reliable, resilient, and sustainable power has never been more urgent.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEnergy Day reflects Georgia Tech\u2019s strength in connecting world-class research in materials and components with the infrastructure and partnerships needed to translate discovery into scalable energy technologies that serve industry, society, and the future economy,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matter-systems.gatech.edu\/people\/eric-vogel\u0022\u003EEric Vogel\u003C\/a\u003E, executive director of the IMS and the Hightower Professor in Materials Science and Engineering.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEnergy Day 2026 also marks an important milestone with the introduction of its first group of corporate sponsors:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gevernova.com\/\u0022\u003EGE Vernova\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.southerncompany.com\/\u0022\u003ESouthern Company\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.georgiapower.com\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Power\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/corporate.exxonmobil.com\/\u0022\u003EExxonMobil\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/southwirespark.com\/\u0022\u003ESouthwire Spark\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E, \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/gems-setra\/\u0022\u003EGems Setra\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E, \u003C\/strong\u003Eand\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.tek.com\/en\u0022\u003ETektronix\u003C\/a\u003E. Their support reflects a shared commitment to advancing energy solutions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTektronix is excited to be part of Energy Day because advancing the future of energy starts with precise measurement and trusted insights,\u201d said Christopher Bohn, president of Tektronix. \u201cFrom power electronics and high voltage systems to grid scale renewables and AI driven control technologies, the breakthroughs discussed here directly align with the innovations we support through our products and solutions. Collaborating with Georgia Tech allows us to engage early with emerging research and the next generation of engineers\u2014critical collaborators in building a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy ecosystem.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe keynote address will be delivered by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/vanessazchan\/\u0022\u003EVanessa Z. Chan\u003C\/a\u003E, a nationally recognized leader at the intersection of\u0026nbsp;innovation, commercialization, and emerging technologies. Chan will provide insights on accelerating technological discovery, emphasizing how AI is transforming energy and materials design. She will discuss how commercialization strategies must rapidly evolve across multidisciplinary energy domains from grid modernization to advanced batteries and clean manufacturing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBuilding on the themes introduced in the keynote, the program transitions into a fireside chat with Georgia Tech EVPR\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/leadership\u0022\u003ETim Lieuwen\u003C\/a\u003E featuring\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/kulkarniam\/\u0022\u003EAmit Kulkarni\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/james-jim-walsh\/\u0022\u003EJim Walsh\u003C\/a\u003E. Kulkarni is vice president of Product Management and Strategy for the Gas Power business within GE Vernova, where he oversees the world\u2019s largest portfolio of power generation equipment. Walsh, vice president of GE Vernova\u2019s Consulting Services, leads teams providing innovative solutions across the full spectrum of power generation, delivery, and utilization.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENext comes a policy-focused panel that will explore the surge in power demand driven by AI, how the United States is addressing today\u2019s most urgent energy challenges, and the long-term implications of today\u2019s decisions for a sustainable energy future. Bringing together leading voices in U.S. environmental and energy policy, the panel features\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/joseph-aldy-0794942\/\u0022\u003EJoe Aldy\u003C\/a\u003E of Harvard University and former special assistant to the president for Energy and Environment;\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/al-mcgartland-161689a\/\u0022\u003EAl McGartland\u003C\/a\u003E of New York University\u2019s Institute for Policy Integrity and former Environmental Protection Agency lead economist and director of the National Center for Environmental Economics; and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/kevinrennert\/\u0022\u003EKevin Rennert\u003C\/a\u003E, fellow and director of the Comprehensive Climate Strategies Program at Resources for the Future and former staff member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe second panel focuses on critical materials \u2014 the foundation of advanced energy systems and digital technologies. As AI, data centers, and advanced energy technologies drive demand for critical materials, securing them now requires integration and coordination across the entire value chain. Panelists include \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/people\/rachel-galloway\u0022 id=\u0022menur1su2\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/people\/rachel-galloway\u0022\u003ERachel Galloway\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;British consul general in Atlanta;\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/vijaymurugesan\/\u0022\u003EVijay Murugesan\u003C\/a\u003E, head of Materials Intelligence and Digital Innovation at Amazon; \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/colinspellmeyer\/?utm_source=share_via\u0026amp;utm_content=profile\u0026amp;utm_medium=member_ios\u0022 title=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/colinspellmeyer\/?utm_source=share_via\u0026amp;utm_content=profile\u0026amp;utm_medium=member_ios\u0022\u003EColin Spellmeyer\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;executive strategic sourcing leader at GE Vernova; \u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/haslam.utk.edu\/people\/profile\/charles-sims\/\u0022\u003ECharles Sims\u003C\/a\u003E, Tennessee Valley Authority Distinguished Professor of Energy and Environmental Policy at the University of Tennessee; and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/nnnyeboah\/\u0022 id=\u0022menur1sua\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/nnnyeboah\/\u0022\u003ENortey Yeboah\u003C\/a\u003E, principal engineer at Southern Company. Together, they will offer perspectives on the policy and economic frameworks shaping the energy supply chain, from developing raw resources to manufacturing the technologies essential to future energy systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the afternoon, participants can dive deeper into specialized topics through three focused technical tracks.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/energyday\/track1_meet_demand_for_power\u0022\u003EMeeting the Demand for Power\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d will examine how emerging technologies, advanced nuclear systems, and renewable integration can work together to deliver reliable, resilient electricity.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/energyday\/track2-data-center-infrastructure-and-resources\u0022\u003EData Center Infrastructure and Resources\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d will explore innovations in thermal management technologies, energy-efficient computing, and the broader resource impacts of expanding digital infrastructure.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/energyday\/track3-grid-technologies-and-markets\u0022\u003EGrid Technologies and Markets\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d will highlight strategies for strengthening grid capacity, incorporating demand-side management, and optimizing carbon performance as energy systems evolve.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMeeting the rapidly rising electricity demand driven by AI requires bold ideas, coordinated action, and research that moves at the speed of innovation,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/energy.gatech.edu\/people\/yuanzhi-tang\u0022\u003EYuanzhi Tang\u003C\/a\u003E, executive director of the SEI. \u201cEnergy Day 2026 brings together the people and expertise needed to shape resilient, sustainable energy systems for the future. At Georgia Tech, we see this event as a catalyst for new partnerships, new solutions, and a shared commitment to strengthening the nation\u2019s energy foundation.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEnergy Day 2026 is designed for researchers advancing emerging energy technologies, policymakers navigating shifting regulatory and geopolitical landscapes, industry professionals seeking insight into emerging tools and supply chains, and students preparing to enter one of the most consequential sectors of the decade. It also welcomes anyone interested in AI, sustainability, electrification, and critical materials.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJoin us to explore the future of energy. To learn more and register, visit:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/energyday\u0022 target=\u0022_new\u0022\u003EEnergy Day 2026\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/energyday\u0022\u003EEnergy Day\u003C\/a\u003E returns this year on March 19 with an expanded focus and a new collaborative momentum. Cohosted by the Georgia Tech\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matter-systems.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EInstitute for Matter and\u0026nbsp;Systems\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;(IMS) and the \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.research.gatech.edu\/energy\u0022\u003EStrategic Energy Institute\u003C\/a\u003E,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;(SEI) with plenary session support from the\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EEnergy Policy and Innovation Center\u003C\/a\u003E, Energy Day 2026 convenes leaders from academia, industry, government, and students to address the challenges associated with meeting the rapidly growing electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Join us on March 19 as we explore one of the most urgent questions facing the nation: How do we power an AI\u2011driven future?"}],"uid":"36413","created_gmt":"2026-03-06 20:46:52","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 16:57:12","author":"pdevarajan3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-06T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-03-06T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679541":{"id":"679541","type":"image","title":"EnergyDayEmailHeader.jpg","body":null,"created":"1772830025","gmt_created":"2026-03-06 20:47:05","changed":"1772830025","gmt_changed":"2026-03-06 20:47:05","alt":"Georgia Tech Energy Day 2026 Header Image with three boxes showing an image of a datacenter, an electric bulb with energy sources around it and a multi-colored critical mineral ","file":{"fid":"263714","name":"EnergyDayEmailHeader.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/06\/EnergyDayEmailHeader.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/06\/EnergyDayEmailHeader.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":147447,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/06\/EnergyDayEmailHeader.jpg?itok=i6baP0eA"}}},"media_ids":["679541"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[{"id":"194607","name":"Batteries"},{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"},{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"133","name":"Special Events and Guest Speakers"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"39471","name":"Materials"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"39481","name":"National Security"},{"id":"39491","name":"Renewable Bioproducts"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:priya.devarajan@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EPriya Devarajan\u003C\/a\u003E | Communications Program Manager\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["priya.devarajan@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688556":{"#nid":"688556","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Space Startups Take Off at Georgia Tech","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s faculty startup engine\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/quadrant-i.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EQuadrant-i\u003C\/a\u003E, together with the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/space.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESpace Research Institute\u003C\/a\u003E (SRI), launched the first cohort of the CreationsVC Space Fellows Program. Funded by space technology venture capital firm\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/creations.vc\/\u0022\u003ECreationsVC\u003C\/a\u003E, the program enables faculty to explore promising early-stage innovations and their potential for future commercial impact.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis first set of CreationsVC Fellows offers an exciting cross-section of innovative hardware and software technologies built on Georgia Tech\u2019s legacy of space exploration, hardware development, and product commercialization,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/w-jud-ready\u0022\u003EJud Ready\u003C\/a\u003E, SRI executive director.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the first year of the three-year program, CreationsVC provides $125,000 to promote and accelerate innovations that have both space and terrestrial applications. The series offers participants training focused on customer discovery, engaging and compelling storytelling, value proposition design and quantification, and lean\/agile project\/product management.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCreationsVC is centered on a deep appreciation for innovation and big thinking,\u201d said Steve Braverman, co-founder and managing partner of CreationsVC. \u201cWe felt this was the right time to align our efforts in sourcing and supporting dual-value technologies that will have an impact on both Earth and space.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe six startups tackle real-world space research problems like supply chain management, how artificial intelligence works in space, and navigation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are excited CreationsVC is providing us with an opportunity to try new approaches to accelerate deep tech development,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/jonathan-goldman\u0022\u003EJonathan Goldman\u003C\/a\u003E, Quadrant-i\u2019s director.\u0026nbsp;\u201cThese are the toughest kinds of startups to build, and we look forward to the learning we will gain from forcing our innovators out of their comfort zones to embrace some new and valuable skills.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMeet the cohort:\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECompany: \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cimtech.ai\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECIMTech.ai\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFounders:\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/shimeng-yu\u0022\u003EShimeng Yu\u003C\/a\u003E, James Read\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool:\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (ECE)\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObjective: \u003C\/strong\u003ETo develop energy-efficient, radiation-tolerant artificial intelligence processors using a persistent type of ferroelectric memory. The startup aims to improve applications requiring high power efficiency, such as battery-powered devices and space-based systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Q-i: \u201c\u003C\/strong\u003EThe advantage of Q-i is in helping technical founders turn their research into products that solve customers\u2019 problems,\u201d noted James Read. \u201cFor us, that means talking with potential customers and hearing their pain points directly from the source. Now we\u2019re use that information to build a convincing narrative around our startup\u2019s value for stakeholders and investors.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECompany: SkyCT\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFounders\u003C\/strong\u003E: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/directory\/morris-b-cohen\u0022\u003EMorris Cohen,\u003C\/a\u003E Matthew Strong\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool:\u003C\/strong\u003E ECE\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObjective:\u003C\/strong\u003E To provide\u0026nbsp;up-to-date mapping of the electrical properties of the upper atmosphere, with applications to GPS-free navigation, long-range communication, and satellite and launch vehicle viability.\u0026nbsp;The startup uses the radio energy released by lightning strikes to create this map.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Q-i: \u003C\/strong\u003E\u201cThis weird region about 50 miles up from Earth\u2019s surface is both really hard to track and measure, and also impacts a surprising array of applications,\u201d said Cohen. \u201cIt\u2019s sometimes called the `ignorosphere\u2019 because of how difficult it is to measure, and it\u2019s time we change that.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECompany: Penumbra Autonomy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFounders:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/panagiotis-tsiotras\u0022\u003EPanagiotis Tsiotras,\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jdflorez\/\u0022\u003EJuan Diego Florez-Castillo\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/iasonvelentzas\/\u0022\u003EIason Velentzas\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EDaniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (AE)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObjective:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003ETo commercialize algorithms that help spacecraft maneuver when they have limited information on their environment. The algorithms use state-of-the-art computer vision and localization techniques. This could benefit manufacturing, assembly, and refueling in orbit, as well as enable monitoring, situational awareness, and debris removal.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Q-i: \u003C\/strong\u003E\u201cThe program offers a conduit to entrepreneurship opportunities and spinoff companies in the space domain by providing guidance and commercialization \u2018know-how,\u2019\u201d said Panagiotis\u0026nbsp;Tsiotras.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECompany: TerraMorph\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFounders:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/yashwanth-kumar-nakka\u0022\u003EYashwanth Kumar Nakka\u003C\/a\u003E, Sadhana Kumar, Vincent Griffo, Sachin Kelkar\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool:\u003C\/strong\u003E AE\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObjective:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;To create an autonomous rover platform with adaptive, reconfigurable mobility. The rover will implement software and sensing algorithms to automatically detect terrain type and improve traction and energy usage. This could be used on the moon or Mars, or even terrestrial search and rescue.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Q-i: \u003C\/strong\u003E\u201cTerraMorph\u0026nbsp;was developed to address fundamental challenges in mobility and autonomy across uncertain\u0026nbsp;terrain, \u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;successfully translating that work into impact requires creative guidance, critical feedback, and experienced perspectives beyond the lab,\u201d said Yashwanth Kumar Nakka. \u201cQ-i\u2019s culture of leading by example and fostering strong, ethical teams aligns closely with how we want to build\u0026nbsp;TerraMorph: iteratively, thoughtfully, and with a focus on real-world deployment.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECompany: \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/openwerks.org\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOpenWerks\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFounders:\u003C\/strong\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/shreyes-melkote\u0022\u003EShreyes Melkote\u003C\/a\u003E, Mike Yan\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObjective:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;To deliver real-time manufacturing supply chain visibility for the space and national security industries. OpenWerks technology aims to dramatically reduce current sourcing cycles from eight months down to weeks by connecting corporate buyers directly with verified supplier manufacturing capability and capacity data.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Q-i:\u003C\/strong\u003E \u201cFrom the very beginning, principals at VentureLab and\u0026nbsp; Q-i offered a clear pathway to translate academic research into a viable business,\u201d said Mike Yan. \u201cTheir reputation for guiding Georgia Tech startups through both business and technology derisking, combined with their comprehensive ecosystem of programs and coaches, made them the natural partner for our entrepreneurial journey.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECompany: \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.8seven8.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E8Seven8\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFounders:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/chandra-raman\u0022\u003EChandra Raman\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObjective:\u003C\/strong\u003E To manufacture quantum hardware in Georgia. 8Seven8 aims to put high-precision atomic clocks and gyroscopes on a chip for applications ranging from aircraft navigation to industrial automation. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Q-i:\u003C\/strong\u003E \u201cThey have mentored me and my students through the commercialization process, providing opportunities such as the Space Fellows Cohort,\u201d Chandra Raman said. \u201cOne of my former students, Alexandra Crawford, gained valuable business experience through a Q-i entrepreneur\u2019s assistantship, and is now working at 8Seven8 full-time. They have also guided me through the process of obtaining funding through the Georgia Research Alliance for our commercialization effort.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThese six faculty- and student-led startups will tackle space innovations with terrestrial applications.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"These six faculty- and student-led startups will tackle space innovations with terrestrial applications. "}],"uid":"34541","created_gmt":"2026-02-26 20:51:28","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 13:01:10","author":"Tess Malone","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-26T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-26T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679462":{"id":"679462","type":"image","title":"Nasa.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPhoto courtesy of NASA\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1772139109","gmt_created":"2026-02-26 20:51:49","changed":"1772139109","gmt_changed":"2026-02-26 20:51:49","alt":"Northrop Grumman\u0027s Cygnus XL cargo craft approaches the International Space Station","file":{"fid":"263626","name":"Nasa.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/26\/Nasa.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/26\/Nasa.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":315029,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/26\/Nasa.jpg?itok=Nz3pjuAT"}}},"media_ids":["679462"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"},{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"194610","name":"National Interests\/National Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"},{"id":"193657","name":"Space Research Initiative"}],"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":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:tess.malone@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ETess Malone\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Research Writer\/Editor\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687586":{"#nid":"687586","#data":{"type":"news","title":"AI Tool Turns Disaster Zones Into Living Classrooms","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAn AI-powered tool is changing how researchers study disasters and how students learn from them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atlas.gatech.edu\/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular\u0026amp;id=10139\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInternational Disaster Reconnaissance (IDR) course\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, students now use \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.filio.io\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFilio\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a platform built by School of Computing Instruction Senior Lecturer \u003Cstrong\u003EMax Mahdi Roozbahani\u003C\/strong\u003E, to capture immersive 360\u00b0 media, photos, and video that transform real disaster sites in India and Nepal into living digital classrooms.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOffered by the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and taught by IDR director and Regents\u2019 Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EDavid Frost\u003C\/strong\u003E, the course pairs traditional fieldwork with Roozbahani\u2019s expertise in immersive technology and data-driven learning, transforming on-the-ground observations into reusable, interactive educational resources.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow Computing Can Capture Data\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDisasters are not only physical events; they are also information events, Roozbahani says. Effective response and long-term resilience depend on the ability to observe, record, and communicate critical data under pressure. Georgia Tech\u2019s IDR course pairs structured on-campus preparation with international field experiences, enabling students to study the cascading effects of major disasters, including how local building practices, governance, and culture shape damage and recovery.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen students step into a disaster zone, they learn quickly that resilience is a systems problem: physical, social, and informational. Our job in computing is to help them capture and reason about that system responsibly,\u201d Roozbahani said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELearning from the 2025 Himalayas Expedition\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring spring break last year, the cohort traveled along the Teesta River corridor in Sikkim, India. The region is shaped by steep terrain, fast-moving water, and critical infrastructure in narrow valleys.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe visit followed the October 2023 glacial lake outburst flood from South Lhonak Lake, which destroyed the Teesta III hydropower dam and impacted downstream towns, including Dikchu and Rangpo. Field stops across India included Lachung, Chungthang, Dikchu, Rangpo, Gangtok, and New Delhi.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudents explored both upstream and downstream consequences.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUpstream, the team examined how steep terrain and river confinement amplify flood forces, creating cascading risks for infrastructure. Using Filio\u2019s interactive 360\u00b0 media, students captured conditions in Lachung and Chungthang, allowing viewers to explore the landscape through a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/app.filio.io\/photo-viewer?src=https:\/\/visual.filio.io\/f-67d1cabeb82b05102bf91a4c\/_d6LpRAkr0ymi1OqCtGeAYrXo8xBGTJmACPN0SGXP50QlCE8FLR-f-67da18bc11c485642674bf73_=s0-photo-r0\u0026amp;rotation=0\u0026amp;type=360\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E360\u00b0 photo\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/app.filio.io\/video-viewer?src=https:\/\/visual.filio.io\/f-67d1cabeb82b05102bf91a4c\/_IX5yWxXjRjtueg1qeGFhV62K8GDhLlarQ6uFC9g4zkjIl7rCM3-f-67dcd50f11c485642674d269_=s0-video\u0026amp;rotation=0\u0026amp;type=360\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E360\u00b0 video\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E that reveal how topography and river dynamics intensify disaster impacts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey studied community-scale effects downstream, including damaged buildings, disrupted access, and prolonged recovery timelines.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERangpo offered a glimpse of recovery in motion, with materials staged for rebuilding bridges and roads essential to commerce and emergency response.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUsing Immersive Media as a Learning Tool\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudents documented their field experience using \u003Cem\u003EFilio\u003C\/em\u003E, an AI-powered visual reporting platform developed by Roozbahani through Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECREATE-X\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E ecosystem. Filio captures high-resolution photos, video, and 360\u00b0 immersive media, preserving both the facts and the context of disaster sites; what the site felt like, what was lost, and what communities prioritized in recovery.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cA 360\u00b0 capture lets students return months later and ask better questions. That second look is where learning accelerates,\u201d Roozbahani said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESupported by alumni and faculty mentors, including Tech alumnus \u003Cstrong\u003EChris Klaus\u003C\/strong\u003E and Georgia Tech mentor \u003Cstrong\u003EBill Higginbotham\u003C\/strong\u003E, the platform is evolving into a reusable educational library for future courses on immersive technology, responsible AI, and global resilience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKathmandu: The Context of Culture\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe course concluded in Kathmandu, Nepal, where students examined how heritage, governance, and the everyday use of public space shape resilience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough Filio\u2019s immersive documentation \u2014 including a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/app.filio.io\/photo-viewer?src=https:\/\/visual.filio.io\/f-67d1cafeb82b05102bf91a4d\/_n2OFrWLzHNcdTkMl6uD9j0tSrOPybGLZccsNcarj8vwZaZIbuu-f-67dedf3f11c485642674d820_=s0-photo-r0\u0026amp;rotation=0\u0026amp;type=360\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E360\u00b0 photo\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/app.filio.io\/video-viewer?src=https:\/\/visual.filio.io\/f-67d1cafeb82b05102bf91a4d\/_CD25dUToZ6BgfmfrayfHHtsThQGJIQWu82xqmzSy884UXHnbEB-f-67dd5a9b11c485642674d302_=s0-video\u0026amp;rotation=0\u0026amp;type=360\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E360\u00b0 video\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E from Kathmandu \u2014 the focus broadened from hazard impacts to cultural context, highlighting how recovery is not only about rebuilding structures, but also about preserving identity, memory, and community.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELooking Ahead: A Growing Resource for All Students\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrost and Roozbahani envision the IDR immersive media library as a reusable resource for students even when they cannot travel, supporting future courses on immersive technology, responsible AI, and global resilience. Spring 2026 cohorts will continue to build on this foundation by documenting, analyzing, and sharing insights that can improve education and real-world disaster response.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAn AI-powered tool is changing how researchers study disasters and how students learn from them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atlas.gatech.edu\/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular\u0026amp;id=10139\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInternational Disaster Reconnaissance (IDR) course\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, students now use \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.filio.io\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFilio\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a platform built by School of Computing Instruction Senior Lecturer \u003Cstrong\u003EMax Mahdi Roozbahani\u003C\/strong\u003E, to capture immersive 360\u00b0 media, photos, and video that transform real disaster sites in India and Nepal into living digital classrooms.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"An AI-powered tool is changing how researchers study disasters and how students learn from them. "}],"uid":"36613","created_gmt":"2026-01-22 15:11:14","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:54:39","author":"Emily Smith","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-22T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-22T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679052":{"id":"679052","type":"image","title":"1-IDR-Spring-2025---Lachung---Chungthang03182025.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EStudents visited Lachung and Chungthang in Sikkim, India. Upstream in the Teesta Valley, students examined how steep terrain and river confinement amplify flood forces and how failures can cascade across an entire corridor of infrastructure.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1769095217","gmt_created":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","changed":"1769095217","gmt_changed":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","alt":"Students visited Lachung and Chungthang in Sikkim, India. Upstream in the Teesta Valley, students examined how steep terrain and river confinement amplify flood forces and how failures can cascade across an entire corridor of infrastructure. ","file":{"fid":"263164","name":"1-IDR-Spring-2025---Lachung---Chungthang03182025.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/1-IDR-Spring-2025---Lachung---Chungthang03182025.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/1-IDR-Spring-2025---Lachung---Chungthang03182025.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1897568,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/22\/1-IDR-Spring-2025---Lachung---Chungthang03182025.jpg?itok=zDRmcY2d"}},"679053":{"id":"679053","type":"image","title":"2-IDR-Spring-2025---Dikchu03172025.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDownstream in the town Dikchu in Sikkim, India, the class focused on community-scale consequences: damaged buildings, disrupted access, and long recovery timelines.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1769095217","gmt_created":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","changed":"1769095217","gmt_changed":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","alt":"Downstream in the town Dikchu in Sikkim, India, the class focused on community-scale consequences: damaged buildings, disrupted access, and long recovery timelines.","file":{"fid":"263165","name":"2-IDR-Spring-2025---Dikchu03172025.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/2-IDR-Spring-2025---Dikchu03172025.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/2-IDR-Spring-2025---Dikchu03172025.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":543269,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/22\/2-IDR-Spring-2025---Dikchu03172025.jpg?itok=vdI7egUR"}},"679054":{"id":"679054","type":"image","title":"3-IDR-Spring-2025---Rangpo03162025.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ERangpo in Sikkim, India offered a view of recovery in motion such as materials staged for rebuilding near bridges and roads that keep commerce and emergency response moving.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1769095217","gmt_created":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","changed":"1769095217","gmt_changed":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","alt":"Rangpo in Sikkim, India offered a view of recovery in motion such as materials staged for rebuilding near bridges and roads that keep commerce and emergency response moving.","file":{"fid":"263166","name":"3-IDR-Spring-2025---Rangpo03162025.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/3-IDR-Spring-2025---Rangpo03162025.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/3-IDR-Spring-2025---Rangpo03162025.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1479166,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/22\/3-IDR-Spring-2025---Rangpo03162025.jpg?itok=MuIfiKjX"}},"679055":{"id":"679055","type":"image","title":"4-IDR-Spring-2025---Kathmandu--Nepal03212025.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EIn Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, the course broadened from hazard impacts to cultural context, exploring how heritage, governance, and everyday use of public space shape resilience.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1769095217","gmt_created":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","changed":"1769095217","gmt_changed":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","alt":"In Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, the course broadened from hazard impacts to cultural context, exploring how heritage, governance, and everyday use of public space shape resilience.","file":{"fid":"263167","name":"4-IDR-Spring-2025---Kathmandu--Nepal03212025.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/4-IDR-Spring-2025---Kathmandu--Nepal03212025.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/4-IDR-Spring-2025---Kathmandu--Nepal03212025.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2316531,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/22\/4-IDR-Spring-2025---Kathmandu--Nepal03212025.jpg?itok=KBCQfvza"}},"679056":{"id":"679056","type":"image","title":"cover-photo.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESchool of Civil and Environmental Engineering students captured 360 media, using Filio, to study disaster sites in India and Nepal. Photos provided by Roozbahani.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1769095217","gmt_created":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","changed":"1769095217","gmt_changed":"2026-01-22 15:20:17","alt":"School of Civil and Environmental Engineering students captured 360 media, using Filio, to study disaster sites in India and Nepal. Photos provided by Roozbahani. ","file":{"fid":"263168","name":"cover-photo.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/cover-photo.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/cover-photo.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":833758,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/22\/cover-photo.jpg?itok=jiNPLFL8"}}},"media_ids":["679052","679053","679054","679055","679056"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660374","name":"School of Computing Instruction"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"142","name":"City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth"},{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"193866","name":"school of computing instruction"},{"id":"172752","name":"Georgia Tech School of Civil and Environmental Engineering"}],"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:emily.smith@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EEmily Smith\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Computing\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688391":{"#nid":"688391","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Robot Pollinator Could Produce More, Better Crops for Indoor Farms","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA new robot could solve one of the biggest challenges facing indoor farmers: manual pollination.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIndoor farms, also known as vertical farms, are popular among agricultural researchers and are expanding across the agricultural industry. Some benefits they have over outdoor farms include:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EYear-round production of food crops\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELess water and land requirements\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENot needing pesticides\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EReducing carbon emissions from shipping\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EReducing food waste\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.agritecture.com\/blog\/2021\/7\/20\/5-ways-vertical-farming-is-improving-nutrition\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Esome studies\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E indicate that indoor farms produce more nutritious food for urban communities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, these farms are often inaccessible to birds, bees, and other natural pollinators, leaving the pollination process to humans. The tedious process must be completed by hand for each flower to ensure the indoor crop flourishes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/ai-ping-hu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAi-Ping Hu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a principal research engineer at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), has spent years exploring methods to efficiently pollinate flowering plants and food crops in indoor farms to find a way to efficiently pollinate flower plants and food crops in indoor farms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHu,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/shreyas-kousik\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAssistant Professor Shreyas Kousik of the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and a rotating group of student interns have developed a robot prototype that may be up to the task.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe robot can efficiently pollinate plants that have both male and female reproductive parts. These plants only require pollen to be transferred from one part to the other rather than externally from another flower.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENatural pollinators perform this task outdoors, but Hu said indoor farmers often use a paintbrush or electric tootbrush to ensure these flowers are pollinated.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKnowing the Pose\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAn early challenge the research team addressed was teaching the robot to identify the \u201cpose\u201d of each flower. Pose refers to a flower\u2019s orientation, shape, and symmetry. Knowing these details ensures precise delivery of the pollen to maximize reproductive success.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s crucial to know exactly which way the flowers are facing,\u201d Hu said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cYou want to approach the flower from the front because that\u2019s where all the biological structures are. Knowing the pose tells you where the stem is. Our device grasps the stem and shakes it to dislodge the pollen.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEvery flower is going to have its own pose, and you need to know what that is within at least 10 degrees.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EComputer Vision Breakthrough\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHarsh Muriki\u003C\/strong\u003E is a robotics master\u2019s student at Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing, who used computer vision to solve the pose problem while interning for Hu and GTRI.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMuriki attached a camera to a FarmBot to capture images of strawberry plants from dozens of angles in a small garden in front of Georgia Tech\u2019s Food Processing Technology Building. The\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/farm.bot\/?srsltid=AfmBOoqh1Z8vSs3WflZisgw5DsOUSo8shD4VtY0Y8_VmVpVyt0Iwalxo\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFarmBot\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is an XYZ-axis robot that waters and sprays pesticides on outdoor gardens, though it is not capable of pollination.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe reconstruct the images of the flower into a 3D model and use a technique that converts the 3D model into multiple 2D images with depth information,\u201d Muriki said. \u201cThis enables us to send them to object detectors.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMuriki said he used a real-time object detection system called YOLO (You Only Look Once) to classify objects. YOLO is known for identifying and classifying objects in a single pass.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVed Sengupta\u003C\/strong\u003E, a computer engineering major who interned with Muriki, fine-tuned the algorithms that converted 3D images into 2D.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis was a crucial part of making robot pollination possible,\u201d Sengupta said. \u201cThere is a big gap between 3D and 2D image processing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s not a lot of data on the internet for 3D object detection, but there\u2019s a ton for 2D. We were able to get great results from the converted images, and I think any sector of technology can take advantage of that.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESengupta, Muriki, and Hu co-authored a paper about their work that was accepted to the 2025 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) in Atlanta.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMeasuring Success\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe pollination robot, built in Kousik\u2019s Safe Robotics Lab, is now in the prototype phase.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHu said the robot can do more than pollinate. It can also analyze each flower to determine how well it was pollinated and whether the chances for reproduction are high.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt has an additional capability of microscopic inspection,\u201d Hu said. \u201cIt\u2019s the first device we know of that provides visual feedback on how well a flower was pollinated.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor more information about the robot, visit the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/saferoboticslab.me.gatech.edu\/research\/towards-robotic-pollination\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESafe Robotics Lab project page\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EManual pollination is one of the biggest challenges for indoor farmers. These farms are often inaccessible to birds, bees, and other natural pollinators, leaving the pollination process to humans. The tedious process must be completed by hand for each flower to ensure the indoor crop flourishes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA Georgia Tech research led by Ai-Ping Hu and Shreyas Kousik team is working to solve that. A robot they\u0027ve developed can efficiently pollinate plants that have both male and female reproductive parts. These plants only require pollen to be transferred from one part to the other rather than externally from another flower.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A research team that expands GTRI, the College of Engineering, and the College of Computing have developed a robot capable of pollinating flowers in indoor farms."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-02-19 18:58:12","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:54:01","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-19T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-19T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679370":{"id":"679370","type":"image","title":"Harsh-Muriki_86A0006.jpg","body":null,"created":"1771527500","gmt_created":"2026-02-19 18:58:20","changed":"1771527500","gmt_changed":"2026-02-19 18:58:20","alt":"Harsh Muriki","file":{"fid":"263520","name":"Harsh-Muriki_86A0006.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/19\/Harsh-Muriki_86A0006.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/19\/Harsh-Muriki_86A0006.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":140654,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/19\/Harsh-Muriki_86A0006.jpg?itok=rd0rv1Yt"}}},"media_ids":["679370"],"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":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"152","name":"Robotics"}],"keywords":[{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"187991","name":"go-robotics"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"11506","name":"computer vision"},{"id":"180840","name":"computer vision systems"},{"id":"669","name":"agriculture"},{"id":"194392","name":"AI in Agriculture"},{"id":"170254","name":"urban gardening"},{"id":"94111","name":"farming"},{"id":"14913","name":"urban farming"},{"id":"23911","name":"bees"},{"id":"6660","name":"flowers"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"},{"id":"39521","name":"Robotics"}],"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":"\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":""}},"688478":{"#nid":"688478","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Student Getting Research Boost Through Google Ph.D. Fellowship","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA Georgia Tech Ph.D. candidate is getting a boost to his research into developing more efficient multi-tasking artificial intelligence (AI) models without fine-tuning.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Stoica is one of 38 Ph.D. students worldwide researching machine learning who were named a\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.google\/programs-and-events\/phd-fellowship\/recipients\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E 2025 Google Ph.D. Fellow\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStoica is designing AI training methods that bypass fine-tuning, which is the process of adapting a large pre-trained model to perform new tasks. Fine-tuning is one of the most common ways engineers update large-language models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to add new capabilities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf an AI company wants to give a model a new capability, it could create a new model from scratch for that specific purpose. However, if the model already has relevant training and knowledge of the new task, fine-tuning is cheaper.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStoica argues that fine-tuning still uses large amounts of data, and that other methods can help models learn more effectively and efficiently.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFull fine-tuning yields strong performance, but it can be costly, and it risks catastrophic forgetting,\u201d Stoica said. \u201cMy research asks if we can extend a model\u2019s capabilities by imbuing it with the expertise of others, without fine-tuning?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cReducing cost and improving efficiency is more important than ever. We have so many publicly available models that have been trained to solve a variety of tasks. It\u2019s redundant to train a new model from scratch. It\u2019s much more efficient to leverage the information that already exists to get a model up to speed.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStoica said the solution is a cost-effective method called model merging. This method combines two or more AI models into a single model, improving performance without fine-tuning.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn a basic level, Stoica said an example would be combining a model that is efficient at classifying cats with one that works well at dogs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMerging is cheap because you just take the parameters, the weights of your existing models, and combine them,\u201d he said. \u201cYou could take the average of the weights to create a new model, but that sometimes doesn\u2019t work. My work has aimed to rearrange the weights so they can communicate easily with each other.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough his Google fellowship, Stoica seeks to apply model merging to create a cutting-edge vision encoder. A vision encoder converts image or video data into numerical representations that computers can understand. This enables tasks such as image or facial recognition and generative image captioning.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI want to be at the frontier of the field, and Google is clearly part of that,\u201d Stoica said. \u201cThe vision encoder is very large-scale, and Google has the infrastructure to accommodate it.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Stoica is one of 38 Ph.D. students worldwide researching machine learning who were named a\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.google\/programs-and-events\/phd-fellowship\/recipients\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E 2025 Google Ph.D. Fellow\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStoica is designing AI training methods that bypass fine-tuning, which is the process of adapting a large pre-trained model to perform new tasks. Fine-tuning is one of the most common ways engineers update large-language models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to add new capabilities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Stoica is one of 38 Ph.D. students worldwide researching machine learning who were named a 2025 Google Ph.D. Fellow."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-02-23 17:43:54","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:53:05","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-23T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-23T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679394":{"id":"679394","type":"image","title":"IMG_2942-copy-2.jpg","body":null,"created":"1771868657","gmt_created":"2026-02-23 17:44:17","changed":"1771868657","gmt_changed":"2026-02-23 17:44:17","alt":"George Stoica","file":{"fid":"263553","name":"IMG_2942-copy-2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/23\/IMG_2942-copy-2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/23\/IMG_2942-copy-2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":112361,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/23\/IMG_2942-copy-2.jpg?itok=KCVheh-u"}}},"media_ids":["679394"],"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"}],"keywords":[{"id":"3165","name":"google"},{"id":"9143","name":"Graduate Research Fellowship"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"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":""}},"688487":{"#nid":"688487","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Study Could Show How TikTok\u2019s Algorithm Affects Youth Mental Health","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeta CEO Mark Zuckerberg\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/california\/story\/2026-02-18\/mark-zuckerberg-tesimony-la-social-media-trial?utm_source=chatgpt.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Etook the witness stand\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court to defend his company from accusations that social media harms children.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA lawsuit filed by a 20-year-old plaintiff alleges Instagram and other social media apps are designed to make young users addicted to their platforms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeanwhile, social media experts believe the algorithms that drive content on these platforms play a role in hooking users and keeping them scrolling for extensive periods of time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA new study led by Georgia Tech might confirm this suspicion.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsing recently acquired data from more than 10,000 adolescent users,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.munmund.net\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMunmun De Choudhury\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E will audit TikTok\u2019s recommendation algorithm and study its impact on young people\u2019s behavior and mental health.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDe Choudhury is leading a multi-institutional research team on a four-year, $1.7 million grant from the Huo Family Foundation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe hope to learn the different types of negative exposures that young people experience when using TikTok,\u201d De Choudhury said. \u201cThis can help us characterize what they\u2019re watching and build computational methods to understand the consumption behaviors of these participants and how they\u2019re affected by the algorithm.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDe Choudhury, a professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing, is collaborating with Amy Orben, a professor at the University of Cambridge, and Homa Hosseinmardi, an assistant professor at UCLA, on the project.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESocial media platforms have become increasingly reluctant to share their data in recent years, posing a challenge for researchers like De Choudhury.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe can\u2019t do the type of studies we did 10 years ago with X (formerly Twitter) because the API is much more restrictive,\u201d she said. \u201cThere are limited ways to programmatically access people\u2019s data now.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe must go through a tedious, manual process to get around declining access to social media data. This data-gathering process is essential given the sensitive nature of mental health research. You want data that is shared with consent.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrben collected TikTok data from more than 10,000 young people in the UK who consented to provide their personal data archives in accordance with the European Union\u2019s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe collected data includes watch histories, which De Choudhury said distinguishes this research from other social media studies that focus on what users post.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe don\u2019t understand passive social media consumption very well, so we hope to close that gap and learn what that looks like,\u201d she said. \u201cThat could complement or contrast what we know about people\u2019s active engagement on these platforms. Is what they\u2019re consuming directly related to what they\u2019re posting? How does passive consumption affect young people\u2019s mental health?\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA clearer picture of how algorithm-based content affects young people could result in design interventions to minimize negative effects. De Choudhury said studying data from young people is critical because it\u2019s not too late to steer them away from unhealthy behavioral patterns.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSome of the earliest signs or symptoms of mental health conditions appear in adolescence,\u201d she said. \u201cIf appropriate care and support are provided, maybe it\u2019s possible to prevent these symptoms from becoming full-blown in the future.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBeyond TikTok\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat the research team learns about TikTok could also provide broader insight into other social media platforms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETikTok has been influential in how social media platforms display video content. Competitors like Instagram and X modeled their video presentation after TikTok\u2019s, which can easily lead to doomscrolling.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur hope is that our findings can be generalized, with the caveat the data we have is exclusively from TikTok,\u201d De Choudhury said. \u201cOther platforms have similar video-sharing and consumption features where the video automatically plays from one to the next. We hope what we learn from TikTok will be applicable to people\u2019s activities elsewhere, though it will require future work beyond this project to draw concrete conclusions.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESimulating Feeds with AI\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDe Choudhury said an additional part of the study will be using artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate video feeds.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2024, Hosseinmardi led a study at the University of Pennsylvania on YouTube\u2019s recommendation algorithm and used bots that either followed or ignored the recommendations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDe Choudhury said they will use a similar method for TikTok.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe feeds will be realistic but generated by AI to see the potential pathways to consumption rabbit holes,\u201d she said. \u201cThis should give us some insight into how algorithms influence the negative and positive exposures people might be having on TikTok.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFoundation Expands Reach\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBased in the UK and established in 2009, the Huo Family Foundation supports community education initiatives in the UK, the U.S., and China.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe organization announced in January its launch of the Huo Family Foundation Science Programme.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/huofamilyfoundation.org\/news\/updates\/huo-family-foundation-awards-17-6m-for-groundbreaking-research\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe new program is committing $17.6 million to fund 20 new multi-year research grants\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E that explore the impact of digital technology on the brain development, social behavior, and mental health of young people.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cDigital technology is profoundly shaping childhood and young adulthood, yet there is limited causal evidence of its effects,\u201d\u0026nbsp;said Yan Huo, founder of the Huo Family Foundation, in a press release.\u0026nbsp;\u201cWe are proud to support exceptional researchers advancing vital scientific understanding.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELed by Georgia Tech professor Munmun De Choudhury, a multi-institutional research team is launching a $1.7 million study to examine how TikTok\u2019s recommendation algorithm influences the mental health of adolescent users. The project focuses on passive consumption by analyzing the watch histories of over 10,000 young participants and using AI to simulate content \u0022rabbit holes.\u0022 By identifying patterns of negative exposure, the researchers aim to develop design interventions that can steer teenagers away from unhealthy behavioral patterns and support early mental health care.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A Georgia Tech-led research team is conducting a multi-year study using data from more than 10,000 adolescents to investigate how TikTok\u2019s recommendation algorithm and passive content consumption impact youth mental health."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-02-24 14:29:28","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:52:52","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679406":{"id":"679406","type":"image","title":"208A9267-2.jpg","body":null,"created":"1771943377","gmt_created":"2026-02-24 14:29:37","changed":"1771943377","gmt_changed":"2026-02-24 14:29:37","alt":"Munmun De Choudhury","file":{"fid":"263567","name":"208A9267-2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/24\/208A9267-2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/24\/208A9267-2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":104533,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/24\/208A9267-2.jpg?itok=3fEZjVVt"}}},"media_ids":["679406"],"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":"143","name":"Digital Media and Entertainment"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"167543","name":"social media"},{"id":"190947","name":"tiktok"},{"id":"10343","name":"mental health"},{"id":"10824","name":"Children And Adolescents"},{"id":"5660","name":"algorithms"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"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":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688516":{"#nid":"688516","#data":{"type":"news","title":" Is This Your AI? Researchers Crack AI Blackbox","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArtificial intelligence (AI) systems power everything from chatbots to security cameras, yet many of the most advanced models operate as \u201cblack boxes.\u201d Companies can use them, but outsiders can\u2019t see how they were built, where they came from, or whether they contain hidden flaws.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis lack of transparency creates real risks. A model could contain security vulnerabilities or hidden backdoors. It could also be a lightly modified version of an open-source system \u2014 repackaged in violation of its license \u2014 with no easy way to prove it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new framework, ZEN, to help solve this problem. The tool can recover a model\u2019s unique \u201cfingerprint\u201d directly from its memory, allowing experts to trace its origins and reconstruct how it was assembled.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAnalyzing a proprietary AI model without identifying where it came from and how it is constructed is like trying to fix a car engine with the hood welded shut,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/davidoygenblik.github.io\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDavid Oygenblik\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a Ph.D. student at Georgia Tech and the study\u2019s lead author.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cZEN not only X-rays the engine but also provides the complete wiring diagram.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZEN works by taking a snapshot of a running AI system and extracting information about both its mathematical structure and the code that defines it. It compares that fingerprint against a database of known open-source models to determine the system\u2019s origin.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf it finds a match, ZEN identifies the exact changes and generates software patches that allow investigators to recreate a working replica of the proprietary model for testing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat capability has major implications for both security and intellectual property protection.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWith ZEN, a security analyst can finally test a black-box model for hidden backdoors, and a company can gather concrete evidence to prove its software license was infringed,\u201d Oygenblik said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo evaluate the system, the research team tested ZEN on 21 state-of-the-art AI models, including Llama 3, YOLOv10, and other well-known systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZEN correctly traced every customized model back to its original open-source foundation \u2014 achieving 100% attribution accuracy. Even when models had been heavily modified \u2014 differing by more than 83% from their original versions \u2014 ZEN successfully identified the changes and enabled full reconstruction for security testing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers will present their findings at the 2026 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ndss-symposium.org\/\u0022\u003ENetwork and Distributed System Security (NDSS) Symposium\u003C\/a\u003E. The paper, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ndss-symposium.org\/ndss-paper\/achieving-zen-combining-mathematical-and-programmatic-deep-learning-model-representations-for-attribution-and-reuse\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAchieving Zen: Combining Mathematical and Programmatic Deep Learning Model Representations for Attribution and Reuse\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, was authored by Oygenblik, master\u2019s student \u003Cstrong\u003EDinko Dermendzhiev\u003C\/strong\u003E, Ph.D. students \u003Cstrong\u003EFilippos Sofias\u003C\/strong\u003E, \u003Cstrong\u003EMingxuan Yao\u003C\/strong\u003E, \u003Cstrong\u003EHaichuan Xu\u003C\/strong\u003E, and \u003Cstrong\u003ERunze Zhang\u003C\/strong\u003E, post-doctorate scholars \u003Cstrong\u003EJeman Park\u003C\/strong\u003E, and \u003Cstrong\u003EAmit Kumar Sikder\u003C\/strong\u003E, as well as Associate Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EBrendan Saltaformaggio\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers have developed a technique to identify the origins of proprietary \u201cblack-box\u201d AI models, even when their internal structure and training data are hidden. Because many commercial AI systems cannot be externally inspected, it is difficult to detect security vulnerabilities, intellectual property theft, licensing violations, or trace a model\u2019s lineage. The new approach enables researchers to attribute models, determine whether one was derived from another, and identify potential misuse of protected data. By improving transparency and enabling verification of model provenance, the work strengthens accountability and trust in AI systems.\u003C\/p\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":"Researchers have developed a technique to identify the origins of proprietary \u201cblack-box\u201d AI models, even when their internal structure and training data are hidden."}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2026-02-25 17:33:20","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:52:42","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-25T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-25T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679429":{"id":"679429","type":"image","title":"Is-this-your-AI.jpg","body":null,"created":"1772040810","gmt_created":"2026-02-25 17:33:30","changed":"1772040810","gmt_changed":"2026-02-25 17:33:30","alt":"A graphic showing an AI model in an outstretched hand. ","file":{"fid":"263592","name":"Is-this-your-AI.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/25\/Is-this-your-AI.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/25\/Is-this-your-AI.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1346270,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/25\/Is-this-your-AI.jpg?itok=ehbGALRW"}}},"media_ids":["679429"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.ndss-symposium.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026-s1628-paper.pdf","title":"Read the Paper"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2835","name":"ai"},{"id":"193860","name":"Artifical Intelligence"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"365","name":"Research"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"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\u003EJohn Popham\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECommunications Officer II\u0026nbsp;School of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jpopham3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688223":{"#nid":"688223","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Department of Energy Award to Power Nuclear Research With Machine Learning","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe future of clean energy depends on algorithms as much as it does atoms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cse.gatech.edu\/people\/qi-tang\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EQi Tang\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is building machine learning (ML) models to accelerate nuclear fusion research, making it more affordable and more accurate. Backed by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Tang\u2019s work brings clean, sustainable energy closer to reality.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang has received an\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/science.osti.gov\/early-career\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEarly Career Research Program (ECRP) award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E from the DOE Office of Science. The grant supports Tang with $875,000 disbursed over five years to craft ML and data processing tools that help scientists analyze massive datasets from nuclear experiments and simulations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang is the first faculty member from Georgia Tech\u2019s College of Computing and School of Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) to receive the ECRP. He is the seventh Georgia Tech researcher to earn the award and the only GT awardee among this year\u2019s 99 recipients.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMore than a milestone, the award reflects a shift in how nuclear research is done. Today, progress depends on computing and data science as much as on physics and engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI am honored and excited to receive the ECRP award through DOE\u2019s Advanced Scientific Computing Research program, an organization I care about deeply,\u201d said Tang, an assistant professor in the School of CSE.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI am grateful to my former colleagues at Los Alamos National Laboratory and collaborators at other national laboratories, including Lawrence Livermore, Sandia, and Argonne. I am also thankful for my Ph.D. students at Georgia Tech, whose dedication and creativity make this award possible.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E[Related:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/new-faculty-applies-high-performance-computing-scientific-machine-learning-interests-studies\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENew Faculty Applies High-Performance Computing, Scientific Machine Learning Interests to Studies in Plasma Physics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E]\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA problem in nuclear research is that fusion simulations are challenging to understand and use. These simulations generate enormous datasets that are too large to store, move, and analyze efficiently.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pamspublic.science.energy.gov\/WebPAMSExternal\/Interface\/Common\/ViewPublicAbstract.aspx?rv=a756f612-3409-44b8-89ea-7421bf0840e5\u0026amp;rtc=24\u0026amp;PRoleId=10\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIn his ECRP proposal to DOE\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Tang introduced new ML methods to improve the analysis and storage of particle data.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang\u2019s approach balances shrinking data so it is easier to store and transfer while preserving the most important scientific features. His multiscale ML models are informed by physics, so the reduced data still reflects how fusion systems really behave.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith Tang\u2019s research, scientists can run larger, more realistic fusion models and analyze results more quickly. This accelerates progress toward practical fusion energy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn contrast to generic black-box-type compression tools, we aim at preserving the intrinsic structures of the particle dataset during the data reduction processes,\u201d Tang said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTaking this approach, we can meet our goal of achieving high-fidelity preservation of critical physics with minimum loss of information.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EComputing is essential in modern research because of the amount of data produced and captured from experiments and simulations. In the era of exascale supercomputers, data movement is a greater bottleneck than actual computation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDOE operates three of the world\u2019s four exascale supercomputers. These machines can calculate one quintillion (a billion billion) operations per second.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe exascale era began in 2022 with the launch of Frontier at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Aurora followed in 2023 at Argonne National Laboratory. El Capitan arrived in 2024 at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith Tang\u2019s data reduction approaches, all of DOE\u2019s supercomputers spend more time on science and less time waiting for data transfers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cQi\u2019s work in computational plasma physics and nuclear fusion modeling has been groundbreaking,\u201d said \u003Cstrong\u003EHaesun Park\u003C\/strong\u003E, Regents\u2019 Professor and Chair of the School of CSE.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are proud of Qi and what this award means for him, Georgia Tech, and the Department of Energy toward leveraging computation to solve challenges in science and engineering, such as sustainable energy.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch6\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPrevious Georgia Tech recipients of DOE Early Career Research Program awards include:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h6\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2024\/09\/26\/doe-recognizes-georgia-tech-researchers-prestigious-early-career-awards\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EItamar Kimchi\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor, School of Physics\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2024\/09\/26\/doe-recognizes-georgia-tech-researchers-prestigious-early-career-awards\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESourabh Saha\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/wenjing-liao-awarded-doe-early-career-award-model-simplification-deep-learning\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWenjing Lao\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor, School of Mathematics\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chbe.gatech.edu\/news\/2018\/06\/professor-lively-receives-does-early-career-award\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERyan Lively\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Thomas C. DeLoach Professor, School of Chemical \u0026amp; Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mse.gatech.edu\/people\/josh-kacher\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJosh Kacher\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor, School of Materials Science and Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/khabar.com\/community-newsmakers\/devesh-ranjan-receives-early-career-award-from-u-s-department-of-energy\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDevesh Ranjan\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Eugene C. Gwaltney Jr. School Chair and professor, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cse.gatech.edu\/people\/qi-tang\u0022\u003EQi Tang\u003C\/a\u003E is building machine learning (ML) models to accelerate nuclear fusion research, making it more affordable and more accurate. Backed by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Tang\u2019s work brings clean, sustainable energy closer to reality.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang has received an\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/science.osti.gov\/early-career\u0022\u003EEarly Career Research Program (ECRP) award\u003C\/a\u003E from the DOE Office of Science. The grant supports Tang with $875,000 disbursed over five years to craft ML and data processing tools that help scientists analyze massive datasets from nuclear experiments and simulations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang is the first faculty member from Georgia Tech\u2019s College of Computing and School of Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) to receive the ECRP. He is the seventh Georgia Tech researcher to earn the award and the only GT awardee among this year\u2019s 99 recipients.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech\u0027s Qi Tang has received an Early Career Research Program award from the Department of Energy\u0027s Office of Science. The $875,000 grant supports Tang for five years to craft ML tools that analyze data from nuclear experiments and simulations. "}],"uid":"36319","created_gmt":"2026-02-12 15:11:55","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:52:31","author":"Bryant Wine","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-12T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-12T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679267":{"id":"679267","type":"image","title":"Qi-TangStory-Cover.jpg","body":null,"created":"1770909124","gmt_created":"2026-02-12 15:12:04","changed":"1770909124","gmt_changed":"2026-02-12 15:12:04","alt":"DOE ECRP Qi Tang","file":{"fid":"263400","name":"Qi-TangStory-Cover.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/12\/Qi-TangStory-Cover.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/12\/Qi-TangStory-Cover.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":125283,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/12\/Qi-TangStory-Cover.jpg?itok=mPLUykJZ"}}},"media_ids":["679267"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/department-energy-award-power-nuclear-research-machine-learning","title":"Department of Energy Award to Power Nuclear Research with Machine Learning"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50877","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"166983","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"},{"id":"9167","name":"machine learning"},{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"663","name":"Department of Energy"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"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\u003EBryant Wine, Communications Officer\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:bryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688648":{"#nid":"688648","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New \u2018Touchable Sound\u2019 Museum Display Makes Data More Accessible","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBlind and low vision (BLV) people may soon have access to and more easily understand scientific data in museum exhibits through new \u201ctouchable sound\u201d displays.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAssociate Professor Jessica Roberts and Ph.D. student Emily Amspoker of Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing are working with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gacoast.uga.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUniversity of Georgia\u2019s Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant in Savannah\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. Together, they\u2019ve developed a prototype display that uses sonification and texture to convey sea floor habitat information from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/graysreef.noaa.gov\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGray\u2019s Reef National Marine Sanctuary\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E off the coast of Georgia.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESonification is the process of translating data points into sound.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe display functions as a map that BLV users can follow to learn about each habitat. It is made from a wooden board with laser-cut patterns engraved into the surface. Each pattern represents information about the four types of habitats found in Gray\u2019s Reef. Each pattern has a distinct sound that corresponds to a legend on the board, which provides an audio description of each habitat.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe four habitats are:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFlat sand \u2014 smooth sandy seafloor with little topographic variation that provides habitat for burrowing organisms such as worms, clams, and sand dollars.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERippled sand \u2014 sandy bottom shaped into small wave-like ridges by currents and wave action; supports microhabitats of small invertebrates and attracts fish feeding on buried prey.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESparse live bottom \u2014 areas of exposed hard surfaces with scattered attached organisms like sponges, corals, and algae, offering structure and shelter for reef-associated fish and invertebrates.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDense live bottom \u2014 hard-bottom reef areas with abundant attached marine life, providing high biodiversity and offering food, and breeding sites for numerous species.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy allowing learners to explore these habitats, the team hopes to emphasize the importance of protecting diverse ocean habitats.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur job was to figure out how we can use sounds and touch to represent each of the four habitat types so our visitors can explore the ocean without being able to see it,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERoberts said the project is critical to advance understanding of how science and informal learning can be more inclusive to those who have difficulty processing visual data displays.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis was particularly exciting to figure out how we could broaden accessibility to data sets because just like so much other scientific data, it\u2019s out there and available, but when it\u2019s presented to the public, it\u2019s usually in visual form,\u201d she said. \u201cThere are many open questions about how to do this well within a museum with complex scientific data. We\u2019re moving the needle on that, but there\u2019s a long way to go.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERight Combination\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAmspoker and Roberts created three different versions of the prototype. One was sound-only, one was texture-only, and the other was a combination of sound and texture.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe expected the multimodal version would work best,\u201d Amspoker said. \u201cWe found people used sound and texture in different ways when interacting with it. In cases where people relied on texture, it was still difficult to tell when they crossed the barrier from one texture to another. Sound was very useful in that case.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAmspoker said computer vision and an app she designed allow the technology to be deployed on any surface, whether a mobile device, a wooden board, or even a classroom floor. A camera set up above the display tracks the user\u2019s hand movements.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt figures out where you are on the board, and then our code uses the location of your finger to decide what sound should play from the computer,\u201d she said. \u201cWhat\u2019s nice about our system is it only needs a computer and a webcam, and you can use whatever materials you have on hand for the map.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuilding on a Legacy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERoberts said she is building on the work of a previous NSF-funded collaboration with Dr. Amy Bower, a senior scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts who is blind.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBower lost her vision in graduate school, but because of her lifelong interest in oceanography, she set out to create ways to learn about ocean data through sound.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2021, she launched the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/accessibleoceans.whoi.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAccessible Oceans\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E project through the National Science Foundation\u2019s Advancing Informal STEM Learning program. The interdisciplinary team, including Roberts and collaborators Leslie Smith of Your Ocean Consulting and Jon Bellona of the University of Oregon, created auditory displays of sonified data for museums.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2023, the team published \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/tos.org\/oceanography\/article\/expanding-access-to-ocean-science-through-inclusively-designed-data-sonifications\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ean article in \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOceanography,\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E the official magazine of the Oeanography Society\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cInformal learning environments are increasingly recognizing the importance of employing multiple modalities to engage all learners and are leveraging sound to enhance visitor experience,\u201d the authors wrote.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhile sonic additions of music, soundscapes, and field recordings add qualitative value, there is a need to explore the potential of sound to facilitate engagement with quantitative information. Data sonification is a promising avenue for increasing accessibility to data within the museum context.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers have created a prototype \u201ctouchable sound\u201d museum exhibit that helps blind and low-vision visitors explore scientific data by combining tactile maps with sonification of seafloor habitats. The display translates information about different ocean environments into distinctive textures and sounds so users can follow a physical map of Gray\u2019s Reef National Marine Sanctuary and hear data-driven audio cues. The team hopes this multimodal approach will make complex visual data more inclusive and broaden access to informal science learning.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers have developed a prototype \u201ctouchable sound\u201d museum display that uses sonification and tactile maps to make complex scientific data about ocean habitats more accessible to blind and low-vision visitors."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-03-03 15:13:03","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:52:09","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-03T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-03-03T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679503":{"id":"679503","type":"image","title":"2026-Jessica-Roberts-Reef-Data-Sonification-2.jpg","body":null,"created":"1772550793","gmt_created":"2026-03-03 15:13:13","changed":"1772550793","gmt_changed":"2026-03-03 15:13:13","alt":"Jessica Roberts","file":{"fid":"263675","name":"2026-Jessica-Roberts-Reef-Data-Sonification-2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/03\/2026-Jessica-Roberts-Reef-Data-Sonification-2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/03\/2026-Jessica-Roberts-Reef-Data-Sonification-2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":118705,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/03\/2026-Jessica-Roberts-Reef-Data-Sonification-2.jpg?itok=UaqIj7yh"}}},"media_ids":["679503"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"360","name":"accessibility"},{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"9092","name":"museums"},{"id":"181370","name":"oceanography"},{"id":"176552","name":"data sonification"},{"id":"1102","name":"blind"},{"id":"2751","name":"visually impaired"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688916":{"#nid":"688916","#data":{"type":"news","title":" Undergrads Earn National Recognition for Computing Research","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETwo Georgia Tech undergraduates are being recognized for their contributions to computing research.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERyan\u0026nbsp;Punamiya\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;(CS 2025)\u0026nbsp;and \u003Cstrong\u003ESummer Abramson\u003C\/strong\u003E, a third-year\u0026nbsp;computational\u0026nbsp;media student, have been honored by the Computing Research Association (CRA) through its 2025\u20132026 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cra.org\/about\/awards\/outstanding-undergraduate-researcher-award\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOutstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award (URA) program.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;was named a runner-up for the prestigious award, while Abramson received an honorable mention among hundreds of applicants from universities across North America.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cra.org\/about\/awards\/outstanding-undergraduate-researcher-award\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECRA Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award program\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;recognized eight awardees in 2026, along with eight runners-up, nine finalists, and over 200 honorable mentions from thousands of applications.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdvancing\u0026nbsp;Robotics Research\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;knew early on that he\u0026nbsp;didn\u2019t\u0026nbsp;want to wait until starting his Ph.D. to do meaningful and impactful robotics research.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;joined the Robot Learning and Reasoning Lab (RL2) directed by Assistant Professor\u0026nbsp;Danfei\u0026nbsp;Xu. While there, he contributed to the lab\u2019s Meta-sponsored\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/new-algorithm-teaches-robots-through-human-perspective\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEgoMimic\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;project, which trains robots to perform human tasks using recordings captured by Meta\u2019s Project Aria research glasses.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;also the first author of a paper accepted to the 2025 Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS),\u0026nbsp;one of the world\u2019s most prestigious artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning conferences.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cRyan is the strongest undergraduate I\u0027ve worked with,\u201d Xu said, \u201cincluding students who went on to Stanford, Berkeley, and leadership roles in major tech companies.\u0026nbsp;He\u2019s\u0026nbsp;already\u0026nbsp;operating\u0026nbsp;at the level of a strong\u0026nbsp;third-year Ph.D.\u0026nbsp;student.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;said it was a challenge to balance his undergraduate coursework with his research in Xu\u2019s lab.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cYou get out how much you put in,\u201d\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;said.\u0026nbsp;\u201cI built my class schedule to give myself as much time to do research as possible. It also boils down to having the right research mentors.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201c(Xu) never saw me as an\u0026nbsp;undergrad\u0026nbsp;who\u2019s\u0026nbsp;just there to do grunt work. I was\u0026nbsp;fortunate\u0026nbsp;he saw my curiosity and cultivated me as a researcher.\u0026nbsp;That\u2019s\u0026nbsp;really how\u0026nbsp;you get more\u0026nbsp;undergrads\u0026nbsp;motivated to research \u2014 giving them the chance to be independent and explore ideas of their own.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;said his work in Xu\u2019s lab has already helped him identify the research areas he wants to focus on as he considers his next steps. He will continue developing generalized training models for robots using human data so they can perform tasks instantly upon deployment.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022The amount of data needed to train a robot is difficult to obtain even for top industry companies,\u0022 he said. \u0022We have embodied robot data available in billions of humans. With the advent of extended reality devices, we can get a scalable source of diverse interactions within environments.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;graduated in December and recently started an internship at Nvidia. He mentioned he has been accepted into several Ph.D. programs, including Georgia Tech, and he is choosing where to continue his research.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s the first time my research has been\u0026nbsp;acknowledged\u0026nbsp;externally by the robotics community,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s\u0026nbsp;good to\u0026nbsp;know\u0026nbsp;the problem\u0026nbsp;I\u2019m\u0026nbsp;working on is important, and that motivates me. Robotics is an exciting field. We are doing things now that two years ago were difficult to do.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResearching Inclusion in Computing Education\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAbramson conducts research in the People-Agents Research for Computing Education (PARCE) Laboratory under the mentorship of\u0026nbsp;Pedro Guillermo Feij\u00f3o-Garc\u00eda, a faculty member\u0026nbsp;in the School of Computing Instruction. He and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, Olufisayo Omojokun, nominated her for the award.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHer work focuses on the intersection of computing education and human-AI interaction, where she\u2019s been exploring ways to create more equitable technology.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis is such a huge milestone, and I couldn\u0027t be prouder of Summer,\u201d Feij\u00f3o-Garc\u00eda said. \u201cMentoring her for almost two years has been an amazing experience.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAbramson has received the Georgia Tech President\u2019s Undergraduate Research Award (PURA) twice, which supports her research exploring how user-centered design curricula can help address attrition among women in computing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019ve had the amazing opportunity to pursue research at the intersection of student identity, community belonging, and how we can build tools that support our diverse student population,\u201d Abramson said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cDr. Pedro and I have a goal to build community through a human-first approach, and I could not be more grateful for his support and guidance in my own journey. The CRA highlights the best of what the computing discipline has to offer, and I am incredibly honored for our work to be recognized.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAbramson will spend the summer researching how user-centered design curricula can help promote confidence, belonging, and retention for women in computing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENominees for the PURA program were recognized for contributing to multiple research projects, authoring or coauthoring papers, presenting at conferences, developing widely used software artifacts, and supporting their communities as teaching assistants, tutors, and mentors.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESchool of Computing Instruction Communications Officer Emily Smith contributed to this story.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EMain Photo: Ryan Punamiya works with a robot during the 2025 International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Atlanta. Photo by Terence Rushin\/College of Computing.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERyan\u0026nbsp;Punamiya\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;(CS 2025)\u0026nbsp;and \u003Cstrong\u003ESummer Abramson\u003C\/strong\u003E, a third-year\u0026nbsp;computational\u0026nbsp;media student, have been honored by the Computing Research Association (CRA) through its 2025\u20132026 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cra.org\/about\/awards\/outstanding-undergraduate-researcher-award\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOutstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award (URA) program.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPunamiya\u0026nbsp;was named a runner-up for the prestigious award, while Abramson received an honorable mention among hundreds of applicants from universities across North America.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cra.org\/about\/awards\/outstanding-undergraduate-researcher-award\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECRA Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award program\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;recognized eight awardees in 2026, along with eight runners-up, nine finalists, and over 200 honorable mentions from thousands of applications.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Ryan Punamiya (CS 2025) and Summer Abramson, a third-year computational media student, have been honored by the Computing Research Association (CRA) through its 2025\u20132026 Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award (URA) program. "}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-03-13 14:57:26","changed_gmt":"2026-03-20 12:51:21","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679613":{"id":"679613","type":"image","title":"ICRA-2025_P9A0421-Enhanced-NR.jpg","body":null,"created":"1773413856","gmt_created":"2026-03-13 14:57:36","changed":"1773413856","gmt_changed":"2026-03-13 14:57:36","alt":"Ryan Punamiya","file":{"fid":"263795","name":"ICRA-2025_P9A0421-Enhanced-NR.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/13\/ICRA-2025_P9A0421-Enhanced-NR.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/13\/ICRA-2025_P9A0421-Enhanced-NR.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":133995,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/13\/ICRA-2025_P9A0421-Enhanced-NR.jpg?itok=r8p0C5IW"}}},"media_ids":["679613"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"193158","name":"Student Competition Winners (academic, innovation, and research)"},{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"101271","name":"Computing Research Association"},{"id":"22861","name":"undergraduate research awards"}],"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":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685765":{"#nid":"685765","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Empowering Change: ISyE Students Selected for Prestigious Millennium Fellowship","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOut of more than 53,000 Georgia Tech students, 38 have been named to the 2025 Class of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/undergraduate.gatech.edu\/38-georgia-tech-students-selected-as-2025-millennium-fellows\/\u0022\u003EMillennium Fellowship\u003C\/a\u003E, a prestigious global leadership program organized by the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and the Millennium Campus Network (MCN). Among this distinguished group are three students from the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EH. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (ISyE), who shared what they\u2019re most excited to work on during the Fellowship, how their ISyE experience has shaped their path, and their advice for future applicants.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShalin Bhatia - \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUniquely positioned to apply knowledge and skills to make a difference in people\u2019s lives\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWithin the Millennium Fellowship is there any U.N. Sustainable Goals you are targeting? Are there any specific outcomes you hope to achieve in this experience?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EWithin the Millennium Fellowship, I am targeting Goal 9 (Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation) and Goal 16 (Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies). Through this experience, I aim to alleviate socioeconomic disparities in my community and promote fairer systems in society.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAs a Stamps President\u2019s Scholar and Industrial Engineering student, how do the mentorship and analytical training you\u2019ve received so far at Georgia Tech shape the way you diagnose problems and design solutions? \u003C\/strong\u003EThe mentorship and analytical training I\u2019ve received so far at Georgia Tech have made me much more technical and curious in the way I approach problems. Rather than analyzing the nature of the problem, I aim to understand the root of the problem and design quantitative solutions to truly alleviate the problem.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor\u0026nbsp;students considering the Millennium Fellowship next year, what advice could you share? \u003C\/strong\u003EAs Georgia Tech students, we are uniquely positioned to apply our knowledge and skills to make a difference in people\u2019s lives. To create a better future for ourselves and others, I\u2019d suggest we do just that and turn opportunity into action.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat do you think defines a strong, SDG-aligned project?\u003C\/strong\u003E I think that a strong, SDG-aligned project encompasses a genuine interest and motive in being involved in the surrounding community. It doesn\u2019t have to be the most advanced, technical, or complex; it just needs a good purpose.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPriyanka Joseph - \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdvancing Gender Equity in Industrial Engineering\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAre there any challenges that your Millennium Fellowship looks to aid and\/or is there a particular UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) you are targeting?\u003C\/strong\u003E My Millennium Fellowship project is focused on addressing gender inequity in Industrial Engineering. Girls in IE is a student-led organization I am building, inspired by my experience as the only female engineer and first woman of color co-op on my team at L\u2019Or\u00e9al. The organization will provide industry-specific mentorship opportunities, structured recruiting pipelines with leading companies, and resume support through workshops and feedback. It will also give students hands-on project experience to strengthen their skills and host panels with female industrial engineers to encourage networking and visibility. By combining mentorship, career preparation, and community, Girls in IE directly advances SDG 5: Gender Equality by ensuring that women in Industrial Engineering are equipped to succeed, supported by a network, and empowered to lead.\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou study Industrial \u0026amp; Systems Engineering with a strong interest in\u0026nbsp;management and sustainability. Do you think you will be able to combine any or all those threads in your work for this Fellowship?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EMy interest in management and operations shapes how I approach Girls in IE, since building an organization requires designing structures that are both effective and scalable. I envision future opportunities to partner with industry leaders who are prioritizing sustainability in their supply chains and operations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou are working as an Industrial Engineering co-op in L\u2019Oreal\u2019s Professional Products Division under the Continuous Improvement Department.\u0026nbsp;What has that experience taught you that you can bring to your Fellowship work?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EWorking as an Industrial Engineering co-op in L\u2019Or\u00e9al\u2019s Continuous Improvement Department taught me the importance of building structures that create lasting impact. Projects such as improving warehouse process flows and leading time studies require me to listen to people on the ground, understand their challenges, and design solutions that make their work easier and more effective. These same lessons connect directly to my Fellowship project, where creating mentorship and support networks for women in Industrial Engineering also depends on listening first, identifying barriers, and then building sustainable systems of support.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat leadership skills are you most focused on developing through this fellowship\u2014and why?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EThrough the Millennium Fellowship, I want to strengthen my ability to scale an organization, mentor others, and lead with influence. As the founder of Girls in IE, that means learning how to recruit and empower members, build a strong leadership pipeline, and sustain partnerships with industry and faculty. These skills are essential if I want Girls in IE to grow into a lasting community that creates real opportunities for women in Industrial Engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShivani Murugapiran - \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDo you remember when we ran out of eggs?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAre there any challenges you look like to take on during this experience, particularly those that align with the UN SDGs?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EDo you remember when we ran out of eggs? And everyone all over the country was running around trying to find eggs. And the skincare brand, The Ordinary, ironically started selling eggs in a fridge in their New York stores. And then we had eggs, overflowing eggs. I threw out some eggs once and felt really bad about it. That\u2019s what keeps me up at night. Before you think I\u2019m out of my mind, let me tell you that it\u2019s because I\u2019m incredibly passionate about behavioral economics. I\u2019m obsessed with socioeconomic equality and building financial resilience. At both local and global levels, I believe that education and financial literacy can bridge societal barriers and reduce vulnerability to shocks (like the Great Egg Crisis of \u201925), building a more robust society.\u0026nbsp;During this Fellowship, I\u2019d like to take on the challenge of designing solutions that don\u2019t just respond to crises but actually prepare communities to withstand them. For me, this ties directly into the UN SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). We live in an era of economic uncertainty, and I hope to equip people with the tools to not only survive but THRIVE in a new world order.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhich Industrial \u0026amp; Systems Engineering tools such as data analytics, simulation, network flows, etc., do you think you can apply to the Fellowship and the project? \u003C\/strong\u003EDuring the Fellowship, I plan to draw heavily on data analytics to parse large-scale social and economic datasets and uncover meaningful trends. I will also use simulation modeling to test interventions under uncertainty.\u0026nbsp;My coursework has prepared me well for this. CS 2316 (Data Input \u0026amp; Manipulation) and ISyE 4031 (Regression \u0026amp; Forecasting) gave me a strong foundation in Python, R, and SQL, equipping me to not only organize and analyze data effectively but also translate those insights into actionable strategies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou\u2019ve engaged with policy and international affairs programming at Georgia Tech. How has that experience influenced the way you approach partnerships and governance, and do you think those experiences will have an impact on this Fellowship?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EMy time in Brussels shaped how I think about partnerships and governance. I remember being in a policy briefing when the speaker paused to announce that the EU\u2019s AI Act had just passed in the very building we were sitting in. It made governance feel immediate, knowing that decisions ripple outward and change the conversation in real time.\u0026nbsp;My involvement with Model NATO reinforced this, showing me that effective partnerships start with listening. More specifically, they require cross-cultural literacy and the awareness that different societies and institutions may be further along on certain challenges. Approaching those differences with openness rather than condescension is key. This perspective will guide my Fellowship work by helping me build trust, align diverse stakeholders, and design solutions that are both technically rigorous and contextually relevant.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor students who want to apply for this Fellowship next year, what advice would you give them?\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/strong\u003EThink deeply about what keeps you up at night. The impossible, the mundane, everything in between. The United Nations SDGs are broad, all-encompassing, and often daunting to discern. Start with something you\u2019ve experienced and felt, translate it into a focused problem statement, and see who else it affects. Stop thinking, for a moment, about your resume or your list of projects in the backlog that you\u2019ve always wanted to do. Think about who you are, what you care about, and where you want to leave a mark in your community. Find a problem, resonate with it, and home in on its implications. Stress test this by finding a professor or mentor who knows you and tell them about your thought process and ideas.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou can view the complete list of 2025 MillenniumFellows \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/undergraduate.gatech.edu\/38-georgia-tech-students-selected-as-2025-millennium-fellows\/\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs part of the 2025 Millennium Fellowship cohort, three ISyE students are transforming classroom lessons into global impact, tackling issues from financial literacy to gender equity and sustainable innovation.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Among this distinguished group are three students from the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE), Shalin Bhatia, Priyanka Joseph, and Shivani Murugapiran."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2025-10-16 18:55:07","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 20:41:12","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-16T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-16T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678371":{"id":"678371","type":"image","title":"Shalin Bhatia","body":null,"created":"1760641731","gmt_created":"2025-10-16 19:08:51","changed":"1760641731","gmt_changed":"2025-10-16 19:08:51","alt":"Shalin Bhatia","file":{"fid":"262389","name":"Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-3.02.52-PM.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/16\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-3.02.52-PM.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/16\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-3.02.52-PM.png","mime":"image\/png","size":171598,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/16\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-3.02.52-PM.png?itok=b_G_yja2"}},"678372":{"id":"678372","type":"image","title":"Shivani Murugapiran","body":null,"created":"1760641769","gmt_created":"2025-10-16 19:09:29","changed":"1760641769","gmt_changed":"2025-10-16 19:09:29","alt":"Shivani Murugapiran","file":{"fid":"262390","name":"Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-3.04.55-PM.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/16\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-3.04.55-PM.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/16\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-3.04.55-PM.png","mime":"image\/png","size":204853,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/16\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-3.04.55-PM.png?itok=DQoSuasm"}},"678373":{"id":"678373","type":"image","title":"Priyanka Joseph","body":null,"created":"1760641803","gmt_created":"2025-10-16 19:10:03","changed":"1760641803","gmt_changed":"2025-10-16 19:10:03","alt":"Priyanka Joseph","file":{"fid":"262391","name":"Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-3.06.59-PM.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/16\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-3.06.59-PM.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/16\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-3.06.59-PM.png","mime":"image\/png","size":214033,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/16\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-3.06.59-PM.png?itok=GxGjsfAm"}}},"media_ids":["678371","678372","678373"],"groups":[{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJoshua Smith - Communications Officer II\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688745":{"#nid":"688745","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Mentor Spotlight: Alison Sizer \u2014 From Apple and Nike to Supporting Founders ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAlison Sizer started as someone who loved innovation and problem-solving. For 14 years, she worked at Apple and Nike, where she learned how to blend innovation with customer insight: how to spot patterns, translate problems into opportunities, and turn ideas into strategies for growth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EApplying what she\u2019d learned along the way, Sizer started Growth Impact to support startups and stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. As a part of her business, she created partnerships and networks between the U.S. and South Africa, bridging the gap between startups and corporations to encourage co-creation and pilot projects. During this time, she saw how much early\u2011stage founders needed clear frameworks, honest guidance, and hands\u2011on support.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI started Growth Impact to support startups and stakeholders such as venture studios, investors, and accelerators. I support early-stage startups in finding product-market fit, customer understanding, go-to-market strategy, and business model development,\u201d she said. \u201cI also help startups with fundraising readiness and enterprise readiness. I support stakeholders by helping to assess viability, and de-risk new ventures, as well as connecting startups to enterprises.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEventually, her work brought her in contact with Georgia Tech. She was working with a South African innovation lab to enable pilot projects between startups and enterprises with the goal of facilitating the co-creation of digital solutions, which led her to Rahul Saxena, director of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECREATE-X\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESizer said she reached out to see if any potential CREATE-X startups or enterprises would want to connect to the companies she was working with in South Africa.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOver the last few years, there\u0027s been quite a lot of interest in Georgia Tech and Atlanta in terms of a tech and innovation hub in the U.S., and there\u0027s a lot of investment happening too, in both the city of Atlanta and in Georgia Tech, in entrepreneurship and innovation and technology,\u201d she said. \u201cI think it\u0027s an interesting market.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnce connected, she kept meeting Georgia Tech founders, many from CREATE\u2011X.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EQuietly, she began helping where she could, making introductions for CREATE-X founders outside of Atlanta. For Augment Health, she made investor and potential partner introductions. For the founder of Strapt, she made introductions to investors, shared market insight, and highlighted the company in her own newsletter, which has an audience of innovation ecosystem stakeholders, including more investors. And for ZenVR, she made a connection to WeFunder for funding, which resulted in $250,000 raised. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECollaborating with CREATE-X on a webinar, Sizer also taught \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/launch\/startup-launch\u0022\u003EStartup Launch\u003C\/a\u003E alumni about customer understanding and segmentation, value proposition, and other topics for health and wellness founders. Beyond connecting, Sizer shaped mindsets.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn her business, one founder she worked with was building non\u2011toxic performance apparel for women \u2014 a product selling through Amazon, REI, and even the U.S. military. The founder had ambition but struggled to balance DTC (direct to consumer) sales, retail, and B2B opportunities. Sizer helped her analyze her data, identify her real early adopters, and rebuild her value proposition and messaging. With a clearer customer understanding and stronger brand direction, the founder revamped her website and refined her pitch.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI love that thrill of them being excited about implementing some of the ideas and things we talk about, seeing the growth in their business, and the positive change in their business. That really excites me,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAtlanta is an enterprise-heavy city with Fortune 500 companies, SaaS (Software as a Service) companies, and a growing biotech sector. The startup ecosystem is growing in Atlanta, and with that comes advantages.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI have noticed that there\u0027s a lot of strong support for Atlanta and Georgia entrepreneurs from other Atlanta and Georgia entrepreneurs,\u201d she said. \u201cThey all support each other.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver the years, Sizer has advised or mentored over 100 startups and built investor connections. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMy business is Growth Impact, because growth and impact are part of my core values. I\u0027m glad to give back and support early entrepreneurs, sharing knowledge, tools, and resources,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a founder, Sizer went through her own learning curve. When she first launched her company, she assumed her target customers would be venture capital firms and spent months talking to pre\u2011seed and seed investors, only to discover that VCs either didn\u2019t fund the kind of operational support she offered or they expected founders to pay for it themselves. Meanwhile, the founders she spoke with said they needed her help but didn\u2019t have the budget. She said it was a classic chicken\u2011and\u2011egg problem.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI said, OK, this is not my target customer. The target customer is the startup,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u0027s where the pivot point was for me.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003EThat shift reshaped her entire business and reinforced the same advice she now gives students: Talk to customers, listen deeply, and don\u2019t be afraid to adjust when the data points you in a new direction.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe officially joined the CREATE\u2011X mentor community last year to help more founders, guiding them in finding product-market fit, and understanding who needs this solution and why.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne thing Sizer emphasized, however, is the need for founders to continue to take initiative and be resilient in the face of challenges.\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cA mentor can guide you or ask the right questions, but the founder has to find the path,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EReady to build something real?\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeet mentors like Alison Sizer in Startup Launch, where you can develop a startup to solve real-world problems and build entrepreneurial skills. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form\u0022\u003EApply to Startup Launch\u003C\/a\u003E today; applications close Tuesday, March 17.\u003Cbr\u003EInterested in mentoring?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWant to mentor and support the next generation of Georgia Tech founders?\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFill out our \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/airtable.com\/app1gcnb0ECVgdEF4\/pag4g0e8mxV9qWn8k\/form\u0022\u003Eengagement form\u003C\/a\u003E to join CREATE\u2011X\u2019s mentor network.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EAlison Sizer brings more than a decade of innovation experience from Apple and Nike to her work supporting early\u2011stage founders through her company, Growth Impact. After building cross\u2011continental partnerships between the U.S. and South Africa, she connected with CREATE-X and began advising founders on customer insight, product\u2011market fit, and go\u2011to\u2011market strategy. She has since made high\u2011impact investor and partner introductions, taught customer discovery frameworks, and helped entrepreneurs rethink their value propositions through data\u2011driven guidance. Now an official CREATE\u2011X mentor, Sizer continues to champion founders by sharing tools, networks, and honest insight to help them build resilient, customer\u2011focused ventures.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Alison Sizer, a former Apple and Nike strategist turned founder of Growth Impact, now mentors CREATE\u2011X startups by helping them deepen customer understanding, refine value propositions, and build pathways to growth through her global innovation network."}],"uid":"36436","created_gmt":"2026-03-05 15:20:30","changed_gmt":"2026-03-19 19:25:50","author":"bdurham31","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-04T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-03-04T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679530":{"id":"679530","type":"image","title":"Alison Sizer ","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003EThe image shows Alison Sizer \u0026nbsp;standing in a modern, well\u2011lit workspace with open shelving, plants, and a large \u201cLet\u2019s...\u201d wall sign visible in the background. She\u0027s wearing a light gray blazer over a teal top and is posed with one arm resting on a wooden table. The setting includes contemporary furniture, natural light from large windows, and a neutral, inviting color palette that conveys a professional yet relaxed environment.\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1772722040","gmt_created":"2026-03-05 14:47:20","changed":"1772723141","gmt_changed":"2026-03-05 15:05:41","alt":"Alison Sizer in a blazer standing in a modern workspace with wooden tables, open shelving, and natural light.","file":{"fid":"263703","name":"Alison-TRT_3162.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/05\/Alison-TRT_3162.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/05\/Alison-TRT_3162.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":103307,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/05\/Alison-TRT_3162.jpeg?itok=lco1cU-e"}}},"media_ids":["679530"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form","title":"Apply to Startup Launch"},{"url":"https:\/\/airtable.com\/app1gcnb0ECVgdEF4\/pag4g0e8mxV9qWn8k\/form","title":"Mentor with CREATE-X"}],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"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":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:breanna.durham@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EBreanna Durham\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMarketing Strategist\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688718":{"#nid":"688718","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Receives Up to $21.8M Award in \u2018Unprecedented\u2019 Push to Treat Lymphatic Disease","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Institute of Technology has been awarded up to $21.8 million from the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arpa-h.gov\/\u0022\u003EAdvanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)\u003C\/a\u003E to deliver a first-of-its-kind therapy to patients with lymphatic disease.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor many of these patients, care has long meant pain and disfigurement alongside other severe side effects, rather than receiving treatment that addresses the disease itself. This new ARPA-H award marks a potential turning point.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELead researcher\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/thomas\u0022\u003ESusan Napier Thomas\u003C\/a\u003E, Woodruff Professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E and the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/bio\u0022\u003EParker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience\u003C\/a\u003E (IBB), has collaborated with her colleague\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/dixon\u0022\u003EJ. Brandon Dixon\u003C\/a\u003E, Woodruff Professor in the Woodruff School and IBB, for more than a decade on this project. The research partners are driven by the lack of meaningful treatment options available to patients.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFunding support at this level is unprecedented,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cIt finally gives us a chance to move beyond symptom management and toward real treatment. We\u2019re addressing an underserved population with a huge unmet need.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA Gap in Care\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe lymphatic system helps keep fluid moving through the body and plays a key role in immune health. When it does not function properly, fluid can build up in tissues, causing chronic pain and other long-term complications. Thomas noted that despite its toll on patients, lymphatic disease has lagged decades behind cardiovascular care in both treatment and research investment.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are excited about this groundbreaking project in lymphatic engineering,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/garcia\u0022\u003EAndr\u00e9s Garc\u00eda,\u003C\/a\u003E IBB executive director. \u201cBy uniting interdisciplinary expertise, this work addresses long-standing challenges in lymphatic disease and moves meaningful solutions closer to the patients who need them most.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat Comes Next\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the coming years, Thomas, Dixon, and their research partners will work toward an initial human trial, with an early focus on rare lymphatic conditions in children, as well as chronic disease in adults.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis award reflects Georgia Tech\u2019s growing leadership in using engineering to solve some of healthcare\u2019s biggest challenges,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/user\/1078\u0022\u003ECarolyn Seepersad\u003C\/a\u003E, Eugene C. Gwaltney Jr. School Chair and professor in the Woodruff School. \u201cIt reinforces the Institute\u2019s role in advancing innovations that improve patient care and strengthen Georgia\u2019s position as a hub for health technology and biomedical innovation.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe award was made through ARPA-H\u2019s Groundbreaking Lymphatic Interventions and Drug Exploration (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arpa-h.gov\/explore-funding\/programs\/glide\u0022\u003EGLIDE\u003C\/a\u003E) program led by Dr. Kimberley Steele.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis research was funded, in part, by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) under Agreement No. 1AY2AX000137-01. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. government.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\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\u003EGeorgia Tech has been awarded up to $21.8 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to develop a first-of-its-kind therapy for lymphatic disease, a condition that has long lacked effective treatment options. Led by Woodruff Professors Susan Napier Thomas and J. Brandon Dixon, the project aims to move beyond symptom management and address the disease itself, offering hope to patients who often experience chronic pain and disfigurement. Funded through ARPA-H\u2019s GLIDE program, the initiative will focus on advancing the therapy toward initial human trials, including for rare pediatric conditions. The award highlights Georgia Tech\u2019s leadership in engineering-driven healthcare innovation and its commitment to improving care for underserved patient populations.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The project aims to move lymphatic disease out of the medical margins and toward patients who have had few meaningful treatment options."}],"uid":"36410","created_gmt":"2026-03-04 14:45:56","changed_gmt":"2026-03-13 21:29:44","author":"mazriel3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-04T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-03-04T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679638":{"id":"679638","type":"image","title":"Thomas\/Dixon REVISED headshots","body":null,"created":"1773436990","gmt_created":"2026-03-13 21:23:10","changed":"1773437095","gmt_changed":"2026-03-13 21:24:55","alt":"Headshots of Susan Thomas and J. Brandon DIxon","file":{"fid":"263821","name":"biggiesmalls.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/13\/biggiesmalls.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/13\/biggiesmalls.png","mime":"image\/png","size":6814046,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/13\/biggiesmalls.png?itok=ujVE7fCX"}}},"media_ids":["679638"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"140","name":"Cancer Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"385","name":"cancer"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMichelle Azriel \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Writer, Editor Research Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["mazriel3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688905":{"#nid":"688905","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Three Sisters on the Same Engineering Path","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFor Shelley, Allison, and Isabella Larson, industrial engineering isn\u2019t just a field of study; it\u2019s a family calling. The three sisters all pursued the discipline at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EH. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, following the career path their mother blazed before them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe sisters shared that their love of math and science started at a young age, naturally excelling in both subjects throughout middle and high school. That passion was further nurtured at home, where their parents, Maria and Troy Larson, played a central role. After school, they would turn to their mother for help with math homework, a routine that became a foundation for their academic confidence.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur mom pushed us, and I think that we\u2019re the better for it. She always pushed us to excel. It was a matter of making sure that we got As. Bs weren\u0027t really quite acceptable,\u201d Shelley explained.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile math and science were always part of their foundation, the field is vast, with countless specializations and career paths that branch off in different directions. Yet all three sisters ended up choosing the same major at the same school. For Allison, the middle sister, the path was partly paved by watching her older sister go first.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSeeing that Shelley kind of made a path, and I knew that it was one that I could take and I could follow, made it very easy. I\u2019m also good at things that she\u0027s good at. Might as well just kind of do what she\u0027s doing. And I think industrial engineering itself. From everything we knew and learned about it, it offered a lot of different opportunities,\u201d Allison said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIsabella echoed those sentiments, adding that having a sibling go through the program first made the experience far less daunting. Many of the unknowns had already been navigated, and once all three were at Tech together, they became an informal support system for one another, helping with coursework, class selections, and the everyday grind of an intense program.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf I was really struggling with the concept in the particular class, I would always call Allison to help me with my computer science homework, because I just wasn\u2019t able to understand the concept. So it was almost [like] having additional teachers and resources that we could always lean on. Also, just to talk through challenges that we were facing and have an extra support system in that way because they\u0027ve gone through it a couple of years prior,\u201d Isabella explained.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Larsons also found time to build a rich campus life. All three pledged Alpha Delta Pi sorority, finding a close-knit community outside of the classroom. They also each served as resident assistants, an experience they valued for the opportunity to connect with students from all different backgrounds. Allison and Isabella added club tennis to the mix, rounding out lives that were full both academically and socially.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter graduating, the sisters remained in the industrial engineering field but carved out distinct paths. Shelley moved into customer success, Allison into product management, and Isabella into consulting. The drive to keep growing didn\u0027t stop at graduation, either. Shelley later returned to Georgia Tech for her MBA, and Allison came back for a Master of Science in Analytics.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat ambition didn\u0027t emerge in a vacuum. The role models in their lives, chief among them their mother, shaped the women they became. She didn\u0027t simply set high standards for her daughters, she lived them. They grew up knowing her story: how she left Peru at 20 and moved to Michigan without speaking a word of English, building a life through sheer determination. As young girls, the sisters remember watching her rise early every morning to get to work and provide for the family.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSeeing hard work firsthand, the early mornings and the hard days, she always made it work. And of course, she always prioritized us, but it was just always at the forefront that you have a really hardworking mother,\u201d Isabella said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETheir mother\u0027s example also carried a deeper message, one about what women are capable of. In a field where female role models have historically been few and far between, the sisters never saw those limitations as barriers. That confidence, in large part, was something their mother imparted in them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMy mom\u0027s a woman in work, a woman in STEM. She\u0027s always instilled in us that you always work: that it\u0027s your independence,\u201d Shelley said.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThree sisters, all Georgia Tech ISyE alumnae, reflect on how their shared academic journey, tight-knit bond, and the example set by their hardworking mother shaped their careers and their drive to excel.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Three Georgia Tech siblings share how family, engineering, and a mother who didn\u0027t accept anything less than their best shaped who they are today."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2026-03-12 19:31:47","changed_gmt":"2026-03-13 14:08:29","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-12T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-12T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679609":{"id":"679609","type":"image","title":"Shelley, Allison and Isabella Larson","body":null,"created":"1773343914","gmt_created":"2026-03-12 19:31:54","changed":"1773343914","gmt_changed":"2026-03-12 19:31:54","alt":"Shelley, Allison and Isabella Larson","file":{"fid":"263790","name":"Unknown-10.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/12\/Unknown-10.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/12\/Unknown-10.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":157433,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/12\/Unknown-10.jpeg?itok=xTIjMeAF"}}},"media_ids":["679609"],"groups":[{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EParker Avery, Student Writing Assistant\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688893":{"#nid":"688893","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Sheepdogs Reveal a Better Way to Guide Robot Swarms","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ESheepdogs, bred to control large groups of sheep in open fields, have demonstrated their skills in competitions dating back to the 1870s.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn these contests, a handler directs a trained dog with whistle signals to guide a small group of sheep across a field and sometimes split the flock cleanly into two groups. But sheep do not always cooperate.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology studied how handler\u2013dog teams manage these unpredictable flocks in sheepdog trials and found principles that extend beyond livestock herding.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/sciadv.adx6791\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Estudy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E published in \u003Cem\u003EScience Advances\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Eas the cover feature, the researchers applied those insights to computer simulations showing how similar strategies could improve the control of robot swarms, autonomous vehicles, AI agents, and other networked systems where many machines must coordinate their actions despite uncertain conditions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGroup Movement Dynamics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBirds, bugs, fish, sheep, and many other organisms move in groups because it benefits individuals, including protection from predators,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bhamla.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESaad Bhamla\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, an associate professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. \u201cThe puzzle is that the \u2018group\u2019 is not a single organism. It is built from many individuals, each making local, imperfect decisions.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen a predator threatens a herd of sheep, individuals near the edge often move toward the center to reduce their own risk, Bhamla explained. \u201cThis is \u2018selfish herd\u2019 behavior,\u201d he said. \u201cShepherds exploit that instinct using trained dogs.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom examining hours of contest footage, the researchers found that controlling small groups of sheep can be harder than managing large ones. A larger group, with more sheep protected in the center, may behave more coherently than a small group as the animals constantly shift between two instincts: \u201cfollow the group\u201d and \u201cflee the dog.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat switching behavior makes the group unpredictable,\u201d said Tuhin Chakrabortty, a former postdoctoral researcher in the Bhamla Lab who co-led the study.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELooking closely at how dogs and their handlers guide small groups, the researchers found that unpredictability in the flock\u2019s behavior does not always make control harder. \u201cUnder the right conditions, that \u2018noisy\u2019 behavior might actually be a benefit,\u201d Bhamla said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESuccessful Sheep Herding\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESheepdog handlers categorize sheep by how strongly they respond to a dog\u2019s threatening pressure. Some very responsive sheep might panic under too much pressure, while others might ignore mild pressure and require stronger positioning by the dog.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers observed that successful control often followed a two-step pattern. First, the dog subtly influenced the sheep\u2019s orientation while the animals were mostly standing still. Once the flock was aligned in the desired direction, the dog increased pressure to trigger movement. The timing of those actions was critical, because alignment within a small group could disappear quickly as individuals switched between instincts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn our simulations, increasing pressure makes the flock reach the desired orientation faster, but how long the flock stays aligned is set mainly by noise,\u201d Chakrabortty said. \u201cIn essence, dogs can steer the direction, but they can\u2019t hold that decision indefinitely, so timing matters.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDeveloping Computer Models\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo understand the broader implications of that behavior, the team developed computer models that captured how sheep respond both to the dog and to one another. The models allowed the researchers to test different strategies for guiding groups whose members make independent decisions under uncertainty.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey then applied those ideas to simulations of robotic swarms. Engineers often design such systems so that each robot blends signals from all nearby robots before deciding how to move. While that approach works well when signals are clear, it can break down when information is noisy or conflicting, Bhamla explained.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo explain why that switching strategy can work under noisy conditions, the researchers used an analogy of a smoke-filled room where only one person can see the exit, and no one knows who that person is. If everyone polls everyone else and averages the guesses, the one correct signal can get diluted by many noisy ones.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat\u2019s the counterintuitive part. When only one person has the right information, averaging can wash out the signal. But if you follow one person at a time, and keep switching who that is, the right information can spread through the crowd,\u201d Bhamla said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBuilding on that idea, the researchers tested a strategy inspired by the switching behavior they observed in sheep. In the simulations, each robot paid attention to just one source at a time (either a guiding signal or a neighboring robot) and switched that source from one step to the next.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnder noisy conditions, this switching strategy required less effort to keep the group moving along a desired path than either averaging-based strategies or fixed leader-follower strategies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers call their approach the Indecisive Swarm Algorithm. The name reflects a counterintuitive insight: allowing influence to shift among individuals over time can make groups easier to guide when conditions are uncertain.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur findings suggest that the same dynamics that make small animal groups unpredictable may also offer new ways to control complex engineered systems,\u201d Bhamla said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECITATION: Tuhin Chakrabortty and Saad Bhamla, \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/sciadv.adx6791\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EControlling noisy herds: Temporal network restructuring improves control of indecisive collectives\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d \u003Cem\u003EScience Advances\u003C\/em\u003E, 2026\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis research was funded in part by Schmidt Sciences as part of a \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/09\/16\/saad-bhamla-named-2025-schmidt-polymath\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESchmidt Polymath\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E grant to Saad Bhamla.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers studying sheepdog trials found new principles for guiding unpredictable groups and used them to develop computer models that could improve coordination in robot swarms, autonomous vehicles, and other networked systems.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers studying sheepdog trials found new principles for guiding unpredictable groups and used them to develop computer models that could improve coordination in robot swarms, autonomous vehicles, and other networked systems."}],"uid":"27271","created_gmt":"2026-03-11 19:59:46","changed_gmt":"2026-03-12 15:53:25","author":"Brad Dixon","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-11T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-11T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679589":{"id":"679589","type":"video","title":"SMART Dogs herding sheep on a farm, looks like flock of bird pattern","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESMART Dogs herding sheep on a farm, looks like flock of bird pattern\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773260200","gmt_created":"2026-03-11 20:16:40","changed":"1773260200","gmt_changed":"2026-03-11 20:16:40","video":{"youtube_id":"_CjwqIX6C2I","video_url":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/_CjwqIX6C2I?si=bfsxIT77-iAJCm-2"}},"679590":{"id":"679590","type":"video","title":"A dog herding sheep in a sheepdog trial","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EA dog herding sheep in a sheepdog trial\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773260676","gmt_created":"2026-03-11 20:24:36","changed":"1773260676","gmt_changed":"2026-03-11 20:24:36","video":{"youtube_id":"cnPOXfUC8rc","video_url":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/cnPOXfUC8rc?si=41jH8u3UQ_qjgqWn"}},"679591":{"id":"679591","type":"video","title":" Controlling \u0027Noisy\u0027 Sheep Herds","body":"\u003Cp\u003EControlling \u0027noisy\u0027 sheep herds\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773260974","gmt_created":"2026-03-11 20:29:34","changed":"1773260974","gmt_changed":"2026-03-11 20:29:34","video":{"youtube_id":"EMHmDPpe8HE","video_url":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/EMHmDPpe8HE?si=_5DFsk_BafsIK78R"}},"679584":{"id":"679584","type":"image","title":"Sheepdog herding sheep","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESheepdog herding in a sheepdog trial competition\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773259589","gmt_created":"2026-03-11 20:06:29","changed":"1773261394","gmt_changed":"2026-03-11 20:36:34","alt":"Sheepdog herding sheep","file":{"fid":"263762","name":"sheepdog1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/11\/sheepdog1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/11\/sheepdog1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":226432,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/11\/sheepdog1.jpg?itok=sbHIPJIH"}},"679588":{"id":"679588","type":"image","title":"Sheeping herding resistant sheep","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESheepdogs first align the flock\u2019s direction, then apply pressure to trigger movement before the sheep lose alignment.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773259967","gmt_created":"2026-03-11 20:12:47","changed":"1773261607","gmt_changed":"2026-03-11 20:40:07","alt":"Sheepdog herding seep","file":{"fid":"263766","name":"sheepdog2-copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/11\/sheepdog2-copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/11\/sheepdog2-copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":196318,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/11\/sheepdog2-copy.jpg?itok=F3wbneis"}}},"media_ids":["679589","679590","679591","679584","679588"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1240","name":"School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"152","name":"Robotics"}],"keywords":[{"id":"667","name":"robotics"},{"id":"194958","name":"Sheepdogs"},{"id":"194959","name":"Herding"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39521","name":"Robotics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBrad Dixon, \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto: braddixon@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebraddixon@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["braddixon@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688837":{"#nid":"688837","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Recognized as a Leader in Sustainable Transportation  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAtlanta is consistently ranked among the top cities for congestion, but new projects and a commitment to improving transportation on campus and in the city have earned Georgia Tech several honors and a reputation as a transportation infrastructure leader.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECampus Cycle Track \u2013 Best New Bike Lanes of 2025\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince the celebratory opening ride, led by Georgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera, in August 2025, the campus cycle track has signaled a new phase of transportation at Tech. Linking the Campus Recreation Center and Tech Parkway along Ferst Drive to Tech Square, the track was named among the Best New U.S. Bike Lanes of 2025 by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.peopleforbikes.org\/news\/best-new-bike-lanes-2025\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EPeopleForBikes\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe concept for the track, which promotes eco-friendly commuting options such as bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and skateboards, and offers a dedicated, bidirectional path separated from vehicular traffic, was developed in a 2019 award-winning senior capstone project by a group of civil engineering students.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2025 Institutional Leadership in Mobility Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERecognizing the Institute\u0027s\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003Eleadership in creating infrastructure and public spaces that support safe, sustainable, and accessible transportation options, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.letspropelatl.org\/2025_blinkie_awards_meet_the_winners\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EPropel ATL\u003C\/a\u003E awarded Tech a 2025 Institutional Leadership in Mobility Award.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParking and Transportation Services (PTS), together with\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003EPlanning, Design, and Construction, partners with Propel ATL to conduct \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.letspropelatl.org\/city_cycling\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Emonthly group rides and bike safety classes\u003C\/a\u003E, and offers an online bike and scooter \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pts.gatech.edu\/commute\/commute-options\/bicycling-pmds\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Esafety course\u003C\/a\u003E, in which students receive a free helmet upon completion. To date, PTS has given hundreds of free helmets to students, and the next class will take place on Wednesday, March 18. These courses, along with the Georgia Tech Police Department\u2019s efforts to educate the campus community on the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2023\/10\/05\/how-safely-use-micromobility-campus\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Esafe use of micromobility\u003C\/a\u003E, have helped Tech create a model for the city in micromobility safety and access.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBest Workplace for Commuters\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute has also been recognized by Georgia Commute Options as one of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gacommuteoptions.com\/flexwork\/redefining-the-commute-5-metro-atlanta-organizations-win-2026-best-workplaces-for-commuters\/?utm_source=Businesses\u0026amp;utm_campaign=ffc386b1b3-B2B+Newsletter%2C+June+2022_COPY_01\u0026amp;utm_medium=email\u0026amp;utm_term=0_78c87c69f5-ffc386b1b3-434952870\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMetro Atlanta\u2019s top 5 best workplaces for commuters\u003C\/a\u003E. The group highlights Tech\u2019s partnership with the Midtown Alliance as an example of how the Institute \u201cplays a critical role in advancing sustainable commuting both on campus and across Midtown Atlanta\u201d through subsidized transit passes, extensive bike infrastructure, on-site showers and changing areas for cyclists, a robust campus shuttle network, carpool and electric vehicle parking, and dedicated transportation staff who provide personalized commute support.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPTS is continually working to promote sustainable travel to and from campus, seeking input from the community through its annual Campus Commute Survey. The survey has become increasingly revealing as campus infrastructure changes, leading to the creation of new \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pts.gatech.edu\/2025\/10\/30\/new-bike-room-in-w02-student-center-parking-deck\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ebike storage facilities\u003C\/a\u003E, and the results will be used in the planning phase of future projects.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOngoing Success\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2024, Tech retained its status as a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/facilities.gatech.edu\/2024-10\/georgia-tech-named-gold-bicycle-friendly-university-league-american-bicyclists\u0022\u003EGold-level Bicycle Friendly University\u003C\/a\u003E, as issued by the League of American Bicyclists. The prestigious distinction, which Tech has held since 2016, is awarded to institutions that successfully promote and establish safe and accessible campus bicycling programs and amenities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor five consecutive years, Georgia Tech has won Love to Ride\u2019s Atlanta Bicycle \u201cBiketober\u201d Challenge, with employees cycling 22,132 miles in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pts.gatech.edu\/2025\/12\/04\/georgia-tech-places-first-in-atlanta-bicycle-challenge\/\u0022\u003EOctober 2025\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cEach of these honors and awards tells us that we are moving in the right direction and are doing our part to make it easier and safer to get to our campus and move throughout it,\u201d said Lisa Safstrom, PTS transportation program specialist. \u201cWe know we are able to take on these projects and continue to step up our efforts, and that\u2019s because of the expertise that exists on our campus and the input we receive from the community.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"The campus cycle track and other projects have earned Georgia Tech several honors and a reputation as a transportation infrastructure leader. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe campus cycle track and other projects have earned Georgia Tech several honors and a reputation as a transportation infrastructure leader.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The campus cycle track and other projects have earned Georgia Tech several honors and a reputation as a transportation infrastructure leader. "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2026-03-10 18:29:35","changed_gmt":"2026-03-11 02:06:40","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-10T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-10T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679573":{"id":"679573","type":"image","title":"Cycle Track","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA cyclist riding on the cycle track on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, on Georgia Tech\u0027s campus.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1773194182","gmt_created":"2026-03-11 01:56:22","changed":"1773194388","gmt_changed":"2026-03-11 01:59:48","alt":"Cyclist on cycle track","file":{"fid":"263749","name":"26-R10410-P52-004.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/10\/26-R10410-P52-004.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/10\/26-R10410-P52-004.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2449902,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/10\/26-R10410-P52-004.JPG?itok=lC0ZKe1Z"}}},"media_ids":["679573"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.pts.gatech.edu","title":"Parking and Transportation Services "}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"142","name":"City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192185","name":"Ferst Drive Realignment and Cycle Track"},{"id":"8106","name":"Georgia Tech Parking and Transportation"},{"id":"71811","name":"Office of Parking and Transportation Services"}],"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":""}},"688719":{"#nid":"688719","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Registration Open for Speaker Series That Spotlights Creativity in Computing","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe chief arts and music officer for The Ludacris Foundation will share his experience and expertise in digital audio tools, immersive media, and creative expression with the Georgia Tech community this spring.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/geraldkeys\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGerald Keys\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;chief of production for\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EChris \u0022Ludacris\u0022 Bridges\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2019 media company, Karma\u0027s World LLC, will be on campus April 14 as part of Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ECTRL+CM Speaker Series.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe event is one of three in the series scheduled this spring. The series will bring together students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals from Georgia Tech and the Atlanta region to explore the evolving creative technology landscape. Events are scheduled for March 11, March 31, and April 14.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe CTRL + CM Speaker Series, developed by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/constellations.gatech.edu\/cict-collective-impact-creative-technology-program\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Collective Impact of Creative Technology (CICT)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, is open to all. The events are free, but registration is required. Registration links for each event are included below.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe series was created with students in\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/degree-programs\/bachelor-science-computational-media\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ecomputational media\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/dm.lmc.gatech.edu\/program\/ms-program\/?doing_wp_cron=1772555490.2302570343017578125000\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Edigital media\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/degree-programs\/master-science-human-computer-interaction\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehuman-computer interaction\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;programs in mind,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAneesah\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAllen\u003C\/strong\u003E, an education outreach manager with the College of Computing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHowever, due to its popularity and success, we have expanded the audience for the speaker series to include the broader Georgia Tech community, students from other Atlanta-area colleges, and anyone interested in creative technology.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDesigned to help students take greater control of their academic and professional paths, the CTRL+CM Speaker Series exposes attendees to career fields on the creative side of technology. Each event will feature a moderated panel discussion with industry leaders, alumni, and faculty, followed by networking opportunities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETopics will span emerging tools and workflows, creative practice, professional development, and ethical considerations surrounding AI, generative media, and other emerging technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe spring CTRL + CM Speaker Series lineup includes:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECode That Creates: AI, Generative Media, and the Future of Creative Practice\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;will take place on March 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Coda at Tech Square, 9th Floor Atrium. The discussion will explore how creative coding and generative systems are reshaping artistic practice and the ethical responsibilities of AI-driven creative work.\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFeatured panelists include\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eilab.gatech.edu\/mark-riedl.html\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMark Riedl\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cas.gsu.edu\/profile\/elizabeth-strickler\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EElizabeth Strickler\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jelaniliddell\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJelani Liddell\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/judithu.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJudith Uchidiuno\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;Moderated by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/bryan-cox-432bb84\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBryan Cox\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERSVP link:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/zGMYdqUemZ\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehttps:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/zGMYdqUemZ\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cem\u003EWorlds in Motion: Exploring Interactive Media and Emerging Technologies\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;is scheduled for March 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Price Gilbert Library\u2019s Scholars Event Theater. Panelists will examine developments in augmented, virtual, and extended reality technologies, immersive storytelling, and interactive systems, and how these developments are impacting design and research.\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFeatured panelists:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/library.gatech.edu\/alison-valk\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlison Valk\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.communicationcenter.gatech.edu\/williams\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKelly Williams\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/c21u.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/meryem-yilmaz-soylu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMeryem Yilmaz Soylu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERSVP link:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/Cdp0vxG22u\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehttps:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/Cdp0vxG22u\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cem\u003EComposing with Technology: Digital Tools, Interactive Sound, and Creative Expression\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;will be held on April 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., also at the Price Gilbert Library. The session will focus on digital audio tools, interactive sound, and innovative approaches to composition and storytelling across games, film, and immersive media.\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFeatured panelist: Gerald Keys, chief of production for Chris \u0022Ludacris\u0022 Bridges media company, Karma\u0027s World LLC\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERSVP link:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/exLGwYMTgF\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ehttps:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/exLGwYMTgF\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECICT draws on expertise from the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollege of Computing\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/design.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollege of Design\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/lmc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. The collective is housed in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/constellations.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EConstellations Center for Education in Computing\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, which has worked since 2017 to expand access to computing education through research, advocacy, and community building.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe CTRL + CM Speaker Series is designed to help students take greater control of their academic and professional paths. Each event will feature a moderated panel discussion with industry leaders, alumni, and faculty, followed by networking opportunities.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"\u0027CTRL + CM\u0027 Speaker Series will bring together students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals to explore the evolving creative technology landscape."}],"uid":"32045","created_gmt":"2026-03-04 14:56:50","changed_gmt":"2026-03-11 01:20:10","author":"Ben Snedeker","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-04T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-03-04T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679523":{"id":"679523","type":"image","title":"CTRL-CM-series-stock-graphic-main-image.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAn Adobe Stock graphic illustrating the creative side of computing as colorful geometric streams of thought flow from a young woman\u0027s mind.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1772644910","gmt_created":"2026-03-04 17:21:50","changed":"1772644910","gmt_changed":"2026-03-04 17:21:50","alt":"Creativity and Computing connect at GT\u0027s CTRL + CM Speaker Series","file":{"fid":"263696","name":"CTRL-CM-series-stock-graphic-main-image.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/04\/CTRL-CM-series-stock-graphic-main-image.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/04\/CTRL-CM-series-stock-graphic-main-image.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":113108,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/04\/CTRL-CM-series-stock-graphic-main-image.jpeg?itok=YvdzjJLq"}}},"media_ids":["679523"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"606703","name":"Constellations Center"}],"categories":[{"id":"143","name":"Digital Media and Entertainment"}],"keywords":[{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"},{"id":"175066","name":"constellations"},{"id":"168831","name":"College of Design"},{"id":"174523","name":"Georgia Tech Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"124","name":"Digital Media"}],"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\u003EBen Snedeker, Sr. Communications Mgr.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech College of Computing\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003Ealbert.snedeker@cc.gatech.edu\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688551":{"#nid":"688551","#data":{"type":"news","title":"David Sherrill Named Executive Director of the Institute for Data Engineering and Science","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech has appointed David Sherrill as executive director of the Institute for Data Engineering and Science (IDEaS), effective March 1. Sherrill is a Regents\u0027 Professor in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry with a joint appointment in the School of Computational Science \u0026amp; Engineering. Sherrill has served as associate director for IDEaS since its founding in 2016 and as interim director since January 1, 2025.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to see Professor Sherrill tackle this role for the coming 5 years. He understands the rapidly evolving opportunities to apply AI and data science approaches to the diversity of research conducted by Georgia Tech faculty and students, and has a strong agenda to help our researchers make the most of this explosive change in the research landscape.\u201d Said V.P. of Interdisciplinary Research, Julia Kubanek. \u201cHe also has deep experience with team building and management which will position IDEaS favorably.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs executive director, Sherrill will guide IDEaS\u2019 current initiatives, which include the Microsoft CloudHub program that supports innovative applications in Generative Artificial Intelligence, and provide oversight and support for the joint College of Computing \/ IDEaS Center for Artificial Intelligence in Science and Engineering (ARTISAN), which provides\u0026nbsp; Georgia Tech faculty and research engineers expert support staff, needed cyberinfrastructure, software resources, and advice to assist faculty with projects using large data sets or using AI and machine learning to drive discovery.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherrill will also the lead the launch of a new strategic vision, emphasizing the Georgia Tech research community\u2019s expertise in the development of AI and ML techniques and their application to problems in science and engineering, high performance computing, and academic software. Sherrill will focus on internal and external partnerships at IDEaS, creating new collaborative efforts in areas such as economics, policy, and the arts and humanities. He will also work to strengthen current connections across Georgia Tech\u2019s Colleges, Interdisciplinary Research Institutes (IRIs), and the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s a great honor to be named the next executive director of IDEaS,\u201d said Sherrill.\u0026nbsp; \u201cGeorgia Tech has world-class faculty and students, and an unparalleled spirit of collaboration.\u0026nbsp; By bringing together faculty from across campus and working together with some of the amazing student groups, we can leverage the power of AI to accelerate our research and maximize our impact.\u0026nbsp; IDEaS will continue to run upskilling workshops to help our campus keep pace with the rapid changes in AI.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherrill is an active promoter of education in computational quantum chemistry, as well as a strong voice for the benefits of open-source software for research acceleration. He was named Outreach Volunteer of the Year by the Georgia Section of the American Chemical Society in 2017, and he is the lead principal investigator of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/PSI_(computational_chemistry)\u0022\u003EPsi\u003C\/a\u003E open-source quantum chemistry program.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherrill earned a B.S. in chemistry from MIT in 1992 and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Georgia in 1996. From 1996-1999 Sherril was an NSF Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherrill is Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the American Chemical Society, and the American Physical Society, and he has been Associate Editor of the Journal of Chemical Physics since 2009.\u0026nbsp;Sherrill has received a Camille and Henry Dreyfus New Faculty Award, the International Journal of Quantum Chemistry Young Investigator Award, an NSF CAREER Award, and Georgia Tech\u0027s W. Howard Ector Outstanding Teacher Award. In 2023, he received the Herty Medal from the Georgia Section of the American Chemical Society, and in 2024, he was elected to the International Academy of Quantum Molecular Science.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E- Christa M. Ernst\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech has appointed David Sherrill as executive director of the Institute for Data Engineering and Science (IDEaS), effective March 1. Sherrill is a Regents\u0027 Professor in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry with a joint appointment in the School of Computational Science \u0026amp; Engineering. Sherrill has served as associate director for IDEaS since its founding in 2016 and as interim director since January 1, 2025.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech has appointed David Sherrill as executive director of the Institute for Data Engineering and Science (IDEaS), effective March 1. "}],"uid":"27863","created_gmt":"2026-02-26 17:22:25","changed_gmt":"2026-03-10 20:55:44","author":"Christa Ernst","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-26T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-26T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679455":{"id":"679455","type":"image","title":"David-Sherrill-for-Ex-Dir-Bio-Page.jpg","body":null,"created":"1772126566","gmt_created":"2026-02-26 17:22:46","changed":"1772126566","gmt_changed":"2026-02-26 17:22:46","alt":"Picture of David Sherrill who has been Named Executive Director of the Institute for Data Engineering and Science","file":{"fid":"263619","name":"David-Sherrill-for-Ex-Dir-Bio-Page.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/26\/David-Sherrill-for-Ex-Dir-Bio-Page.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/26\/David-Sherrill-for-Ex-Dir-Bio-Page.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":55311,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/26\/David-Sherrill-for-Ex-Dir-Bio-Page.jpg?itok=9oMmhNCm"}}},"media_ids":["679455"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"},{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"141","name":"Chemistry and Chemical Engineering"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"194609","name":"Industry"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"132","name":"Institute Leadership"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187023","name":"go-data"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"187190","name":"-go-gtmi"},{"id":"188084","name":"go-ipat"},{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"},{"id":"187582","name":"go-ibb"},{"id":"188360","name":"go-bbiss"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChrista M. Ernst - \u003C\/strong\u003EResearch Communications Program Manager\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["christa.ernst@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688513":{"#nid":"688513","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Proving the Hypothesis: Kendreze Holland Becomes First Project ENGAGES Scholar to Earn Doctorate ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbstract\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt was a hypothesis. I was the experiment, and the hypothesis was proven true.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECan an\u0026nbsp;inner-city student who grew up below the poverty line\u0026nbsp;earn a Ph.D. and make a career in research?\u0026nbsp;In theory, yes.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe barriers are many.\u0026nbsp;But\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2451929424001888\u0022\u003Eliterature\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;suggests that early exposure to\u0026nbsp;STEM and research opportunities\u0026nbsp;can increase the odds\u0026nbsp;for students in need.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor\u0026nbsp;Kendreze\u0026nbsp;Holland,\u0026nbsp;the idea of\u0026nbsp;making it to college\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;earning an advanced degree\u0026nbsp;was a hypothesis.\u0026nbsp;Sure, theoretically\u0026nbsp;it could be done\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;in his\u0026nbsp;own home, not\u0026nbsp;everyone\u0026nbsp;had\u0026nbsp;even\u0026nbsp;made it past high school.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOften,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;first\u0026nbsp;question\u0026nbsp;on the way to\u0026nbsp;scientific discovery\u0026nbsp;is:\u0026nbsp;What if? What if a student like Holland received the right help at the right time?\u0026nbsp;What if he\u0026nbsp;was guided\u0026nbsp;along the way by\u0026nbsp;mentors\u0026nbsp;who were leaders in their fields? What if\u0026nbsp;he was given the opportunity to develop professional skills\u0026nbsp;and make valuable connections?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHolland asked himself: What if he could be the one to\u0026nbsp;prove the hypothesis true?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIntroduction\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHolland grew up\u0026nbsp;in northwest\u0026nbsp;Atlanta,\u0026nbsp;one of seven children\u0026nbsp;raised by a single mother.\u0026nbsp;Being\u0026nbsp;one of so many children, most would struggle to stand out. But Holland always\u0026nbsp;sought\u0026nbsp;to be different.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMy perpetual intention was to be less of a burden to my mother,\u201d he said. \u201cSince my mother\u2019s education limited her abilities to help with my schoolwork, I went above the call of duty to stand out in academics.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis mother\u2019s education was cut short in ninth grade so she could raise her first child,\u0026nbsp;Holland\u2019s older sister,\u0026nbsp;and no one in his family had gone to college.\u0026nbsp;In his mind, he had\u0026nbsp;three career paths\u0026nbsp;to choose from: football, hip hop, or retail.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cStanding at a solid 5 foot 8,\u0026nbsp;the first\u0026nbsp;would have been difficult,\u201d he joked. \u201cAnd the latter two were not my calling.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJust like his mother, the course of his life changed in his ninth-grade year. For\u0026nbsp;Holland,\u0026nbsp;it began an academic journey\u0026nbsp;he never expected.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2012, he was attending\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/best.atlantapublicschools.us\/\u0022\u003EB.E.S.T.\u0026nbsp;Academy\u003C\/a\u003E, an all-boys\u0026nbsp;public\u0026nbsp;school for grades six through\u0026nbsp;12\u0026nbsp;focused on\u0026nbsp;business and STEM.\u0026nbsp;Biology\u0026nbsp;class\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;just another hour\u0026nbsp;waiting to pass\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;15-year-old\u0026nbsp;Holland,\u0026nbsp;until the day\u0026nbsp;two guest speakers from\u0026nbsp;Georgia Tech\u0026nbsp;walked into the room with \u201csome weird\u0026nbsp;apparatuses and mechanical chopsticks.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe two guests\u0026nbsp;used the equipment\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;gel electrophoresis systems and pipettes\u0026nbsp;\u2014 to show the boys\u0026nbsp;what research can look like in real life.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis experience sparked within me a drive for science, and it was the first time I realized that I wanted to, and could,\u0026nbsp;attain\u0026nbsp;an advanced scientific degree,\u201d Holland said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe two speakers were\u0026nbsp;Manu Platt, a professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/schools\/biomedical-engineering\u0022\u003EWallace H.\u0026nbsp;Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;at Georgia Tech and Emory University, and Jerald Dumas, a postdoctoral researcher.\u0026nbsp;Platt and Dumas\u0026nbsp;were\u0026nbsp;there\u0026nbsp;to recruit students for a new program\u0026nbsp;called\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/projectengages.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EProject ENGAGES\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;within the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/bio\u0022\u003EParker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(IBB).\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe program was co-founded by Platt and the late Robert M. Nerem, IBB\u2019s founding executive director, to give\u0026nbsp;students\u0026nbsp;like Holland an opportunity\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;participate\u0026nbsp;in real research projects\u0026nbsp;that would hopefully\u0026nbsp;plant a seed\u0026nbsp;in the next generation of scientists.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudents\u0026nbsp;come from\u0026nbsp;one of eight partner schools in Atlanta. Once\u0026nbsp;accepted, they\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;connected\u0026nbsp;to a Georgia Tech graduate\u0026nbsp;student who\u0026nbsp;mentors them and\u0026nbsp;supervises their work, and\u0026nbsp;they\u0026nbsp;get paid to\u0026nbsp;work in\u0026nbsp;their assigned\u0026nbsp;lab\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;one year.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProject ENGAGES\u0026nbsp;does more than\u0026nbsp;expose students to STEM concepts and ideas. It\u0026nbsp;equips them with the skills and knowledge to carry out their own independent research projects.\u0026nbsp;They also\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;opportunities to\u0026nbsp;establish\u0026nbsp;connections with university faculty and industry representatives who can provide career guidance and support.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMethods\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThough Holland\u0026nbsp;didn\u2019t\u0026nbsp;meet the program\u2019s age requirement\u0026nbsp;in 2012, he applied again\u0026nbsp;the next year and\u0026nbsp;was accepted.\u0026nbsp;During his junior and senior years of high\u0026nbsp;school,\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;worked\u0026nbsp;in Platt\u2019s lab, where he aided with\u0026nbsp;projects\u0026nbsp;involving proteins, cell cultures, and\u0026nbsp;antibodies.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOver the course of those two years, the growth I saw scientifically, professionally, and in maturity, all corroborated my belief that\u0026nbsp;Kendreze\u0026nbsp;was going far, and able to push past whatever goals and obstacles he comes up against,\u201d\u0026nbsp;said Platt,\u0026nbsp;now the\u0026nbsp;director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nibib.nih.gov\/labs-at-nibib\/center-for-biomedical-engineering-technology-acceleration-beta\u0022\u003ECenter for Biomedical Engineering Technology Acceleration\u003C\/a\u003E housed within the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nibib.nih.gov\/\u0022\u003ENational Institute of\u0026nbsp;Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHolland\u0027s experience sparked\u0026nbsp;a love for science\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;a career-long connection with Georgia Tech.\u0026nbsp;After high school, he\u0026nbsp;graduated summa cum laude\u0026nbsp;with a degree in chemistry\u0026nbsp;from Georgia State University.\u0026nbsp;As an undergraduate, he stayed connected with Tech and with IBB as a\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/bio\/petit-undergraduate-research-scholars-program\u0022\u003EPetit Scholar\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;a yearlong mentorship program and research experience for top students around Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI really wanted to stay close to home, and I felt like everything was in my backyard,\u201d he said. \u201cThere are many people who come\u0026nbsp;here\u0026nbsp;from other places\u0026nbsp;to Tech because of the great\u0026nbsp;science that is going on.\u0026nbsp;There\u2019s\u0026nbsp;something special about Atlanta, and\u0026nbsp;I\u2019m\u0026nbsp;just getting the best of what I can from it.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe credits his\u0026nbsp;time\u0026nbsp;in Project ENGAGES\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;giving him the confidence and resilience\u0026nbsp;to continue toward his goals.\u0026nbsp;Like many others in the program, he was a first-generation college student\u0026nbsp;with little to no\u0026nbsp;guidance\u0026nbsp;for his academic career.\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;holistic approach\u0026nbsp;of Project ENGAGES\u0026nbsp;provided\u0026nbsp;professional development opportunities and standardized test preparation\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;ready\u0026nbsp;him\u0026nbsp;for life in college and beyond.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI knew I\u0026nbsp;wanted to go to grad school, but I didn\u2019t know I was going to do all these things,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u201cHaving that one goal sprouted a lot of side quests that just grew into something bigger.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter graduating from\u0026nbsp;Georgia State\u0026nbsp;in 2020, Holland was accepted into Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bioengineering.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EBioengineering Graduate Program\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;as a doctoral student.\u0026nbsp;In December\u0026nbsp;2025, he became the first Project ENGAGES\u0026nbsp;alumnus\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;successfully defend his dissertation,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;is expected to graduate\u0026nbsp;this spring.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/lakeita-servance\u0022\u003ELakeita\u0026nbsp;Servance\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;assistant\u0026nbsp;director of Outreach Initiatives at IBB, was\u0026nbsp;the program manager for Project ENGAGES when Holland was accepted\u0026nbsp;and cheered him on\u0026nbsp;more than 10 years later as he\u0026nbsp;presented his\u0026nbsp;doctoral\u0026nbsp;research.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAs I sat in that room while he was defending his dissertation and\u0026nbsp;sharing his research with all of us, I still reflected on that boy\u0026nbsp;I saw at 16 years old,\u201d she said. \u201cIt was\u0026nbsp;this full circle moment to see him make it all the way back here.\u0026nbsp;The investment\u0026nbsp;we made over a decade ago has paid off in such a large way.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResults\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition to being the first in his family to go to college and earn an advanced degree, Holland\u0026nbsp;received financial support from the National Science Foundation\u2019s Graduate Research Fellowship Program;\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;awarded\u0026nbsp;multiple\u0026nbsp;prestigious\u0026nbsp;fellowships, including FORD,\u0026nbsp;GEM, and Herbert P. Haley;\u0026nbsp;landed an internship\u0026nbsp;with 3M Corporate Research Materials Laboratory;\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;served as a\u0026nbsp;mentor\u0026nbsp;in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/nakatani-ries\/\u0022\u003ENakatani Research and International Experience for Students\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;He has\u0026nbsp;published papers, led panel discussions,\u0026nbsp;applied\u0026nbsp;for patents, and\u0026nbsp;presented his research at national conferences.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAll that stemmed from Project ENGAGES,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd more importantly, I applied\u0026nbsp;to be a mentor for the ENGAGES program.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHolland said some of\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;most\u0026nbsp;meaningful experiences have come from\u0026nbsp;being able to give back.\u0026nbsp;He has served as a mentor, both formally and informally,\u0026nbsp;to more than half a dozen students,\u0026nbsp;some\u0026nbsp;who\u0026nbsp;come\u0026nbsp;from backgrounds\u0026nbsp;much like his own.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u0026nbsp;wanted to\u0026nbsp;give\u0026nbsp;back to the program because it poured so much into me. They were able to get me all the way to the Ph.D. level, so I knew that I could use my grind to help other students.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EConclusion\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHaving proved the hypothesis true, Holland is turning his focus to the future, considering his options in academia and corporate research while he continues to work as a postdoc at Georgia Tech.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis research in John\u0026nbsp;Blazeck\u2019s\u0026nbsp;lab\u0026nbsp;focuses on cellular engineering using CRISPR gene editing technology\u0026nbsp;to regulate gene profiles, meaning he and other researchers can turn certain genes up and others down to affect\u0026nbsp;the way cells respond.\u0026nbsp;Though he is currently working with yeast cells, he hopes that his research will translate into mammalian cells that could have more clinical applications.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn terms of diseases and disorders, you can use it to tune genes to help someone experiencing cancer\u0026nbsp;by helping immune cells or stopping cancer cells from dividing rapidly,\u201d he said. \u201cYou can also help other cells to survive longer, and longer cell viability means potentially a patient can survive longer.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat began as a presentation in\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;high school science class has led Holland\u0026nbsp;to a future he never expected.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.research.gatech.edu\/node\/2815\u0022\u003ETequila Harris\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorge W.\u0026nbsp;Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;co-director of Project ENGAGES, said\u0026nbsp;his story shows others that they can do the same.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI believe his achievements will inspire and motivate generations of students to pursue dreams that they may not have known they had.\u0026nbsp;Kendreze\u0026nbsp;Holland has fundamentally shown others that there are multiple pathways to engage in STEM and that opportunities and access to advanced degrees can\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;attained\u0026nbsp;by those willing to do the work.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHolland\u0027s story is symbolic of the ultimate goal for Project ENGAGES:\u0026nbsp;to change the lives of talented young people who may never have had the opportunity to succeed.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat\u2019s why I was so adamant about getting my Ph.D.,\u201d he said,\u0026nbsp;\u201cto show\u0026nbsp;that one could potentially overcome what they were going through to do something extraordinary.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EProject ENGAGES is possible thanks to philanthropic support from our generous community: \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/giving.gatech.edu\/campaigns\/60129\/donations\/new?designation_id=55a493\u0026amp;\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDonate here\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFor Kendreze Holland, the idea of making it to college and earning an advanced degree was a hypothesis. Holland asked himself: What if he could be the one to prove the hypothesis true?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat began as a presentation in a high school science class has led Holland to a future he never expected \u2013 planning to graduate from Georgia Tech with a Ph.D. in bioengineering this spring. His story is symbolic of the ultimate goal for the Project ENGAGES program: to change the lives of talented young people who may never have had the opportunity to succeed.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"In December 2025, he became the first Project ENGAGES alumnus to successfully defend his dissertation, and he is expected to graduate this spring. "}],"uid":"36479","created_gmt":"2026-02-25 13:55:09","changed_gmt":"2026-03-09 17:59:22","author":"abowman41","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-25T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-25T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679431":{"id":"679431","type":"image","title":"Holland-Lab.jpg","body":null,"created":"1772045667","gmt_created":"2026-02-25 18:54:27","changed":"1772045667","gmt_changed":"2026-02-25 18:54:27","alt":"A man in a lab coat wearing safety goggles and gloves puts samples into a machine in a scientific lab","file":{"fid":"263594","name":"Holland-Lab.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/25\/Holland-Lab.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/25\/Holland-Lab.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1197473,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/25\/Holland-Lab.jpg?itok=3WyFADtX"}}},"media_ids":["679431"],"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":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"188776","name":"go-research"},{"id":"172056","name":"go-BioE"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAshlie Bowman | Communications Manager\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["ashlie.bowman@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688812":{"#nid":"688812","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Physics Professor Elected to American Physical Society Board","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/laura-cadonati\u0022\u003ELaura Cadonati\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E and associate dean for Research in the College of Sciences, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.aps.org\/\u0022\u003EAmerican Physical Society\u003C\/a\u003E (APS). In this role, she will support the scientific society\u2019s mission of advancing physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cSince I was a student, APS has been my professional home\u0026nbsp; \u2014 hosting my first conference talk and networking opportunity, publishing my first paper, and offering me mentoring over the years,\u201d says Cadonati, who is a member of Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cra.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECenter for Relativistic Astrophysics\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cServing on the APS Board of Directors now is a privilege and an opportunity to amplify the voices of physicists at every career stage.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ECadonati\u2019s primary research interests include gravitational wave and particle astrophysics. Since 2002, she has been a member of the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/ligo.org\/\u0022\u003ELaser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) Scientific Collaboration\u003C\/a\u003E. Cadonati has held several leadership roles with LIGO, including heading its data analysis and astrophysics division during the discovery of gravitational waves \u2014 a breakthrough which led to the project\u0027s founders receiving the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2017\/10\/03\/gravitational-wave-confirmations-earn-2017-nobel-prize-physics-0\u0022\u003E2017 Nobel Prize in Physics\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EPreviously, she was a member of the Borexino Collaboration, focused on solar neutrino detection, and the DarkSide Collaboration, centered on the direct detection of dark matter.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECadonati earned her Ph.D. in physics from Princeton University and completed postdoctoral research at Princeton University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Before joining Georgia Tech in 2015, she was an associate professor of physics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her honors include an APS Fellowship, National Science Foundation CAREER Award, Atlantic Coast Conference Academic Consortium Distinguished Lecturer Award, Georgia Tech\u2019s Outstanding Faculty Research Author Award, and the\u0026nbsp;Technische Universit\u00e4t M\u00fcnchen\u0026nbsp;Institute for Advanced Study\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ias.tum.de\/ias\/cadonati-laura\/\u0022\u003EHans Fischer Senior Fellowship\u003C\/a\u003E, which was awarded in 2025.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELaura Cadonati, professor in the\u0026nbsp;School of Physics and associate dean for Research in the College of Sciences, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the\u0026nbsp;American Physical Society.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Laura Cadonati, professor in the\u00a0School of Physics and associate dean for Research in the College of Sciences, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the\u00a0American Physical Society."}],"uid":"36583","created_gmt":"2026-03-09 14:47:00","changed_gmt":"2026-03-09 14:51:38","author":"lvidal7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-03-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"665207":{"id":"665207","type":"image","title":"Laura Cadonati","body":null,"created":"1674845900","gmt_created":"2023-01-27 18:58:20","changed":"1674845900","gmt_changed":"2023-01-27 18:58:20","alt":"","file":{"fid":"251593","name":"laura_cadonati.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/laura_cadonati.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/laura_cadonati.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":776434,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/images\/laura_cadonati.jpg?itok=x261aW85"}}},"media_ids":["665207"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/cra.gatech.edu\/","title":"Center for Relativistic Astrophysics"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"}],"categories":[{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"166937","name":"School of Physics"},{"id":"53281","name":"American Physical Society"},{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWriter: Lindsay C. Vidal\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["lvidal7@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688716":{"#nid":"688716","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Research Priorities Chart Course Toward Impactful, Energy-Efficient Computing","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers applied their expertise to a national research program that will shape the future of computing. Their work may yield more energy-efficient computers and better predictions for environmental challenges like carbon storage, tsunamis, wildfires, and sustainable energy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Department of Energy Office of Science recently released two reports through its Advanced Scientific Computing Research (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/science\/ascr\/advanced-scientific-computing-research\u0022\u003EASCR\u003C\/a\u003E) program. The\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/science.osti.gov\/ascr\/Community-Resources\/Program-Documents\u0022\u003Ereports\u003C\/a\u003E were produced by workshops that brought together researchers from universities, national labs, government, and industry to set priorities for scientific computing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProfessor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/slim.gatech.edu\/people\/felix-j-herrmann\u0022\u003EFelix Herrmann\u003C\/a\u003E served on the organizing committee for the Workshop on Inverse Methods for Complex Systems under Uncertainty. Assistant Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/faculty.cc.gatech.edu\/~pchen402\/group.html\u0022\u003EPeng Chen\u003C\/a\u003E joined Herrmann as a workshop participant, contributing expertise in data science and machine learning.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInverse methods work backward from outcomes to find their causes. Scientists use these tools to study complex systems, like designing new materials with targeted properties and using past wildfires to map vulnerable areas and behavior of future fires.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.osti.gov\/biblio\/2583339\u0022\u003EASCR report\u003C\/a\u003E highlighted Herrmann\u2019s work on seismic exploration and monitoring through digital twins. Founded on inverse methods, digital twins upgrade from static models to virtual systems that accurately mirror their physical counterparts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDigital twins integrate real-time data sources, including fluid flows, monitoring and control systems, risk assessments, and human decisions. These models also account for uncertainty and address data gaps or limitations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe DOE organized the workshop to support the growing role of inverse modeling. The group identified four priority research directions (PRDs) to guide future work. The PRDs are:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPRD 1: Discovering, exploiting, and preserving structure\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPRD 2: Identifying and overcoming model limitations\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPRD 3: Integrating disparate multimodal and\/or dynamic data\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPRD 4: Solving goal-oriented inverse problems for downstream tasks\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cA digital twin is a system you can control, like to optimize operations or to minimize risk,\u201d said Herrmann, who holds joint appointments in the Schools of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Computational Science and Engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cDigital twins give you a principled way to consider uncertainties, which there are a lot in subsurface monitoring. If you inject carbon dioxide too fast, you will will increase the pressure and may fracture the rock. If you inject too slow, then the process may become too costly. Digital twins help us make balanced decisions under uncertainty.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESupercomputers, algorithms, and artificial intelligence now power modern science. However, these tools consume enormous amounts of energy. This raises concerns about how to sustain computing and scientific research as we know them in the decades ahead.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProfessors\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/vuduc.org\/v2\/\u0022\u003ERich Vuduc\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/hyesoon.github.io\/\u0022\u003EHyesoon Kim\u003C\/a\u003E co-authored\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.osti.gov\/biblio\/2476961\u0022\u003Ethe report\u003C\/a\u003E from the Workshop on Energy-Efficient Computing for Science. At the three-day ASCR workshop, participants identified five key research directions:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPRD 1: Co-design energy-efficient hardware devices and architectures for important workloads\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPRD 2: Define the algorithmic foundations of energy-efficient scientific computing\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPRD 3: Reconceptualize software ecosystems for energy efficiency\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPRD 4: Enable energy-efficient data management for data centers, instruments, and users\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPRD 5: Develop integrated, scalable energy measurement and modeling capabilities for next-generation computing systems\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019m cautiously optimistic about the future of energy-efficient computing. The ASCR report says, from a technological point of view, there are things we can do,\u201d said Vuduc.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe report lays out paths for how we might design better apps, hardware systems, and algorithms that will use less energy. This is recognition that we should think about how architectures and software work together to drive down energy usage for systems.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers applied their expertise to a national research program that will shape the future of computing. Their work may yield more energy-efficient computers and better predictions for environmental challenges like carbon storage, tsunamis, wildfires, and sustainable energy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Department of Energy Office of Science recently released two reports through its Advanced Scientific Computing Research (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/science\/ascr\/advanced-scientific-computing-research\u0022\u003EASCR\u003C\/a\u003E) program. The\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/science.osti.gov\/ascr\/Community-Resources\/Program-Documents\u0022\u003Ereports\u003C\/a\u003E were produced by workshops that brought together researchers from universities, national labs, government, and industry to set priorities for scientific computing.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech faculty members contributed to two DOE Advanced Scientific Computing Research program workshops. Recently published reports of their work may yield more energy-efficient computers and better predictions for environmental challenges."}],"uid":"36319","created_gmt":"2026-03-04 13:29:44","changed_gmt":"2026-03-04 21:01:18","author":"Bryant Wine","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-27T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-27T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679513":{"id":"679513","type":"image","title":"ASCR-Report-Authors.png","body":null,"created":"1772630996","gmt_created":"2026-03-04 13:29:56","changed":"1772630996","gmt_changed":"2026-03-04 13:29:56","alt":"DOE Office of Science ASCR Reports","file":{"fid":"263685","name":"ASCR-Report-Authors.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/04\/ASCR-Report-Authors.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/04\/ASCR-Report-Authors.png","mime":"image\/png","size":578789,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/04\/ASCR-Report-Authors.png?itok=dQ53-joi"}},"679514":{"id":"679514","type":"image","title":"ASCR-Report-Inverse-methods.jpg","body":null,"created":"1772631052","gmt_created":"2026-03-04 13:30:52","changed":"1772631052","gmt_changed":"2026-03-04 13:30:52","alt":"ASCR Workshop on Inverse Methods for Complex Systems under Uncertainty","file":{"fid":"263686","name":"ASCR-Report-Inverse-methods.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/04\/ASCR-Report-Inverse-methods.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/04\/ASCR-Report-Inverse-methods.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":56325,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/04\/ASCR-Report-Inverse-methods.jpg?itok=rZGhJhnP"}},"679515":{"id":"679515","type":"image","title":"ASCR-Report-Energy-Efficient-Computing.jpg","body":null,"created":"1772631087","gmt_created":"2026-03-04 13:31:27","changed":"1772631087","gmt_changed":"2026-03-04 13:31:27","alt":"ASCR Workshop on Energy-Efficient Computing for Science","file":{"fid":"263687","name":"ASCR-Report-Energy-Efficient-Computing.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/04\/ASCR-Report-Energy-Efficient-Computing.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/04\/ASCR-Report-Energy-Efficient-Computing.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":58857,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/04\/ASCR-Report-Energy-Efficient-Computing.jpg?itok=-0arX_Rb"}}},"media_ids":["679513","679514","679515"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/new-research-priorities-chart-course-toward-impactful-energy-efficient-computing","title":"New Research Priorities Chart Course Toward Impactful, Energy-Efficient Computing"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"166983","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"},{"id":"663","name":"Department of Energy"},{"id":"179230","name":"digital twin"},{"id":"15030","name":"high-performance computing"},{"id":"9167","name":"machine learning"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBryant Wine, Communications Officer\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:bryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687898":{"#nid":"687898","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Yuanzhi Tang Named Executive Director of the Strategic Energy Institute","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech has appointed \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/energy.gatech.edu\/people\/yuanzhi-tang\u0022\u003EYuanzhi Tang\u003C\/a\u003E as executive director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.research.gatech.edu\/energy\u0022\u003EStrategic Energy Institute\u003C\/a\u003E (SEI), effective Feb. 1.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang will lead the strategic vision, interdisciplinary research efforts, and internal and external partnerships at SEI, strengthening connections across Georgia Tech\u2019s Colleges, Interdisciplinary Research Institutes (IRI), the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), and external partners to advance energy-related initiatives.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFounded in 2004, SEI is one of Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/interdisciplinary-research-institutes\u0022\u003EIRIs\u003C\/a\u003E and serves as a campuswide hub for energy research, education, and engagement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang is the Georgia Power Professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E. Her research and leadership focus on advancing secure, circular, and sustainable energy systems by integrating Earth, environmental, biological, materials, and sustainability sciences and innovations. She previously served as an initiative lead on critical minerals and sustainable resources at SEI as well as the associate director for interdisciplinary research at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sustainablesystems.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EBrook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cProfessor Tang brings a strong record of research impact, leadership of complex initiatives, and a collaborative approach that will help elevate Georgia Tech\u2019s energy research enterprise,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/julia-kubanek-0\u0022\u003EJulia Kubanek\u003C\/a\u003E, vice president for Interdisciplinary Research at Georgia Tech. \u201cShe brings deep expertise in fundamental Earth and environmental science, including water, soil, and energy research, while also leading state and regional partnerships in emerging, applied areas such as critical minerals. Most importantly, she is community-minded with excellent listening and consensus-building skills.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs executive director, Tang will develop and communicate a unifying vision to advance interdisciplinary energy research and strategic thought leadership at Georgia Tech, integrating expertise across engineering, sciences, computing, business, design, economics, policy, and the humanities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang is also the founding director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/minerals.research.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECenter for Critical Mineral Solutions\u003C\/a\u003E and leads a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gems.research.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Emultidisciplinary coalition\u003C\/a\u003E spanning three University System of Georgia institutions. The coalition connects research, industry, and policy to build Georgia\u2019s critical minerals innovation ecosystem, while driving resource advancement, workforce development, and economic impact.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u0027m honored to serve as the executive director of SEI. Georgia Tech\u2019s energy research and the people behind it have always inspired me. I\u2019m eager to listen, learn, and work alongside our community,\u201d said Tang. \u201cSEI connects research excellence with real-world impact, and I look forward to partnering across campus, industry, government, and communities to translate breakthrough ideas into solutions that strengthen energy security, reliability, and affordability.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout the Strategic Energy Institute\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Strategic Energy Institute (SEI) serves as a system integrator for more than 1,000 Georgia Tech researchers working across the entire energy value chain. SEI brings together expertise to address complex energy challenges, from commercializing scalable technologies to informing long-term energy strategy and policy. Through research, education, community building, resource development, and thought leadership, SEI mobilizes Georgia Tech\u2019s collective strengths to advance reliable, affordable, and lower-carbon energy solutions for a growing global demand.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech has appointed Yuanzhi Tang as executive director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.research.gatech.edu\/energy\u0022\u003EStrategic Energy Institute\u003C\/a\u003E (SEI), effective Feb. 1.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang will lead the strategic vision, interdisciplinary research efforts, and internal and external partnerships at SEI, strengthening connections across Georgia Tech\u2019s Colleges, Interdisciplinary Research Institutes (IRI), the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), and external partners to advance energy-related initiatives.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech has appointed Yuanzhi Tang as executive director of the Strategic Energy Institute (SEI), effective Feb. 1."}],"uid":"36413","created_gmt":"2026-02-02 16:53:07","changed_gmt":"2026-03-04 00:13:05","author":"pdevarajan3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-02T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-02T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679151":{"id":"679151","type":"image","title":"Yuanzhi Tang","body":"\u003Cp\u003EYuanzhi Tang\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1770048693","gmt_created":"2026-02-02 16:11:33","changed":"1770048784","gmt_changed":"2026-02-02 16:13:04","alt":"Yuanzhi Tang","file":{"fid":"263274","name":"Yuanzhi-Tang-pic2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/Yuanzhi-Tang-pic2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/Yuanzhi-Tang-pic2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1451744,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/02\/Yuanzhi-Tang-pic2.jpg?itok=r5N6d_LB"}}},"media_ids":["679151"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:priya.devarajan@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EPriya Devarajan\u003C\/a\u003E || Communications Program Manager\u003Cbr\u003EStrategic Energy Institute\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["priya.devarajan@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688653":{"#nid":"688653","#data":{"type":"news","title":"XR Seminar Series Spotlights Student Research and Innovation","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/xr.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EADC XR Makerspace\u003C\/a\u003E at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EH. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E is launching a new weekly seminar series, \u003Cstrong\u003EXR Bytes\u003C\/strong\u003E, that will spotlight graduate research in extended reality (XR) and bring together scholars from across the Institute to explore immersive technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeginning March 6, the series will take place Fridays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. inside the Makerspace at ISyE Main (115). Georgia Tech graduate students whose research focuses in XR will lead each session, sharing their research and demonstrating how immersive tools are being applied across disciplines.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Makerspace, which \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/news\/new-adc-xr-makerspace-opens-doors-extended-reality\u0022\u003Eopened earlier this year\u003C\/a\u003E, \u0026nbsp;was created to provide students and faculty with access to XR technologies that support research, experimentation, and collaboration. The space is designed not only to advance technical development, but also to help researchers think critically about how immersive tools can visualize information and enhance real-world applications. Makerspace Captain Steven Yoo, shares that the series aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration while showcasing how XR technologies are being applied to real-world research challenges.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe seminar speakers represent a range of schools across the Institute, including computer science, psychology, mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering. The series schedule and topics include:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMarch 6:\u003C\/strong\u003E Srikanth Tindivanam Varadharajan (Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering) \u003Cem\u003EXR for the Sky: Enhancing UAV and UAM Operations\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMarch 13:\u003C\/strong\u003E Jorge Garcia (ISyE) \u2014 \u003Cem\u003EHuman-in-the-Loop and XR for Context-Rich Industrial Decision-Making\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMarch 20:\u003C\/strong\u003E Hanna Neroj \u0026nbsp;(School of Psychology) \u2014 \u003Cem\u003ESimulating the Future: Experience Prototyping for Emerging Technologies via Multimodal XR\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EApril 3:\u003C\/strong\u003E Prithiv Premkumar (School of Computer Science) \u2014 \u003Cem\u003EMotion, Heart Rate, and Haptics: Using XR Devices for Human Monitoring and Regulation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EApril 10:\u003C\/strong\u003E Seok Joon Kim (George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering) \u2014 \u003Cem\u003EAHEAD of Time: Toward Robots That Behave Like Human Companions\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EApril 17:\u003C\/strong\u003E Alex Yang (School of Computer Science) \u2014 \u003Cem\u003ELitForager: Exploring Multimodal Literature Foraging Strategies in Immersive Sensemaking\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EApril 24:\u003C\/strong\u003E Austin Graves (George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering) \u2014 \u003Cem\u003ERobot-Independent Visual-Tactile XR Teleoperation for Multi-Humanoid Cooperation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAll members of the Institute community are invited to attend the weekly seminars. Those interested in staying informed about future programming can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eforms.isye.gatech.edu\/form\/xr-rsvp\u0022\u003ERSVP \u003C\/a\u003Eto join the ADC XR Makerspace mailing list.\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","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe ADC XR Makerspace is launching a weekly, graduate-student-led seminar series highlighting cutting-edge research in extended reality (XR) across the Institute. Held Fridays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., the series features speakers from disciplines including aerospace engineering, computer science, psychology, and mechanical engineering, with topics ranging from UAV and UAM operations to human monitoring and immersive sensemaking.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The ADC XR Makerspace is launching a weekly, graduate-student-led seminar series held Fridays from 12:30\u20131:30 p.m. to showcase interdisciplinary extended reality research across the Institute."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2026-03-03 15:57:34","changed_gmt":"2026-03-03 16:52:32","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-03-03T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-03-03T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679504":{"id":"679504","type":"image","title":"XR Bytes","body":"\u003Cp\u003Espeakers for XR Bytes seminar Series\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1772555793","gmt_created":"2026-03-03 16:36:33","changed":"1772556088","gmt_changed":"2026-03-03 16:41:28","alt":"speakers for XR Bytes seminar Series","file":{"fid":"263676","name":"XR-Bytes---Monitor.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/03\/XR-Bytes---Monitor.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/03\/03\/XR-Bytes---Monitor.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":37301,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/03\/03\/XR-Bytes---Monitor.jpg?itok=TtaSiseU"}}},"media_ids":["679504"],"groups":[{"id":"660404","name":"ISyE Extended Reality Makerspace (ISYE XR)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EParker Avery, Student Writing Assistant\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688519":{"#nid":"688519","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Healthcare AI Takes Center Stage at BERD Research Forum","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELeaders in medical research and artificial intelligence gathered at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EH. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (ISyE) for the Biostatistics, Epidemiology, \u0026amp; Research Design (BERD) Research Forum. Part of the Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance (CTSA), BERD provides comprehensive biostatistical and epidemiological support, including study design, data collection and management, and the development and application of statistical methodologies. This year\u2019s forum brought together faculty and students from the University of North Carolina, Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, University of Georgia, and Georgia Tech to examine how emerging technologies are enhancing clinical processes and improving patient outcomes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/xiaoming-huo\u0022\u003EXiaoming Huo\u003C\/a\u003E, A. Russell Chandler III Professor in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Associate Director for Research in the Institute for Data Engineering and Science (IDEaS), served on the event\u2019s organizing committee. He underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing responsible and effective AI tools for medicine.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe forum provides an opportunity for collaboration and team forming. This is critical in developing AI tools for medical and health care research,\u201d Huo said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe keynote address was delivered by Hongtu Zhu of UNC, who presented his work on Causal Generalist Medical AI (GMAI). The model integrates multiple data sources to recommend treatments to physicians and incorporates causal reasoning to strengthen reliability. Zhu demonstrated that embedding causal elements into medical AI systems can improve generalizability by supporting evidence-based decision-making rather than relying solely on predictive outputs. He also outlined both growth opportunities and ongoing challenges that must be addressed before GMAI can serve as a robust clinical decision-support tool.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdditional presentations highlighted the range of AI applications in health care. Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/directory\/omer-t-inan\u0022\u003EOmer Inan\u003C\/a\u003E of Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering \u003C\/a\u003E(ECE) shared research from his lab on AI-enabled wearable technology designed to detect heart conditions. The device he demonstrated uses a vibrometer to measure heart timing and subtle vibrations. AI algorithms then filter the signal to identify abnormalities that may indicate deeper cardiovascular concerns, signals that might otherwise go unnoticed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudents also played a central role in the forum, presenting their research in a poster competition. One project detailed the development of a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) model designed to answer questions about drug interactions and flag potential side effects when incompatible medications are combined. Researchers found that incorporating a RAG framework can reduce AI hallucinations, an especially critical concern in medical contexts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnother student team explored how AI can identify candidate proteins that may aid in treating blood cancers. Using data from the Worldwide Protein Data Bank, the researchers trained AI models to predict which proteins could disrupt processes that limit the immune system\u2019s ability to target cancer cells. Given the complexity of protein interactions, AI offers a powerful tool for identifying promising therapeutic pathways that would be difficult to isolate manually.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcross keynote talks and student presentations, BERD illustrated both the breadth and precision of AI applications in medicine. From at-home wearable diagnostics to advanced computational modeling for cancer research, presenters emphasized that AI is already delivering tangible value. At the same time, speakers noted that the field remains in its early stages, with continued collaboration and innovation essential to improving care delivery and advancing healthier outcomes.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELeaders in medical research and artificial intelligence gathered at the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) for the annual Biostatistics, Epidemiology, \u0026amp; Research Design (BERD) Research Forum.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The forum highlighted how cross-institutional collaboration is advancing the responsible development and application of artificial intelligence to improve healthcare research, clinical decision-making, and patient outcomes."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2026-02-25 18:02:18","changed_gmt":"2026-03-02 12:53:18","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-25T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-25T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679430":{"id":"679430","type":"image","title":"BERD Forum - Artificial Intelligence in Medical and Healthcare Systems.png","body":null,"created":"1772044595","gmt_created":"2026-02-25 18:36:35","changed":"1772044595","gmt_changed":"2026-02-25 18:36:35","alt":"BERD Forum - Artificial Intelligence in Medical and Healthcare Systems","file":{"fid":"263593","name":"Untitled-design--13-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/25\/Untitled-design--13-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/25\/Untitled-design--13-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":3080668,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/25\/Untitled-design--13-.png?itok=zfD9LDoo"}}},"media_ids":["679430"],"groups":[{"id":"1250","name":"Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems (CHHS)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EParker Avery, Student Writing Assistant\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688580":{"#nid":"688580","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Two College of Sciences Faculty Named Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E Professor\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/chandra-raman\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Chandra S. Raman\u003C\/a\u003E and\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;School of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/a\u003E Associate Professor\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/people\/jason-azoulay\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Jason Azoulay\u003C\/a\u003E have been recognized as senior members of the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/academyofinventors.org\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;National Academy of Inventors\u003C\/a\u003E (NAI) Class of 2026. Launched in 2018, the program recognizes faculty, scientists, and administrators at NAI Member Institutions who have successfully produced, patented, and commercialized technologies that have brought, or aspire to bring, real impact on the welfare of society and economic progress.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis year\u2019s class is a truly impressive cohort,\u201d said Paul R. Sanberg, FNAI, president of NAI. \u201cI commend them on their incredible pursuits, and I\u2019m honored to welcome them to the Academy.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERecognizing NAI Senior Member Chandra S. Raman\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ERaman is a physicist, inventor, and technology entrepreneur whose work is helping shape the future of quantum sensing. As the Dunn Family Professor of Physics, he studies how atoms behave at extremely low temperatures and uses that knowledge to build new kinds of ultra-precise measurement devices.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBest known for the co-invention of chip\u2011scale atomic beam technology \u2014\u0026nbsp;a breakthrough that makes it possible to build tiny quantum sensors for navigation and timing \u2014 Raman and his team\u2019s patented\u0026nbsp;devices can operate where GPS fails. These inventions form the foundation for a new generation of manufactured quantum hardware, offering new capabilities for autonomous vehicles, aerospace systems, and national security.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETo bring these technologies from the lab to real-world use, he founded 8Seven8, Inc.:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cBy launching 8Seven8 as the first quantum hardware company in Georgia, we are creating high-tech jobs, building a skilled workforce pipeline, and seeding a quantum ecosystem in the Southeast that will see lasting economic benefits,\u201d explains Raman. \u201cWe seek to establish the region as a player in the rapidly expanding quantum technology economy.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHe is the principal investigator for the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramanlab.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Raman Lab\u003C\/a\u003E, a Fellow of the American Physical Society, a frequent invited speaker at international conferences, and an advisor to national and space-based quantum initiatives. Raman holds six patents, including three issued U.S. patents and two licensed patents. Through his research, mentorship, and entrepreneurial leadership, he is working to advance scientific discovery and the development of practical technologies with lasting impact.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis award is the culmination of years of effort in developing innovative approaches to bringing quantum sensing out of the lab,\u201d says Raman. \u201cThe NAI is chock-full of wonderful inventors, and I am privileged to be among them. Through this award, I hope to bring useful inventions out of the lab and promote Georgia as a great place to be an entrepreneur.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERecognizing NAI Senior Member Jason Azoulay\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAzoulay is the Georgia Research Alliance Vasser-Woolley Distinguished Investigator in Optoelectronics and the principal investigator for the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/azoulaygroup.org\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Azoulay Group\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;His research has pioneered the development of new classes of functional materials and made field-leading advancements in core areas spanning:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u00b7 Homogeneous catalysis applied to polymer synthesis\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u00b7 Electronic, photonic, spin, magnetic, and quantum materials\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u00b7 Device fabrication and engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u00b7 Chemical sensing for environmental monitoring\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u00b7 Synthesis, application, and engineering of high-performance polymers across multiple technology platforms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAzoulay has demonstrated new classes of organic semiconductors with infrared functionality by exploiting new light-matter interactions, analyzing emergent transport phenomena, and understanding device physics, functionality, and engineering considerations. His work has resulted in nine issued patents and many additional applications.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAdditionally, he is the principal investigator for two multi-million-dollar National Science Foundation (NSF) grants. The first grant harnesses an underused part of the electromagnetic spectrum for energy sensing, manufacturing, and more. His team creates organic polymers that can efficiently convert infrared radiation into electrical signals and develop the materials into functional devices. The initiative is the NSF\u2019s principal vehicle to continue the momentum of the decade-long Materials Genome Initiative and takes advantage of the power of machine learning and chemical synthesis to develop new functional materials.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe second NSF-funded program develops CP-based optical and electrical sensing platforms that operate in complex aqueous environments and enable the detection and discrimination of challenging analytes known to negatively impact human, biota, and ecosystem health.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAzoulay holds a joint appointment in the School of Materials Science and Engineering and leads Georgia Tech\u2019s Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics (COPE). COPE-affiliated faculty create flexible organic photonic and electronic materials and devices that serve the information technology, telecommunications, energy, and defense sectors.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERaman is being honored for advancing chip\u2011scale quantum sensing technologies, while Azoulay is recognized for pioneering functional materials that enable new capabilities across science and technology.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Raman is being honored for advancing chip\u2011scale quantum sensing technologies, while Azoulay is recognized for pioneering functional materials that enable new capabilities across science and technology."}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2026-02-27 15:08:22","changed_gmt":"2026-02-27 18:38:45","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-27T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-27T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679470":{"id":"679470","type":"image","title":"Chandra Raman","body":"\u003Cp\u003EChandra Raman\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1772204931","gmt_created":"2026-02-27 15:08:51","changed":"1772204931","gmt_changed":"2026-02-27 15:08:51","alt":"Headshot of a man","file":{"fid":"263637","name":"Raman-Headshot-cropped.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/27\/Raman-Headshot-cropped.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/27\/Raman-Headshot-cropped.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3692630,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/27\/Raman-Headshot-cropped.jpg?itok=xdMKZTWF"}},"679471":{"id":"679471","type":"image","title":"Jason Azoulay","body":"\u003Cp\u003EJason Azoulay\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1772205492","gmt_created":"2026-02-27 15:18:12","changed":"1772205492","gmt_changed":"2026-02-27 15:18:12","alt":"Professional headshot of a man","file":{"fid":"263638","name":"azoulay.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/27\/azoulay.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/27\/azoulay.png","mime":"image\/png","size":102970,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/27\/azoulay.png?itok=xvt3dwh9"}}},"media_ids":["679470","679471"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/02\/26\/five-georgia-tech-faculty-named-nai-senior-members-class-2026?utm_source=newsletter\u0026utm_medium=email\u0026utm_content=5%20Georgia%20Tech%20Professors%20Named%20NAI%20Senior%20Members\u0026utm_campaign=Daily%20Digest%20-%20Feb.%2026%2C%202026%20","title":"Five Georgia Tech Faculty Named to NAI Senior Members Class of 2026"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"}],"categories":[{"id":"141","name":"Chemistry and Chemical Engineering"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"194631","name":"cos-georgia"},{"id":"192251","name":"cos-quantum"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELaura S. Smith\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["laura.smith@cos.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685211":{"#nid":"685211","#data":{"type":"news","title":"If I Were Starting My Supply Chain Career Today, Here\u2019s How I\u2019d Learn GenAI","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EBy Chris Gaffney, Managing Director, Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute | Supply Chain Advisor | Former Executive at Frito-Lay, AJC International, and Coca-Cola\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIntroduction\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis year has felt like a lifetime in the Generative AI (GenAI) world. Tools, capabilities, and best practices are shifting monthly, sometimes weekly. For supply chain professionals, the message is clear: ongoing development is not optional. Like lean, analytics, or S\u0026amp;OP in prior decades, GenAI proficiency is quickly becoming a differentiator. The question is not if you\u2019ll integrate GenAI into your workflow, but how quickly and effectively.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Evolution of GenAI in 2025\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen we look back to January, it\u2019s striking how much progress has been made in less than a year. Early in 2025, the conversation centered on \u003Cstrong\u003Eagentic AI\u003C\/strong\u003E and \u003Cstrong\u003Elarger models\u003C\/strong\u003E. GPT-5 and Claude 4 improved reasoning and context windows, while OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Agent in preview, able to carry out bounded multi-step tasks like retrieving files, browsing the web, and drafting structured outputs. In supply chain, this translated into early experiments with automating shipment steps or running contract reviews in a single query \u2014 tasks that were pilot-level at best in January.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy mid-year, \u003Cstrong\u003Emultimodal capabilities\u003C\/strong\u003E and \u003Cstrong\u003Eenterprise copilots\u003C\/strong\u003E began shifting from concept to daily use. Users could combine text, image, and voice inputs to detect defects or summarize complex documents, and copilots became embedded inside SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, and Google platforms. For the first time, GenAI wasn\u2019t just a tool \u0022off to the side\u0022 but something integrated directly into the systems supply chain professionals rely on.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the second half of the year, new capabilities started layering on: memory, specialized small models, and synthetic data with digital twins. Memory allowed copilots to recall context from prior chats or S\u0026amp;OP cycles, reducing rework. Domain-tuned models made GenAI lighter, cheaper, and faster for logistics, procurement, and planning tasks. And digital twin integration allowed organizations to stress-test networks under disruption scenarios, from weather to labor shortages.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEnterprises also moved closer to operations with \u003Cstrong\u003EAI at the edge\u003C\/strong\u003E, using IoT data for predictive maintenance or real-time routing. At the same time, \u003Cstrong\u003Eguardrails and compliance\u003C\/strong\u003E became a central topic, with more organizations creating clear \u0022green\/yellow\/red\u0022 tiers for safe use. And in Q4,\u003Cstrong\u003E collaboration AI\u003C\/strong\u003E and \u003Cstrong\u003Ehybrid architectures\u003C\/strong\u003E came to the forefront \u2014 copilots that can negotiate contracts in multiple languages, and architectures that blend closed and open-source models to balance sovereignty, cost, and security.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor \u003Cstrong\u003Emainstream individual users\u003C\/strong\u003E, the picture is simpler but still powerful. Anyone with ChatGPT Plus or Copilot today can take advantage of:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMemory and custom instructions\u003C\/strong\u003E to save preferences and formats across sessions.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProject-only memory\u003C\/strong\u003E (rolling out) to organize work by context.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAgent previews\u003C\/strong\u003E like Operator to see how automation might work on bounded tasks.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EConnectors and file uploads\u003C\/strong\u003E to bring internal data into conversations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor \u003Cstrong\u003Eleaders\u003C\/strong\u003E, the focus is on policy, safe pilots, and scaling. They are:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESponsoring agent experiments in low-risk domains (like supplier alerts).\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEmbedding copilots in enterprise systems for daily planning and reporting.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFormalizing AI use policies so employees know what\u2019s encouraged, conditional, and off-limits.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe net result: what started in January as experimentation has, by October, become a layered landscape. Individual users now have practical tools to reclaim time, while leaders are piloting more ambitious integrations and building the governance to make adoption sustainable.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Action Planning is Critical\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe pace of change makes a one-and-done training activity insufficient. Think of GenAI skills like fitness: it requires steady reps over time. Professionals who set quarterly development goals \u2014 experimenting with new tools, building prompt libraries, testing workflows \u2014 will not only stay current but pull ahead.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/news\/2025-09\/figure1-QtrlyGenAI_dvlpt_cycle.jpg\u0022 alt=\u0022Quarterly GenAI Development Cycle table\u0022\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\ud83d\udca1 Try This Quarter:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBuild a custom prompt library for routine tasks (e.g., supplier follow-ups, KPI summaries).\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETest one open-source tool such as LangChain or Haystack.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUse AI to summarize two recent meetings and validate output with your notes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Prompt Maturity is the New Literacy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI\u2019ve personally learned the most about prompting by asking ChatGPT to critique my style against a 12-step framework. The feedback gave me a process improvement plan I still use today. Prompt maturity isn\u2019t abstract \u2014 it\u2019s a measurable, improvable skill.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/news\/2025-09\/figure2-steps1-12.jpg\u0022 alt=\u0022Steps 7-12: Advanced Implementation\u0022\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\ud83d\udca1 Applied step: Rewrite one work prompt per week by climbing the ladder.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Unlocking Personal Productivity\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of the fastest returns from GenAI comes from personal productivity. In our short courses this year, I\u2019ve seen learners gain comfort and lower stress as they practice more with the tools. Many reclaimed time by using GenAI for emails, presentations, meeting notes, and data prep.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile the list of GenAI time-saving strategies is broad, some uses are already mainstream and validated by thousands of professionals. The table below organizes these strategies into categories, provides guidance on how to accomplish them, and highlights common watch-outs to ensure they deliver value without risk.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/news\/2025-09\/figure3-TimeSavingStrategies.jpg\u0022 alt=\u0022Time Saving Strategies\u0022\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\ud83d\udca1 Try this week: Track one workflow where AI saved time and estimate the hours reclaimed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4. Critical Thinking: Ironically More Important than Ever\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe wrote about critical thinking and added it to our curriculum after studies raised concerns about overreliance on AI. The smarter the tools become, the more important it is to validate their outputs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/news\/2025-09\/figure4-CriticalThinkingFrameworksForSCPros.jpg\u0022 alt=\u0022Critical Thinking Frameworks for Supply Chain Students and Professionals\u0022\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\ud83d\udca1 Applied step: Take one AI output this week and run it through the checklist \u2014 you\u2019ll see both strengths and blind spots.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E5. Advocating for Strategy and Guardrails\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019ve seen firsthand how AI policies can evolve. One major retailer shifted in less than a year from a rigid \u201conly data scientists experiment\u201d model to encouraging all employees to try safe versions of multiple LLMs. This shift shows why professionals should advocate for strategy and guardrails that evolve with the technology.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/news\/2025-09\/figure5-FrameworkUseTiersDataSensitivity.jpg\u0022 alt=\u0022Framework: Use Tiers \u0026amp; Data Sensitivity\u0022\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\ud83d\udca1 Ask your manager: Which of our daily tasks fall into green, yellow, and red today?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E6. Agents: Early but Essential\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany industry partners are actively testing agents. Our software partners are hitting singles and doubles now, with bigger \u201chome run\u201d opportunities still developing. Agents aren\u2019t fully reliable yet, but they are advancing quickly and will increasingly appear in ERP, TMS, and WMS platforms.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn practice, most organizations today sit between \u003Cstrong\u003ELevel 1 (Exploratory)\u003C\/strong\u003E and \u003Cstrong\u003ELevel 2 (Task-Specific Agents)\u003C\/strong\u003E, with early pilots pushing into \u003Cstrong\u003ELevel 3 (Augmented Workflows)\u003C\/strong\u003E. Tech-forward enterprises \u2014 particularly in retail, e-commerce, and global manufacturing \u2014 are building domain-specific agents for forecasting, procurement support, and transportation planning, often embedded inside ERP or planning platforms. These companies are experimenting with multi-agent coordination but keep humans firmly in the loop. By contrast, mainstream companies are still largely in the exploratory stage: individuals using general copilots for drafting documents or ad hoc analysis, without enterprise integration, security controls, or governance. The gap is widening \u2014 forward-leaning firms are developing playbooks for orchestrated workflows, while many organizations are just beginning to set policies and figure out where AI fits safely into their operations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cimg src=\u0022https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/news\/2025-09\/figure6-AgentMaturityPathSupplyChain.jpg\u0022 alt=\u0022Agent Maturity Path in Supply Chain\u0022\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELooking ahead, \u003Cstrong\u003ELevel 4 (Collaborative Automation)\u003C\/strong\u003E is where the near-term breakthroughs will happen. In the next 3\u20135 years, we can expect multi-agent orchestration to become a practical tool for managing recurring disruptions \u2014 think transportation rerouting during weather events or automated supplier alerts when delivery milestones are missed. Early adoption will occur in large, tech-forward enterprises with strong governance and secure infrastructure. Level 5 (Autonomous Resilience) remains aspirational: while the vision of end-to-end supply chain automation is compelling, regulatory hurdles, trust, and explainability challenges mean human oversight will remain essential. The more realistic trajectory is that enterprises will selectively automate narrow disruption scenarios while maintaining tight human control, with broader autonomy coming only as governance, standards, and trust mechanisms mature.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\ud83d\udca1 Applied step: Identify one repetitive process in your work that could be a candidate for an agent.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E7. Human in the Loop: Non-Negotiable\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECompetition has improved model quality this year \u2014 but hallucinations and memory issues remain. That\u2019s why \u201chuman in the loop\u201d is not just a principle; it\u2019s operational reality. AI is still an assistant, not a replacement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\ud83d\udca1 Applied step: Write down one checkpoint you always apply before sharing AI outputs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EConclusion\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese observations \u2014 from teaching courses, updating curriculum, and watching partners experiment \u2014 motivated this article. GenAI is evolving at extraordinary speed, and our profession must evolve with it. Build your plan, refine your prompts, reclaim time, apply critical thinking, advocate for strategy, explore agents, and always keep the human in the loop. Those who do will thrive in 2026 and beyond.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThis year has felt like a lifetime in the Generative AI (GenAI) world. Tools, capabilities, and best practices are shifting monthly, sometimes weekly. For supply chain professionals, the message is clear: ongoing development is not optional. Like lean, analytics, or S\u0026amp;OP in prior decades, GenAI proficiency is quickly becoming a differentiator. The question is not if you\u2019ll integrate GenAI into your workflow, but how quickly and effectively.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Generative AI is rapidly evolving, and for supply chain professionals, adopting it quickly and effectively is becoming essential to stay competitive."}],"uid":"27233","created_gmt":"2025-09-24 13:17:49","changed_gmt":"2026-02-27 15:20:05","author":"Andy Haleblian","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-09-25T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-09-25T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679472":{"id":"679472","type":"image","title":"If I Were Starting My Supply Chain Career Today, Here\u2019s How I\u2019d Learn GenAI","body":null,"created":"1772205493","gmt_created":"2026-02-27 15:18:13","changed":"1772205579","gmt_changed":"2026-02-27 15:19:39","alt":"Futuristic illustration showing lightbulb with elements of modern supply chain inside.","file":{"fid":"263639","name":"StartingSupply-ChainCareer-Today.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/27\/StartingSupply-ChainCareer-Today.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/27\/StartingSupply-ChainCareer-Today.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":105606,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/27\/StartingSupply-ChainCareer-Today.jpg?itok=e5D2ReOJ"}},"674087":{"id":"674087","type":"image","title":"Chris Gaffney","body":"\u003Cp\u003EChris Gaffney\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1717067903","gmt_created":"2024-05-30 11:18:23","changed":"1771883375","gmt_changed":"2026-02-23 21:49:35","alt":"Chris Gaffney, Managing Director, Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute","file":{"fid":"257557","name":"chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":129544,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg?itok=_M0fOBTF"}}},"media_ids":["679472","674087"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/education\/professional-education\/course\/gaiascp","title":"Generative AI Application for Supply Chain Professionals course"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/news-events\/newsletters","title":"View past SCL newsletters and join our mailing list"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/","title":"Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute"}],"groups":[{"id":"1250","name":"Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems (CHHS)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"194489","name":"scl-spot"},{"id":"167074","name":"Supply Chain"},{"id":"186857","name":"go-gtmi"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["info@scl.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688282":{"#nid":"688282","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Launches Pilot Program to Support Rural Arts Organizations","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBeginning this March in Perry, Georgia, the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/innovate.gatech.edu\/gain\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Arts Innovation Network (GAIN)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;will support arts\u2011related nonprofits and small businesses in\u0026nbsp;Perry, Houston County, and surrounding counties in Middle Georgia. The six\u2011month pilot is funded by a\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.arts.gov\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENational Endowment for the Arts (NEA)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;Our Town\u0026nbsp;grant and is the first EI\u00b2 program dedicated specifically to the arts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cArts organizations contribute so much to the vibrancy of a community,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;Caley Landau, program manager for GAIN and marketing strategist at EI\u00b2. \u201cThey help create a sense of place and provide the \u2018something to do\u2019 that small cities and towns want to offer residents, new workers, and prospective businesses. Our hope is to enhance the arts and cultural ecosystem in Middle Georgia by providing training and technical assistance to the organizations that produce art in the region.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Rural Community Already Investing in Placemaking\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPerry was selected as the pilot location in part for its active downtown revitalization work and commitment to placemaking. Through the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org\/placemaking\u0022\u003EGeorgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative\u003C\/a\u003E, Perry city staff partnered with EI\u00b2\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cedr.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECenter for Economic Development Research\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to develop strategies for arts\u2011based community development.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWorking alongside the Georgia Tech team has been a wonderful experience,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;Alicia Hartley, downtown manager for the City of Perry. \u201cWe hope that participants walk away from the cohort inspired and empowered to activate their organizations in creative and meaningful ways.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EListening First, Then Providing Targeted Support\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe program will begin with a listening session to understand participating organizations\u2019 needs. EI\u00b2 will then design tailored workshops drawing from experts at Georgia Tech and beyond. Every other month, cohort members will meet for sessions on business practices, digital tools, operational efficiency, marketing, placemaking partnerships, and other areas that support long\u2011term sustainability.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThey sound like great ideas \u2014 murals, pop\u2011up exhibits, outdoor performances \u2014 but how do you really get down to the nuts and bolts of making them happen?\u201d Landau said. \u201cAnd how do you bring the right partners to the table? That\u2019s what we\u2019ll explore together.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Statewide Mission, Strengthened Through the Arts\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs Georgia Tech\u2019s economic development arm, EI\u00b2 administers programs that support entrepreneurs, manufacturers, communities, and municipalities across the state and around the world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGAIN represents an important part of EI\u00b2\u2019s comprehensive approach to economic development,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;David Bridges, vice president of EI\u00b2. \u201cIt gives us another way to create impact in Georgia by applying our expertise to serve arts organizations that are vital to Georgia communities.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJason Freeman, associate vice provost for Georgia Tech Arts, noted that the pilot aligns with the Institute\u2019s broader commitment to supporting arts, culture, and creativity statewide.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThrough GAIN, I\u2019m excited to learn more about the arts ecosystem in Middle Georgia,\u201d Freeman said. \u201cThe lessons we learn will inform both statewide collaborations and new initiatives emerging through our\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arts.gatech.edu\/creative-quarter\u0022\u003ECreative Quarter\u003C\/a\u003E innovation district on campus.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProgram Funding and Support\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe pilot is funded through the NEA\u2019s\u0026nbsp;Our Town\u0026nbsp;program, which supports projects integrating arts, culture, and design into community development. The\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gaarts.org\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Council for the Arts\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;is partnering with EI\u00b2 on cohort recruitment, curriculum development, and arts\u2011based placemaking strategies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERecruitment has begun.\u0026nbsp;Arts nonprofits and arts\u2011based businesses in Middle Georgia may apply at\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/innovate.gatech.edu\/gain\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Einnovate.gatech.edu\/gain\/\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"NEA Our Town grant supports Middle Georgia initiative"}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/innovate.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EEnterprise Innovation Institute\u003C\/a\u003E (EI\u00b2) is launching a new pilot program to help rural arts organizations strengthen operations, adopt new technologies, and deepen their role in local community and economic development.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"NEA \u201cOur Town\u201d grant supports Middle Georgia initiative"}],"uid":"28137","created_gmt":"2026-02-16 19:23:27","changed_gmt":"2026-02-27 14:01:22","author":"P\u00e9ralte Paul","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"PERRY, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679410":{"id":"679410","type":"image","title":"Perry Players","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EA production of the Perry Players, in Perry, Ga.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1771954765","gmt_created":"2026-02-24 17:39:25","changed":"1771956406","gmt_changed":"2026-02-24 18:06:46","alt":"Theater group on stage.","file":{"fid":"263572","name":"600279566_1401542021982073_3327861092957966357_n.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/24\/600279566_1401542021982073_3327861092957966357_n.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/24\/600279566_1401542021982073_3327861092957966357_n.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":714495,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/24\/600279566_1401542021982073_3327861092957966357_n.jpg?itok=GY5ckgdk"}}},"media_ids":["679410"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"42941","name":"Art Research"},{"id":"194568","name":"Arts and Performance"},{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"},{"id":"42891","name":"Georgia Tech Arts"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194917","name":"Georgia Arts Innovation Network"},{"id":"194918","name":"Caley Landau"},{"id":"3671","name":"Enterprise Innovation Institute"},{"id":"194919","name":"Middle Georgia"},{"id":"184294","name":"Center for Economic Development Research"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193654","name":"Enterprise Innovation Institute"}],"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":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMEDIA CONTACT\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EP\u00e9ralte Paul\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:peralte@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eperalte@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGAIN PROGRAM CONTACT\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECaley Landau\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:caley.landau@innovate.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ecaley.landau@innovate.gatech.edu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["peralte@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688552":{"#nid":"688552","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Generating Buzz: A Protein-Packed Industry","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EIf you\u2019ve walked the aisles of a grocery store, scrolled through social media, watched television, or\u0026nbsp;set\u0026nbsp;foot in a fast-casual restaurant chain in recent months, you know that protein is having its moment.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003ESo, why are brands pushing protein?\u0026nbsp;An \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ific.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IFIC-Spotlight-Survey-Protein-Perceptions.pdf\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInternational Food Information Council study\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;found that 70% of adults are looking to increase their protein\u0026nbsp;intake. But as it makes\u0026nbsp;its way into more products than ever before,\u0026nbsp;is it\u0026nbsp;too much of a good thing?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/people\/lesley-baradel\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELesley Baradel\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;is a\u0026nbsp;registered dietitian,\u0026nbsp;nutritionist,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;lecturer\u0026nbsp;in the College of Sciences at Georgia Tech. She joined\u003Cem\u003E\u0026nbsp;Generating Buzz\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Eto\u0026nbsp;discuss\u0026nbsp;the protein-packed trend, with implications ranging from health and wellness to marketing and how the rise of GLP-1s factors into the increased focus on the macronutrient.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/features\/2026\/02\/generating-buzz-protein-packed-industry\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EListen to the \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGenerating Buzz \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Epodcast episode.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn the latest episode of \u003Cem\u003EGenerating Buzz\u003C\/em\u003E, Lesley Baradel explores\u0026nbsp;the high-protein food craze and explains how the rise of GLP-1s factors into the increased focus on this essential macronutrient.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"In the latest episode of Generating Buzz, Lesley Baradel explores\u00a0the high-protein food craze and explains how the rise of GLP-1s factors into the increased focus on this essential macronutrient. "}],"uid":"36583","created_gmt":"2026-02-26 17:55:16","changed_gmt":"2026-02-26 21:11:20","author":"lvidal7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-25T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-25T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679457":{"id":"679457","type":"image","title":"Generating Buzz: A Protein-Packed Industry","body":null,"created":"1772128534","gmt_created":"2026-02-26 17:55:34","changed":"1772128534","gmt_changed":"2026-02-26 17:55:34","alt":"Colorful containers of \u0022high protein\u0022 ice cream","file":{"fid":"263621","name":"Protein-Header-2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/26\/Protein-Header-2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/26\/Protein-Header-2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1360642,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/26\/Protein-Header-2.jpg?itok=5K6rmlcI"}}},"media_ids":["679457"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"categories":[{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"88601","name":"podcast"},{"id":"166882","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688502":{"#nid":"688502","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Understanding the Data Center Building Boom ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EWritten by: Anne Wainscott-Sargent\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs artificial intelligence (AI) drives explosive growth in data centers, communities across the U.S. are facing rising electricity costs, new industrial development, and mounting strain on an aging power grid.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt Georgia Tech, several faculty members are approaching these sustainability challenges from different but complementary angles: examining how data center policy affects local communities, modeling how AI-driven demand reshapes regional energy systems, and building tools that help the public understand the tradeoffs embedded in grid planning. Together, their work highlights how better data, thoughtful policy, and public engagement can guide more resilient and equitable decisions in an AI-powered future.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAI\u2019s Hidden Footprint: How Data Centers Reshape Communities\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAhmed Saeed studies the infrastructure most people never see. An assistant professor in the School of Computer Science and a Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems (BBISS) Faculty Fellow, Saeed focuses on how data centers \u2014 the backbone of modern AI \u2014 are built, operated, and regulated, and what their growth means for host communities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cData centers are the infrastructure for our digital life, so more of them are necessary to keep doing what we\u2019re doing,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EData center energy consumption could double or triple by 2028, accounting for up to 12% of U.S. electricity use, according to a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/escholarship.org\/uc\/item\/32d6m0d1\u0022\u003Ereport by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory\u003C\/a\u003E. U.S. spending on data center construction jumped nearly 70% between May 2023 and May 2024, according to the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/americanedgeproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Americas-AI-Surge-Powering-Growth-in-Every-State.pdf\u0022\u003EAmerican Edge Project\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia is an AI data center hub, ranked fourth globally, with $4.6 billion in AI-related venture capital invested across 368 deals, the American Edge Project reported. At a recent \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/sustainability-fellowship-supports-professors-data-center-research\u0022\u003Etown hall in DeKalb County, Georgia\u003C\/a\u003E, Saeed helped residents connect AI\u2019s promise to its local consequences. Training large AI models can require tens of thousands of graphics processing units (GPUs) running for days or weeks, driving an unprecedented wave of data center construction. AI-focused chips, he noted, can consume 10 to 14 times more power than traditional processors.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat demand often shows up as pressure on local infrastructure. Communities are increasingly concerned about electricity and water use, grid upgrades, and who ultimately pays. In Virginia, Saeed pointed to a legal dispute in which consumer advocates warned that data centers could raise electricity bills by 5% in the short term and up to 50% over time, while utilities argued those investments were inevitable and could benefit customers in the long run.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEnvironmental concerns add another layer. Saeed cited controversies over water use and backup diesel generators in states, including Georgia and Tennessee, alongside a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruling that tightened generator regulations. While diesel generators are clearly harmful, he cautioned that long-term, rigorous evidence linking data centers to regional health impacts remains limited.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESaeed\u2019s research aims to reduce those impacts directly. By optimizing how workloads are scheduled across large server fleets, his team has demonstrated power savings of 4 \u2013 12%, a meaningful gain if U.S. data centers approach projected levels of up to 12% of national electricity use by 2028.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Saeed, data centers are akin to highways: essential to modern life, disruptive to nearby communities, and shaped by policy choices. The question, he argues, is not whether AI infrastructure should exist, but how transparently and fairly it is built.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEconomist Probes the Energy Costs of the AI Boom\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile headlines often frame AI as an energy crisis, Georgia Tech environmental and energy economist and BBISS Faculty Fellow Tony Harding is focused on measuring its real \u2014 and uneven \u2014 impacts. Harding, an assistant professor in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy, uses economic modeling to examine how AI adoption affects energy use, emissions, and local communities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iopscience.iop.org\/article\/10.1088\/1748-9326\/ae0e3b\u0022\u003Erecent work\u003C\/a\u003E published in \u003Cem\u003EEnvironmental Research Letters\u003C\/em\u003E, Harding and his co-author analyzed how productivity gains from AI could influence national energy demand. Their findings suggest that, at a macro level, AI-related activity may increase annual U.S. energy use by about 0.03% and CO\u2082 emissions by roughly 0.02%.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThose numbers are small in the context of the overall economy,\u201d Harding said. \u201cBut the impacts are highly uneven.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat unevenness is evident in where data centers are built. While Northern Virginia remains the country\u2019s top data center hub, with 343 operational data centers, states like Georgia, which currently has 94 operational data centers, are rapidly attracting facilities due to reliable power and favorable tax policies.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHarding\u2019s latest research focuses on local effects, asking why data centers cluster in urban areas, how they influence housing markets, what happens to electricity prices, and whether they exacerbate water stress. Early evidence suggests large facilities can increase local electricity rates, contributing to public backlash and regulatory response. In Georgia, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/psc.ga.gov\/site\/assets\/files\/8617\/media_advisory_data_centers_rule_1-23-2025.pdf\u0022\u003EPublic Service Commission\u003C\/a\u003E has begun requiring new, high power draw customers (like data centers) to cover more of the costs associated with grid expansion.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHarding\u2019s goal is to give policymakers better evidence to design incentives and guardrails. \u201cTo manage these technologies responsibly,\u201d he said, \u201cwe need a clear picture of their intended and unintended consequences.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGamifying a Strained and Aging Power Grid\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDaniel Molzahn is tackling another side of the problem: how to modernize an aging power grid under growing demand. Electricity demand is expected to rise about 25% by 2030, driven by data centers, electric vehicles, and broadscale electrification. At the same time, much of the U.S. electricity grid is nearing the end of its lifespan, with many transformers being decades old.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo make these challenges tangible, Molzahn, an associate professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, developed a browser-based game with a group of students through Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/vip.gatech.edu\/frm_display\/team-listings\/entry\/1303\/\u0022\u003EVertically Integrated Projects\u003C\/a\u003E program called \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/currentcrisis.itch.io\/current-crisis\u0022\u003ECurrent Crisis\u003C\/a\u003E. Players take on the role of a utility decision-maker, balancing reliability, wildfire risk, renewable integration, and affordability.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe game grew out of Molzahn\u2019s National Science Foundation CAREER award and reflects his belief that complex systems are best understood experientially. Its initial focus is wildfire resilience, modeling how grid infrastructure can both spark and suffer damage from fires.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut resilience comes at a cost. Burying power lines, for example, reduces wildfire risk but dramatically increases expenses. Players must confront the same tradeoffs utilities face: improve reliability or keep rates low.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMolzahn hopes the game will help students and the public grapple with the realities of planning future power systems. \u201cThese choices aren\u2019t abstract,\u201d he said. \u201cThey shape affordability, resilience, and our path toward a cleaner grid.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe project now involves nearly 40 students from across campus, supported by Sustainability NEXT funding and a collaboration with Jessica Roberts, former BBISS Faculty Fellow and director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/tiles.cc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ETechnology-Integrated Learning Environments (TILES) Lab\u003C\/a\u003E in the School of Interactive Computing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAs a learning scientist, I look at how to engage people with science and scientific data and get people having conversations they might not otherwise have,\u201d says Roberts, who hopes the seed grant helps the team determine first that they are going in the right direction and, second, how to broaden the impact.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne student, Stella Quinto Lima, a graduate research assistant in Human-Centered Computing, has made the game the focus of her doctoral thesis. Through the game, she wants players to notice their misconceptions about the power grid, energy use, and AI, and to use critical thinking to identify, question, and possibly undo those misconceptions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u201cI hope that we can really engage adults and help them see it\u2019s not black and white. The game is not only about power grids, but how AI affects the grid, how it affects our lives, and how it will impact our future.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team plans to expand the game\u2019s features, use it in outreach programs, and analyze player decisions as a source of data to study energy-system decision-making.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe want to change the conversation about power and power grid stability, reliability, and sustainability, Roberts said, \u201cand find a way to get this message to a larger public.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs artificial intelligence (AI) drives explosive growth in data centers, communities across the U.S. are facing rising electricity costs, new industrial development, and mounting strain on an aging power grid.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Explosive data center growth requires research to inform policies which manage the building of this critical infrastructure."}],"uid":"27338","created_gmt":"2026-02-24 20:29:10","changed_gmt":"2026-02-25 16:43:42","author":"Brent Verrill","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679428":{"id":"679428","type":"image","title":"Giarusso_Saeed_Molzhan_Headshots_Collage_Sized","body":null,"created":"1772037433","gmt_created":"2026-02-25 16:37:13","changed":"1772037615","gmt_changed":"2026-02-25 16:40:15","alt":"Three men\u0027s individual portrait-style photos are arranged side by side, each showing a person from the shoulders up. The individuals wear collared shirts and appear in different lighting settings, including a dark background, a neutral studio backdrop, and a bright white background.","file":{"fid":"263591","name":"Giarusso_Saeed_Molzhan_Headshots_Collage_Sized.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/25\/Giarusso_Saeed_Molzhan_Headshots_Collage_Sized.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/25\/Giarusso_Saeed_Molzhan_Headshots_Collage_Sized.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":872348,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/25\/Giarusso_Saeed_Molzhan_Headshots_Collage_Sized.jpg?itok=TPizgOZr"}}},"media_ids":["679428"],"groups":[{"id":"244191","name":"Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660398","name":"Sustainability Hub"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"},{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"},{"id":"194836","name":"Sustainability"}],"keywords":[{"id":"188360","name":"go-bbiss"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:brent.verrill@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EBrent Verrill\u003C\/a\u003E, Research Communications Program Manager, BBISS\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["brent.verrill@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688493":{"#nid":"688493","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Augusta Positioned to Become a Leader in Medical Device Entrepreneurship","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Georgia Institute of Technology and Augusta University have launched a collaborative effort to boost the city\u2019s medical device innovation ecosystem.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Augusta region is already a major hub for health and life sciences, boasting five hospitals and the Medical College of Georgia, the nation\u2019s 13th oldest medical school and one of its largest.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally, the advocacy nonprofit \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.galifesciences.org\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Life Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E designated the region a BioReady Gold community. This ratings system recognizes its existing bioscience assets and its commitment to expanding infrastructure and commercialization, marking Augusta as a desired choice for biotech companies looking for suitable sites to expand.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELeading the work at Georgia Tech are the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gamep.org\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership\u003C\/a\u003E (GaMEP) and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/atdc.org\/\u0022\u003EAdvanced Technology Development Center\u003C\/a\u003E (ATDC).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGaMEP is a program of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/innovate.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EEnterprise Innovation Institute\u003C\/a\u003E, Tech\u2019s chief economic development arm. It brings a\u0026nbsp;dedicated team with the unique skills required to help innovators clearly understand the requirements needed to bring medical devices to market.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen entrepreneurs gain insight into the regulatory and quality requirements early in development, they can make informed, strategic decisions that can significantly reduce both time and cost,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;Sarah Jo Tucker, industry manager for GaMEP\u2019s medical device group. \u201cWe partner closely with innovators throughout the process and bring deep expertise in the regulatory requirements while they bring expertise in their technology. Together, we can move products efficiently and confidently from concept to commercialization.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EADTC, part of Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/commercialization.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EOffice of Commercialization\u003C\/a\u003E, is the state\u2019s premier technology incubator and the oldest university-based incubator in the country. ATDC provides guidance and resources for entrepreneurs and founders to successfully launch and scale their technology companies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince its founding in 1980, ATDC\u2019s startup graduates have attracted more than $6.2 billion in investment and generated over $14 billion in revenue in Georgia. Through the partnership with Augusta University, ATDC uses its expertise to serve\u0026nbsp;entrepreneurs in the medical device field.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Medical innovation across the state of Georgia is critical for our health tech industries to thrive,\u201d said Chris Dickson, ATDC\u2019s startup catalyst in the Augusta region. \u201cWe identify investment-ready medical technology startups and provide the support needed while they are scaling their businesses.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA major hub for the life sciences, Augusta University is home to a wealth of researchers in the biomedical and related fields. This makes the institution ideally situated to help facilitate medical device commercialization.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGuido Verbeck understands this dynamic firsthand. A\u0026nbsp;professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Augusta University, he is also an entrepreneur and medical device innovator.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAcademia is a fantastic platform for launching ideas, but there must be an understanding of how to bring a device to market,\u201d said Verbeck. \u201cPhysicians and practitioners who are also academics are solving problems in real time, but they often lack the resources and support to get their ideas to production and commercialization.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELynsey\u0026nbsp;Steinberg, director of innovation for Augusta University\u2019s strategic partnerships and economic development team, summed up collaboration\u2019s goal.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen we tap our depth of talent, innovation, and community collaboration, this region has what it takes to become a launchpad for medical device startups \u2014 a place where bold ideas find the purpose they need to succeed to solve real-world problems,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s GaMEP medical device commercialization team\u0026nbsp;and the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC)\u0026nbsp;are now working directly with Augusta researchers, clinicians, and entrepreneurs to help move medical device ideas from concept to commercialization.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A partnership between Georgia Tech and Augusta University supports the effort ."}],"uid":"28137","created_gmt":"2026-02-24 17:16:53","changed_gmt":"2026-02-24 17:25:03","author":"P\u00e9ralte Paul","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Augusta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679409":{"id":"679409","type":"image","title":"Downtown Augusta ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe city of Augusta is a major hub for health and life sciences, boasting five hospitals and the Medical College of Georgia.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1771953448","gmt_created":"2026-02-24 17:17:28","changed":"1771953675","gmt_changed":"2026-02-24 17:21:15","alt":"Aerial view of downtown Augusta","file":{"fid":"263570","name":"AdobeStock_466386413.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/24\/AdobeStock_466386413.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/24\/AdobeStock_466386413.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":10707782,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/24\/AdobeStock_466386413.jpeg?itok=SgNSyEj_"}}},"media_ids":["679409"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"16331","name":"GaMEP"},{"id":"3671","name":"Enterprise Innovation Institute"},{"id":"4238","name":"atdc"},{"id":"2579","name":"commercialization"},{"id":"9535","name":"medical device"},{"id":"172575","name":"Augusta University"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"},{"id":"193654","name":"Enterprise Innovation Institute"}],"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":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EEve Tolpa\u003Cbr\u003Eeve.tolpa@innovate.gatech.edu\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688363":{"#nid":"688363","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Putting Points on the Board with AI in Supply Chain","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EBy Chris Gaffney, Managing Director of the Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute, Supply Chain Advisor, and former executive at Frito\u2011Lay, AJC International, and Coca\u2011Cola, and Michael Barnett, Founder and Principal of Synaptic SC, former global leader of Supply Chain AI at BCG, and former executive at Aera Technology and Koch Industries.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEntering 2026, one thing is clear: staying on the sidelines is no longer a viable option. We both agree that 2025 was the last year when being \u201cbehind\u201d on AI adoption could be rationalized. In 2026, leaders cannot stay in the foxhole. They need to move forward, doing so in a way that reduces the risk of failure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe past two years have been full of promise for AI in supply chain: we have seen impressive pilots, compelling research findings, and no shortage of claims about what agents and large language models can do. At the same time, many supply chain leaders are frustrated; there has been significant activity and investment in centralized capabilities without meaningful results in the supply chain. Too many efforts stall. Too many pilots never scale. Many organizations feel they have kissed a lot of frogs and are still waiting for something that works reliably.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe question for 2026 is no longer whether to engage with AI, but how to do so in a way that consistently delivers results. This is the year to put points on the board through disciplined, repeatable progress rather than moonshots.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ETwo Principles Separate Progress from Experimentation\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcross our work and conversations with supply chain leaders, organizations that are driving tangible results tend to follow two principles, sometimes explicitly, sometimes intuitively:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E1. Leverage GenAI Where It Adds Differential Value\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELarge language models are exceptionally strong at working with language. They summarize, explain, code, and translate intent into logic. This makes them powerful tools for accelerating development, analysis, and communication.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMuch of supply chain execution, however, depends on precision. Planning rates, forecasts, production schedules, routing logic, and inventory policies rely on structured data, mathematical relationships, and deterministic logic. In these environments, hallucinations or probabilistic answers are not just inconvenient. They can be operationally disruptive.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany early failures stem from applying LLMs where deterministic logic is required, rather than using them to support the creation, maintenance, and monitoring of that logic. In practice, GenAI is most effective upstream, helping teams build analytics faster, surface issues earlier, and lower the friction of development and maintenance.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E2. Design with People in the Loop\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is not only a philosophical stance. It reflects technical reality. While \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/age-autonomous-supply-chains-here\u0022\u003Erecent research\u003C\/a\u003E shows that collections of agents can outperform humans in controlled settings, production supply chains are not laboratories. They are complex, interconnected processes and organizations that operate in a dynamic, ever-changing environment. In contrast to AI that augments workers, fully autonomous systems introduce risks\u2014technical, organizational, and reputational\u2014that erode the incremental value relative to the increased costs to develop and maintain them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHuman-in-the-loop is not a concession. It is a design principle.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EFrom Ideation to Error-Proofed Execution\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost supply chain organizations are not short on AI use cases. What they lack are clear, high\u2011probability paths to value creation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA familiar pattern plays out: organizations rush into pilots without a clear view of where AI adds value. Results are mixed and hard to interpret. When early efforts disappoint, leaders become more cautious, not because they doubt AI\u2019s potential, but because they are wary of repeating visible failures.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne executive described this dynamic as being \u0022tired of kissing frogs.\u0022 After aggressively leaning into new technologies early, the organization became skeptical, insisting on external proof and peer validation before investing further.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe more productive question is no longer \u0022What is the most advanced thing we can try?\u0022 but instead: \u0022What can we do today that has a high probability of working, scaling, and building our capabilities?\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EHow to Put Points on the Board in 2026\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcross our experimentation and advisory work, two areas consistently emerge where GenAI is already delivering value.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EEnterprise Productivity: The Safest On-Ramp\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe most reliable progress comes from improving everyday productivity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost organizations take a restrictive approach, limiting AI access to a small group or tightly controlled pilots led by centralized technical teams, only to realize they were slowing learning and adoption across the enterprise. In one large retailer, leadership initially centralized AI use due to security and governance concerns. Over time, they shifted to enterprise licensing that centralized risk management while allowing broader employee access within guardrails.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe result was not chaos or \u0022shadow IT.\u0022 It was productivity: meeting summaries, analysis support, presentation development, and faster access to internal knowledge.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese gains may sound modest, but they matter. Giving people five to ten hours per week back changes how employees experience AI. It becomes a tool that helps them do their jobs better, not a signal that their jobs are being automated away.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor leaders, this means actively enabling access to approved tools, supporting skill development, and encouraging experimentation within clear boundaries. This is one of the most straightforward ways to quickly and visibly put points on the board.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EDecision Intelligence: Rewiring the Operating Model\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdvanced analytics, optimization, and planning systems predate GenAI. What is new is not the math, but rather the speed, accessibility, and maintainability of building and sustaining advanced analytics solutions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGenAI acts as an accelerator. It reduces the friction of writing code, standing up, monitoring logic, and explaining results. It brings advanced capabilities closer to the business, rather than confining them to a small central team.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA concrete example comes from production planning. Planned production rates are often set during commissioning or early ramp up and then reused for long periods. Over time, changes in labor mix, maintenance practices, or product complexity cause actual throughput to drift. Plans continue to run, but they quietly degrade.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn effective implementations, GenAI does not update the planning system autonomously. Instead, it operates adjacent to it. It helps teams build monitoring logic that compares planned versus actual performance, surfaces statistically meaningful drift, and generates candidate adjustments with supporting context. Planners review and approve changes before they are re-ingested into the APS.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe system of record remains intact. Human accountability is preserved. What improves is the speed, frequency, and quality of assumption hygiene, enabling earlier detection of problems before they cascade into service, cost, or inventory issues.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EAvoid Kissing Frogs: Technology and Organizational Choices\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany organizations \u201ckiss frogs\u201d not because the new technology is flawed, but because they are not ready to adopt it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo avoid this fate, successful efforts often include the following elements:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELeverage existing, approved AI platforms rather than onboarding new technologies\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAccelerates time to value\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EHelps define the true limitations of your current technology stack to guide future platform selection\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMaximize the value of current systems (e.g., APS, production scheduling software) instead of chasing new applications\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EExisting, complex supply chain software often under-delivers on its promised value\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAI agents and workflows are highly effective at improving master data quality and ensuring planning parameters are accurate\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFoster ideation and solution development with internal teams, while using third parties to accelerate capability building\u2014not to replace it\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMake progress visible by sharing early wins, curating employee-driven experiments, and scaling what works\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ol\u003E\u003Cp\u003EChange management is not an option; it must be designed into every aspect of an AI program from the start. When organizations invest heavily in advanced capabilities at the top while doing little to equip everyday employees, the message received is often, \u0022This is happening to you, not for you.\u0022 That perception creates resistance, fear, and organizational drag.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEffective leaders communicate a clear vision for how new capabilities will augment, not replace, their teams, so that scarce human intellect is applied where it adds the most value.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EKey Actions to Win in 2026\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe principles are clear. The opportunity is real. The question now is execution.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf 2026 is the year to put points on the board, supply chain leaders must move from experimentation to engineered progress. That begins with clarity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E1. Define a Multi-Year AI Value Vision\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDevelop a concrete view of how AI will create value in your organization over the next several years. Not a collection of pilots. Not a list of tools. A clear articulation of where and how AI will improve productivity, strengthen decision quality, and increase operational reliability.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat vision should:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EClarify where AI will augment human decision-making versus automate tasks\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIdentify the business outcomes you expect to improve (service, cost, inventory, resilience, productivity)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGuide decisions on organizational design, platform selection, governance, and partnerships\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEstablish sequencing - what you will enable now versus what must wait\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWithout a defined direction, AI efforts default to software deployment. With it, technology becomes a lever for measurable operational improvement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E2. Enable Broad, Responsible Access\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECapability development accelerates when access is not unnecessarily constrained. Ensure that team members at every level - from executives to frontline planners - have access to approved enterprise AI tools and agent-building capabilities, along with practical training tied to real workflows.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEffective enablement includes:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEnterprise licensing and governance that remove friction while protecting data\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EHands-on guidance tied directly to day-to-day supply chain work - reporting, master data cleanup, production monitoring, inventory analysis, schedule validation\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EClear operating guardrails that define appropriate data use and boundaries\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELeadership support for responsible experimentation\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERestricting access may feel prudent. In practice, it slows learning and reinforces dependency on centralized teams. Broad enablement builds capability across the organization.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E3. Create Local Ideation and Scaling Mechanisms\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDurable progress does not originate only from centralized programs. It often begins at the front line.\u003Cbr\u003ELeaders should create simple, visible mechanisms for individuals and teams to experiment within defined guardrails and to share what they are building.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis includes:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERecurring forums or showcases where teams present working solutions\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECurated libraries of effective prompts, workflows, and agents\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EClear channels for submitting ideas and documenting results\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost importantly, organizations must be able to move from local experimentation to scaled adoption. That requires:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIdentifying the strongest minimum viable solutions emerging from the field\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERefining and hardening them into repeatable workflows\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EProductizing and scaling what demonstrably improves performance\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe objective is not activity. It is building capability that compounds over time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese steps are straightforward. They require intention and follow-through. That is what separates durable capability from scattered experimentation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt is not too late to lead. The last several years have provided lessons - technical, organizational, and cultural. Leaders who absorb those lessons and design deliberately for scale will build AI capabilities that strengthen over time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat kind of progress is not flashy. It does not depend on moonshots or fully autonomous systems operating in isolation. It depends on clarity, access, discipline, and accountability.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2026, novelty will attract attention. Durability will create an advantage.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe organizations that win will not be the ones with the most pilots. They will be the ones who consistently translate AI into measurable operational improvement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is the year to move from experimentation to engineered results.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPut points on the board.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn 2026, supply chain leaders must move beyond experimentation with AI to achieve consistent, measurable results by focusing on practical, scalable applications that augment human decision-making and improve productivity.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Practical guidance to drive real progress in 2026."}],"uid":"27233","created_gmt":"2026-02-18 17:20:05","changed_gmt":"2026-02-24 00:01:16","author":"Andy Haleblian","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679399":{"id":"679399","type":"image","title":"AI-Driven Decision Intelligence  Across the Supply Chain","body":null,"created":"1771877803","gmt_created":"2026-02-23 20:16:43","changed":"1772457797","gmt_changed":"2026-03-02 13:23:17","alt":"Illustration of AI-driven supply chain decision intelligence, featuring analytics dashboards and AI\u2011powered insights supporting materials management, production scheduling, inventory management, transportation, and demand planning.","file":{"fid":"263562","name":"bnr-CM-AI-DrivenDecisionIntelligence_1024x1024.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/23\/bnr-CM-AI-DrivenDecisionIntelligence_1024x1024.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/23\/bnr-CM-AI-DrivenDecisionIntelligence_1024x1024.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":163591,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/23\/bnr-CM-AI-DrivenDecisionIntelligence_1024x1024.jpg?itok=Cmb-KmGb"}},"674087":{"id":"674087","type":"image","title":"Chris Gaffney","body":"\u003Cp\u003EChris Gaffney\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1717067903","gmt_created":"2024-05-30 11:18:23","changed":"1771883375","gmt_changed":"2026-02-23 21:49:35","alt":"Chris Gaffney, Managing Director, Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute","file":{"fid":"257557","name":"chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":129544,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg?itok=_M0fOBTF"}},"679403":{"id":"679403","type":"image","title":"Michael Barnett","body":null,"created":"1771883408","gmt_created":"2026-02-23 21:50:08","changed":"1771883408","gmt_changed":"2026-02-23 21:50:08","alt":"Michael Barnett","file":{"fid":"263563","name":"Barnett-Michael-2022.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/23\/Barnett-Michael-2022.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/23\/Barnett-Michael-2022.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":21649,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/23\/Barnett-Michael-2022.jpg?itok=RzHA96wO"}}},"media_ids":["679399","674087","679403"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/news-events\/newsletters","title":"View past SCL newsletters and join our mailing list"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/","title":"Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute"}],"groups":[{"id":"1250","name":"Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems (CHHS)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"194489","name":"scl-spot"},{"id":"167074","name":"Supply Chain"},{"id":"187190","name":"-go-gtmi"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["info@scl.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688452":{"#nid":"688452","#data":{"type":"news","title":"The Challenges and Opportunities of Cold Weather and Technology","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhile Italy\u2019s 2026 Winter Olympics draw the world\u2019s attention to snow and ice, Georgia Tech researchers are also confronting cold at its most extreme.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome labs in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (ECE) use liquid nitrogen and liquid helium to chill cryogenic test systems to as low as 4 Kelvins (K), or -452.47 degrees Fahrenheit (F), temperatures that rival the coldest regions of deep space.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt this point, materials and electronic devices stop behaving in familiar ways, which is exactly why ECE researchers use these extreme conditions to explore and\u0026nbsp;develop new semiconductor technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cElectronics are very temperature dependent,\u201d Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/directory\/john-d-cressler\u0022\u003EJohn Cressler\u003C\/a\u003E said, whose lab houses some of these cryogenic test systems. \u201cWhether you see it or not, every electronic you buy has a tested temperature spec associated with it.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECurrent commercially sold devices, including most cell phones, are made to run between 32 F and 85 F. Researchers in ECE test across a far wider range, as they develop technology with extraterrestrial and quantum computing applications in mind.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOther ECE teams work in natural extremes, carrying instruments into polar regions where cold creates challenges that no lab can fully replicate.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJust as cold pushes athletes in different ways, it guides ECE research down its own distinct paths.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/02\/challenges-and-opportunities-technology-cold\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERead the full story on the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u0027s website.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn labs chilled to 4 kelvins (-450 degrees!) and on expeditions to polar regions, Georgia Tech scientists are discovering how extreme cold simultaneously challenges and advances technology in computing, space exploration, and the interpretation of Earth\u2019s natural signals.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"In labs chilled to 4 kelvins (-450 degrees!) and on expeditions to polar regions, Georgia Tech scientists are discovering how extreme cold simultaneously challenges and advances technology in computing, space exploration, and more."}],"uid":"36558","created_gmt":"2026-02-20 18:51:26","changed_gmt":"2026-02-20 19:43:10","author":"zwiniecki3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-20T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-20T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679385":{"id":"679385","type":"image","title":"cold-techs--1-.gif","body":null,"created":"1771613526","gmt_created":"2026-02-20 18:52:06","changed":"1771613526","gmt_changed":"2026-02-20 18:52:06","alt":"Tech in the Cold","file":{"fid":"263540","name":"cold-techs--1-.gif","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/20\/cold-techs--1-.gif","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/20\/cold-techs--1-.gif","mime":"image\/gif","size":23995589,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/20\/cold-techs--1-.gif?itok=4pbIyOsL"}}},"media_ids":["679385"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/02\/challenges-and-opportunities-technology-cold","title":"Read the Full Story"}],"groups":[{"id":"660369","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660370","name":"Space"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"167686","name":"Semiconductors"},{"id":"1228","name":"memory"},{"id":"179829","name":"cold"},{"id":"623","name":"Technology"},{"id":"170841","name":"silicon-germanium"},{"id":"167146","name":"space"},{"id":"2868","name":"atmosphere"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39451","name":"Electronics and Nanotechnology"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"193657","name":"Space Research Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EZachary Winiecki\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["zwiniecki3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687708":{"#nid":"687708","#data":{"type":"news","title":" Researchers Warn AI \u2018Blind Spot\u2019 Could Allow Attackers to Hijack Self-Driving Vehicles","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA newly discovered vulnerability could allow cybercriminals to silently hijack the artificial intelligence (AI) systems in self-driving cars, raising concerns about the security of autonomous systems increasingly used on public roads.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;Georgia Tech cybersecurity researchers discovered the vulnerability, dubbed VillainNet, and found it can remain dormant in a self-driving vehicle\u2019s AI system until triggered by specific conditions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnce triggered, VillainNet is almost certain to succeed, giving attackers control of the targeted vehicle.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe research finds that attackers could program almost any action within a self-driving vehicle\u2019s AI super network to trigger VillainNet. In one possible scenario, it could be triggered when a self-driving taxi\u2019s AI responds to rainfall and changing road conditions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnce in control, hackers could hold the passengers hostage and threaten to crash the taxi.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers discovered this new backdoor attack threat in the AI super networks that power autonomous driving systems.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSuper networks are designed to be the Swiss Army knife of AI, swapping out tools, or in this case sub networks, as needed for the task at hand,\u0022 said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/davidoygenblik.github.io\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDavid Oygenblik\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Ph.D. student at Georgia Tech and the lead researcher on the project.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022However, we found that an adversary can exploit this by attacking just one of those tiny tools. The attack remains completely dormant until that specific subnetwork is used, effectively hiding across billions of other benign configurations.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis backdoor attack is nearly guaranteed to work, according to Oygenblik. This blind spot is nearly undetectable with current tools and can impact any autonomous vehicle that runs on AI. It can also be hidden at any stage of development and include billions of scenarios.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWith VillainNet, the attacker forces defenders to find a single needle in a haystack that can be as large as 10 quintillion straws,\u0022 said Oygenblik.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Our work is a call to action for the security community. As AI systems become more complex and adaptive, we must develop new defenses capable of addressing these novel, hyper-targeted threats.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe hypothetical fix to the problem was to add security measures to the super networks. These networks contain billions of specialized subnetworks that can be activated on the fly, but Oygenblik wanted to see what would happen if he attacked a single subnetwork tool.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn experiments, the VillainNet attack proved highly effective. It achieved a 99% success rate when activated while remaining invisible throughout the AI system.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe research also shows that detecting a VillainNet backdoor would require 66x more computing power and time to verify the AI system is safe. This challenge dramatically expands the search space for attack detection and is not feasible, according to the researchers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe project was \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=H1fyPD8vWDo\u0022\u003Epresented\u003C\/a\u003E at the ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS) in October 2025. The paper, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/davidoygenblik.github.io\/pdfs\/VNET.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EVillainNet: Targeted Poisoning Attacks Against SuperNets Along the Accuracy-Latency Pareto Frontier\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, was co-authored by Oygenblik, master\u0027s students \u003Cstrong\u003EAbhinav Vemulapalli \u003C\/strong\u003Eand \u003Cstrong\u003EAnimesh Agrawal\u003C\/strong\u003E, Ph.D. student \u003Cstrong\u003EDebopam Sanyal\u003C\/strong\u003E, Associate Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EAlexey Tumanov\u003C\/strong\u003E, and Associate Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EBrendan Saltaformaggio\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA newly discovered vulnerability could allow cybercriminals to silently hijack the artificial intelligence (AI) systems in self-driving cars, raising concerns about the security of autonomous systems increasingly used on public roads.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;Georgia Tech cybersecurity researchers discovered the vulnerability, dubbed VillainNet, and found it can remain dormant in a self-driving vehicle\u2019s AI system until triggered by specific conditions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnce triggered, VillainNet is almost certain to succeed, giving attackers control of the targeted vehicle.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A newly discovered vulnerability could allow cybercriminals to silently hijack the artificial intelligence (AI) systems in self-driving cars, raising concerns about the security of autonomous systems increasingly used on public roads."}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2026-01-27 14:51:58","changed_gmt":"2026-02-19 17:34:58","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-27T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-27T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679102":{"id":"679102","type":"image","title":"Car-Blind-Spot.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1769525530","gmt_created":"2026-01-27 14:52:10","changed":"1769525530","gmt_changed":"2026-01-27 14:52:10","alt":"A car\u0027s side view mirror with a alert in the center of the mirror. ","file":{"fid":"263221","name":"Car-Blind-Spot.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/27\/Car-Blind-Spot.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/27\/Car-Blind-Spot.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":467609,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/27\/Car-Blind-Spot.jpeg?itok=6bYsIEkx"}}},"media_ids":["679102"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"182941","name":"cc-research; ic-cybersecurity; ic-hcc"},{"id":"175307","name":"Brendan Saltaformaggio"},{"id":"365","name":"Research"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"188667","name":"go-"}],"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 II\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688132":{"#nid":"688132","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Obstacle or Accelerator? How Imperfections Affect Material Strength","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EImagine a material cracking \u2014 now imagine what happens if there are small inclusions in the material. Do they create an obstacle course for the crack to navigate, slowing it down? Or do they act as weak points, helping the crack spread faster?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHistorically, most engineers believed the former, using heterogeneities, or differences, in materials to make materials stronger and more resilient. However, research from Georgia Tech is showing that, in some cases, heterogeneities make materials weaker and can even accelerate cracks.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ELed by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E Assistant Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/itamar-kolvin\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EItamar Kolvin\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, the study, \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/journals.aps.org\/prl\/abstract\/10.1103\/j4vb-y1ng\u0022\u003EDual Role for Heterogeneity in Dynamic Fracture\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d was published in\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EPhysical Review Letters\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Ethis fall.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EWhile Kolvin\u2019s work is theoretical, the results of the research are widely applicable. \u201cPredicting this type of toughening effect helps engineers decide how much reinforcement to add to a material, and the best way to do so,\u201d he says. \u201cCracks are complex \u2014 they interact with the material, change shape, and respond dynamically. All of this affects the overall toughness, which impacts safety.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBuilding Strong Materials\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe study found that the key to crack behavior starts at the microscopic level where the material\u2019s microscopic structure influences how it resists cracks running at different speeds.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cCracks propagate by breaking bonds, and that costs energy,\u201d he explains. \u201cOn top of this, materials experience extreme deformations close to where the crack runs, which costs additional energy. In some materials, the amount of this energy cost can depend on the crack\u2019s speed because of microscopic friction between molecules.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EOther materials, like window glass, are mostly indifferent to the crack speed. These materials are made of simple molecules, allowing a crack to propagate slowly or quickly using the same amount of energy. The researchers found that including heterogeneities can help strengthen these materials.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EMaterials made of more complex molecules, like polymer plastics and gels, on the other hand,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003Eare\u003C\/em\u003E velocity dependent: it takes more energy for a crack to propagate faster. In these materials, heterogeneities are less effective at toughening, and if the crack is fast enough, heterogeneities could help it advance. \u201cThat\u2019s something we didn\u2019t expect when we started,\u201d Kolvin says.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EDisorder Versus Design\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAfter discovering which types of materials can benefit from heterogeneities, Kolvin wanted to investigate the best way to add them. \u201cNatural materials like rocks are usually very messy and disordered,\u201d he explains, \u201cbut in engineering, heterogenous materials tend to be patterned.\u201d For example, imagine a manufactured material: heterogeneities may be added in a grid-like or other patterned way. Now, contrast that with the irregular freckles and inclusions you might see in a rock found in a streambed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EKolvin\u2019s question was simple: which material was stronger? The results, again, were surprising. The disordered case \u2014 similar to what is found in nature \u2014 created the toughest material.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAmong the patterned materials the team tested, only one was as tough as the disordered case \u2014 and every other pattern tested made the material weaker.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFrom Lab to Landscape\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAt Georgia Tech, Kolvin\u2019s lab focuses on the mechanics of materials \u2014 both solid and fluid. \u201cWe are using our expertise in physics to explore questions across different fields,\u201d he says. \u201cA common concept is treating materials as continua \u2014 zooming out from molecular detail to look at how materials deform and flow at the large scale.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThis current research follows suit with applications ranging from investigating the smallest material microstructures to predicting earthquake fractures. \u201cEarthquake faults are highly disordered, and simulating these ruptures is a major challenge, usually requiring supercomputers to solve crack propagation in three dimensions,\u201d Kolvin says. \u201cBut with the tools our study has developed, we can simulate similar conditions and large systems using just a desktop computer.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis opens the doors for scientists, engineers, physicists, and geologists to explore problems right from their own computer, allowing more researchers access to more tools,\u201d he adds. \u201cAnd new tools often lead to new discoveries.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDOI:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1103\/j4vb-y1ng\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1103\/j4vb-y1ng\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EResearch from Georgia Tech is showing how cracks occur and spread through materials \u2014 and how best to prevent them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Research from Georgia Tech is showing how cracks occur and spread through materials \u2014 and how best to prevent them. "}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2026-02-09 17:14:44","changed_gmt":"2026-02-19 17:33:17","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-16T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-16T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679225":{"id":"679225","type":"image","title":"\u201cCracks are complex \u2014 they interact with the material, change shape, and respond dynamically,\u0022 says Kolvin. \u0022All of this affects the overall toughness, and that impacts safety.\u201d (Adobe Stock)","body":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cCracks are complex \u2014 they interact with the material, change shape, and respond dynamically,\u0022 says Kolvin. \u0022All of this affects the overall toughness, and that impacts safety.\u201d (Adobe Stock)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1770657667","gmt_created":"2026-02-09 17:21:07","changed":"1770657667","gmt_changed":"2026-02-09 17:21:07","alt":"A crack in a building wall.","file":{"fid":"263358","name":"AdobeStock_494169649.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/09\/AdobeStock_494169649.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/09\/AdobeStock_494169649.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2360933,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/09\/AdobeStock_494169649.jpeg?itok=Q7lTZSc8"}},"679224":{"id":"679224","type":"image","title":"Itamar Kolvin","body":"\u003Cp\u003EItamar Kolvin\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1770657296","gmt_created":"2026-02-09 17:14:56","changed":"1770657296","gmt_changed":"2026-02-09 17:14:56","alt":"Itamar Kolvin","file":{"fid":"263357","name":"Itamar-Kolvin.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/09\/Itamar-Kolvin_0.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/09\/Itamar-Kolvin_0.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":154592,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/09\/Itamar-Kolvin_0.jpeg?itok=e0T6C0ih"}}},"media_ids":["679225","679224"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"660369","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"}],"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\u003EWritten by \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto: sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688133":{"#nid":"688133","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Biophysicist Lynn Kamerlin Becomes Institute of Physics Fellow","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/a\u003E Professor and Georgia Research Alliance Vasser Woolley Chair in Molecular Design\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/people\/lynn-kamerlin\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELynn Kamerlin\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E has become an\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.iop.org\/\u0022\u003EInstitute of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E (IOP) Fellow. It is the highest degree of membership awarded by the society.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0022The IOP has a long and distinguished history as the primary learned society and professional body for physicists in the U.K., Ireland, and beyond,\u201d says Kamerlin, who completed both a Master of Natural Sciences and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Organic Chemistry\u0026nbsp;from the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.birmingham.ac.uk\/\u0022\u003EUniversity of Birmingham\u003C\/a\u003E in the United Kingdom. \u201cAs a society, it plays an important role in building community, promoting science, advancing advocacy for our discipline, and supporting the next generation of physicists.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EKamerlin joins a list of distinguished Fellows that includes legendary physicists such as\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.iop.org\/about\/support-grants\/bell-burnell-fund\/woman-behind-fund\u0022\u003EDame\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EJocelyn Bell Burnell\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a preeminent astrophysicist responsible for the discovery of pulsars (a previously unknown type of star) and the first female president of the IOP.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cIt is a great honor to be awarded Fellowship of the IOP, particularly as women more broadly remain vastly underrepresented in physics,\u201d Kamerlin says. \u201cI look forward to giving back to the physics community, supporting the mission of the society, and working to remind the next generation that physics is for everyone.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout Lynn Kamerlin\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EKamerlin\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/kamerlinlab.com\/\u0022\u003Eresearch in computational biophysics\u003C\/a\u003E is at the intersection of chemistry and biology, where she focuses on investigating fundamental physical chemistry and using computational tools to understand complex biomolecular problems. Currently, she is interested in leveraging machine learning tools to design new enzymes and in predicting protein structures and behaviors using large language models.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIn addition to her roles at Georgia Tech, Kamerlin\u0026nbsp;is a senior editor of\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/journal\/1469896x\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EProtein Science\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, the editor-in-chief of\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/publishingsupport.iopscience.iop.org\/journals\/electronic-structure\/about-electronic-structure\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EElectronic Structure\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and was named a 2025-27 visiting professor at\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/portal.research.lu.se\/en\/persons\/lynn-kamerlin\/\u0022\u003ELund University\u003C\/a\u003E. She\u0026nbsp;was also named a\u0026nbsp;Fellow of the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.rsc.org\/\u0022\u003ERoyal Society of Chemistry\u003C\/a\u003E, received the 2026\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/lynn-kamerlin-receives-biochemical-society-honor\u0022\u003EInspiration and Resilience Award\u003C\/a\u003E from the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.biochemistry.org\/\u0022\u003EBiochemical Society\u003C\/a\u003E, and was the 2023\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.biophysics.org\/\u0022\u003EBiophysical Society\u003C\/a\u003E Theory \u0026amp; Computation Subgroup Mid-Career Award Winner.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EIt is the highest degree of membership awarded by the society. \u0022I look forward to giving back to the physics community, supporting the mission of the society, and working to remind the next generation that physics is for everyone,\u0022 says Kamerlin.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":" It is the highest degree of membership awarded by the society. "}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2026-02-09 17:30:13","changed_gmt":"2026-02-19 17:32:36","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-18T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-18T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677019":{"id":"677019","type":"image","title":"Lynn Kamerlin","body":null,"created":"1746193435","gmt_created":"2025-05-02 13:43:55","changed":"1746193435","gmt_changed":"2025-05-02 13:43:55","alt":"Lynn Kamerlin headshot","file":{"fid":"260878","name":"lynn-kamerlin_portrait.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/05\/02\/lynn-kamerlin_portrait.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/05\/02\/lynn-kamerlin_portrait.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":104455,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/05\/02\/lynn-kamerlin_portrait.jpg?itok=UCfaKKYb"}}},"media_ids":["677019"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"}],"categories":[{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"192250","name":"cos-microbial"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"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\u003EWritten by \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto: sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687813":{"#nid":"687813","#data":{"type":"news","title":"From Fusion to Self-Driving Cars, High Performance Computing and AI are Everywhere in 2026","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhile not as highlight-reel worthy as the Winter Olympics and the World Cup, experts expect high-performance computing (HPC) to have an even bigger impact on daily life in 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers say HPC and artificial intelligence (AI) advances this year are poised to improve how people power their homes, design safer buildings, and travel through cities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/tangqi.github.io\/\u0022\u003EQi Tang\u003C\/a\u003E, scientists will take progressive steps toward cleaner, sustainable energy through nuclear fusion in 2026.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI am very hopeful about the role of advanced computing and AI in making fusion a clean energy source,\u201d said Tang, an assistant professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cse.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Computational Science and Engineering (CSE)\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFusion systems involve many interconnected processes happening across different scales. Modern simulations, combined with data-driven methods, allow us to bring these pieces together into a unified picture.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETang\u2019s research connects HPC and machine learning with fusion energy and plasma physics. This year, Tang is continuing work on large-scale nuclear fusion models.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnly a few experimental fusion reactors exist worldwide compared to more than 400 nuclear fission reactors. Tang\u2019s work supports a broader effort to turn fusion from a promising idea into a practical energy source.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENuclear fusion occurs in plasma, the fourth state of matter, where gas is heated to millions of degrees. In this extreme state, electrons are stripped from atoms, creating a hot soup of fast-moving ions and free electrons. In plasma, hydrogen atoms overcome their natural electrical repulsion, collide, and fuse together. This releases energy that can power cities and homes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EComputers interpret extreme temperatures, densities, pressures, and plasma particle motion as massive datasets. Tang works to assimilate these data types from computer models and real-world experiments.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo do this, he and other researchers rely on machine learning approaches to analyze data across models and experiments more quickly and to produce more accurate predictions. Over time, this will allow scientists to test and improve fusion reactor designs toward commercial use.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeyond energy and nuclear engineering,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pk.linkedin.com\/in\/umarkhayaz\u0022\u003EUmar Khayaz\u003C\/a\u003E sees broader impacts for HPC in 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHPC is the need of the day in every field of engineering sciences, physics, biology, and economics,\u201d said Khayaz, a CSE Ph.D. student in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ce.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Civil and Environmental Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHPC is important enough to say that we need to employ resources to also solve social problems.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKhayaz studies dynamic fracture and phase-field modeling. These areas explore how materials break under sudden, rapid loads.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELike nuclear fusion, Khayaz says dynamic fracture problems are complex and data-intensive. In 2026, he expects to see more computing resources and computational capabilities devoted to understanding these problems and other emerging civil engineering challenges.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECSE Ph.D. student\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ahren09.github.io\/\u0022\u003EYiqiao (Ahren) Jin\u003C\/a\u003E sees a similar relationship between infrastructure and self-driving vehicles. He believes AI will innovate this area in 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt Georgia Tech, Jin develops efficient multimodal AI systems. An autonomous vehicle is a multimodal system that uses camera video, laser sensors, language instructions, and other inputs to navigate city streets under changing scenarios like traffic and weather patterns.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJin says multimodal research will move beyond performance benchmarks this year. This shift will lead to computer systems that can reason despite uncertainty and explain their decisions. In result, engineers will redefine how they evaluate and deploy autonomous systems in safety-critical settings.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMany foundational problems in perception, multimodal reasoning, and agent coordination are being actively addressed in 2026. These advances enable a transition from isolated autonomous systems to safer, coordinated autonomous vehicle fleets,\u201d Jin said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAs these systems scale, they have the potential to fundamentally improve transportation safety and efficiency.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhile not as highlight-reel worthy as the Winter Olympics and the World Cup, experts expect high-performance computing (HPC) to have an even bigger impact on daily life in 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers say HPC and artificial intelligence (AI) advances this year are poised to improve how people power their homes, design safer buildings, and travel through cities.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers say HPC and artificial intelligence (AI) advances this year are poised to improve how people power their homes, design safer buildings, and travel through cities."}],"uid":"36319","created_gmt":"2026-01-29 14:30:57","changed_gmt":"2026-02-19 15:53:29","author":"Bryant Wine","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-29T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-29T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679125":{"id":"679125","type":"image","title":"CSE-in-2026_2.jpg","body":null,"created":"1769704332","gmt_created":"2026-01-29 16:32:12","changed":"1769704332","gmt_changed":"2026-01-29 16:32:12","alt":"CSE in 2026","file":{"fid":"263246","name":"CSE-in-2026_2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/29\/CSE-in-2026_2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/29\/CSE-in-2026_2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":348721,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/29\/CSE-in-2026_2.jpg?itok=JDq9Sr_p"}}},"media_ids":["679125"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/fusion-self-driving-cars-high-performance-computing-and-ai-are-everywhere-2026","title":"From Fusion to Self-Driving Cars, High Performance Computing and AI are Everywhere in 2026"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50877","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"142","name":"City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"172288","name":"School of Computational Science Engineering"},{"id":"167864","name":"School of Civil and Environmental Engineering"},{"id":"594","name":"college of engineering"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"},{"id":"15030","name":"high-performance computing"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"9167","name":"machine learning"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"194384","name":"Tech AI"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"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\u003EBryant Wine, Communications Officer\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:bryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687824":{"#nid":"687824","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Cyber Risk is Business Risk: A Georgia Tech Alum on What Leaders Must Learn in 2026","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen \u003Cstrong\u003EChristopher Craig\u003C\/strong\u003E arrived at Georgia Tech as an undergraduate in 1995, the campus and the field of cybersecurity looked very different.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt was the era of look left and look right, and one of you will not be here at graduation,\u201d Craig said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECraig worked hard and graduated with his computer science (CS) bachelor\u2019s degree in 2000, just as the dot-com bubble burst. He returned to Georgia Tech about a year later and has been here ever since.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECraig is the enterprise cybersecurity architect in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.oit.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EOffice of Information Technology\u003C\/a\u003E and has spent nearly three decades at Tech as a student, employee, and instructor.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlong the way, he has earned three degrees from the Institute and helped shape how Georgia Tech approaches cybersecurity in an increasingly complex digital landscape.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECraig began his career at Tech supporting student registration and other core IT systems. He moved fully into cybersecurity about 15 years ago. His technical background was strong, but he saw a gap in his experience.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI had a lot of technical background and work experience, but not much policy experience,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECraig enrolled in Georgia Tech\u2019s Master of Science in Information Security to fill in this gap. He said his decision to enroll in the policy track was intentional.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf you\u2019ve been doing the technical work for 10 years, a technical master\u2019s helps some,\u201d Craig said. \u201cBut it is much more useful to study the areas you do not already know well.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECraig moved into management as his GT career progressed. This path led him once again to the classroom. This time, he pursued an MBA from Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/index.html\u0022\u003EScheller College of Business\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECraig believes the combination of cybersecurity and business education is increasingly important for leaders and others.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere is a big gap in the industry,\u201d he said. \u201cYou need people who understand cybersecurity and the business side, and people in business leadership who understand cybersecurity risk.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECraig is an instructor in the online Master of Science in Cybersecurity program. He teaches incident response and often sees this gap among his students.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMany business professionals do not know how to respond to a cybersecurity incident,\u201d Craig said. \u201cThey are not trained in it. At the same time, many cybersecurity professionals are learning business impacts on the job.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECraig said business knowledge is essential for aspiring chief information security officers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAt that level, understanding how cybersecurity supports business goals is more important than deep technical detail,\u201d he said. \u201cYou still need the basics, but you also need to talk to the CFO.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt Georgia Tech, Craig focuses on cybersecurity architecture. His work centers on the design and protection of enterprise systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFor example, student information systems have a design,\u201d he said. \u201cWe look at how firewalls and other controls fit into that design to protect the data.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis role continues to evolve as the Institute\u2019s cybersecurity needs change. That evolution mirrors the field itself, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAI has impacted cybersecurity for longer than people want to admit,\u201d Craig said. \u201cUnderstanding what is unusual is a big part of security, and AI can be very good at that. It can also be very good at avoiding detection.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECraig said AI introduces new architectural risks, particularly around data privacy. Tools that analyze student or employee data must be carefully designed to prevent sensitive information from leaking through training or outputs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cYou have to understand the inputs and outputs,\u201d he said. \u201cOtherwise, you can accidentally release data you really care about.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPrivacy has been a recurring theme throughout Craig\u2019s career. He credits courses such as the privacy policy class taught by Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/peterswire.net\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPeter Swire\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, the J.Z. Liang Chair in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scp.cc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003C\/a\u003E, with shaping his thinking.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSo much of security is about personal data,\u201d Craig said. \u201cUnderstanding what actually makes data anonymous or not is critical.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECraig believes that privacy protection depends on training and system design within an institution as large and decentralized as Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTraining can only get you so far,\u201d Craig said. \u201cPeople make mistakes. Strong processes limit exposure even when human error happens.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELooking back, Craig describes his time at Georgia Tech as one of constant growth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe industry has massively changed,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat you learn becomes outdated quickly. You have to keep growing.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom undergraduate student to cybersecurity leader, Craig\u2019s career reflects both the evolution of Georgia Tech and the fast-changing world of cybersecurity. For him, the learning never stops.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech alum Christopher Craig\u2019s nearly three-decade journey as a student, employee, and instructor shows how combining cybersecurity, policy, and business education is essential for leaders navigating evolving risks\u2014from incident response to AI and data privacy\u2014in an increasingly complex digital landscape.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech alum Christopher Craig\u2019s nearly three-decade journey as a student, employee, and instructor shows how combining cybersecurity, policy, and business education is essential for leaders navigating evolving risks\u2014from incident response to AI and "}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2026-01-29 16:39:45","changed_gmt":"2026-02-19 15:53:07","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-28T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-28T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679126":{"id":"679126","type":"image","title":"Christopher-Craig_1.jpg","body":null,"created":"1769704813","gmt_created":"2026-01-29 16:40:13","changed":"1769704813","gmt_changed":"2026-01-29 16:40:13","alt":"A man looks up from his laptop computer and into a camera. There is a whiteboard with illegible writing on it behind him. ","file":{"fid":"263247","name":"Christopher-Craig_1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/29\/Christopher-Craig_1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/29\/Christopher-Craig_1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1938873,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/29\/Christopher-Craig_1.jpg?itok=FFcaJWfX"}}},"media_ids":["679126"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"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 II\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687892":{"#nid":"687892","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Computing Hosts Venture Capital Summit to Push Research Beyond the Lab","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe College of Computing is forging new relationships with Atlanta\u2019s venture capital community to advance entrepreneurial opportunities for students.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENearly two dozen venture capital (VC) leaders based in Atlanta and the Southeast participated in a half-day summit at the College on Jan. 21.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECo-hosts Dean of Computing \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/vsarkar\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVivek Sarkar\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and Noro-Moseley Partners General Partner\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/alantaetle\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlan Taetle\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E organized the invitation-only summit. Their goals were to:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EShowcase the College\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/research-areas\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eresearch strengths\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/entrepreneurship-gt-computing\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eentrepreneurial culture\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDeepen connections between academic innovation and startups\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EExplore opportunities for collaboration, commercialization, and startup growth\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe summit\u2019s guest list included founders, partners, and leaders from VC firms. Many of these firms focus on early-stage startups in SaaS, fintech, cybersecurity, and other emerging technology markets.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResearch With Commercial Impact\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESarkar outlined the College of Computing\u2019s academic mission and research priorities during his opening remarks. He emphasized the College\u2019s role in advancing innovation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging research areas.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOne of the College\u2019s strategic pillars is what I call \u2018X to the power of Computing\u2019,\u201d Sarkar said. \u201cLook at any discipline or industry X to see where they\u0027re innovating and where their advances are being made, and that\u2019s where Computing meets that discipline.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlong with remarks from the dean, the summit featured presentations highlighting Georgia Tech\u2019s entrepreneurial ecosystem and College-led research initiatives with strong commercialization potential.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExpanding Support for Student Founders\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jenniferwhitlow\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJen Whitlow\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E leads Community Partnerships at Fusen, a global platform for student founders created by Atlanta philanthropist\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/chklaus\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChristopher W. Klaus\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. She described Klaus\u2019s support for student entrepreneurship, including GT Computing\u2019s annual\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/klaus-startup-challenge\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKlaus Startup Challenge\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. In 2025,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/klaus-startup-challenge-showcases-georgia-techs-rising-entrepreneurial-talent\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKlaus awarded five winning teams $150,000 each\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to cover startup costs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhitlow also updated guests on Klaus\u2019s commitment, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/05\/02\/tech-visionary-chris-klaus-empowers-georgia-tech-grads-launch-startups\u0022\u003Eannounced in May 2025\u003C\/a\u003E, to covering the incorporation costs for any graduating student who aspires to launch a startup.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMore than 600 graduates from last year\u2019s Spring and Fall Commencements have accepted the gift, and more than 225 recent graduates have completed their incorporation to date,\u201d Whitlow said. She added that a second cohort of Fall 2025 graduates is being processed over the next few weeks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOffering an enterprise-level view, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECREATE-X\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/saxenar\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERahul Saxena\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003Epresented recent updates to commercialization at Georgia Tech and efforts to streamline entrepreneurial processes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESaxena emphasized the launch of\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/commercialization.gatech.edu\/velocity\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVelocity Startups\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, an accelerator that provides the resources and infrastructure student startups need to bring their innovations to market.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuilding the Pipeline From Research to Startup\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFollowing these updates, GT Computing faculty delivered lightning-round presentations highlighting the College\u2019s research strengths in AI, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe tighter the local investing community is with Georgia Tech, the better off both are,\u201d said Taetle, who has been a member of the College\u2019s Advisory Board for more than 20 years.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s critical in this super-competitive world that we do everything that we can to support this fantastic university.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETaetle added that the summit was part of a broader effort to strengthen the College\u2019s entrepreneurial pipeline.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are some really big ideas here, which could turn into really big companies,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve made some great strides on the commercialization front, but we still have that opportunity and challenge in front of us.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe afternoon concluded with a discussion of next steps and engagement opportunities, led by Sarkar and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jzwang\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJason Zwang\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, GT Computing\u2019s senior director of development. The discussion focused on research partnership opportunities, startup formation, and student involvement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZwang emphasized the importance of investing in Atlanta\u2019s innovation ecosystem, citing the city\u2019s strong fundamentals and pro-growth climate for entrepreneurship.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis gives us a unique opportunity to start working more closely with the local VC community, and it\u2019s also great for our students,\u201d Zwang said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESarkar agreed, saying, \u201cThere\u2019s no downside for students to get involved in a startup. It might take off and be a bonanza. If not, the experience makes you a more competitive hire because of the breadth of experience you gain at a startup.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo foster these opportunities for students, Zwang said that a key priority is to establish earlier, more intentional connections among students, startups, and investors.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis is a pivotal moment,\u201d he said. \u201cWe can determine how to connect students with the VC and startup community earlier and ensure these investors remain involved with the College.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECollege leaders said the summit underscored Computing\u2019s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial culture and to building lasting relationships that can help accelerate the real-world impact of its research beyond the Institute.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech is a force multiplier for entrepreneurship,\u201d said Sarkar. \u201cWe\u2019re here to change the world. We want to inspire a culture of bold, big entrepreneurial thinking, and look forward to the next steps that will follow this VC summit.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENearly two dozen venture capital leaders from Atlanta and across the Southeast joined the College of Computing on Jan. 21 for a half-day VC summit focused on research, innovation, and collaboration.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The College of Computing is working to connect student and faculty entrepreneurs with early-development startup support."}],"uid":"32045","created_gmt":"2026-02-02 15:57:16","changed_gmt":"2026-02-19 15:52:21","author":"Ben Snedeker","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-02T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-02T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679150":{"id":"679150","type":"image","title":"GT Computing 2026 Venture Capital Summit group photo","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ETop executives from Atlanta\u0027s venture capital community participated in the College of Computing\u0027s first VC summit, held on Jan. 21. Photo by Terence Rushin\/GT Computing\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1770047844","gmt_created":"2026-02-02 15:57:24","changed":"1770047844","gmt_changed":"2026-02-02 15:57:24","alt":"Top executives from Atlanta\u0027s venture capital community participated in the College of Computing\u0027s first VC summit, held on Jan. 21.","file":{"fid":"263273","name":"Venture-Capitalists-_86A0835-copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/Venture-Capitalists-_86A0835-copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/Venture-Capitalists-_86A0835-copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":205876,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/02\/Venture-Capitalists-_86A0835-copy.jpg?itok=McAV65N9"}}},"media_ids":["679150"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"133","name":"Special Events and Guest Speakers"}],"keywords":[{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"137161","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"194105","name":"aspiring entrepreneurs"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"},{"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:albert.snedeker@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EBen Snedeker\u003C\/a\u003E, Senior Communications Manager\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech College of Computing\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688224":{"#nid":"688224","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Vinayak Agarwal Wins Bridge Award","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Associate Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/people\/vinayak-agarwal\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVinayak Agarwal\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E has received the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/rescorp.org\/\u0022\u003EResearch Corporation for Science Advancement\u003C\/a\u003E (RCSA) Bridge Award. The award provides up to $100,000 in continuity funding to support early-career researchers \u0022pursuing exciting and productive programs that are training the next generation of scientists,\u0022 according to the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/rescorp.org\/2026\/01\/11-cottrell-scholars-win-rcsa-bridge-awards\/\u0022\u003Eorganization\u2019s press release\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cSupport from the RCSA is much appreciated right now to maintain our research productivity and pedagogic service to our student body,\u201d says Agarwal. \u201cThe focus of RCSA extends beyond scientific research to include student success, which is in excellent concert with Georgia Tech\u2019s mission.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAgarwal, who joined Georgia Tech in 2017, holds joint appointments in the Schools of\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EChemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EBiological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E. His research group studies natural products\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;small molecules created by living\u0026nbsp;organisms\u0026nbsp;\u2014 to understand how they are made and explore potential\u0026nbsp;uses. In 2021, Agarwal was named an RCSA Cottrell Scholar in recognition of his study of natural products found in oceans and his efforts to develop new curricula for undergraduates related to this research.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHis additional professional recognitions include the NSF CAREER Award, the American Society of Pharmacognosy Matt Suffness Young Investigator Award, the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, and the Sloan Research Fellowship.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECreated by the Research Corporation for Science Advancement, the award provides continuity funding to support early-career researchers pursuing programs focused on training the next generation of scientists.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Created by the Research Corporation for Science Advancement, the award provides continuity funding to support early-career researchers pursuing programs focused on training the next generation of scientists."}],"uid":"36583","created_gmt":"2026-02-12 17:12:05","changed_gmt":"2026-02-19 15:19:57","author":"lvidal7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-13T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-13T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"602393":{"id":"602393","type":"image","title":"Vinayak Agarwal","body":null,"created":"1518706912","gmt_created":"2018-02-15 15:01:52","changed":"1518706912","gmt_changed":"2018-02-15 15:01:52","alt":"","file":{"fid":"229589","name":"Vinayak Agarwal.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/Vinayak%20Agarwal_0.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/Vinayak%20Agarwal_0.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":476665,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/images\/Vinayak%20Agarwal_0.jpg?itok=IuHJMGwW"}}},"media_ids":["602393"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/theagarwallab\/","title":"Agarwal Research Group"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/making-medicines-vinayak-agarwal-awarded-nsf-career-grant-peptide-research","title":"Vinayak Agarwal Awarded NSF CAREER Grant for Peptide Research"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/vinayak-agarwal-wins-2021-cottrell-scholar-award-ocean-studies","title":"Vinayak Agarwal Wins 2021 Cottrell Scholar Award for Ocean Studies"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"166928","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"},{"id":"166882","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"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\u003EWriter: \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:lvidal7@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ELindsay C. Vidal\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687826":{"#nid":"687826","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Yellow Jacket Connection Sparks Glaucoma Research Fund at Tech","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAn estimated 4 million Americans have glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can lead to irreversible blindness.\u0026nbsp;Now, Georgia Tech is home to a Glaucoma Research Fund that will\u0026nbsp;support cutting-edge work to understand and advance treatments for the disease.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe new initiative was sparked by ongoing research at Georgia Tech \u2014 and a Yellow Jacket connection: when\u0026nbsp;Postdoctoral Research Fellow\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EHannah Youngblood\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.brightfocus.org\/news\/a-key-protein-could-alter-risk-for-pseudoexfoliation-glaucoma\/\u0022\u003Ework on exfoliation glaucoma (XFG)\u003C\/a\u003E was featured by the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.brightfocus.org\/\u0022\u003EBrightFocus Foundation\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;it caught the attention of\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EJennifer Rucker,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ean Alabama resident who was diagnosed with XFG several years ago.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EExcited that the research could change outcomes for people like her \u2014 and proud that it\u2019s happening at her husband\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EPhilip Rucker\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2019s, EE 72, alma mater \u2014 Jennifer Rucker reached out to Youngblood and her advisor,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/a\u003E Professor and Kelly Sepcic Pfeil, Ph.D. Chair\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/raquel-lieberman\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERaquel Lieberman\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cAs the wife of a Georgia Tech graduate and an individual with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, I was inspired to support the scientists whose efforts may help me and others,\u201d Jennifer Rucker says.\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EWhat followed was a meaningful dialogue and a shared sense of purpose \u2014 and the creation of the Georgia Tech Glaucoma Research Fund (Wreck Glaucoma! Fund).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cIt meant so much that Jennifer took the initiative to reach out to learn more about our research,\u201d says Lieberman. \u201cMoments like this remind me how deeply meaningful it is to connect with people in the broader community who are navigating glaucoma. Opportunities for such personal connections are rare, but they inspire and further motivate us to achieve our lab\u2019s mission to improve the lives of individuals suffering from blindness diseases.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Personal Connection\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EYoungblood\u2019s interest in glaucoma research also stems from a personal connection: her father\u0026nbsp;was diagnosed with glaucoma as a young adult.\u0026nbsp;Now, Youngblood\u0026nbsp;studies the genetic and molecular factors behind XFG in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/lieberman.chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ELieberman research lab\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cXFG is an aggressive form of the disease with no known cure,\u201d Youngblood says.\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EWhile scientists know that XFG is the result of abnormal accumulation of proteins in the eye, current treatments only address symptoms rather than treating the root cause of the disease.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe know XFG is driven by protein buildup, but we still don\u2019t know\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003Ewhy\u003C\/em\u003E it happens,\u201d she explains. \u201cMy work studying specific genetic variants aims to uncover this.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Genetics of Glaucoma\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIn particular, Youngblood is researching the role of LOXL1, a protein that plays a role in soft tissue throughout the body, including the eyes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cResearch has shown that people with variants in the genes responsible for this protein are more likely to have XFG,\u201d she says. \u201cThat made me curious to see if the variants might be impacting the structure of the LOXL1 protein itself and how those variants might lead to disease.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EYoungblood is currently testing her theory in the lab. \u201cMy hope is that new insight into proteins like LOXL1 will bring us closer to treatments that address XFG at its source,\u201d she says. \u201cThe new Georgia Tech Glaucoma Research Fund is a tremendous step forward in making that hope a reality.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESupport the Georgia Tech Glaucoma Research Fund\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EPlease visit the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/giving.gatech.edu\/campaigns\/59801\/donations\/new?designation_id=a000015611000\u0026amp;\u0022\u003EGlaucoma Research Fund support page\u003C\/a\u003E to give to this specific program. To discuss additional philanthropic opportunities, please contact the College of Sciences Development Team:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:development@cos.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Edevelopment@cos.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYour investment ensures that these scholars and researchers have world-class resources, facilities, and mentors to excel in this critical work. Thank you for helping us shape the future.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen\u0026nbsp;Postdoctoral Research Fellow\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EHannah Youngblood\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2019s\u0026nbsp;work on exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) was featured by the\u0026nbsp;BrightFocus Foundation,\u0026nbsp;it caught the attention of\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EJennifer Rucker,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ean Alabama resident who was diagnosed with XFG several years ago. What followed was a meaningful dialogue and a shared sense of purpose \u2014 and the creation of the Georgia Tech Glaucoma Research Fund (Wreck Glaucoma! Fund).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"When\u00a0Postdoctoral Research Fellow\u00a0Hannah Youngblood\u2019s\u00a0work on exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) was featured by the\u00a0BrightFocus Foundation,\u00a0it caught the attention of\u00a0Jennifer Rucker,\u00a0an Alabama resident who was diagnosed with XFG several years ago. "}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2026-01-29 17:23:21","changed_gmt":"2026-02-19 15:19:24","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-02T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-02T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679130":{"id":"679130","type":"image","title":"Hannah Youngblood","body":null,"created":"1769722230","gmt_created":"2026-01-29 21:30:30","changed":"1769722339","gmt_changed":"2026-01-29 21:32:19","alt":"Hannah Youngblood","file":{"fid":"263251","name":"Headshot.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/29\/Headshot.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/29\/Headshot.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":42055,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/29\/Headshot.jpg?itok=1PjOSH2M"}},"679127":{"id":"679127","type":"image","title":"Raquel Lieberman","body":null,"created":"1769707506","gmt_created":"2026-01-29 17:25:06","changed":"1769722356","gmt_changed":"2026-01-29 21:32:36","alt":"Raquel Lieberman","file":{"fid":"263248","name":"083.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/29\/083.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/29\/083.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":14074756,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/29\/083.jpg?itok=qPG_sbYX"}}},"media_ids":["679130","679127"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/giving.gatech.edu\/campaigns\/59801\/donations\/new?designation_id=a000015611000\u0026","title":"Make a Gift to Support the Georgia Tech Glaucoma Research Fund"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"193234","name":"Campaign Stories"},{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"194631","name":"cos-georgia"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"39511","name":"Public Service, Leadership, and Policy"}],"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:sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688310":{"#nid":"688310","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Mapping Mountain Birds in a Changing World: Benjamin Freeman Awarded Sloan Fellowship For Mountain Bird Ecology Research","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/people\/benjamin%20freeman\u0022\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;Assistant Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/benjamingfreeman.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBenjamin Freeman\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E has been named a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sloan.org\/fellowships\/2026-Fellows\u0022\u003E2026 Sloan Research Fellow\u003C\/a\u003E by the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sloan.org\/\u0022\u003EAlfred P. Sloan Foundation\u003C\/a\u003E. Regarded as one of the\u0026nbsp;most competitive and prestigious awards available to early-career scholars, the Fellowship recognizes researchers\u0026nbsp;\u201cwhose creativity, innovation, and research accomplishments make them stand out as the next generation of leaders.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe Sloan Research Fellows are among the most promising early-career researchers in the U.S. and Canada, already driving meaningful progress in their respective disciplines,\u201d \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sloan.org\/storage\/app\/media\/files\/press_releases\/2026_Sloan%20Research%20Fellowship_Announcement.pdf\u0022\u003Esays\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EStacie Bloom\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, president and chief executive officer of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. \u201cWe look forward to seeing how these exceptional scholars continue to unlock new scientific advancements, redefine their fields, and foster the wellbeing and knowledge of all.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0022This is a wonderful and welcome surprise that will support my ongoing research on mountains across the globe,\u201d says Freeman. \u201cIt\u0027s a vote of confidence and will let me get out there and get to work.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFreeman is one of 126 scientists selected this year for the honor and will receive a two-year $75,000 grant of flexible funding to support his research.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHe joins the ranks of nearly 50 faculty from Georgia Tech who have received Sloan Research Fellowships, including School of Mathematics\u2019\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAlex Blumenthal\u003C\/strong\u003E in 2024,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EHannah Choi\u003C\/strong\u003E in 2022,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EYao Yao\u003C\/strong\u003E in 2020,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EKonstantin Tikhomirov\u003C\/strong\u003E in 2019,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ELutz Warnke\u003C\/strong\u003E in 2018,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EZaher Hani\u003C\/strong\u003E in 2016,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EJen Hom\u003C\/strong\u003E in 2015, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EGreg Blekherman\u003C\/strong\u003E in 2012; School of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u0027s\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EVinayak Agarwal\u003C\/strong\u003E in 2018; School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u0027\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EChristopher Reinhard\u003C\/strong\u003E in 2015; and School of Physics\u2019\u003Cstrong\u003E Chunhui (Rita) Du\u003C\/strong\u003E in 2024 and\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ETamara Bogdanovi\u0107\u003C\/strong\u003E in 2013.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFreeman joined the Institute in 2023 and\u0026nbsp;was also recently named a\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/research-takes-flight-benjamin-freeman-named-2024-packard-fellow\u0022\u003E2024 Packard Fellow\u003C\/a\u003E by the\u0026nbsp;David and Lucile Packard Foundation and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/benjamin-freeman-named-early-career-fellow-ecological-society-america\u0022\u003E2025 Early Career Fellow\u003C\/a\u003E by the Ecological Society of America.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EUnderstanding the \u2018escalator to extinction\u2019\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EKnown for his groundbreaking research in climate change and bird ecology, Freeman studies birds worldwide from Appalachia to Ecuador. He specializes in tropical populations where his work is centered on understanding how mountain species respond to a changing climate \u2014 and how to facilitate their survival.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cTropical mountains are some of Earth\u2019s largest biodiversity hotspots; they harbor an extraordinary number of species,\u201d shares Freeman. \u201cAdditionally, tropical mountain birds are particularly sensitive to environmental change, so they can serve as an early warning system for global conservation efforts.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EPreviously, his research has shown that some species are on an \u2018escalator to extinction\u2019 with vulnerable groups moving to higher elevations to escape warming temperatures. At the top of the escalator, some summit-dwelling species are disappearing.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe know that many species are on this escalator,\u201d Freeman says. \u201cThe next step is to figure out which species are most vulnerable and why. In order to direct conservation efforts, we need to know who\u003Cem\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Eis vulnerable, why\u003Cem\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Esmall increases in temperature have dramatic effects, and what\u003Cem\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Ecan be done to help.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EA worldwide early warning system\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETo uncover those answers, Freeman is taking two approaches: mapping global patterns with big picture data and conducting on-the-ground research in the tropics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETo target the former, he created the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/benjamingfreeman.com\/mountainbirdnetwork\u0022\u003EMountain Bird Network\u003C\/a\u003E, which supports community scientists in conducting bird surveys on their local mountains. The goal is to create a system that allows researchers to diagnose vulnerable species before they are too sparse to save.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u201c\u003C\/strong\u003EWhen a species is in trouble, we need to know as soon as possible,\u201d Freeman says. \u201cOnce a population is small enough to be at risk of extinction, it\u2019s very hard to reverse that process. The Mountain Bird Network collects data on mountain bird abundances and distributions across the globe, which, when used with data from a global citizen science program called eBird, can be leveraged to build models to identify which species might be vulnerable before those populations become critically small.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EA living lab on Tech Mountain\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFreeman\u2019s other avenue of research involves building an ambitious living laboratory in Pinchincha, Ecuador. The research site will span thousands of meters along the flanks of a local mountain, spanning lowland rainforest, foothill rainforest, and cloud forest ecosystems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe mountain is home to thousands of birds from hundreds of species,\u201d Freeman says. \u201cMy goal is to track and understand their daily lives \u2014 and how climate changes impact them.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EUsing cutting-edge tracking technology, he will tag and monitor their daily movements, mapping those against microclimate sensors placed at different elevations along the mountain\u2019s slopes. The challenge of placing and maintaining thousands of tiny sensors in rugged conditions means that it has never been done before.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe\u2019ll track these birds for at least five years \u2013- but hopefully for decades,\u201d Freeman says. \u201cThe data we gather at Tech Mountain will be the first of its kind, and my hope is that it makes a real difference in conservation efforts worldwide.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EThe fellowship is one of the\u0026nbsp;most competitive and prestigious awards available to early-career scholars, and will support Freeman as he studies birds worldwide from Appalachia to Ecuador, investigating how mountain species respond to a changing climate \u2014 and how to facilitate their survival.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The fellowship is one of the\u00a0most competitive and prestigious awards available to early-career scholars."}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2026-02-17 14:36:04","changed_gmt":"2026-02-19 14:23:25","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-17T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-17T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"675323":{"id":"675323","type":"image","title":"Benjamin Freeman","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;Benjamin Freeman\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1729016793","gmt_created":"2024-10-15 18:26:33","changed":"1729016793","gmt_changed":"2024-10-15 18:26:33","alt":"Benjamin Freeman","file":{"fid":"258934","name":"BenjaminFreeman.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/10\/15\/BenjaminFreeman.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/10\/15\/BenjaminFreeman.png","mime":"image\/png","size":2771976,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/10\/15\/BenjaminFreeman.png?itok=fugaKOaT"}}},"media_ids":["675323"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/sloan.org\/storage\/app\/media\/files\/press_releases\/2026_Sloan%20Research%20Fellowship_Announcement.pdf","title":"2026 Sloan Research Fellows Announced"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/30-year-snapshot-pacific-northwestern-birds-shows-their-surprising-resilience","title":"A 30-Year \u201cSnapshot\u201d of Pacific Northwestern Birds Shows Their Surprising Resilience"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/research-takes-flight-benjamin-freeman-named-2024-packard-fellow","title":"Research Takes Flight: Benjamin Freeman Named 2024 Packard Fellow"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/benjamin-freeman-named-early-career-fellow-ecological-society-america","title":"Benjamin Freeman Named Early Career Fellow by Ecological Society of America"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"categories":[{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"194836","name":"Sustainability"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"192254","name":"cos-climate"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"},{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable 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\u003EWritten by \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto: sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688378":{"#nid":"688378","#data":{"type":"news","title":"2026 BBISS Sustainability Showcase Recap: Resilience Is About Systems","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EWritten by: Shweta Ram and Seungho Lee\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat does it mean to design systems that endure even after major disruptions? This question framed the 2026 Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems (BBISS) Sustainability Showcase, where conversations over two days spanned the Georgia coast, wildfire modeling, AI data centers, infrastructure, community engagement, and the joy of working for a more sustainable and resilient world. Across disciplines and scales, a unifying theme emerged: resilience is not a single solution. It is a systems-level challenge requiring integration across science and technology, policy, communities, and human experience.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Coastlines to Communities\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe showcase opened with a keynote from President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough on wildlife management and resiliency along Georgia\u2019s coast. The conversation that followed between Clough and BBISS Executive Director Beril Toktay highlighted the interconnection between public policy, wilderness conservation, community leadership, and scientific research. The session highlighted not only the urgency of protecting fragile ecosystems, but also that resilience works best when it is community-focused and community-driven.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESubsequent panels continued this systemic perspective. Sessions on community engagement, biotechnology-derived, climate-resilient plants, the flood resilience of Georgia coastal communities, wildfire prediction and prevention, and infrastructure resilience analytics all emphasized that resilience depends on the synthesis of many disciplines.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcross sessions, researchers emphasized that infrastructure resilience must include governance frameworks informed by good science, community engagement based on trust, and sustained collaboration that seeks to constantly improve the science, policy, and stakeholder relationships. The researchers demonstrated that they understand their role to be greater than merely modeling risk, but as collaborators who translate research into practical solutions that communities can adopt, maintain, and trust.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAI Data Centers: A New Resilience Frontier\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDay two shifted attention to data centers, which are emerging as a critical resilience frontier.\u0026nbsp;As artificial intelligence systems scale rapidly, so does the infrastructure that powers them, as well as the growing realization that digital systems are physical systems. Conversations examined the feedback loops that play a significant role in determining environmental impacts, such as chip architecture, AI workloads, data center sustainability, appropriate AI usage, and who makes the decisions on data center infrastructure development.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of the most fascinating sessions came from Alexandria Smith, assistant professor in the School of Music at Georgia Tech. She presented an artistic yet algorithmic composition that sonified data from AI data centers. Through translating kilowatt-hour usage and interconnection data into immersive soundscapes, she reframed data centers not as static input-output machines, but as adaptive, living systems. Drawing inspiration from \u003Cem\u003EPhysarum polycephalum\u003C\/em\u003E, a slime mold without a brain or nervous system known for its innate problem-solving abilities, she invites the listener to imagine infrastructure that senses, adapts, and self-optimizes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECampus as a Living Laboratory\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn her session, Professor Jennifer Chirico, associate vice president of Sustainability, highlighted Georgia Tech\u2019s 2024 Climate Action Plan, focusing on building energy efficiency, renewable integration, materials management, and mobility transitions. The plan frames the Georgia Tech campus as a test bed for resilience strategies \u2014 an ecosystem where research, operations, and policy intersect. Chirico highlighted several examples where the alignment between research and implementation was essential in moving projects from modeling to pilot projects to sustained institutional change.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFinding Joy in Climate Action\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERebecca Watts Hull, Matthew Realff, and Christie Stewart led an interactive discussion inspired by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson\u2019s framework for accelerating long-term climate action. Participants were asked three simple questions: What are you good at? What work needs doing? What brings you joy? Sustainability and climate research are fields often defined by serious urgency, crisis narratives, and burnout. This session offered a personal framework for resilience where emotional sustainability, professional fulfillment, and joy matter just as much as the motivation to drive a mission ever forward.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuilding a Shared Vision\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Sustainability Showcase concluded with a facilitated visioning session led by Kristin Janacek, associate director for Interdisciplinary Research Impact, and Beril Toktay. In small groups, leaders, researchers, and community members worked to define what resilience looks like for them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter the conversations, several themes emerged:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EResilience must move from research to practical and community-based solutions to sustained action.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENetworks create opportunity but require long-term stewardship to endure.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EChoosing the right metrics to measure resilience will galvanize efforts to strengthen it.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECommunity capacity is at least as important as built infrastructure.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver two days, it became clear that Georgia Tech is not approaching resilience as a narrow technical problem. It is approaching it as a systems challenge \u2014 one that spans coastlines, campuses, disciplines, data centers, the Appalachian Mountains, data models, the arts, and human relationships. Designing systems that endure requires more than innovation. It requires collaboration, stewardship, and a shared commitment to long-term impact. The conversations launched at this year\u2019s BBISS Sustainability Showcase laid the foundation for continued coordination and ambitious action in the months ahead.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe 2026 Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems (BBISS) Sustainability Showcase was held recently in the Scholars Event Theater in the Price Gilbert Library. Two days of conversations spanned the Georgia coast, wildfire modeling, AI data centers, infrastructure, community engagement, and the joy of working for a more sustainable and resilient world.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Across disciplines and scales, a unifying theme emerged: resilience is not a single solution. It is a systems-level challenge requiring integration across science and technology, policy, communities, and human experience."}],"uid":"27338","created_gmt":"2026-02-18 22:33:59","changed_gmt":"2026-02-18 22:38:36","author":"Brent Verrill","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-18T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-18T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679363":{"id":"679363","type":"image","title":"Showcase_cropped.jpg","body":null,"created":"1771454051","gmt_created":"2026-02-18 22:34:11","changed":"1771454051","gmt_changed":"2026-02-18 22:34:11","alt":"A view inside the Scholars Event Theater of a session of the Sustainability Showcase. A man speaks to a crowd while presenting slides on a large projection screen.","file":{"fid":"263513","name":"Showcase_cropped.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/18\/Showcase_cropped.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/18\/Showcase_cropped.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":915573,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/18\/Showcase_cropped.jpg?itok=JyP4R8WN"}}},"media_ids":["679363"],"groups":[{"id":"244191","name":"Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660398","name":"Sustainability Hub"}],"categories":[{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"133","name":"Special Events and Guest Speakers"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"194836","name":"Sustainability"}],"keywords":[{"id":"188360","name":"go-bbiss"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:brent.verrill@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EBrent Verrill\u003C\/a\u003E, Research Communications Program Manager, BBISS\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["brent.verrill@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688337":{"#nid":"688337","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Aerospace Robotics Lab Simulates the Moon to Advance NextGen Space Robotics Research","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETraveling to the moon for scientific discovery is expensive. And even once you get there, operating a rover on the moon is nothing like driving on Earth \u2014 the uneven terrain, deep shadows, and unpredictable soil make autonomy essential.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo, what do you do if you want to design robots and their controlling algorithms for future moon visits? If you\u2019re \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/yashwanth-kumar-nakka\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYashwanth Nakka\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u003C\/strong\u003E you bring the moon to you.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENakka has recreated the moon in a research lab at Georgia Tech, hauling in seven tons of basalt rock to mimic the look and feel of the lunar surface. With dark black walls and a bright light that simulates the sun\u2019s glare, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/aerospaceroboticslab.ae.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAerospace Robotics Lab \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E(ARL) is the only one of its kind in a university setting.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis lab will help Nakka\u2019s team of researchers understand how robotic rovers interact with the environment on the moon\u0026nbsp;\u2014 how they perceive the terrain in different sunlight conditions, for example, and how they navigate across a surface that can easily swallow a rover wheel.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFrom a research perspective, many of today\u2019s space mobility solutions still build upon algorithms developed two decades ago. This new lab positions us to pioneer the next generation of autonomous mobility technologies that can overcome unstructured terrain, environmental, and operational challenges. Advancing autonomous systems is critical to enabling deep-space exploration, supporting resource utilization, and empowering scientists to investigate new frontiers such as icy moons that may harbor subsurface oceans,\u201d said Nakka, assistant professor in the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnlike the Moon\u2019s ultra-fine, clingy regolith that can coat equipment and cause severe wear and damage, Nakka\u2019s lab uses carefully selected, gem-sized basalt rocks. This material allows researchers to realistically study how robots interact with granular terrain while avoiding the need for extensive protective equipment, making experimentation safer, more efficient, and easier to conduct. When robots are driving on the surface, they experience the same shifts and movements they would in the moondust.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlgorithms that Help Rovers Think and Decide on Their Wheels\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe lab uses specialized lights that mimic the sun because lighting conditions can significantly impact rover operations. A typical rover relies on cameras to identify objects \u2014 such as determining whether something is a rock and whether the rover should drive around or over it.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe rover also must assess slopes and evaluate whether the terrain is stable enough to traverse. These decisions are usually made with a human in the loop; Nakka is developing control systems that would allow the rovers to operate without that human intervention.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cLighting conditions make this process challenging,\u201d Nakka said. \u201cFor instance, direct sunlight on the camera can distort what the rover sees. One of the greatest obstacles is developing algorithms that remain robust and reliable despite these varying environmental factors.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team\u2019s algorithms will empower vehicles to independently assess their surroundings, identify safe paths, and select scientifically intriguing targets, all on their own. They also will allow the rovers to work together to explore or achieve other objectives.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Developing effective algorithms requires more than simply studying a standard vehicle and attempting to adapt autonomy solutions from there. That approach limits performance, particularly when driving at high speeds,\u201d Nakka said. \u201cTo achieve truly dynamic and responsive autonomous control, our algorithms must understand how the vehicle interacts with the terrain, control for uncertainty, and incorporate that surface to wheel contact information in real time.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENext-Gen Robots for the Moon\u2019s Hidden Extremes\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlongside control algorithms, Nakka and his team are crafting new robots capable of exploring harsh moon terrain and accessing challenging environments, such as lunar vents and caves. These shape changing robots, inspired by Nakka\u2019s previous work at NASA\u2019s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), will cover territory that conventional rovers simply can\u2019t reach.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022We aim to integrate robot design with algorithm development to create systems that are adaptive and capable of changing shape. For example, a rover that can crawl, lift a leg to clear debris when stuck, and continue moving\u2014demonstrating the importance of built-in adaptability.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENakka\u2019s long-term vision for autonomy is to develop a rover capable of understanding both its environmental context and its own internal state. This includes recognizing available resources as well as interpreting external conditions. Achieving this level of autonomous self and environmental awareness is expected to take approximately a decade.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUltimately, the work being done in the ARL will shape the next decade of space robotic exploration, making it possible for rovers to go farther, think faster, and survive in places no human or robot has ever gone.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENakka has recreated the moon in a research lab at Georgia Tech, hauling in seven tons of basalt rock to mimic the look and feel of the lunar surface. With dark black walls and a bright light that simulates the sun\u2019s glare, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/aerospaceroboticslab.ae.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAerospace Robotics Lab \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E(ARL) is the only one of its kind in a university setting.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Aerospace engineers recreate the moon\u2019s difficult terrain to help next-gen space robots work together, explore, and build on the lunar surface."}],"uid":"36345","created_gmt":"2026-02-17 20:41:13","changed_gmt":"2026-02-17 20:48:29","author":"gwaddell3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-17T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-17T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679333":{"id":"679333","type":"image","title":"Aerospace-Robotics-Lab.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EProfessor \u003Cstrong\u003EYashwanth Nakka\u003C\/strong\u003E in the Aerospace Robotics Lab. (Photo: Cameron Eure)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1771360166","gmt_created":"2026-02-17 20:29:26","changed":"1771360166","gmt_changed":"2026-02-17 20:29:26","alt":"Professor Yashwanth Nakka in the Aerospace Robotics Lab. (Photo: Cameron Eure)","file":{"fid":"263479","name":"Aerospace-Robotics-Lab.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/17\/Aerospace-Robotics-Lab.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/17\/Aerospace-Robotics-Lab.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2705503,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/17\/Aerospace-Robotics-Lab.jpg?itok=MXj7xQen"}}},"media_ids":["679333"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/6mfijEE-9Gc","title":" Researchers Bring the Moon\u0027s Surface to Atlanta"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2352","name":"robots"},{"id":"180895","name":"rovers"},{"id":"4191","name":"moon"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMonique Waddell\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["monique.waddell@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688068":{"#nid":"688068","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Yao Xie Selected as a Member of the New Voices Cohort at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EYao Xie, Coca-Cola Foundation Chair and\u0026nbsp;Professor\u0026nbsp;in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE),\u0026nbsp;has been selected to join the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine\u2019s\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nationalacademies.org\/programs\/PGA-OFS-17-02\u0022 title=\u0022https:\/\/www.nationalacademies.org\/programs\/PGA-OFS-17-02\u0022\u003ENew Voices in Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eprogram\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ENew Voices is a highly competitive, merit-based program that expands the expertise engaged in the work of the National Academies while cultivating a national network of emerging STEM leaders.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/yao-xie\u0022\u003EXie\u003C\/a\u003E is one of 20 mid-career scientists, engineers, and medical professionals in the 2026\u20132028 cohort. Her research develops statistical and computational foundations for sequential inference, high-dimensional change-point detection, robust decision-making under uncertainty,\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eand\u0026nbsp;generative modeling for inference and decision-making, with applications in public safety,\u0026nbsp;power grid\u0026nbsp;resilience, and biomedical and health systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring her two-year term, Xie will have the opportunity to contribute to National Academies\u2019 consensus studies and convening activities, collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, and engage with peers to address critical national and global challenges. Cohort members meet monthly in virtual sessions and gather twice annually for in-person meetings.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI am honored to join the New Voices program and to contribute perspectives from statistics, data science, machine learning, and operations research to the National Academies\u2019 work on AI and public decision-making,\u201d said Xie.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENew Voices members are supported by National Academies staff and guided by an advisory committee of senior leaders. They include elected members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine, as well as program alumni.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith the addition of the 2026 cohort, the New Voices network now includes 80 members across four cohorts. Alumni of the program have gone on to serve on dozens of National Academies committees and to represent U.S. mid-career STEM perspectives at major national and international events.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EXie will be the third Georgia Tech faculty member to participate in New Voices. Lauren Stewart (School of Civil and Environmental Engineering) and Omar Asensio (School of Public Policy) served in previous cohorts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cNow more than ever, we need to nurture the next generation of talented American researchers, who are the future leaders of the U.S. science and innovation enterprise,\u201d said Marcia McNutt, president of the National Academy of Sciences.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EYao Xie\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ehas been selected as one of 20 outstanding mid-career leaders nationwide to join the National Academies\u2019 New Voices in Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2026\u20132028 cohort.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The two-year leadership program connects emerging STEM leaders to national policy, collaboration, and consensus-building efforts."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2026-02-06 15:31:08","changed_gmt":"2026-02-16 16:03:13","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-06T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-06T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679211":{"id":"679211","type":"image","title":"Yao Xie, Coca-Cola Foundation Chair and Professor, ISyE","body":null,"created":"1770393922","gmt_created":"2026-02-06 16:05:22","changed":"1770393922","gmt_changed":"2026-02-06 16:05:22","alt":"Yao Xie, Coca-Cola Foundation Chair and Professor, ISyE","file":{"fid":"263343","name":"img8872.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/06\/img8872_0.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/06\/img8872_0.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":231678,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/06\/img8872_0.jpg?itok=LpGblXjW"}}},"media_ids":["679211"],"groups":[{"id":"1250","name":"Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems (CHHS)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"188776","name":"go-research"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EErin Whitlock Brown, Communications Manager II\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688262":{"#nid":"688262","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Supply Chain Delivers the Love on Valentine\u2019s Day ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAcross the nation, millions will look for meaningful ways to celebrate their special someone on Valentine\u2019s Day, whether through flowers, candy, greeting cards, or a dinner out. Behind each thoughtful gesture, however, lies a complex challenge: allocating resources and coordinating supply chains to ensure everyone can give and receive love in the ways they value most.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBusinesses depend on strong supply chain expertise to keep Valentine\u2019s Day running smoothly. While overall demand mirrors other holiday periods, certain products like flowers, candy, and cards see sharp spikes, and these peaks can ripple across other goods and services as well.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECandy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECandy makers are well-versed in navigating peak sales periods throughout the year, but holidays like Valentine\u2019s Day bring a distinct set of challenges. Beyond meeting higher demand, manufacturers must redesign packaging and, in some cases, reshape products (think heart-shaped candies and festive wrapping) to capture the spirit of the season and stand out on store shelves.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo make this transition seamless, many large companies treat the holiday as an innovation cycle, assigning dedicated teams to plan months in advance. These teams develop new packaging designs and product variations while ensuring changes integrate smoothly into existing production schedules and supply chain operations.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cFor Reese\u2019s to make a tree versus a bunny versus a heart. They figured that out. That\u0027s kind of in the final element of actually bringing, in their case, the peanut butter and the chocolate together. So it\u0027s going to run in an existing production facility. It may even run on an existing production line with some very unique change parts that would be unique for that physical product,\u201d explained \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/james-gaffney\u0022\u003EChris Gaffney\u003C\/a\u003E, managing director of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESupply Chain and Logistics Institute\u003C\/a\u003E and academic program director in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Professional Education\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFlowers\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDemand for flowers operates differently than demand for products like candy. While there are predictable peaks around holidays such as Valentine\u2019s Day, demand also rises and falls throughout the year. Growers must determine weeks in advance how many flowers to plant, carefully balancing the risk of overproduction with the need to meet customer demand at precisely the right moment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo make these decisions, growers invest significant resources in building accurate and reliable forecasts. Historical sales data offers a logical starting point, providing insight into seasonal patterns and prior performance. But past demand can only serve as a guide. Economic conditions, consumer confidence, and shifting purchasing behaviors all influence how many flowers customers ultimately buy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EForecasting is becoming increasingly complex. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank has shown that consumers\u2019 perceptions of the economy are growing more disconnected from their actual household financial situations. That misalignment makes traditional indicators less dependable. As a result, forecasters are turning to new metrics and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to analyze massive volumes of data and uncover hidden patterns.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis is where we get into machine learning. You have people who will get 10,000 different data streams, cash register spending, other things that might be correlating events and try to sit here and say, can I create a machine learning model that predicts [demand] better?\u201d Gaffney said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERestaurants\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe restaurant industry thrives on filling every available seat, and there\u2019s rarely much extra capacity to spare. This year, restaurants may get a small reprieve, as Valentine\u2019s Day falls on a weekend. Diners are more likely to spread out their visits throughout the day, rather than all arriving at once after work, easing the typical rush and helping restaurants manage demand more smoothly.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECaregivers\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EPerhaps even more lucrative, Gaffney explained, is the babysitting market. With a limited number of sitters available, rates can soar on Valentine\u2019s Day, and anyone willing and able to work can expect to earn significantly more than usual.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cThe really interesting hedging might be the babysitter; responsible kids older than 18 who could stay out late or a high school kid who can stay out until 1:00 in the morning. A very reliable babysitter might make a lot of money on a day and might have to be booked in advance for Valentine\u0027s Day,\u201d Gaffney said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs millions celebrate Valentine\u2019s Day with flowers, candy, cards, and dinners out, businesses must carefully manage demand spikes and coordinate supply chains to keep love (and key goods and services) flowing smoothly.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"In February, businesses face the complex challenge of managing demand spikes and coordinating supply chains to keep goods and services flowing smoothly."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2026-02-15 01:33:18","changed_gmt":"2026-02-16 15:12:48","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-14T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-14T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679282":{"id":"679282","type":"image","title":"Supply Chain and Valentine\u0027s Day","body":null,"created":"1771250395","gmt_created":"2026-02-16 13:59:55","changed":"1771250395","gmt_changed":"2026-02-16 13:59:55","alt":"Supply Chain and Valentine\u0027s Day","file":{"fid":"263420","name":"Valentine-s-Day-Logistics.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/16\/Valentine-s-Day-Logistics.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/16\/Valentine-s-Day-Logistics.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":48592,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/16\/Valentine-s-Day-Logistics.jpg?itok=EXey6GlP"}},"679283":{"id":"679283","type":"image","title":"Supply Chain and Valentine\u0027s Day","body":null,"created":"1771250533","gmt_created":"2026-02-16 14:02:13","changed":"1771250533","gmt_changed":"2026-02-16 14:02:13","alt":"Supply Chain and Valentine\u0027s Day","file":{"fid":"263421","name":"Headshots-Remove-Background--2-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/16\/Headshots-Remove-Background--2-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/16\/Headshots-Remove-Background--2-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":1915450,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/16\/Headshots-Remove-Background--2-.png?itok=qccUJ34j"}}},"media_ids":["679282","679283"],"groups":[{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EParker Avery, Writing Assistant\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688257":{"#nid":"688257","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Christos Athanasiou to Receive 2025 Eshelby Mechanics Award for Young Faculty","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChristos Athanasiou\u003C\/strong\u003E, assistant professor in the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, has been selected to receive the 2025 Eshelby Mechanics Award for Young Faculty. Presented annually by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.asme.org\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, the award recognizes rapidly emerging junior faculty who exemplify originality, depth, and impact in the development and application of mechanics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Eshelby Mechanics Award was established in 2012\u202fin memory of\u202fProfessor John Douglas Eshelby\u0026nbsp;to promote the field of mechanics, among young researchers. The award will be formally presented at the 2026 Applied Mechanics Division Awards Banquet during the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition in November.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAthanasiou and his team advance the fundamental mechanics and physics of materials and translates these insights into systems-level design strategies that address global challenges in resource efficiency and sustainable development. His research integrates advanced experimental methods capable of capturing material behavior under realistic operational conditions, mechanics-based design principles, and tailored AI- and physics-informed modeling frameworks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETogether, these efforts enable the development of life-cycle-efficient, cost-effective materials and structures for applications ranging from sustainable packaging to aerospace systems and space construction. His recent work published in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pnas.org\/doi\/10.1073\/pnas.2502613122\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E (PNAS)\u003C\/em\u003E introduced a bioinspired framework to improve plastic recycling while addressing a foundational mechanics question: how can we build reliable structures from inherently variable materials?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAthanasiou is also the recipient of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/funding\/opportunities\/career-faculty-early-career-development-program\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2024 NSF CAREER Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ae.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/06\/christos-athanasiou-receives-asme-orr-early-career-award\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EASME Orr Early Career Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and is a Climate Tech Fellow at the New York Climate Exchange.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChristos Athanasiou\u003C\/strong\u003E, assistant professor in the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, has been selected to receive the 2025 Eshelby Mechanics Award for Young Faculty.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The award recognizes early-career researchers who\u2019ve made impactful contributions to the field of mechanics."}],"uid":"36345","created_gmt":"2026-02-13 16:57:40","changed_gmt":"2026-02-13 17:03:06","author":"gwaddell3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-13T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-13T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679280":{"id":"679280","type":"image","title":"headshot-anthansiou.png","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/christos-e-athanasiou\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChristos E Athanasiou\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAssistant Professor\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1771002011","gmt_created":"2026-02-13 17:00:11","changed":"1771002011","gmt_changed":"2026-02-13 17:00:11","alt":"Christos Anthanasiou headshot","file":{"fid":"263417","name":"headshot-anthansiou.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/13\/headshot-anthansiou.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/13\/headshot-anthansiou.png","mime":"image\/png","size":943888,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/13\/headshot-anthansiou.png?itok=hBe5dgbw"}}},"media_ids":["679280"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/06\/christos-athanasiou-receives-asme-orr-early-career-award","title":"Christos Athanasiou Receives the ASME Orr Early Career Award"},{"url":"https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/04\/georgia-tech-researchers-pioneer-eco-friendly-building-materials-earth-and-mars","title":"Georgia Tech Researchers Pioneer Eco-Friendly Building Materials for Earth and Mars"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1239","name":"School of Aerospace Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"42921","name":"Exhibitions"},{"id":"42891","name":"Georgia Tech Arts"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2082","name":"aerospace engineering"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMonique Waddell\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["monique.waddell@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688211":{"#nid":"688211","#data":{"type":"news","title":"2026 Awardees Announced for Regenerative Engineering and Medicine Center Collaborative Seed Grant ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdvancing the frontiers of regenerative medicine means more than pushing scientific boundaries \u2014 it means improving and extending human life. The Regenerative Engineering and Medicine Center (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.regenerativeengineeringandmedicine.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EREM\u003C\/a\u003E) is a partnership with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.emory.edu\/home\/index.html\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EEmory University\u003C\/a\u003E, and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.uga.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EUniversity of Georgia\u003C\/a\u003E (UGA) that supports this mission through inter-institutional collaborations in research in regenerative medicine.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince 2010, competitive peer-reviewed seed grants have been awarded annually to interdisciplinary teams with representation from at least two of the three institutions, leading to clinical trials, licensed technologies, start-up companies, and external funding for additional research. The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/bio\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EIBB\u003C\/a\u003E) is excited to announce the 2026 REM Collaborative Seed Grant awardees: Melissa Kemp (Georgia Tech) and Rabindra Tirouvanziam (Emory); Yang Liu (UGA) and Yong Teng (Emory); and Steven Stice (UGA) and Zhexing Wen (Emory).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKemp and Tirouvanziam were awarded funding for their proposal, \u201cPredicting Personalized Extracellular Vesicle (EV) Responses for Directed Myeloid\u2011Targeted Immunotherapy.\u201d Their project combines computer modeling and lab\u2011grown lung tissue to better understand how immune cells communicate during lung infections and inflammation in different people. This research could help scientists design more precise, patient\u2011specific therapies for respiratory diseases, potentially improving treatments for conditions ranging from viral infections to chronic inflammation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022We are grateful for the support from REM that allows us to extend our labs into new, interdisciplinary research,\u201d Kemp said. \u201cThis pilot project will allow us to develop and experimentally validate multicellular models of the lung environment. Our goal is to use our platforms to test potential therapeutics that operate by controlling communication between cell types.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt is wonderful to be supported by REM for this collaboration between Georgia Tech and Emory labs,\u201d Tirouvanziam agreed. \u201cWe hope to turn this pilot into a large extramural project with a focus on novel immunotherapy.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELiu and Teng were awarded funding for their proposal, \u201cAI\u2011Guided Profiling of Migratory Cancer Stem Cell Communication in Head and Neck Cancer.\u201d\u0026nbsp; Their project aims to uncover how the most aggressive cancer stem cells move and \u201ctalk\u201d to nearby immune and tissue cells, using advanced microfluidic tools and artificial intelligence to study how these cells help cancer spread and resist treatment.\u0026nbsp; Understanding these hidden communication pathways could lead to earlier detection of dangerous cancer cell types and inspire new therapies that prevent recurrence and improve survival for patients with head and neck cancer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe combine microfluidic tools with artificial intelligence to monitor individual cancer cells in action and study how they interact with the immune microenvironment \u2014 capturing behaviors that are missed in bulk experiments and shedding light on how aggressive cancer cells escape therapy,\u201d Liu said of the project.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStice and Wen were awarded funding for their application, \u201cUse of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease Organoids to Assess Mesenchymal Stromal Cell\u2013Derived Extracellular Vesicles Mechanism of Action.\u201d\u0026nbsp; Their project uses lab\u2011grown human brain organoids to study how tiny therapeutic particles called extracellular vesicles that are released by stem cells might reduce brain inflammation and protect neurons affected by Alzheimer\u2019s disease.\u0026nbsp; Revealing how these vesicles work at a molecular level could help advance new treatments that go beyond symptom management and move toward slowing or preventing Alzheimer\u2019s progression.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are used in the body to communicate with cells around an injury and are known to repair brain tissue in Alzheimer\u2019s animal models,\u201d Stice said.\u0026nbsp; \u201cUnderstanding the signaling mechanisms used by EVs in Alzheimer\u2019s brain organoids will directly lead to better EV manufacturing processes and potency for neurodegenerative diseases, and ultimately better therapies.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis year\u2019s funded work illustrates how collaboration across institutions accelerates discoveries. Together, these teams are pushing healing technologies closer to real\u2011world impact, where they can make a tangible difference for patients affected by serious illness.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EThe 2026 Regenerative Engineering and Medicine (REM) Collaborative Seed Grants have been awarded to three interdisciplinary research teams from Georgia Tech, Emory University, and the University of Georgia, supporting innovative projects in personalized immunotherapy, cancer metastasis, and Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Together, these collaborations advance the frontiers of regenerative medicine and accelerate the development of next\u2011generation therapies with the potential to transform patient care.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The 2026 awards support three cross\u2011institutional teams advancing innovative research in personalized immunotherapy, cancer stem cell communication, and therapies for Alzheimer\u2019s disease. "}],"uid":"36479","created_gmt":"2026-02-11 21:18:14","changed_gmt":"2026-02-11 21:26:17","author":"abowman41","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-11T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-11T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679264":{"id":"679264","type":"image","title":"cancer-technologies.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1770845087","gmt_created":"2026-02-11 21:24:47","changed":"1770845087","gmt_changed":"2026-02-11 21:24:47","alt":"Illustration of cancer cells, with a highlighted tumor cell in the center targeted by a digital crosshair.","file":{"fid":"263397","name":"cancer-technologies.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/11\/cancer-technologies.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/11\/cancer-technologies.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":8956181,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/11\/cancer-technologies.jpeg?itok=SCsWPN9q"}}},"media_ids":["679264"],"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":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAshlie Bowman | Communications Program Manager\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["ashlie.bowman@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686337":{"#nid":"686337","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Hosts Annual Summit Devoted to Pediatric Health Innovation","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EImagine a world where pediatric gastrointestinal disease could be diagnosed by swallowing a capsule-sized camera, where heart defects could be corrected by biodegradable implants, and where ADHD could be diagnosed through virtual reality. Georgia Tech and its partners are helping bring these world-changing ideas to life.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn Nov. 5 \u2013 6, Georgia Tech hosted the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ispi4kids.org\/phis2025\/\u0022\u003EPediatric Healthcare Innovation Summit 2025\u003C\/a\u003E (PHIS), a one-of-a-kind event that brought champions of children\u2019s health together to share knowledge, facilitate collaborative initiatives, and accelerate medical innovation. The summit was co-presented by the Georgia Tech \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pediatrics.research.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EPediatric Innovation Network\u003C\/a\u003E (PIN), the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ispi4kids.org\/about\/\u0022\u003EInternational Society for Pediatric Innovation\u003C\/a\u003E (ISPI), and the FDA-funded \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/industry\/medical-products-rare-diseases-and-conditions\/pediatric-device-consortia-grants-program\u0022\u003EPediatric Device Consortia\u003C\/a\u003E (PDC).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe event included a tour of the new \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.choa.org\/locations\/arthur-m-blank-hospital\u0022\u003EArthur M. Blank Hospital\u003C\/a\u003E, technology showcases, workshops, panel discussions, a poster session, and a pitch competition where companies were awarded funding from the Pediatric Device Consortia.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech is committed to advancing medicine, but in particular pediatric medicine, which is normally underfunded compared to adult healthcare,\u201d Georgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera said. \u201cWe are committed to playing our part, and we\u0027re doing that in partnership with the best organizations, combining our engineering skills with clinical partners who understand the most important needs of children.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECabrera was a guest speaker for the event, which took place at two locations across campus: the newly opened \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/realestate.gatech.edu\/science-square\u0022\u003EScience Square\u003C\/a\u003E and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/studentcenter.gatech.edu\/historic-academy-medicine\u0022\u003EHistoric Academy of Medicine\u003C\/a\u003E. He emphasized that championing causes such as pediatric healthcare innovation not only aligns with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/strategicplan.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s mission\u003C\/a\u003E, but also with the vision surrounding the new infrastructure being built across campus.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u0027re committed to turning our city and our neighborhood into a hub of innovation, and the area of life sciences is one of those areas that we are supporting \u2014 including our new Science Square neighborhood, which is devoted to precisely this,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThough industry events happen every year, what makes PHIS unique is its goal of uniting not only clinicians and healthcare administrators, but also researchers, investors, and entrepreneurs. \u0026nbsp;Attendees are united around a shared goal of solving systemic problems and, ultimately, saving and improving the lives of children. Julia Kubanek, Georgia Tech\u2019s Vice President for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/interdisciplinary-research\u0022\u003EInterdisciplinary Research\u003C\/a\u003E, said that this collaborative approach provides a unique opportunity to progress ideas and technologies that impact the industry.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cParticularly in the pediatric space, the market is relatively small. When you have a specialized pediatric technology, it\u0027s sometimes difficult to get the resources to advance that into clinical trials and into products that can go to market,\u201d she said. \u201cThis environment that the summit creates is a supportive one for solving those problems and advancing life-saving research.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile this was the third year that the event featured a pitch competition, it was the first year that winners were awarded monetary prizes. By bringing startups and investors together, the PHIS plays a vital role in getting impactful research from conceptual to consumer ready. This year\u2019s winners included: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/luminoah.com\/\u0022\u003ELuminoah\u003C\/a\u003E in first place, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.rhaeos.com\/\u0022\u003ERhaeos\u003C\/a\u003E in second, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.acqumenmedical.com\/\u0022\u003EAcQumen Medical\u003C\/a\u003E in third.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThough the event does encourage friendly competition, the ultimate goal remains to improve the lives of children and their families through collaboration, thought leadership, and innovation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur north star is taking care of children,\u201d Anthony Chang, founder of ISPI, said in his opening remarks. \u201cI think we underestimate how much we learn together. I look at our jobs not as jobs but as a special calling \u2014 taking care of children.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition to PIN, ISPI, and PDC, the event was sponsored by Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/corporate.gatech.edu\/?utm_source=research\u0026amp;utm_medium=website\u0026amp;utm_id=092023\u0022\u003EOffice of Corporate Engagement\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.shrinerschildrens.org\/en\u0022\u003EShriner\u2019s Children\u2019s Research Institute\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.choa.org\/\u0022\u003EChildren\u2019s Healthcare of Atlanta\u003C\/a\u003E, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/georgia.org\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Department of Economic Development\u003C\/a\u003E, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gra.org\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Research Alliance\u003C\/a\u003E, and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.icanresearch.org\/\u0022\u003EInternational Children\u2019s Advisory Network\u003C\/a\u003E, among others.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOn Nov. 5 \u2013 6, Georgia Tech hosted the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ispi4kids.org\/phis2025\/\u0022\u003EPediatric Healthcare Innovation Summit 2025\u003C\/a\u003E (PHIS), a one-of-a-kind event that brought champions of children\u2019s health together to share knowledge, facilitate collaborative initiatives, and accelerate medical innovation. The summit was co-presented by the Georgia Tech \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pediatrics.research.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EPediatric Innovation Network\u003C\/a\u003E (PIN), the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ispi4kids.org\/about\/\u0022\u003EInternational Society for Pediatric Innovation\u003C\/a\u003E (ISPI), and the FDA-funded \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/industry\/medical-products-rare-diseases-and-conditions\/pediatric-device-consortia-grants-program\u0022\u003EPediatric Device Consortia\u003C\/a\u003E (PDC).\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Pediatric Healthcare Innovation Summit 2025 convened experts, entrepreneurs, and clinicians to accelerate breakthrough technologies and collaborative solutions aimed at transforming pediatric care."}],"uid":"36479","created_gmt":"2025-11-10 23:39:49","changed_gmt":"2026-02-11 19:33:13","author":"abowman41","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-10T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-10T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678590":{"id":"678590","type":"image","title":"20251106_Healthcare-Summit-Event_Social-Media-13.jpg","body":null,"created":"1762818046","gmt_created":"2025-11-10 23:40:46","changed":"1762818046","gmt_changed":"2025-11-10 23:40:46","alt":"President \u00c1ngel Cabrera of Georgia Tech stands at a podium and delivers a speech.","file":{"fid":"262645","name":"20251106_Healthcare-Summit-Event_Social-Media-13.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/10\/20251106_Healthcare-Summit-Event_Social-Media-13.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/10\/20251106_Healthcare-Summit-Event_Social-Media-13.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1306762,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/10\/20251106_Healthcare-Summit-Event_Social-Media-13.jpg?itok=GllnmzPt"}}},"media_ids":["678590"],"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":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAshlie Bowman\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearch Communications Program Manager\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["ashlie.bowman@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688180":{"#nid":"688180","#data":{"type":"news","title":"National Academy of Engineering Elects David McDowell","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMechanical engineer \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/me.gatech.edu\/faculty\/mcdowell\u0022\u003EDavid McDowell\u003C\/a\u003E is among the newest members of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nae.edu\/\u0022\u003ENational Academy of Engineering (NAE)\u003C\/a\u003E, the organization announced Feb. 10.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMcDowell is one \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nae.edu\/345149\/NAENewClass2026\u0022\u003E130\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Enew members and 28 international members in the 2026 class\u003C\/a\u003E. Election to the NAE is among the highest professional recognitions for engineers and an honor bestowed on just 2,900 professionals worldwide. New members are nominated and voted on by the Academy\u2019s existing membership.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMcDowell is Georgia Tech\u2019s 50th NAE member. He is Regents\u2019 Professor Emeritus in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/me.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mse.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Materials Science and Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/02\/national-academy-engineering-elects-david-mcdowell\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERead the full story about McDowell on the College of Engineering website.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EProfessor emeritus and founding executive director of the Institute for Materials is recognized for his computational work modeling metal alloys and designing materials.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Professor emeritus and founding executive director of the Institute for Materials is recognized for his computational work modeling metal alloys and designing materials."}],"uid":"27446","created_gmt":"2026-02-11 14:31:09","changed_gmt":"2026-02-11 14:33:17","author":"Joshua Stewart","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-10T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-10T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"632634":{"id":"632634","type":"image","title":"David McDowell, director of Institute for Materials","body":null,"created":"1582061091","gmt_created":"2020-02-18 21:24:51","changed":"1582061091","gmt_changed":"2020-02-18 21:24:51","alt":"Portrait of Dave McDowell","file":{"fid":"240706","name":"dave-mcdowell-portrait.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/dave-mcdowell-portrait.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/dave-mcdowell-portrait.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":433259,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/images\/dave-mcdowell-portrait.jpg?itok=nrWuXVEC"}}},"media_ids":["632634"],"groups":[{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"},{"id":"660369","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"70331","name":"David McDowell"},{"id":"1141","name":"national academy of engineering"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39471","name":"Materials"},{"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:jstewart@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJoshua Stewart\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jstewart@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688134":{"#nid":"688134","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Wine, Science, and Spectroscopy: Georgia Tech Outreach Produces Published Research","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ENew work from Georgia Tech is showing how a simple glass of wine can serve as a powerful gateway for understanding advanced research and technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe project, inspired by an Atlanta Science Festival event hosted by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/a\u003E Assistant Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/people\/andrew-mcshan\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAndrew McShan\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, develops an innovative outreach and teaching module around nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, and is designed for easy adoption in introductory chemistry and biochemistry courses.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EPublished earlier this year in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EJournal of Chemical Education,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Ethe study, \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/10.1021\/acs.jchemed.5c00652\u0022\u003EAutomated Chemical Profiling of Wine by Solution NMR Spectroscopy: A Demonstration for Outreach and Education\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d was led by a team from the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry including lead author McShan, Ph.D. students\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ELily Capeci\u003C\/strong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EElizabeth A. Corbin, Ruoqing Jia\u003C\/strong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EMiriam K. Simma\u003C\/strong\u003E, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EF. N. U. Vidya\u003C\/strong\u003E, Academic Professional\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EMary E. Peek\u003C\/strong\u003E, and Georgia Tech NMR Center Co-Directors\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EJohannes E. Leisen\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eand\u003Cstrong\u003E Hongwei Wu\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cNMR is one of the most widely used analytical tools in chemistry and the life sciences, and Georgia Tech hosts one of\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/nmr-center\/\u0022\u003Ethe most cutting-edge NMR centers\u003C\/a\u003E in the world,\u201d McShan says. \u201cOur study shows that you don\u2019t need advanced training to appreciate how powerful tools like NMR work and how those tools are used in research.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAll materials, tutorials, and data are freely available via\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mcshan.chemistry.gatech.edu\/static\/outreach\/2025_Tutorial_Wine%20NMR.pdf\u0022\u003Eonline tutorials\u003C\/a\u003E and a\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9_QPgV14mbs\u0022\u003EYouTube video\u003C\/a\u003E, enabling educators to replicate or adapt the activity even in settings with limited access to NMR facilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWine sleuthing at the Atlanta Science Festival\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFrom families with K-12 students to undergraduates to adults with no prior chemistry experience, nearly 130 visitors explored wine chemistry at the Georgia Tech NMR Center during the Atlanta Science Festival event. With McShan\u2019s guidance, they identified and quantified more than 70 chemical components that influence wine taste, aroma, and quality by analyzing the chemical composition, structure, and dynamics of molecules.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETaking on the role of wine investigators (a real-world application of NMR), the group investigated examples of wine fraud, learning to identify harmful additives like methanol, antifreeze, and lead acetate \u2013 additives that played roles in both historical and modern wine scandals.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cBy connecting the science to something familiar like wine, we were able to spark curiosity and excitement across age groups,\u201d says McShan. \u201cThis a framework for how complex analytical techniques can be made inclusive, interactive, and inspiring whether in the classroom or at a science festival.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EScience for all\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe study underscores the potential of NMR and other powerful technologies as outreach opportunities \u2013 from engaging the public to better teaching undergraduate students.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cAfter the event, adults said they learned how chemical composition affects wine characteristics and how NMR is used in research and industry,\u201d McShan says. \u201cYounger participants learned key concepts about wine composition and found benefits from the sensory elements, like watching the spectrometer in action.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThey aim to use these takeaways to continue developing outreach tools. \u201cMy end goal is to develop NMR into a practical teaching tool by grounding the technique in real-world examples,\u201d adds McShan. \u201cUsing this approach is a clear avenue to introducing the general public to the world-class instruments used by researchers at Georgia Tech and exposing undergraduate students to the powerful analytical techniques they are likely to encounter throughout their careers.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EFunding: National Science Foundation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ENew work from Georgia Tech is showing how a simple glass of wine can serve as a powerful gateway for understanding advanced research and technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"New work from Georgia Tech is showing how a simple glass of wine can serve as a powerful gateway for understanding advanced research and technologies."}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2026-02-09 17:35:37","changed_gmt":"2026-02-10 14:14:53","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-09T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-09T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679226":{"id":"679226","type":"image","title":"The study underscores the potential of NMR and other powerful technologies as outreach opportunities \u2013 from engaging the public, to better teaching undergraduate students.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe study underscores the potential of NMR and other powerful technologies as outreach opportunities \u2013 from engaging the public, to better teaching undergraduate students.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1770658548","gmt_created":"2026-02-09 17:35:48","changed":"1770658548","gmt_changed":"2026-02-09 17:35:48","alt":"An abstract glass of wine consisting of points, lines, and shapes.","file":{"fid":"263359","name":"AdobeStock_212736055.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/09\/AdobeStock_212736055.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/09\/AdobeStock_212736055.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1267237,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/09\/AdobeStock_212736055.jpeg?itok=cjJ2nonC"}},"673456":{"id":"673456","type":"image","title":"Andrew McShan","body":null,"created":"1711032511","gmt_created":"2024-03-21 14:48:31","changed":"1711032492","gmt_changed":"2024-03-21 14:48:12","alt":"Andrew McShan","file":{"fid":"256854","name":"McShan_photo.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/03\/21\/McShan_photo.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/03\/21\/McShan_photo.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":96566,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/03\/21\/McShan_photo.jpeg?itok=aCepzxdB"}}},"media_ids":["679226","673456"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"}],"categories":[{"id":"141","name":"Chemistry and Chemical Engineering"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"42921","name":"Exhibitions"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"194631","name":"cos-georgia"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39511","name":"Public Service, Leadership, and Policy"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWritten by \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto: sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"688044":{"#nid":"688044","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Grading 2025\u2019s Biggest Predictions and What They Signal for 2026","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAt the start of 2025, forecasts were confident: Automation would accelerate, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption would surge, and the economic picture would clarify. A year later, the report card is mixed. Predictions were directionally right but overly optimistic about the speed of change.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EConsumer Behavior: Confidence Lagged; Spending Did Not\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGrade: C\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EConsumer forecasts were among the least accurate.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cConsumer confidence started the year at low levels,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/directory\/faculty\/bond\/index.html\u0022\u003ESamuel Bond\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor of marketing in the Scheller College of Business. Many analysts expected households to pull back, particularly on discretionary spending. Instead, consumers kept spending \u2014 especially on travel, dining, and entertainment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBond notes a persistent gap between sentiment and behavior. \u201cPeople expressed worry, but they did not significantly reduce spending.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe also points to a major 2025 shift: the rise of AI \u201cshopping assistants.\u201d Rather than using search engines or retailer sites, consumers increasingly turned to tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and other bots that consolidate search, comparison, and advice.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAutomation Expectations: Progress Without the Breakthrough\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGrade: B-\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESupply chain automation was expected to leap forward in 2025, but progress came in targeted pockets.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201c2025 did not deliver a broad, step-change leap in automation performance,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/chris-gaffney\u0022\u003EChris Gaffney\u003C\/a\u003E, professor of the practice in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE). \u201cInstead, it delivered selective progress.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAutomation delivered the most value in tightly scoped environments with clear ownership, particularly in new distribution and manufacturing facilities. Semi-automated systems that supported human judgment and stabilized throughput outperformed complex retrofits that promised full automation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EForecasts missed by assuming technology alone could overcome workforce readiness, data gaps, and organizational complexity. \u201cThe gap between expectation and reality was less about technology and more about readiness to operate automated systems day-to-day,\u201d Gaffney says.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStill, Gaffney gives 2025 a B-, calling it \u201ca healthy, if humbling, outcome\u201d that reset expectations and clarified what actually matters heading into 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EArtificial Intelligence: Adoption Advanced; Hype Outran Reality\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGrade: Hard to define\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENo trend attracted more hype in 2025 than AI, and predictions routinely overshot reality.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s been so much hype around AI that keeping track of specific forecasts is difficult,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/jorge-alberto-huertas-patino\u0022\u003EJorge Huertas\u003C\/a\u003E, a researcher in the ISyE. \u201cAI has grown in many different areas and scopes, but not at the pace it was hyped.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome applications matured quickly, particularly code generation and AI tools embedded into existing platforms. \u201cClaude has grown very well with code generation, and Gemini has grown by integrating across the Google ecosystem,\u201d Huertas says.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOther highly touted areas lagged. \u201cAgentic AI was hyped, only to see many cases where engineers spent two or three times longer fixing errors from AI-generated code,\u201d he adds.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI delivered the most value when narrowly applied to the right problems. Looking ahead, Huertas points to accuracy, guardrails, and regulation, rather than model capability, as the key constraints shaping AI\u2019s 2026 trajectory.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/directory\/faculty\/hsu\/index.html\u0022\u003EAlex Hsu\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor in the Scheller College of Business, notes that business adoption is accelerating regardless. \u201cThe AI revolution is here to stay,\u201d he says. \u201cTech companies are investing hundreds of billions in large language models and data centers, while companies outside tech are using models to improve margins. This will heighten competition and put downward pressure on the labor market.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEconomic Outlook: Forecasts Tested by Policy Volatility\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGrade: C+\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEconomic predictions faced unusual turbulence in 2025, driven largely by rapid policy shifts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201c2025 was a difficult year to forecast gross domestic product (GDP) growth given the immense number of changes in policy at the federal level,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/econ.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/b76871d2-194b-510a-b3cb-f6d4c7b16f0f\u0022\u003EDanny Woodbury\u003C\/a\u003E, lecturer in the School of Economics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEarly forecasts projected solid growth in the first quarter, but GDP instead contracted slightly as government spending fell and imports surged following tariff announcements. \u201cForecasters did not foresee the magnitude of the shift in trade policy,\u201d Woodbury says, noting that projections only converged with reality weeks before official data releases.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELater in the year, export growth pushed GDP forecasts sharply higher, again catching analysts off guard.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHsu adds that inflation and unemployment will be the key indicators to watch in 2026 as the Federal Reserve balances price stability with employment amid rising bond yields and global fiscal pressures complicating the outlook.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat Forecasters Should Adjust Going Forward\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcross sectors, 2025 revealed a common blind spot: Predictions assumed smoother execution than reality allowed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor 2026, experts point to discipline over hype, operational readiness over technology promises, policy risk over static models, and actual behavior over stated intentions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs Gaffney puts it: \u201c2026 will reward operators who treat automation as a system to be run, not a solution to be bought.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAt the start of 2025, experts predicted rapid advances in automation, artificial intelligence adoption, consumer pullbacks, and clearer economic signals, but a year later the results are mixed. A review of 2025 forecasts shows that while predictions across AI, supply chain automation, consumer behavior, and the U.S. economy were largely directionally correct, they overstated the speed of change. Consumers continued spending despite low confidence, automation advanced in targeted applications rather than delivering broad breakthroughs, and AI adoption grew unevenly as hype outpaced real-world performance. Economic forecasts were repeatedly disrupted by policy volatility, trade shifts, and inflation pressures. Together, these outcomes suggest that 2026 will reward disciplined execution, operational readiness, and realistic expectations over overly optimistic predictions.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Experts provide a measured review of forecasts across automation, AI, consumer behavior, and the economy"}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2026-02-05 16:17:54","changed_gmt":"2026-02-05 16:31:45","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-05T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-05T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679193":{"id":"679193","type":"image","title":"2026 predictions","body":null,"created":"1770306898","gmt_created":"2026-02-05 15:54:58","changed":"1770308012","gmt_changed":"2026-02-05 16:13:32","alt":"Businessman holding magnifying glass focusing on year 2026 with digital icons of innovation, AI, analytics, and global strategy. Concept of future planning, technology trends and vision. ","file":{"fid":"263324","name":"AdobeStock_1684428911.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/05\/AdobeStock_1684428911.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/05\/AdobeStock_1684428911.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":554430,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/05\/AdobeStock_1684428911.jpeg?itok=8Qk89EKv"}}},"media_ids":["679193"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"139","name":"Business"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"2835","name":"ai"},{"id":"113741","name":"predictions"},{"id":"188571","name":"consumer behavior"},{"id":"290","name":"Economy"}],"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":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:aisles3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Media Relations Representative\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687957":{"#nid":"687957","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New ADC XR Makerspace Opens Doors to Extended Reality","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECurious students, faculty, and staff gathered on the first floor of the ISyE Main Building to celebrate the opening of a new interdisciplinary hub for immersive technologies in research, education, and human-centered engineering. On January 23, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/xr.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAllen-Davidson-Coleman (ADC) XR Makerspace\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E opened its doors with a mission to expand access to a wide range of extended reality (XR) tools for the ISyE community.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Makerspace offers a wide range of equipment to support XR projects and experimentation, including Apple and Meta headsets, augmented reality glasses, haptic gloves, motion-tracking cameras, and 3D printers, enabling student and faculty research and exploration in extended reality.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EXR is an umbrella term encompassing everything that merges physical and virtual worlds. It includes augmented reality (where digital objects are added to the physical world), mixed reality (where digital elements can interact with the physical world), and virtual reality (which uses a completely virtual environment). \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dongwooyoo\/\u0022\u003ESteven Yoo\u003C\/a\u003E, graduate student and XR Captain who leads a team of five other student crew members who will operate the Makerspace, said that exploring XR in an industrial engineering context enables a more human-centered approach, allowing engineers to better understand how real people interact with their design solutions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBeing focused on optimization, mathematics, and operations research is great, and that can be proven in the theoretical world. But we wanted to emphasize and cover the application and see if our model actually succeeds whatever the case is that industry needs,\u201d Yoo said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo mark the opening, PhD students led an open-house showcase featuring XR projects that encouraged attendees to try on headsets, interact with immersive environments, and experience the virtual worlds they had built.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/lanns\/people\/shae-cole\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EShae Cole\u003C\/a\u003E, a Nuclear Engineering graduate student, shared a mixed-reality application he and his teammates made in the makerspace. In the application, the user could pick up a virtual wand and use it to locate an unknown radiation source by following where the wand produced the highest readings on a Geiger counter. Cole said that his application could be adapted for use in training or research, to assist those who work with radiation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERobotics graduate student, Chuizheng Kong\u003Cstrong\u003E, \u003C\/strong\u003Eutilized motion-tracking capabilities with virtual reality headsets. He was able to track a human\u0027s motion and transfer it to a humanoid robot, overcoming the challenge of manually controlling each of the dozens of robot motors.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile many of the projects displayed were proof-of-concepts for more robust use cases in industry, it underscored Yoo\u2019s sentiment of interdisciplinary and real-world applications.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI think that what ISyE does really well is looking at the application base. You saw [projects], between robotics, healthcare, and assembly. And I think that\u0027s where part of an interdisciplinary field that we\u0027re in this department specifically,\u201d Yoo said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGoing forward, Yoo shared that the ultimate goal is to push XR into new realms and cement the idea that Georgia Tech is the place to do research and work in XR. He hopes the space will provide a space for people to invent, see their theoretical models come to life, and provide a leading community of XR creators.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDesigned for curiosity, collaboration, and creativity, the ADC XR Makerspace is open to anyone for classwork, research, or exploration. Guided by experienced student leaders and supported by faculty leadership from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/mohsen-moghaddam\u0022\u003EMohsen Moghaddam\u003C\/a\u003E (director), \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/alan-erera\u0022\u003EAlan Erera\u003C\/a\u003E (strategic advisor), and faculty advisors \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/frederick-benaben\u0022\u003EFrederick Benaben\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/benoit-montreuil\u0022\u003EBenoit Montreuil\u003C\/a\u003E, the space is built to encourage curiosity and collaboration.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo learn more about the ADC XR Makerspace, click \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/xr.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAt the opening, ISyE students, faculty and researchers brought the space to life with an open-house showcase of XR projects, inviting attendees to slip on headsets and step directly into virtual worlds they had created.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"On January 23, The Allen-Davidson-Coleman (ADC) XR Makerspace welcomed the ISyE community, by providing access to a wide range of extended reality (XR) tools. "}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2026-02-02 22:06:11","changed_gmt":"2026-02-04 18:48:10","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-02T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-02T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679167":{"id":"679167","type":"image","title":"XRMakerspaceGO","body":null,"created":"1770068338","gmt_created":"2026-02-02 21:38:58","changed":"1770068463","gmt_changed":"2026-02-02 21:41:03","alt":"Students in the ISyE Allen-Davidson-Coleman XR Makerspace lab","file":{"fid":"263296","name":"XRMakerspaceGO2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/XRMakerspaceGO2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/XRMakerspaceGO2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":98191,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/02\/XRMakerspaceGO2.jpg?itok=YjxEErze"}},"679169":{"id":"679169","type":"image","title":"ADC XR Makerspace Grand Opening.jpg","body":null,"created":"1770070669","gmt_created":"2026-02-02 22:17:49","changed":"1770070669","gmt_changed":"2026-02-02 22:17:49","alt":"AD XR Makerspace Grand Opening","file":{"fid":"263297","name":"IMG_5496.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/IMG_5496.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/IMG_5496.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":178210,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/02\/IMG_5496.jpg?itok=LYwJAATX"}},"679170":{"id":"679170","type":"image","title":"ADC XR Makerspace Grand Opening.jpg","body":null,"created":"1770070745","gmt_created":"2026-02-02 22:19:05","changed":"1770070745","gmt_changed":"2026-02-02 22:19:05","alt":"ADC XR Makerspace Grand Opening","file":{"fid":"263298","name":"IMG_5363.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/IMG_5363.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/IMG_5363.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":174907,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/02\/IMG_5363.jpg?itok=IydeIEE6"}}},"media_ids":["679167","679169","679170"],"groups":[{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EParker Avery, Communications Writing Assistant\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687406":{"#nid":"687406","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Apple Vision Pro Powers New Wave of Immersive Education","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELearning electrical and computer engineering has always come with a unique challenge: many of its foundational concepts \u2014 electric fields, magnetic forces, semiconductor behavior \u2014 are invisible to the naked eye and difficult to visualize.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo make these invisible principles tangible, students in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E have long used specialized tools and software. Circuit simulators model voltage and current, electromagnetic tools visualize fields, and semiconductor design platforms reveal transistor behavior. These tools turn abstract theory into interactive experiences that prepare students for real-world engineering challenges.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENow, Apple Vision Pro is joining this ecosystem.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe technology introduces spatial computing to learning environments, blending digital content with the physical world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matter-systems.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInstitute for Matter and Systems\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, infrastructure lead \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/alex-gallmon\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlex Gallmon\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, is collaborating with students and industry partners to create immersive digital twins\u2014virtual models that replicate real-world systems\u2014of semiconductor cleanroom equipment.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThese machines are complex and costly, with parts that can run tens of thousands of dollars,\u201d he said. \u201cEven minor mistakes during operation can lead to expensive damage or downtime.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGallmon\u0027s team built a virtual replica of a cleanroom vacuum training system. The project serves as a prototype for a workforce development program aimed at high school and college students interested in careers in the semiconductor or vacuum technology fields.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/01\/apple-vision-pro-powers-new-wave-immersive-education\u0022\u003ERead the full story from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpatial computing is transforming engineering education at Georgia Tech and opening new paths for entrepreneurship and technical training.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Spatial computing is transforming engineering education at Georgia Tech and opening new paths for entrepreneurship and technical training."}],"uid":"35272","created_gmt":"2026-01-16 22:13:30","changed_gmt":"2026-02-03 18:39:06","author":"aneumeister3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-12T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-12T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679037":{"id":"679037","type":"image","title":"Apple-VR-Headset-002.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech student Yash Rajgure using an Apple Vision Pro headset device to demo his team\u0027s project in ECE 6001 Technology Entrepreneurship: Teaming, Ideation, and Entrepreneurship. \u003Cem\u003EPhoto: Allison Carter, Georgia Tech\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1768601620","gmt_created":"2026-01-16 22:13:40","changed":"1768601620","gmt_changed":"2026-01-16 22:13:40","alt":"Georgia Tech student Yash Rajgure using an Apple Vision Pro headset device to demo his team\u0027s project.","file":{"fid":"263148","name":"Apple-VR-Headset-002.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/16\/Apple-VR-Headset-002.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/16\/Apple-VR-Headset-002.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":247313,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/16\/Apple-VR-Headset-002.jpeg?itok=hvEeDIm3"}},"679038":{"id":"679038","type":"image","title":"Gammon-Vision-Pro_1.jpeg","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGallmon showing how Apple Vision Pro can be utilized to train students and workers on sensitive and expensive technical equipment, in this case a cleanroom vacuum system.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1768601620","gmt_created":"2026-01-16 22:13:40","changed":"1768601620","gmt_changed":"2026-01-16 22:13:40","alt":"Alex Gallmon showing how Apple Vision Pro can be utilized","file":{"fid":"263149","name":"Gammon-Vision-Pro_1.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/16\/Gammon-Vision-Pro_1.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/16\/Gammon-Vision-Pro_1.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":394335,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/16\/Gammon-Vision-Pro_1.jpeg?itok=kxtirBGt"}}},"media_ids":["679037","679038"],"groups":[{"id":"660369","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"149","name":"Nanotechnology and Nanoscience"},{"id":"194612","name":"Workforce Development"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:dwatson@ece.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EDan Watson \u003C\/a\u003E| School of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["dwatson@ece.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687994":{"#nid":"687994","#data":{"type":"news","title":"EPIcenter Student Affiliate Wins School of Economics Paper Prize","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAfi Ramadhani, a graduate student in economics and a student affiliate of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Energy Policy Innovation Center\u003C\/a\u003E, has won a prize for the best research paper from the \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/econ.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Economics\u003C\/a\u003E. The research developed in the paper was supported by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/students\/\u0022\u003EEPIcenter\u2019s Graduate Student Summer Research Program\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe prize recognizes outstanding student research produced within the School and highlights the value of EPIcenter\u2019s sustained research support and professional development for graduate students.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/econ.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/maghfira-ramadhani\u0022\u003ERamadhani\u2019s\u003C\/a\u003E award-winning paper, titled \u201cBattery Storage and Natural Gas Generator Market Power,\u201d was developed during his participation in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/epicenter-announces-selection-six-students-inaugural-summer-research-program\u0022\u003EEPIcenter\u2019s Summer Research Program\u003C\/a\u003E for graduate and doctoral students pursuing energy policy research at Georgia Tech. Through the program, he received research mentoring and communications coaching that strengthened his work.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis award reflects what can happen when students have the time, mentorship, and support to fully develop their ideas,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/energy.gatech.edu\/people\/laura-taylor\u0022\u003ELaura Taylor\u003C\/a\u003E, director of EPIcenter. \u201cOur Summer Research Program is designed to help graduate students advance rigorous energy policy research while also building the skills needed to communicate that work effectively.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESupporting Graduate Research in Energy Policy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe program supports graduate students whose work contributes to energy policy and innovation. Student affiliates receive funding, mentorship, and access to EPIcenter\u2019s research and communications resources, helping them build their academic profiles and translate complex research for broader audiences.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition, they gain valuable opportunities to present their work, participate in EPIcenter programs and events, share their research through EPIcenter\u2019s communications platforms, and build their skills through tailored collaboration and training with EPIcenter staff.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring the summer, Ramadhani worked closely with EPIcenter staff and mentors. The program\u2019s stipend allowed him to spend those months fully focused on his research, rather than taking on teaching or other responsibilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Participating in the program really made my summer productive. I got a lot of good feedback on how to shape the idea into a paper,\u0022 he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdvancing Emerging Scholars\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERamadhani\u2019s recognition reflects EPIcenter\u2019s broader commitment to supporting graduate students whose research addresses critical energy and policy challenges. By pairing research support with mentorship and communications training, the center helps students develop work that earns recognition well beyond the program itself.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAfi Ramadhani, a graduate student in economics and a student affiliate of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Energy Policy Innovation Center\u003C\/a\u003E, has won a prize for the best research paper from the \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/econ.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Economics\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;The research developed in the paper was supported by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/students\/\u0022\u003EEPIcenter\u2019s Graduate Student Summer Research Program\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Afi Ramadhani, a graduate student in economics and a student affiliate of Georgia Tech\u2019s Energy Policy Innovation Center, has won a prize for the best research paper from the School of Economics. "}],"uid":"36413","created_gmt":"2026-02-03 17:05:04","changed_gmt":"2026-02-03 17:08:30","author":"pdevarajan3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-03T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-03T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679177":{"id":"679177","type":"image","title":"Afi_headshot.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAfi Ramadhani, Ph.D. student at the School of Economics and EPIcenter Student Affiliate\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1770138316","gmt_created":"2026-02-03 17:05:16","changed":"1770138316","gmt_changed":"2026-02-03 17:05:16","alt":"Afi Ramadhani","file":{"fid":"263305","name":"Afi_headshot.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/03\/Afi_headshot.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/03\/Afi_headshot.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":87641,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/03\/Afi_headshot.jpg?itok=ytJ1qzbp"}}},"media_ids":["679177"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"367481","name":"SEI Energy"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"151","name":"Policy, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"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":"186858","name":"go-sei"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"39511","name":"Public Service, Leadership, and Policy"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:priya.devarajan@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EPriya Devarajan\u003C\/a\u003E || SEI Communications Program Manager\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["priya.devarajan@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687932":{"#nid":"687932","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Build Something That Matters This Summer: Apply to Startup Launch by March 17","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EEvery year, hundreds of Georgia Tech students take a leap that changes their careers forever: They decide to spend their summer building a startup.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat opportunity is here again. \u003Cstrong\u003EApplications for the\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2026 Summer Startup Launch\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E cohort are now open.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019ve identified a meaningful problem, have begun talking to real users, or feel a pull to build something bigger than a class project, this is your moment. Startup Launch gives you the structure, support, and ecosystem to take your idea further than you ever thought possible.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Launchpad With a Proven Track Record\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the past year alone, CREATE\u2011X founders have:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELed their startup to successful acquisitions. \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERaised six-figure funding rounds.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGained acceptance into highly selective Y Combinator. \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBuilt products used by customers, communities, and companies across industries.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe ability to identify a problem, validate real user needs, build something that works, and communicate that value \u2014 that combination makes students stand out in a competitive job market. Employers notice it. Graduate programs notice it. And investors notice it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is why Startup Launch isn\u2019t just a summer project.\u003Cbr\u003EIt becomes a defining career asset.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat You Get in Startup Launch\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStartup Launch is intentionally built to give students every advantage while they build their venture. This year, we\u2019ve expanded support even further.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EParticipants receive:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E$200,000 in-kind services like accounting and cloud credits.\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDedicated coaching and mentorship\u003C\/strong\u003E from experienced founders and startup experts.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExclusive workshops and founder-focused programming.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAccess to the CREATE-X network,\u003C\/strong\u003E a community of builders, investors, and potential customers.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou\u2019ll spend the summer fully immersed in your startup, surrounded by peers also tackling ambitious problems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd you\u2019ll leave with something real to show for it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EApplications for the Summer 2026 cohort close March 17.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EApply to Startup Launch today\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECREATE-X\u2019s Summer 2026 Startup Launch is open for students, faculty, alumni, and researchers to build real startups over 12-weeks with funding, mentorship, and proven entrepreneurial infrastructure. The program has a strong track record, with past founders raising funding, achieving acquisitions, and earning acceptance into highly selective accelerators. Participants receive $5k in optional seed funding, up to $200,000 in in-kind services, hands-on coaching, founder-focused workshops, and access to the CREATE\u2011X network. More than a summer experience, Startup Launch helps students build real ventures and stand out to employers, graduate programs, and investors.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"CREATE-X\u2019s Summer 2026 Startup Launch program invites students, faculty, alumni, and researchers to build meaningful startups with funding, mentorship, and access to the CREATE-X network."}],"uid":"36436","created_gmt":"2026-02-02 20:48:17","changed_gmt":"2026-02-02 20:48:28","author":"bdurham31","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-02T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-02T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679162":{"id":"679162","type":"image","title":"Startup-Launch-2026-Promo-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px---1-_0.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003EVarious founders pitch at Demo Day. \u0022Apply for today. Get the advantage in the market.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1770064835","gmt_created":"2026-02-02 20:40:35","changed":"1770065289","gmt_changed":"2026-02-02 20:48:09","alt":"Various founders pitch at Demo Day. \u0022Apply for today. Get the advantage in the market.\u0022","file":{"fid":"263288","name":"Startup-Launch-2026-Promo-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px---1-_0.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/Startup-Launch-2026-Promo-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px---1-_0.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/02\/Startup-Launch-2026-Promo-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px---1-_0.png","mime":"image\/png","size":540636,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/02\/Startup-Launch-2026-Promo-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px---1-_0.png?itok=eEM4uLiZ"}}},"media_ids":["679162"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form","title":" Apply to Startup Launch "}],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"194609","name":"Industry"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"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":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBreanna Durham\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMarketing Strategist\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["breanna.durham@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687390":{"#nid":"687390","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Discover How Worms Clean Their Environment Without a Brain","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen centimeter-long aquatic worms, such as \u003Cem\u003ET. tubifex\u003C\/em\u003E or \u003Cem\u003ELumbriculus variegatus\u003C\/em\u003E, are placed in a Petri dish filled with sub-millimeter sized sand particles, something surprising happens. Over time, the worms begin to spontaneously clean up their surroundings. They sweep particles into compact clusters, gradually reshaping and organizing their environment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/journals.aps.org\/prx\/abstract\/10.1103\/yxp1-t43g\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Estudy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E recently published in \u003Cem\u003EPhysical Review X,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Ea team of researchers show that this remarkable sweeping behavior does not require a brain, or any kind of complex interaction between the worms and the particles. Instead, it emerges from the natural undulating motion and flexibility that the worms possess.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe study was co-led by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bhamla.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESaad Bhamla\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Antoine Deblais of the University of Amsterdam.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDeblais said: \u201cIt is fascinating to see how living worms can organize their surroundings just by moving.\u201d Bhamla added: \u201cTheir activity and flexibility alone are enough to collect particles and reshape their environment.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy building simple robotic and computer models that mimic the living worms, the researchers discovered that only these two ingredients \u2013 activity and flexibility \u2013 are sufficient to reproduce the sweeping and collecting effects. The result is a self-organized, dynamic form of environmental restructuring driven purely by motion and shape.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOrder emerges\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe results do not just teach us a surprising lesson about worms. Understanding how these organisms spontaneously collect particles has much broader implications. On the technological side, what the researchers have learned could inspire the design of soft robots that clean or sort materials without needing sensors or pre-programmed intelligence.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESuch robots, like the worms, would simply move and let order emerge from motion. \u201cBrainless\u201d machines of this sort could perhaps one day help remove microplastics or sediments from aquatic environments, or perform complex tasks in unpredictable terrains.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom a biological perspective, the results also offer insights into how elongated living organisms \u2013 not just worms, but also filamentous bacteria, or cytoskeletal filaments \u2013 can structure and modify their own habitats through simple physical interactions. Understanding this structuring and modifying behaviour has been a central question for, e.g., earthworms in their role in soil aeration.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom a biological perspective, the results also offer insights into how elongated living organisms \u2013 not just worms, but also filamentous bacteria, or cytoskeletal filaments \u2013 can structure and modify their own habitats through simple physical interactions. Understanding this structuring and modifying behaviour has been a central question for, e.g., earthworms in their role in soil aeration.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETeam effort\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis project grew out of curiosity about how living systems shape their environment without centralized control. Initial experiments with worms, conducted by Harry Tuazon (Bioengineering PhD 2024) at Georgia Tech, showed the unexpected particle collection patterns. This led the team to attempt to reproduce the behavior using robotic and simulated counterparts \u2013 something that worked surprisingly well. In the project, experimentalists and theorists worked side by side, allowing the team to uncover the physical principles behind this seemingly purposeful behavior.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECo-first author Rosa Sinaasappel conducted the robot experiments at the University of Amsterdam. \u201cBy mimicking the worms\u2019 motion with simple brainless robots connected by flexible rubber links, we could pinpoint the two ingredients that are essential for the sweeping mechanism,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECo-first author Prathyusha Kokkoorakunnel Ramankutty, a research scientist in the Bhamla Lab at Georgia Tech, performed the computer simulations of the behavior. \u201cOur computational model, built on simple ingredients like propulsion and flexibility, shows that this principle works across different scales and can be adapted for new designs, as demonstrated by a soft robotic sweeper that autonomously \u2018cleans\u2019 and reorganizes particles without programmed intelligence,\u201d she explained.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers will continue to investigate this type of behaviour in the future. While a mathematical model of active sweeping is now presented in a simple form, many challenging questions raised by this complex system remain open for theoreticians.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMultiple groups of students helped greatly with the robot experiments, doing projects in the lab. Their efforts ranged from performing the experiments to replacing the in total about 200 batteries, after perhaps one of the most difficult tasks: wrestling them free from the child-proof packaging.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECITATION:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/journals.aps.org\/prx\/abstract\/10.1103\/yxp1-t43g\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EParticle Sweeping and Collection by Active and Living Filaments\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Sinaasappel, R., Prathyusha, K. R., Tuazon, Harry, Mirzahossein, E., Illien, P., Bhamla, Saad, and A. Deblais.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EPhysical Review X\u003C\/em\u003E (2026)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETiny worms, big surprises! When placed in sand-filled Petri dishes, centimeter-long aquatic worms like T. tubifex spontaneously sweep up particles and reorganize their environment \u2014 all without a brain. Researchers discovered that this surprising behavior emerges purely from the worms\u2019 motion and flexibility.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":" When placed in sand-filled Petri dishes, centimeter-long aquatic worms like T. tubifex spontaneously sweep up particles and reorganize their environment \u2014 all without a brain."}],"uid":"27271","created_gmt":"2026-01-16 17:53:26","changed_gmt":"2026-01-30 16:43:16","author":"Brad Dixon","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-16T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-16T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679027":{"id":"679027","type":"image","title":"worms1.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EA real worm in a Petri dish (top left) and a robot worm (bottom right) clean their environments of tiny particles in a very similar manner.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1768586012","gmt_created":"2026-01-16 17:53:32","changed":"1768586012","gmt_changed":"2026-01-16 17:53:32","alt":"A real worm in a Petri dish (top left) and a robot worm (bottom right) clean their environments of tiny particles in a very similar manner.","file":{"fid":"263138","name":"worms1.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/16\/worms1.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/16\/worms1.png","mime":"image\/png","size":1129149,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/16\/worms1.png?itok=xCfPAW8e"}},"679028":{"id":"679028","type":"video","title":" Two types of worms clean and organize their environment","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETwo types of worms clean and organize their environment\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1768586293","gmt_created":"2026-01-16 17:58:13","changed":"1768586293","gmt_changed":"2026-01-16 17:58:13","video":{"youtube_id":"H2I8IxNG4vA","video_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=H2I8IxNG4vA"}},"679029":{"id":"679029","type":"video","title":"Different types of robots lead to different types of cleaning behavior","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDifferent types of robots lead to different types of cleaning behavior\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1768586384","gmt_created":"2026-01-16 17:59:44","changed":"1768586384","gmt_changed":"2026-01-16 17:59:44","video":{"youtube_id":"h2k9pcmZ_ck","video_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=h2k9pcmZ_ck\u0026t=2s"}}},"media_ids":["679027","679028","679029"],"groups":[{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"141","name":"Chemistry and Chemical Engineering"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194900","name":"worms"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"39521","name":"Robotics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBrad Dixon, braddixon@gatech.edu\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["braddixon@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686169":{"#nid":"686169","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Accelerator to Propel Startup Innovation at Georgia Tech","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EToday, Velocity Startups joins Georgia Tech\u2019s comprehensive commercialization ecosystem, solidifying the Institute\u2019s role as a national leader and premier hub for research commercialization and startup growth. Velocity Startups serves as a bridge between early-stage startup founders who are focused on scaling their businesses and readying themselves for late-stage accelerators such as the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), Engage, Fusen, and Atlanta Tech Village within the City of Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo support emergent startups, the early-stage accelerator will establish a collaborative facility at The Biltmore in Atlanta\u2019s Tech\u0026nbsp;Square, the national innovation district and dedicated area in the city that fosters community growth and meaningful innovation at the heart of the city\u2019s tech scene.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAtlanta is where innovation becomes opportunity, and Velocity Startups will make that journey even faster,\u201d said Donnie Beamer, senior technology advisor in the Atlanta Mayor\u2019s Office of Technology and Innovation. \u201cBy connecting entrepreneurs to the critical resources they need to scale, we are fueling more startups, creating more jobs, and driving economic growth. Ultimately, this will secure Atlanta\u2019s place as a top global destination for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurial success.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs an early-stage accelerator, Velocity Startups provides resources \u2014 including mentorship support, space, tools, networks, and infrastructure \u2014 to Georgia Tech students, faculty, researchers, and the greater Atlanta community, bridging the gap from spinoff to viable startup. At Georgia Tech, many startups that complete the CREATE-X Startup Launch program and present at the Demo Day event will gain access to Velocity Startups. The accelerator will also offer strategic programming, funding, and access to Georgia Tech\u2019s research resources and serve as a coordinating entity for Metro Atlanta\u2019s entrepreneurial ecosystem, engaging more than 50 colleges and advocating for policies that support startup success.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cVelocity Startups represents a pivotal step in bringing together the resources, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit within our ecosystems as we look to further establish Atlanta as a top national tech hub. By uniting these elements, Velocity Startups will help startups scale from their first customer to long-term growth,\u201d said Raghupathy \u201cSiva\u201d Sivakumar, vice president of commercialization and chief commercialization officer at Georgia Tech and president of Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures. \u201cThis accelerator enables the communities at Georgia Tech and beyond to translate groundbreaking research into high-impact ventures.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVelocity Startups is a subsidiary of Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures and will operate in partnership with the City of Atlanta. A national search is currently underway for a director to lead the accelerator.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor additional information about Velocity Startups, visit\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/commercialization.gatech.edu\/velocity\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ecommercialization.gatech.edu\/velocity\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"As Atlanta\u2019s ecosystem grows, early-stage startups turn into high-impact ventures."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EVelocity Startups will provide the infrastructure needed for early-stage businesses to take advantage of the talent and funding readily available to the city of Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Velocity Startups joins Georgia Tech\u2019s commercialization ecosystem, solidifying the Institute\u2019s role as a national leader and premier hub for startup growth. "}],"uid":"34602","created_gmt":"2025-11-04 12:47:53","changed_gmt":"2026-01-27 19:42:06","author":"Georgia Parmelee","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-04T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-04T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678527":{"id":"678527","type":"image","title":"Biltmore","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe historic Biltmore will house co-working space for Velocity Startups.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762260368","gmt_created":"2025-11-04 12:46:08","changed":"1762260457","gmt_changed":"2025-11-04 12:47:37","alt":"Biltmore house building in Atlanta ","file":{"fid":"262577","name":"Biltmore.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/04\/Biltmore.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/04\/Biltmore.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":409776,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/04\/Biltmore.jpg?itok=KoiJocwT"}}},"media_ids":["678527"],"groups":[{"id":"660356","name":" Technology Licensing Group"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"},{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"},{"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\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDirector of Communications\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOffice of Commercialization\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["grobert6@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687231":{"#nid":"687231","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Tech Square 3 Reaches Major Milestone","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETech Square 3, officially named George Tower | Scheller Tower, will reach a major milestone on Monday, Jan. 12, offering the campus community access to the first three floors of the new facility.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt will be open during the week from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the following amenities available to students, faculty, and staff:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EA main lobby with a student-staffed information desk.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EKaldi\u2019s Coffee, opening Tuesday, Jan. 20.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe Porch, a street-level gathering area with kinetic doorways opening along Fifth Street.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EA cantilevered monumental stairway, a signature architectural element connecting the lobby to the second floor.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E11 classrooms across the second and third floors.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EHuddle rooms and conference rooms.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERead the full story \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2026\/01\/07\/tech-square-3-reaches-major-milestone\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022(opens in a new window)\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBeginning \u003Cstrong\u003EMonday, January 12\u003C\/strong\u003E, the first three floors will officially open, offering students, faculty, staff, and visitors access to newly designed spaces that support learning, collaboration, and connection. This initial opening represents the first phase of activation for the building, inviting the campus community to experience the vision and possibilities of George Tower | Scheller Tower as it comes to life.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Officially named George Tower | Scheller Tower, the first three floors of the new facility open to the campus community Monday, Jan. 12."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2026-01-12 21:39:14","changed_gmt":"2026-01-26 20:56:23","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-12T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-12T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678966":{"id":"678966","type":"image","title":"George Tower","body":null,"created":"1768254041","gmt_created":"2026-01-12 21:40:41","changed":"1768254041","gmt_changed":"2026-01-12 21:40:41","alt":"George Tower","file":{"fid":"263069","name":"26-R10410-P58-002-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/12\/26-R10410-P58-002-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/12\/26-R10410-P58-002-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":531553,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/12\/26-R10410-P58-002-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg?itok=cb8YbFVr"}}},"media_ids":["678966"],"groups":[{"id":"1250","name":"Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems (CHHS)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687599":{"#nid":"687599","#data":{"type":"news","title":"A Winter Beach Read for Supply Chain Minds: Why \u0022The Thinking Machine\u0022 Is Worth Your Time","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EBy Chris Gaffney, Managing Director, Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute | Supply Chain Advisor | Former Executive at Frito-Lay, AJC International, and Coca-Cola\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPeople often ask me a simple question: \u201cYou always recommend a good book to read; what have you read lately?\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI usually give them my version of a money-back guarantee. I haven\u2019t had to pay up yet!\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Thinking-Machine-Jensen-Coveted-Microchip\/dp\/0593832698\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Thinking Machine\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Stephen Witt\u2019s book on Jensen Huang and NVIDIA, is one of those recommendations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s a fast, engaging read that packs a lot of insight into a book you can finish in just a couple of days. It\u2019s also one of the most interesting books I\u2019ve read this past year out of a stack of twenty or thirty. Most importantly for my world, it\u2019s a book from which supply chain students, young professionals, and senior leaders can all take something different.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat many supply chain readers may not realize is that NVIDIA\u2019s story is, at its core, a case study in supply chain design, constraint management, and long-horizon system building played out on a global stage.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis book matters to me because it pulls back the curtain on the largest technology shift impacting supply chains this century. It shows it not just as a technology story, but as a supply chain, leadership, and ethics story hiding in plain sight.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EMore Than a Tech Book\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn the surface, this is a story about GPUs, artificial intelligence, and one of the most important technology companies in the world. But underneath, it\u2019s really a story about context: how ideas evolve, how industries form, and how long-term decisions compound over decades.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou don\u2019t need to be an engineer to enjoy it. By the time you\u2019re done, you\u2019ll have a much better grasp of:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ewhy chips matter,\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ewhy AI depends on physical infrastructure,\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Eand why supply chains quietly shape what\u2019s possible.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat combination makes the book especially relevant for anyone building a career in supply chain, operations, or industrial leadership.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe Immigrant Story \u2014 Still Worth Protecting\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of the most powerful threads running through the book is Jensen Huang\u2019s immigrant story.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis family worked hard to come to the United States. He grew up in modest circumstances, and through persistence, opportunity, and relentless effort, he helped build a company with global impact.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor many of our ancestors, this story feels familiar. For many who come to the U.S. today, it still represents hope. The book serves as a quiet reminder that this pathway from modest beginnings to meaningful contribution is not accidental; it is something that needs to be protected.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe United States is far from perfect, but it remains a remarkable place to innovate and to start businesses. Supply chains are both a driver of that innovation and a beneficiary of the new ideas that emerge.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA Startup Story With Real Twists and Turns\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe founding of NVIDIA is not a clean, linear success story.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe original big idea wasn\u2019t necessarily the one that ultimately \u201cwon,\u201d and the initial target market wasn\u2019t always the right one. The company faced near-death moments, pivots, resets, and more than a few reasons to walk away.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor students and young professionals considering startups, whether founding one or joining one, this book offers a realistic picture of what that path looks like. It reinforces a few hard truths:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ethe probability of failure is high,\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ethe work ethic required is enormous,\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Eand the rewards, if they come, often come much later.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI often describe this as a \u201cone scoop now, two scoops later\u201d dynamic. Early effort is rarely rewarded proportionally; patience matters more than hype.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EInnovation Is a Team Sport\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile Jensen Huang is clearly the centerpiece of the book, one of its strengths is that it avoids treating innovation as a solo act.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany other players, sometimes knowingly and sometimes unwittingly, contributed research, ideas, and decisions that ultimately shaped where we sit today. The book does a good job showing how progress builds through layers of contribution, often across institutions and generations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis matters, especially for students and early-career professionals. Breakthroughs rarely come from a single moment or a single person; they come from systems that allow ideas to accumulate and translate into real-world application.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EFrom Basic Engineering to Neural Networks\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESeveral chapters walk through the literal evolution of the technology, and this is where the book is both accessible and impressive.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven if you can only \u201cjust barely hang on\u201d technically, the narrative is clear: today\u2019s AI capabilities are the result of layered progress. Hardware advances built on earlier hardware, software abstractions built on earlier software, and research findings translated into application over time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany of the contributors moved fluidly between academia and industry, reinforcing a core lesson: foundational science and engineering still matter. For those of us who remember an analog world, it\u2019s fascinating to see how decades of incremental progress led to the current state and potential of AI.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA Supply Chain Story Hiding in Plain Sight\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom a supply chain perspective, The \u003Cem\u003EThinking Machine\u003C\/em\u003E reads like a case study hiding in plain sight.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENVIDIA is an American innovation success story that is, at the same time, deeply dependent on global supply chains. Its relationship with TSMC in Taiwan, the scarcity of advanced manufacturing capacity, the national security implications of certain chips, and the need to serve global markets all create a complex and fragile operating reality.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of the quieter but most powerful lessons in the book is how much supply chain design matters. Product success here isn\u2019t just about better ideas; it\u2019s about how effectively those ideas are translated into scalable, resilient, global systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI may feel digital, but its limits are profoundly physical.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ELeadership Results \u2014 and a Real Paradox\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe book also forces an uncomfortable but important leadership conversation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJensen Huang is demanding, intense, and uncompromising. While the results are undeniable, I don\u2019t advocate for many aspects of his leadership style. I believe similar outcomes could be achieved without subjecting employees to public humiliation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResults matter, but how we get them matters too.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EReading this book reminded me that some of the most valuable leadership lessons I\u2019ve learned came from watching both how to lead and how not to lead. I\u2019ve had bosses who modeled the kind of leader I wanted to become, and a few who taught me just as much by showing me what I wanted to avoid. Both experiences have been valuable.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat tension is worth sitting with, especially for those mentoring the next generation of leaders.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EComputer Vision, GPUs, and Adaptability\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EComputer vision plays a supporting role in the story: not the headline act, but an important early driver. Graphics and vision workloads helped shape GPU architectures long before today\u2019s generative AI boom.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver time, those architectures generalized to support a wide range of parallel computation, including neural networks. It\u2019s a reminder that technologies often succeed not because of a single application, but because they are flexible enough to evolve.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EEthics, Uncertainty, and Responsibility\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFinally, the book leaves us with unresolved questions, and that may be its most honest contribution.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI is resource-intensive, it will reshape work and livelihoods, and it raises real ethical concerns. Opinions vary widely on whether this moment resembles past industrial revolutions or represents something fundamentally different.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI teach and advocate for the application of AI, but I personally struggle with these ethical dilemmas. Rather than avoid them, I try to address them head-on by highlighting the risks and encouraging students to stay informed so they can be voices for responsible, positive use.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn today\u2019s global and regulatory environment, it\u2019s unrealistic to expect a pause in research or application. Education, not avoidance, may be the most practical form of governance we have.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe can\u2019t guarantee how this plays out over the next decade, but we can prepare.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhy I Keep Recommending This Book\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re a supply chain student looking for context, a young professional navigating career choices, or a senior leader trying to understand how AI, supply chains, leadership, and ethics intersect, this is a book worth your time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s engaging, timely, and surprisingly human.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd when someone asks me, \u201cWhat are you reading?\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is the book I\u2019ll keep recommending.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Cem\u003EThinking Machine\u003C\/em\u003E succeeds because it reminds us that behind AI are people, supply chains, and long-term decisions, all operating under real constraints. That\u2019s a lesson worth revisiting as we set the pace for the months ahead.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA Closing Question\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis book highlights traditional supply chain constraints that NVIDIA faced in its growth journey, such as single source supply, perceived lead times, capacity at key suppliers, demand volatility, and talent gaps. Where have you seen or faced these, and how have you and your company navigated them?\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERecommended for supply chain professionals and leaders seeking insight into the real-world impact of technology and strategic decision-making, the book examines how NVIDIA\u2019s ascent under Jensen Huang revolutionized both technology and supply chain management through a focus on parallel computing and robust global networks. It delves into the convergence of AI, supply chain strategy, leadership, and ethics, illustrating how long-term vision and adaptability positioned NVIDIA at the forefront of artificial intelligence and industry transformation.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Recommended for supply chain professionals and leaders seeking insight into the real-world impact of technology and strategic decision-making."}],"uid":"27233","created_gmt":"2026-01-22 17:11:15","changed_gmt":"2026-01-24 13:34:01","author":"Andy Haleblian","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-23T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-23T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679064":{"id":"679064","type":"image","title":"Why \u0022The Thinking Machine\u0022 Is Worth Your Time","body":null,"created":"1769109710","gmt_created":"2026-01-22 19:21:50","changed":"1769109710","gmt_changed":"2026-01-22 19:21:50","alt":"Why \u0022The Thinking Machine\u0022 Is Worth Your Time","file":{"fid":"263180","name":"TheThinkingMachineWinterRead_1024px.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/TheThinkingMachineWinterRead_1024px.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/22\/TheThinkingMachineWinterRead_1024px.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":170407,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/22\/TheThinkingMachineWinterRead_1024px.jpg?itok=7OdKoHNw"}},"674087":{"id":"674087","type":"image","title":"Chris Gaffney","body":"\u003Cp\u003EChris Gaffney\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1717067903","gmt_created":"2024-05-30 11:18:23","changed":"1771883375","gmt_changed":"2026-02-23 21:49:35","alt":"Chris Gaffney, Managing Director, Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute","file":{"fid":"257557","name":"chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":129544,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg?itok=_M0fOBTF"}}},"media_ids":["679064","674087"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/news-events\/newsletters","title":"View past SCL newsletters and join our mailing list"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/","title":"Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute"}],"groups":[{"id":"1250","name":"Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems (CHHS)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"194489","name":"scl-spot"},{"id":"167074","name":"Supply Chain"},{"id":"187190","name":"-go-gtmi"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["info@scl.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687358":{"#nid":"687358","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New LLMs Could Provide Strength-based Job Coaching for Autistic People","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EPeople with autism seeking employment may soon have access to a new AI-based job-coaching tool thanks to a six-figure grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/people\/jennifer-kim\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJennifer Kim\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eilab.gatech.edu\/mark-riedl.html\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMark Riedl\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E recently received a $500,000 NSF grant to develop large language models (LLMs) that provide strength-based job coaching for autistic job seekers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe two Georgia Tech researchers work with\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/excel.gatech.edu\/excel-staff\/heather-dicks\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHeather Dicks\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a career development advisor in Georgia Tech\u2019s EXCEL program, and other nonprofit organizations to provide job-seeking resources to autistic people.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDicks said the average job search for people with autism can take three to six months in a good economy. It can take up to 18 months in a bad one. However, the new LLMs from Georgia Tech could help to reduce stress and fast-track these job seekers into employment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKim is an assistant professor who specializes in human-computer interaction technology that benefits neurodivergent people. Riedl is a professor and an expert in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team\u2019s goal is to identify job-search pain points and understand how job coaches create better employment prospects for their autistic clients.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cLarge-language models have an opportunity to support this kind of work if we can have more data about each different individual strength,\u201d Kim said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe want to know what worked for them in specific settings at work, what didn\u2019t work, and what kind of accommodations can better help them. That includes how they should prepare for interviews, how they can better represent their skills, how they can address accommodations they need, and how to write a cover letter. It\u2019s a broad range.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDicks has advocated for neurodivergent people and helped them find employment for 20 years. She worked at the Center for the Visually Impaired in Atlanta before coming to Georgia Tech in 2017.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe said most nonprofits that support neurodivergent people offer career development programs and many contract job coaches, but limited coach availability often leads to long waitlists. However, LLMs could fill this availability gap to address the immediate needs of job seekers who may not have access to a job coach.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThese organizations often run at a slow pace, and there\u2019s high turnover,\u201d Dicks said. \u201cAn AI tool could get the job seeker quicker support. Maybe they don\u2019t even need to wait on the government system.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf they\u2019re on a waitlist, it can help the user put together a resume and practice general interview questions. When the job coach is ready to work with them, they\u2019re able to hit the ground running.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENailing the Interview\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDicks said the job interview is one of the biggest challenges for people with autism.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThey have trouble picking up on visual and nonverbal cues \u2014 the tone of the interview, figuring out the nuances that a question is hinting at,\u201d she said. \u201cThey\u2019re not giving the warm and fuzzy vibes that allow them to connect on a personal level.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat\u2019s why Kim wants the models to reflect a strength-based coaching approach. Strength-based coaching is particularly effective for individuals with autism. Many possess traits that employers value. These include:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EClose attention to detail\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStrong technical proficiency\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUnique problem-solving perspectives\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe issue is that they don\u2019t know how these strengths can be applied in the workplace,\u201d Kim said. \u201cOnce they understand this, they can communicate with employers about their strengths and the accommodations employers should provide to the job seeker so they can successfully apply their skills at work.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHandling Rejection\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStill, Kim understands that candidates will need to handle rejection to make it through the search process. She envisions LLMs that help them refocus their energy and regain their confidence after being turned down.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen you get a lot of rejection emails, it\u2019s easy to feel you\u2019re not good enough,\u201d she said. \u201cBeing constantly reminded about your strengths and their prior successes can get them through the stressful job-seeking process.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDicks said the models should also be able to provide feedback so that candidates don\u2019t repeat mistakes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt can tell them what would\u2019ve been a better answer or a better way to say it,\u201d Dicks said. \u201cIt can also encourage them with reminders that you get 100 noes before you get a yes.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou\u2019re Hired, Now What?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDicks said the role of a job coach doesn\u2019t end the moment a client is hired. Government-contracted job coaches may work with their clients for up to 90 days after they start a new job to support their transition.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, she said, sometimes that isn\u2019t enough. Many companies have probationary periods exceeding three months. Autistic individuals may struggle with on-the-job training or communicating what accommodations they need from their new employer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese are just a few gaps an AI tool can fill for these individuals after they\u2019re hired.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI could see these models evolving to being supportive at those critical junctures of the probationary period being over or the one-year job review or the annual evaluation that everyone dreads,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDicks has an average caseload of 15 students, whom she assists in landing jobs and internships through the EXCEL program.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEXCEL provides a mentorship program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities from the time they set foot on campus through graduation and beyond.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor more information and to apply, visit EXCEL\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/excel.gatech.edu\/home\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ewebsite\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers are using an NSF grant to create new large-language models that help autistic job seekers understand their strengths and how to leverage them during the application process.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers are using an NSF grant to create new large-language models that help autistic job seekers understand their strengths and how to leverage them during the application process."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2026-01-15 19:04:04","changed_gmt":"2026-01-22 13:41:09","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-15T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-15T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679012":{"id":"679012","type":"image","title":"Jennifer-Kim_86A4154-copy.jpg","body":null,"created":"1768503854","gmt_created":"2026-01-15 19:04:14","changed":"1768503854","gmt_changed":"2026-01-15 19:04:14","alt":"Jennifer Kim","file":{"fid":"263123","name":"Jennifer-Kim_86A4154-copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/15\/Jennifer-Kim_86A4154-copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/15\/Jennifer-Kim_86A4154-copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":71820,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/15\/Jennifer-Kim_86A4154-copy.jpg?itok=hbn_0e9T"}}},"media_ids":["679012"],"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":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"6053","name":"Autism"},{"id":"191680","name":"neurodiverse"},{"id":"780","name":"employment"},{"id":"174112","name":"excel program"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"193556","name":"large language models"},{"id":"7011","name":"NSF grant"},{"id":"6957","name":"Job Search"},{"id":"13786","name":"job search strategies"},{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"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":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687371":{"#nid":"687371","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Wins Fifth Straight NSA Codebreaker Challenge","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe United States Air Force\u0027s Cyber Operations Squadron was in a crisis. A sophisticated foreign adversary was threatening national security, and it was up to the National Security Agency to help.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis was the fictional \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nsa-codebreaker.org\/challenge\u0022\u003Escenario\u003C\/a\u003E of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nsa-codebreaker.org\/leaderboard\u0022\u003E2025 NSA Codebreaker Challenge\u003C\/a\u003E, which was once again dominated by Georgia Tech students, faculty, and alumni. With a score of nearly 300,000 points, they took first among Division I schools.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech continues to win this highly challenging competition each year because of our outstanding students and the excellence of the cybersecurity and privacy curriculum that has been developed by SCP faculty,\u201d said Mustaque Ahamad, Interim Chair for the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur courses provide not only foundational knowledge of the discipline, but also give students experience with tools and techniques that help them shine at this competition.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of the keys to Georgia Tech\u2019s success is that it integrates the challenge into students\u2019 coursework. Professor Taesoo Kim has included it in his \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/omscs.gatech.edu\/cs-6265-information-security-lab\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECS 6265: Information Security Lab\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E every year to give students real-life experience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe NSA Codebreaker Challenge highlights the strength of Georgia Tech\u2019s cybersecurity program and the hands-on, mission-driven training our students receive. Through courses like CS 6265 and others like it, students apply advanced security concepts to real-world problems, reinforcing Georgia Tech\u2019s long-standing excellence and leadership in cybersecurity education.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis year was the first time the NSA broke the Codebreaker Challenge for colleges and universities into divisions based on the number of participants. The winners of divisions one, two, and three were considered the winners of the challenge. Georgia Tech was in the top division with 272 students, four instructors, 27 alumni, and two in the other category. The Institute had a total of 305 participants, the second largest in the competition.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe NSA Codebreaker Challenge is open to anyone with an email address from a recognized U.S. school or university. All players register and log in individually. Students, professors, and alumni can participate, but only students earn points and awards.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe 2025 NSA Codebreaker Challenge, which was once again dominated by Georgia Tech students, faculty, and alumni. With a score of nearly 300,000 points, they took first among Division I schools.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The 2025 NSA Codebreaker Challenge, which was once again dominated by Georgia Tech students, faculty, and alumni."}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2026-01-16 13:50:02","changed_gmt":"2026-01-22 13:40:45","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-15T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-15T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"193158","name":"Student Competition Winners (academic, innovation, and research)"},{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"}],"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:mailto;jpopham3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJohn Popham\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ECommunications Officer II\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686983":{"#nid":"686983","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Gazing Into the Mind\u2019s Eye With Mice \u2013 How Neuroscientists Are Seeing Human Vision More\u00a0Clearly","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite the nursery rhyme about three blind mice, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.7554\/eLife.31209\u0022\u003Emouse eyesight is surprisingly sensitive\u003C\/a\u003E. Studying how mice see has helped researchers discover unprecedented details about how individual brain cells communicate and work together to create a mental picture of the visual world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=P5IKL5UAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003EI am a neuroscientist\u003C\/a\u003E who studies how brain cells drive visual perception and how these processes can fail in conditions \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/cercor\/bhab025\u0022\u003Esuch as autism\u003C\/a\u003E. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/haider.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EMy lab\u003C\/a\u003E \u201clistens\u201d to the electrical activity of neurons in the outermost part of the brain called the cerebral cortex, a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1523\/JNEUROSCI.17-18-07079.1997\u0022\u003Elarge portion of which\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.7551\/mitpress\/7131.003.0038\u0022\u003Eprocesses visual information\u003C\/a\u003E. Injuries to the visual cortex can lead to blindness and other visual deficits, even when the eyes themselves are unhurt.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnderstanding the activity of individual neurons \u2013 and how they work together while the brain is actively using and processing information \u2013 is a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/mapping-how-the-100-billion-cells-in-the-brain-all-fit-together-is-the-brave-new-world-of-neuroscience-170182\u0022\u003Elong-standing goal of neuroscience\u003C\/a\u003E. Researchers have moved much closer to achieving this goal thanks to new technologies aimed at the mouse visual system. And these findings will help scientists better see how the visual systems of people work.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe Mind in the Blink of an Eye\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers long thought that vision in mice appeared \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/s0042-6989(00)00081-x\u0022\u003Esluggish with low clarity\u003C\/a\u003E. But it turns out visual cortex neurons in mice \u2013 just like \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.pneurobio.2024.102656\u0022\u003Ethose in humans, monkeys, cats and ferrets\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 require \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1523\/JNEUROSCI.0623-08.2008\u0022\u003Especific visual features to trigger activity\u003C\/a\u003E and are particularly \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/nature11665\u0022\u003Eselective in alert and awake conditions\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMy colleagues and I and others have found that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-021-24311-5\u0022\u003Emice are especially sensitive to\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-021-24311-5\u0022\u003Evisual stimuli directly in front of them\u003C\/a\u003E. This is surprising, because mouse eyes face outward rather than forward. Forward-facing eyes, like those of cats and primates, naturally have a larger area of focus straight ahead compared to outward-facing eyes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708514\/original\/file-20251212-56-z8h8ny.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2048%2C1787\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Microscopy image of stacks of neurons\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708514\/original\/file-20251212-56-z8h8ny.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2048%2C1787\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708514\/original\/file-20251212-56-z8h8ny.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=524\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708514\/original\/file-20251212-56-z8h8ny.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=524\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708514\/original\/file-20251212-56-z8h8ny.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=524\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708514\/original\/file-20251212-56-z8h8ny.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=658\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708514\/original\/file-20251212-56-z8h8ny.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=658\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708514\/original\/file-20251212-56-z8h8ny.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=658\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EThis image shows neurons in the mouse retina: cone photoreceptors (red), bipolar neurons (magenta), and a subtype of bipolar neuron (green).\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/nihgov\/35882593476\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EBrian Liu and Melanie Samuel\/Baylor College of Medicine\/NIH via Flickr\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis finding suggests that the specialization of the visual system to highlight the frontal visual field appears to be \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/361719a0\u0022\u003Eshared between mice and humans\u003C\/a\u003E. For mice, a visual focus on what\u2019s straight ahead may help them be more \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.cub.2021.06.094\u0022\u003Eresponsive to shadows or edges\u003C\/a\u003E in front of them, helping them avoid looming predators or better \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.neuron.2021.03.010\u0022\u003Ehunt and capture insects for food\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EImportantly, the center of view is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/jcm14155266\u0022\u003Emost affected in aging and many visual diseases\u003C\/a\u003E in people. Since mice also rely heavily on this part of the visual field, they may be particularly useful models to study and treat visual impairment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA Thousand Voices Drive Complicated Choices\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdvances in technology have greatly accelerated scientific understanding of vision and the brain. Researchers can now routinely record the activity of thousands of neurons at the same time and pair this data with real-time video of a mouse\u2019s face, pupil and body movements. This method can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/science.aav7893\u0022\u003Eshow how behavior interacts with brain activity\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s like spending years listening to a grainy recording of a symphony with one featured soloist, but now you have a pristine recording where you can hear every single musician with a note-by-note readout of every single finger movement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsing these improved methods, researchers like me are studying how specific types of neurons work together during complex visual behaviors. This involves analyzing how factors such as movement, alertness and the environment influence visual activity in the brain.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, my lab and I found that the speed of visual signaling is \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.cub.2025.02.009\u0022\u003Ehighly sensitive to what actions are possible\u003C\/a\u003E in the physical environment. If a mouse rests on a disc that permits running, visual signals travel to the cortex faster than if the mouse views the same images while resting in a stationary tube \u2013 even when the mouse is totally still in both conditions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn order to connect electrical activity to visual perception, researchers also have to ask a mouse what it thinks it sees. How have we done this?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe last decade has seen researchers debunking long-standing \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fnsys.2014.00173\u0022\u003Emyths about mouse learning and behavior\u003C\/a\u003E. Like other rodents, mice are also \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/im-a-neuroscientist-who-taught-rats-to-drive-their-joy-suggests-how-anticipating-fun-can-enrich-human-life-239029\u0022\u003Esurprisingly clever\u003C\/a\u003E and can learn how to \u201ctell\u201d researchers about the visual events they perceive through their behavior.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, mice can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1523\/jneurosci.3560-13.2013\u0022\u003Elearn to release a lever\u003C\/a\u003E to indicate they have detected that a pattern has brightened or tilted. They can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.celrep.2017.08.047\u0022\u003Erotate a Lego wheel left or right\u003C\/a\u003E to move a visual stimulus to the center of a screen like a video game, and they can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.7554\/eLife.50340\u0022\u003Estop running on a wheel\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fnbeh.2020.00104\u0022\u003Eand lick a water spout\u003C\/a\u003E when they detect the visual scene has suddenly changed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708526\/original\/file-20251212-56-ccqnav.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Mouse drinking from a metal water spout\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708526\/original\/file-20251212-56-ccqnav.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708526\/original\/file-20251212-56-ccqnav.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708526\/original\/file-20251212-56-ccqnav.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708526\/original\/file-20251212-56-ccqnav.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708526\/original\/file-20251212-56-ccqnav.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708526\/original\/file-20251212-56-ccqnav.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/708526\/original\/file-20251212-56-ccqnav.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EMice can be trained to drink water as a way to \u2018tell\u2019 researchers they see something.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/mouse-drinking-from-a-spout-royalty-free-image\/178825439\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003Efelixmizioznikov\/iStock via Getty Images Plus\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMice can also use visual cues to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.cub.2018.01.038\u0022\u003Efocus their visual processing\u003C\/a\u003E to specific parts of the visual field. As a result, they can more quickly and accurately respond to visual stimuli that appear in those regions. For example, my team and I found that a faint visual image in the peripheral visual field is difficult for mice to detect. But once they do notice it \u2013 and tell us by licking a water spout \u2013 their subsequent responses are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-020-14355-4\u0022\u003Efaster and more accurate\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese improvements come at a cost: If the image unexpectedly appears in a different location, the mice are slower and less likely to respond to it. These findings resemble those found in studies on \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/00335558008248231\u0022\u003Espatial attention in people\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMy lab has also found that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41593-025-01888-4\u0022\u003Eparticular types of inhibitory neurons\u003C\/a\u003E \u2013 brain cells that prevent activity from spreading \u2013 strongly control the strength of visual signals. When we activated certain inhibitory neurons in the visual cortex of mice, we could effectively \u201cerase\u201d their perception of an image.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese kinds of experiments are also revealing that the boundaries between perception and action in the brain are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41593-025-02114-x\u0022\u003Emuch less separate than once thought\u003C\/a\u003E. This means that visual neurons will respond differently to the same image in ways that depend on behavioral circumstances \u2013 for example, visual responses differ if the image will be \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41586-019-1787-x\u0022\u003Esuccessfully detected\u003C\/a\u003E, if it appears \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.neuron.2025.06.001\u0022\u003Ewhile the mouse is moving\u003C\/a\u003E, or if it appears \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/science.aav3932\u0022\u003Ewhen the mouse is thirsty or hydrated\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnderstanding how different factors shape how cortical neurons rapidly respond to visual images will require advances in computational tools that can separate the contribution of these behavioral signals from the visual ones. Researchers also need technologies that can isolate how specific types of brain cells carry and communicate these signals.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EData Clouds Encircling the Globe\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis surge of research on the mouse visual system has led to a significant increase in the amount of data that scientists can not only gather in a single experiment but also publicly share among each other.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMajor national and international research centers focused on \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/brain-map.org\/\u0022\u003Eunraveling the circuitry of the mouse visual system\u003C\/a\u003E have been leading the charge in ushering in new optical, electrical and biological \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.internationalbrainlab.com\/\u0022\u003Etools to measure large numbers of visual neurons\u003C\/a\u003E in action. Moreover, they make \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/brain-map.org\/atlases#mouse\u0022\u003Eall the data publicly available\u003C\/a\u003E, inspiring \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mouse.digital-brain.cn\/projectome\/pfc\u0022\u003Esimilar efforts around the globe\u003C\/a\u003E. This collaboration accelerates the ability of researchers to analyze data, replicate findings and make new discoveries.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETechnological advances in data collection and sharing can make the culture of scientific discovery more efficient and transparent \u2013 a major \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fninf.2023.1276407\u0022\u003Edata informatics goal\u003C\/a\u003E of neuroscience in the years ahead.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf the past 10 years are anything to go by, I believe such discoveries are just the tip of the iceberg, and the mighty and not-so-blind mouse will play a leading role in the continuing quest to understand the mysteries of the human brain.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/268334\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\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\/gazing-into-the-minds-eye-with-mice-how-neuroscientists-are-seeing-human-vision-more-clearly-268334\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EStudying how mice see has helped researchers discover unprecedented details about how individual brain cells communicate and work together to create a mental picture of the visual world.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Studying how mice see has helped researchers discover unprecedented details about how individual brain cells communicate and work together to create a mental picture of the visual world."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-12-16 13:42:12","changed_gmt":"2026-01-21 19:21:40","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678887":{"id":"678887","type":"image","title":" Mice have complex visual systems that can clarify how vision works in people. Westend61\/Getty Images","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMice have complex visual systems that can clarify how vision works in people. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/germany-research-laboratory-mouse-climbing-out-of-royalty-free-image\/544546223\u0022\u003EWestend61\/Getty Images\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1766065654","gmt_created":"2025-12-18 13:47:34","changed":"1766065654","gmt_changed":"2025-12-18 13:47:34","alt":" Mice have complex visual systems that can clarify how vision works in people. Westend61\/Getty Images","file":{"fid":"262977","name":"file-20251213-56-fdaib6.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/18\/file-20251213-56-fdaib6.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/18\/file-20251213-56-fdaib6.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":80137,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/18\/file-20251213-56-fdaib6.jpg?itok=21uzzcB5"}}},"media_ids":["678887"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/gazing-into-the-minds-eye-with-mice-how-neuroscientists-are-seeing-human-vision-more-clearly-268334","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"66220","name":"Neuro"},{"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":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"172970","name":"go-neuro"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"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":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/bilal-haider-2512267\u0022\u003EBilal Haider\u003C\/a\u003E, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\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":""}},"687534":{"#nid":"687534","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Cryogenic Vacuum Chamber Cuts Noise for Quantum Ion Trapping","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EEven very slight environmental noise, such as microscopic vibrations or magnetic field fluctuations a hundred times smaller than the Earth\u2019s magnetic field, can be catastrophic for quantum computing experiments with trapped ions.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo address that challenge, researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have developed an improved cryogenic vacuum chamber that helps reduce some common noise sources by isolating ions from vibrations and shielding them from magnetic field fluctuations. The new chamber also incorporates an improved imaging system and a radio frequency (RF) coil that can be used to drive ion transitions from within the chamber.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of excitement around quantum computing today, and trapped ions are just one of the research platforms available, each with their own benefits and drawbacks,\u201d explained Darian Hartsell, a GTRI research scientist who leads the project. \u201cWe are trying to mitigate multiple sources of noise in this chamber and make other improvements with one robust new design.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe chamber design is described in a paper published January 20, 2026 in the journal \u003Cem\u003EApplied Physics Letters\u003C\/em\u003E. Some of the technical improvements developed for the project are already being applied at GTRI and collaborating organizations. This work was done in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe goal of the vibration isolation is to reduce the laser amplitude and phase noise when addressing the ions, increasing operation fidelity. The goal of the magnetic field noise reduction is to preserve the coherence of qubits for longer periods of time so researchers can use them for more complex algorithms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gtri.gatech.edu\/newsroom\/new-cryogenic-vacuum-chamber-cuts-noise-quantum-ion-trapping\u0022\u003ESee the complete article on the GTRI news site\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Chamber also incorporates improved imaging"}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers have developed an improved vacuum chamber that reduces noise for quantum ion trapping research.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers have developed an improved vacuum chamber that reduces noise for quantum ion trapping research."}],"uid":"27303","created_gmt":"2026-01-21 15:56:39","changed_gmt":"2026-01-21 16:03:07","author":"John Toon","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-21T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-21T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679046":{"id":"679046","type":"image","title":"Researcher tests improved vacuum chamber for ion trapping","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGTRI Research Scientist Darian Hartsell makes adjustments to an improved cryogenic vacuum chamber that helps reduce some common noise sources by isolating ions from vibrations and shielding them from magnetic field fluctuations. (Credit: Sean McNeil, GTRI)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1769010196","gmt_created":"2026-01-21 15:43:16","changed":"1769010565","gmt_changed":"2026-01-21 15:49:25","alt":"Researcher tests improved vacuum chamber","file":{"fid":"263158","name":"Vacuum-Chamber_06.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/21\/Vacuum-Chamber_06.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/21\/Vacuum-Chamber_06.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2603620,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/21\/Vacuum-Chamber_06.jpg?itok=ugZaqaeJ"}}},"media_ids":["679046"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["gtri.media@gtri.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686891":{"#nid":"686891","#data":{"type":"news","title":"AI4Science Center Awards Inaugural Seed Grants","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ai4science.ai.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EAI4Science Center\u003C\/a\u003E has announced the first recipients of its semiannual seed grant competition. Supported by the Schools of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics, and Psychology, the seed grant aims to support the development of research projects centered on innovation and collaboration.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe selection committee received more than a dozen proposals that push the boundaries of AI-enabled science and encourage collaboration across units. I look forward to seeing the great science, strong results, and successful future external funding enabled by these seed grants,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/dimitrios-psaltis\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDimitrios Psaltis\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and director of the AI4Science Center.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ELaunched earlier this semester, the center promotes cross-disciplinary research on AI tools that address scientific challenges. The following three proposals were selected by the center based on their scientific goals, extent of interdisciplinary collaboration, and potential for outside funding:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESpring 2026 AI4Science Center Seed Grant Recipients\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGraph Foundation Models for Protein Conformational Dynamics | School of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPIs: Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EPeter Kasson\u003C\/strong\u003E, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EJC Gumbart\u003C\/strong\u003E, School of Physics; Assistant Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAmirali Aghazadeh\u003C\/strong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;School of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGraduate student:\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EJeffy Jeffy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETeam statement: \u201cThe AI4Science Center\u2019s seed funding will allow us to complete and test a prototype of our new deep learning architecture for protein dynamics. We\u0027re super excited about the project and happy that this gives us support to pursue our new idea.\u201d\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECombinations of Verified AI and Domain Knowledge for New Insights in Theoretical Physics | School of Physics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPIs: Assistant Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAishik Ghosh\u003C\/strong\u003E, School of Physics; Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EVijay Ganesh\u003C\/strong\u003E, School of Computer Science\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGraduate student:\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EPiyush Jha\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETeam statement: \u201cThis seed funding gives us an opportunity to connect two fields in a way that could transform our approach to certain problems in theoretical physics.\u201d\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHarnessing the Manifold Geometry of Neural Representations for Robust LLM Safety | School of Psychology\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPIs: Assistant Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAudrey Sederberg\u003C\/strong\u003E, School of Psychology; Assistant Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EPan Li\u003C\/strong\u003E, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGraduate student:\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ERuixuan Deng\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETeam statement: \u201cOur project injects insights from human neuroscience directly into AI safety algorithm design, allowing us to move beyond black-box approaches toward more interpretable and principled safety mechanisms. By closing the loop, these computational models will also provide new feedback and insights for neuroscience.\u201d\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe AI4Science Center\u0027s seed grant aims to support the development of research projects centered on innovation and collaboration.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The AI4Science Center\u0027s seed grant aims to support the development of research projects centered on innovation and collaboration. "}],"uid":"36583","created_gmt":"2025-12-15 17:17:58","changed_gmt":"2026-01-20 20:53:55","author":"lvidal7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678844":{"id":"678844","type":"image","title":"Tech Tower (Rob Felt\/Georgia Tech)","body":null,"created":"1765822837","gmt_created":"2025-12-15 18:20:37","changed":"1765822837","gmt_changed":"2025-12-15 18:20:37","alt":"Tech Tower (Rob Felt\/Georgia Tech)","file":{"fid":"262933","name":"08C1004-P51-012.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/15\/08C1004-P51-012.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/15\/08C1004-P51-012.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":4010092,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/15\/08C1004-P51-012.jpg?itok=pFiHJo2j"}}},"media_ids":["678844"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/ai4science.ai.gatech.edu\/","title":"AI4Science Center"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/college-sciences-announces-launch-ai4science-center","title":"College of Sciences Announces Launch of AI4Science Center"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"},{"id":"443951","name":"School of Psychology"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"192258","name":"cos-data"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWriter: Lindsay C. Vidal\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["lvidal7@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687381":{"#nid":"687381","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Names Mike Gazarik Director of Georgia Tech Research Institute","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology has named Michael \u201cMike\u201d Gazarik as the new director of the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) and a Georgia Tech senior vice president, effective February 16.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA nationally respected aerospace and research leader, Gazarik has led large, complex research organizations across government, industry, and academia, shaping strategy, driving growth, and building institutions that deliver mission-critical innovation. With more than three decades of experience, his career reflects a deep ability to align technology with national priorities and guide organizations through periods of change and opportunity.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA Georgia Tech alumnus, Gazarik currently serves as faculty director of the Engineering Management Program at the University of Colorado Boulder and as a part\u2011time staff member at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. He previously held senior leadership roles at NASA, including director of engineering at NASA Langley Research Center and inaugural associate administrator for the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD). In industry, he spent eight years as vice president of engineering at Ball Aerospace, leading its strategic growth from an elite science contractor into a strategic national security asset that doubled in size.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMike Gazarik brings a rare combination of technical depth, executive leadership, and deep government experience,\u201d said Tim Lieuwen, Georgia Tech\u2019s executive vice president for Research. \u201cHe knows large research enterprises operate within the realities of policy and budget and has a proven ability to align technology with mission priorities while earning trust across stakeholders. We are excited to welcome Mike back to Georgia Tech to lead GTRI at a pivotal moment for research and innovation.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGTRI employs more than 3,000 employees, conducting nearly $1 billion in annual research in areas such as autonomous systems, cybersecurity, electromagnetics, electronic warfare, modeling and simulation, sensors, systems engineering, and threat systems. GTRI\u2019s renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, and policy to address challenges facing national security, industry, and society.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor nearly a century, GTRI has partnered with government and industry to deliver solutions to the most mission-critical challenges facing our nation,\u201d said Georgia Tech President \u00c1ngel Cabrera. \u201cWe are proud to welcome Mike Gazarik to lead a crown jewel of our research enterprise and a crucial component of our nation\u2019s science and technology fabric. His experience and leadership will strengthen GTRI\u2019s ability to deliver on its mission and help make our nation safer, healthier, and more competitive.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGazarik is widely recognized for leading complex research enterprises with a focus on stability, strategic alignment, and mission impact. At NASA, he helped shape the agency\u2019s science and technology enterprise during periods of fiscal constraint and technical risk, maintaining balance across broad mission areas and forming STMD to consolidate technology development. At Ball Aerospace, he guided significant growth and aligned strategy with evolving national security and civil space needs. His academic work has focused on preparing engineering leaders for mission-driven organizations \u2014 experience that aligns closely with GTRI\u2019s role as a trusted partner to government and industry.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe earned a B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.S. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech. Gazarik is a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), a former chair of AIAA\u2019s Corporate Strategic Committee, and was elected to the AIAA Board of Trustees in 2025. His honors include NASA\u2019s Outstanding Leadership Medal, the Silver Snoopy Award, the 2023 AIAA Rocky Mountain Section Educator of the Year, and recognition as Engineering Manager of the Year by the American Society of Engineering Management.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGTRI has a remarkable legacy of delivering solutions that matter for the nation,\u201d said Gazarik. \u201cI\u2019m honored to return to Georgia Tech and lead an organization that combines deep technical expertise with a mission-driven culture. My focus will be on listening, building on GTRI\u2019s strengths, and ensuring we continue to advance research that makes a real difference for our partners and society.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs director, Gazarik will lead GTRI\u2019s multidisciplinary research enterprise, advancing its mission to deliver high\u2011impact science and technology solutions in support of national security, space systems, and critical societal needs.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology has named Michael \u201cMike\u201d Gazarik as the new director of the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) and a Georgia Tech senior vice president, effective February 16.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech Names Mike Gazarik Director of Georgia Tech Research Institute"}],"uid":"27561","created_gmt":"2026-01-16 17:02:08","changed_gmt":"2026-01-20 00:11:54","author":"Angela Ayers","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-16T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-16T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679025":{"id":"679025","type":"image","title":"Mike-Gazarik_Header_v1.png","body":null,"created":"1768584873","gmt_created":"2026-01-16 17:34:33","changed":"1768584873","gmt_changed":"2026-01-16 17:34:33","alt":"GTRI Welcomes New Director Mike Gazarik","file":{"fid":"263136","name":"Mike-Gazarik_Header_v1.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/16\/Mike-Gazarik_Header_v1.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/16\/Mike-Gazarik_Header_v1.png","mime":"image\/png","size":616973,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/16\/Mike-Gazarik_Header_v1.png?itok=-gqMgrzn"}}},"media_ids":["679025"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"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":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:angela.ayers@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAngela Ayers\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAssistant Vice President of Research Communications\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687359":{"#nid":"687359","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Science for Public Good: Introducing the Community Engagement Graduate Fellows ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFour graduate students from the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E were recently selected for the new Community Engagement Graduate Fellowship, made possible through a gift from Google. This one-year research opportunity awards up to $5,000 for each fellow to develop a project with local partners that aims to build stronger communities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cIt has been a pleasure for the Center for Programs to Increase Engagement in the Sciences (C-PIES) to collaborate with Google and the College of Sciences Advisory Board to bring this fellowship, which will positively impact our community and highlight how science can align with public good,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ELewis A. Wheaton\u003C\/strong\u003E, professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E and director of C-PIES.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIn the year ahead, the fellows will work with\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cpies.cos.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EC-PIES\u003C\/a\u003E and community partners on campus and in the metro Atlanta area to develop projects in one of three priority areas: civic and policy engagement, community-engaged research, and K-12 research outreach.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe fellowship was open to all graduate students in the College of Sciences, and four inaugural fellows \u2014 Aniruddh Bakshi, Katherine Slenker, Miriam Simma, and Nikolai Simonov \u2014 were named based on their exciting, yet feasible applications.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFellow Aniruddh Bakshi: Strengthening trust in science\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EPh.D. student\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAniruddh Bakshi\u003C\/strong\u003E studies the problem of drug delivery at the intersections of organic chemistry, biochemistry, and immunology. As mRNA vaccines are closely related to his area of research, he sees the need for a grassroots outreach movement from young academics to help bolster public confidence in rigorous scientific methodology.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIn collaboration with local hospitals and nonprofits, his proposed project is to start a social media content series, titled \u201cA Day in the Life of a Ph.D. Student,\u201d to show the realities of graduate school for those interested in this career path while connecting his research to broader public issues.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cScience has the power to solve urgent problems, but only if people understand and trust it,\u201d says Bakshi. \u201cThrough this fellowship, I will use my research and outreach efforts to help strengthen that trust \u2014 showing how discoveries in drug delivery and vaccine design can make a real difference in people\u2019s lives.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFellow Katherine Slenker: Creating a biodiversity data network\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAtlanta is often referred to as \u201cthe city in a forest,\u201d but according to Ph.D. student\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EKatherine Slenker\u003C\/strong\u003E, wildlife has a difficult time navigating across roads and housing developments, often resulting in human-wildlife conflict.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cConservation ecologists have long recommended that the movement of wildlife could be eased through the creation of \u2018ecological corridors,\u2019 which connect greenspaces and wildlife populations,\u201d she explains. \u201cDetermining the movement patterns of wildlife, and where such corridors may be best situated, requires that we first understand what species reside in the metro Atlanta area as well as how they are expected to disperse.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAs a fellow, Slenker plans to build a biodiversity data network by comparing wildlife monitoring at Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve and Stone Mountain Park and increasing the coalition of metro Atlanta researchers. This data can be used in the development of ecological corridors to reduce clashing between humans and wildlife, notably animals struck by vehicles, and improve ecosystem health at these parks.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFellow Miriam Simma: Making structural biology research more accessible\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe study of crystallography is vital in academia, industry, and medicine because it enables researchers to decipher the atomic structures of proteins, but it is scarcely taught outside of graduate school. Ph.D. student\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EMiriam Simma\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ewants to change that.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHer proposed project is to introduce protein crystallography to K-12 students and teachers through hands-on activities in local high school classrooms and to the public during the Atlanta Science Festival at Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cMy vision is to make structural biology research accessible, so everyone can engage with cutting-edge scientific research \u2014 fostering curiosity and interest in STEM careers,\u201d says Simma. \u201cLong term, I will synthesize these activities into a chemical education article that introduces K-12 students to protein structure and function.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFellow Nikolai Simonov: Mentoring middle school scientists\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ELast year, Ph.D. student\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ENikolai Simonov\u003C\/strong\u003E became involved in the GoSTEM Club at Lilburn Middle School \u2014 leading student activities and recruiting other graduate student volunteers. In partnership with Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ceismc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECenter for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics and Computing\u003C\/a\u003E, the club is a weekly afterschool program for students, many of whom come from underserved backgrounds, to grow their scientific curiosity.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI assembled a team of 10 Tech graduate students who could explain complex scientific concepts in approachable ways for middle school students. Through this fellowship, we are excited to enrich the GoSTEM Club with an ongoing mentorship program and materials for more ambitious science fair projects,\u201d shares Simonov.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAs part of the program, club members can meet one-on-one with Georgia Tech mentors to discuss their educational and career goals. \u201cBy sharing their stories and connecting scientific ideas to real-world applications, our mentors aim to show students that STEM is not only accessible but a path toward a fulfilling life,\u201d he adds.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFour graduate students from the College of Sciences were selected for the new Community Engagement Graduate Fellowship, made possible through a gift from Google, to develop projects that positively impact the metro Atlanta area and\u0026nbsp;highlight how science can align with public good.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Four graduate students from the College of Sciences were selected for the new Community Engagement Graduate Fellowship, made possible through a gift from Google, to develop projects that positively impact the metro Atlanta area. "}],"uid":"27465","created_gmt":"2026-01-15 19:17:05","changed_gmt":"2026-01-15 20:30:07","author":"Annette Filliat","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-15T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-15T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679014":{"id":"679014","type":"image","title":"Community Engagement Graduate Fellows","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFour graduate students from the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E were selected for the new Community Engagement Graduate Fellowship, made possible through a gift from Google.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1768507734","gmt_created":"2026-01-15 20:08:54","changed":"1768508071","gmt_changed":"2026-01-15 20:14:31","alt":"Community Engagement Graduate Fellows ","file":{"fid":"263125","name":"C-PIES-Community-Engagement-Graduate-Fellows.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/15\/C-PIES-Community-Engagement-Graduate-Fellows.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/15\/C-PIES-Community-Engagement-Graduate-Fellows.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":4108784,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/15\/C-PIES-Community-Engagement-Graduate-Fellows.jpg?itok=EDpa4s4k"}},"679016":{"id":"679016","type":"image","title":"C-PIES and Community Engagement Graduate Fellows","body":"\u003Cp\u003EC-PIES Director Lewis A. Wheaton (far left) and Director of Programs Lea Marzo (far right) stand with the inaugural Community Engagement Graduate Fellows (left to right): Nikolai Simonov, Miriam Simma, Aniruddh Bakshi, and Katherine Slenker.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1768508133","gmt_created":"2026-01-15 20:15:33","changed":"1768508664","gmt_changed":"2026-01-15 20:24:24","alt":"C-PIES and Community Engagement Graduate Fellows","file":{"fid":"263126","name":"C-PIES-Community-Engagement-Graduate-Fellows-2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/15\/C-PIES-Community-Engagement-Graduate-Fellows-2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/15\/C-PIES-Community-Engagement-Graduate-Fellows-2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":4321309,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/15\/C-PIES-Community-Engagement-Graduate-Fellows-2.jpg?itok=rj-DkhiR"}}},"media_ids":["679014","679016"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/step-eases-transfer-transition","title":"STEP Eases Transfer Transition"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1182","name":"General"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"142","name":"City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth"},{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"},{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"},{"id":"194836","name":"Sustainability"}],"keywords":[{"id":"185591","name":"campus and community"},{"id":"188933","name":"Atlanta community."},{"id":"191866","name":"C-PIES"},{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"192552","name":"College of Sciences Advisory Board"},{"id":"3165","name":"google"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"},{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"},{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"},{"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:jess@cos.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJess Hunt-Ralston\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Communications\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences at Georgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWriter: Annette Filliat\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["afilliat@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686521":{"#nid":"686521","#data":{"type":"news","title":"LIDAR Lab-mates Moving Humanoid Robots Closer to Adaptability in the Real World","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EViral videos abound with humanoid robots performing amazing feats of acrobatics and dance but finding videos of a humanoid robot performing a common household task or traversing a new multi-terrain environment easily, and without human control, are much rarer. This is because training humanoid robots to perform these seemingly simple functions involves the need for simulation training data that lack the complex\u0026nbsp;dynamics and degrees of freedom of motion that are inherent in humanoid robots.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo achieve better training outcomes with faster\u0026nbsp;deployment results, Fukang Liu and Feiyang Wu, graduate students under Professor Ye Zhao from the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and faculty member of the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines, have published a duo of papers in IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters.\u0026nbsp;This is a collaborative work with three other IRIM affiliated faculties, Profs. Danfei Xu, Yue Chen, and Sehoon Ha, as well as Prof. Anqi Wu from School of Computational Science and Engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo\u0026nbsp;develop more reliable motion learning for humanoid robots and enable humanoid robots to perform complex whole-body movements in the real world,\u0026nbsp;Fukang led a team and developed Opt2Skill, a hybrid robot learning framework that combines model-based trajectory optimization with reinforcement learning. \u0026nbsp;Their framework integrates dynamics and contacts into the trajectory planning process and generates high-quality, dynamically feasible datasets, which result in more reliable motion learning for humanoid robots and improved position tracking and task success rates. This approach shows a promising way to augment the performance and generalization of humanoid RL policies using dynamically feasible motion datasets. Incorporating torque data also improved motion stability and force tracking in contact-rich scenarios, demonstrating that torque information plays a key role in learning physically consistent and contact-rich humanoid behaviors.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile other datasets, such as inverse kinematics or human demonstrations, are valuable, they don\u2019t always capture the dynamics needed for reliable whole-body humanoid control.\u201d said by Fukang Liu. \u201cWith our Opt2Skill framework, we combine trajectory optimization with reinforcement learning to generate and leverage high-quality, dynamically feasible motion data. This integrated approach gives robots a richer and more physically grounded training process, enabling them to learn these complex tasks more reliably and safely for real-world deployment. - Fukang Liu\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn another line of humanoid research,\u0026nbsp;Feiyang established a one-stage training framework that allows humanoid robots to learn locomotion more efficiently and with greater environmental adaptability. Their framework, Learn-to-Teach (L2T), unlike traditional two-stage \u201cteacher-student\u201d approaches, which first train an expert in simulation and then retrain a limited-perception student, teaches both simultaneously, sharing knowledge and experiences in real time. The result of this two-way training is a 50% reduction in training data and time, while maintaining or surpassing state-of-the-art performance in humanoid locomotion. The lightweight policy learned through this process enables the lab\u2019s humanoid robot to traverse more than a dozen real-world terrains\u2014grass, gravel, sand, stairs, and slopes\u2014without retraining or depth sensors.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy training an expert and a deployable controller together, we can turn rich simulation feedback into a lightweight policy that runs on real hardware, letting our humanoid adapt to uneven, unstructured terrain with far less data and hand-tuning than traditional methods. - Feiyang Wu\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy the application of these training processes, the team hopes to speed the development of deployable humanoid robots for home use, manufacturing, defense, and search and rescue assistance in dangerous environments. These methods also support advances in embodied intelligence, enabling robots to learn richer, more context-aware behaviors.Additionally, the training data process can be applied to research to improve the functionality and adaptability of human assistive devices for medical and therapeutic uses.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs humanoid robots move from controlled labs into messy, unpredictable real-world environments, the key is developing embodied intelligence\u2014the ability for robots to sense, adapt, and act through their physical bodies,\u201d said Professor Ye Zhao. \u201cThe innovations from our students push us closer to robots that can learn robust skills, navigate diverse terrains, and ultimately operate safely and reliably alongside people. - Prof. Ye Zhao\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAuthor - Christa M. Ernst\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECitations\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELiu F, Gu Z, Cai Y, Zhou Z, Jung H, Jang J, Zhao S, Ha S, Chen Y, Xu D, Zhao Y. Opt2skill: Imitating dynamically-feasible whole-body trajectories for versatile humanoid loco-manipulation. IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters. 2025 Oct 13.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWu F, Nal X, Jang J, Zhu W, Gu Z, Wu A, Zhao Y. Learn to teach: Sample-efficient privileged learning for humanoid locomotion over real-world uneven terrain. IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters. 2025 Jul 23.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Dual publications on learning methods that improve agility and versatility in complex task completion"}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETo achieve better training outcomes with faster\u0026nbsp;deployment results, Fukang Liu and Feiyang Wu, graduate students under Professor Ye Zhao from the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and faculty member of the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines, have published a duo of papers in IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters.\u0026nbsp;This is a collaborative work with three other IRIM affiliated faculties, Profs. Danfei Xu, Yue Chen, and Sehoon Ha, as well as Prof. Anqi Wu from School of Computational Science and Engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"To achieve better training outcomes with faster deployment results, Fukang Liu and Feiyang Wu have published a duo of papers in IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters."}],"uid":"27863","created_gmt":"2025-11-18 20:40:13","changed_gmt":"2026-01-14 15:00:51","author":"Christa Ernst","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-18T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-18T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678666":{"id":"678666","type":"image","title":"Digit-Team-6-11_8_25-CME-for-Nov-LIDAR-News.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMembers of the LIDAR Lab involved with the research with the DIGIT robot used in the trainings.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1763498422","gmt_created":"2025-11-18 20:40:22","changed":"1763498422","gmt_changed":"2025-11-18 20:40:22","alt":"The LIDAR Research Team with Digit Robot","file":{"fid":"262724","name":"Digit-Team-6-11_8_25-CME-for-Nov-LIDAR-News.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/18\/Digit-Team-6-11_8_25-CME-for-Nov-LIDAR-News.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/18\/Digit-Team-6-11_8_25-CME-for-Nov-LIDAR-News.png","mime":"image\/png","size":5426313,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/18\/Digit-Team-6-11_8_25-CME-for-Nov-LIDAR-News.png?itok=FmwisY4a"}}},"media_ids":["678666"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/opt2skill.github.io\/","title":" Opt2Skill on GitHub"},{"url":"https:\/\/lidar-learn-to-teach.github.io\/","title":"Learn-to-Teach (L2T) on GitHub"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"142761","name":"IRIM"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"152","name":"Robotics"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"188087","name":"go-irim"},{"id":"186857","name":"go-gtmi"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"98751","name":"College of Engineering; George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering"},{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"188084","name":"go-ipat"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"},{"id":"39521","name":"Robotics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChrista M. Ernst\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EResearch Communications Program Manager\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EKlaus Advance Computing Building 1120E | 266 Ferst Drive | Atlanta GA | 30332\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["christa.ernst@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687033":{"#nid":"687033","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Chen Named Bergman Fellow","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESchool of Mathematics Assistant Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/math.gatech.edu\/people\/gong-chen\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGong Chen\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E has been awarded the 2026-2027 American Mathematical Society (AMS)\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ams.org\/programs\/ams-fellowships\/bergman-fellow\u0022\u003EStefan Bergman Fellowship\u003C\/a\u003E \u2014 an award reserved for exceptional early-career mathematicians.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI am honored to receive the fellowship and am deeply grateful to the AMS for this award,\u201d says Chen.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Stefan Bergman Fellowship is the society\u0027s first award specifically for early-career mathematicians. It supports scholars advancing research in real analysis, complex analysis, or partial differential equations and may be used in whatever capacity most effectively enables their work.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThere is intense competition for the Stefan Bergman Fellowship, but the breadth and depth of Gong\u0027s remarkable contributions clearly stood out,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/math.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Mathematics\u003C\/a\u003E Chair\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EMichael Wolf\u003C\/strong\u003E. \u201cWe are thrilled that we were able to attract Gong to our faculty, and we are pleased to hear of his well-deserved award.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EChen\u2019s research has earned wide recognition and focuses on problems in mathematical physics through the lens of analysis. He studies dispersive partial differential equations, drawing on harmonic analysis and spectral theory. His work is motivated by the pursuit of a rigorous mathematical understanding of fundamental physical phenomena.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI owe a profound debt of gratitude to my mentors for their guidance and support, especially my thesis advisor,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EWilhelm Schlag\u003C\/strong\u003E. I would also like to thank my collaborators for their inspiration and support, and my family for their unwavering encouragement,\u201d says Chen.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHe earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in mathematics,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003Esumma cum laude,\u003C\/em\u003E from the University of Minnesota and received his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Chicago. Chen has been an assistant professor of mathematics at Georgia Tech since July 2022.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECongratulations to Gong Chen, winner of the 2026-2027 AMS Stefan Bergman Fellowship.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Congratulations to Gong Chen, winner of the 2026-2027 AMS Stefan Bergman Fellowship."}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2025-12-30 15:30:10","changed_gmt":"2026-01-13 22:24:29","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-30T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-30T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678904":{"id":"678904","type":"image","title":"Gong Chen","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGong Chen\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1767127050","gmt_created":"2025-12-30 20:37:30","changed":"1767127050","gmt_changed":"2025-12-30 20:37:30","alt":"Man sitting in wall in front of brick building.","file":{"fid":"263000","name":"IMG_7035-2.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/30\/IMG_7035-2.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/30\/IMG_7035-2.png","mime":"image\/png","size":4852545,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/30\/IMG_7035-2.png?itok=OJKdlm_g"}}},"media_ids":["678904"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1279","name":"School of Mathematics"}],"categories":[{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2748","name":"mathematics"},{"id":"173647","name":"_for_math_site_"},{"id":"193733","name":"_for_math_site_manual_feed_"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"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":""}},"687053":{"#nid":"687053","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Garg Recognized as Rising Star","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAssociate Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/people\/neha-garg\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENeha Garg,\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E Blanchard Early Career Professor in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, has been selected as a recipient of the American Chemical Society\u2019s (ACS) 2026 Women Chemists Committee (WCC)\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/acswcc.org\/awards\/rising-star-award\/\u0022\u003ERising Star Award\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;This national honor\u0026nbsp;recognizes exceptional early- to mid-career women chemists who have demonstrated outstanding promise for contributions to their respective fields.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe School of Chemistry and Biochemistry is thrilled to see that Neha Garg is included in the current WCC Rising Star cohort,\u201d says School of Chemistry and Biochemistry Chair and Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EVicki Wysocki.\u003C\/strong\u003E \u201cShe is richly deserving of this award, given her excellent work on the interactions between eukaryotes (e.g., humans) and the microbiome.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGarg obtained her Ph.D. from the\u0026nbsp;University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and conducted postdoctoral research at\u0026nbsp;UC San Diego (UCSD)\u0027s Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. She has been at Georgia Tech since 2017.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis award is a tremendous source of personal pride as it acknowledges my lab\u2019s hard work in the field of microbial chemistry,\u201d says Garg. \u201cIt\u2019s especially meaningful that it\u0027s a WCC award because it serves as a powerful platform for me to inspire young women.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe adds that visibility remains essential for advancing women in STEM.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cImposter syndrome is real, so awards like this are important for women in science,\u201d explains Garg. \u201cI\u2019m grateful this recognition exists, and I\u2019m proud and happy to be honored.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAs part of the Rising Star Award, Garg will be honored at a WCC luncheon and deliver a scientific talk highlighting her career path and current research at the ACS Spring 2026 Meeting in March.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChemical communication and connection\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGarg\u2019s lab studies the chemistry that underlies crosstalk between the human microbiome and its host. The microbiome includes vast communities of bacteria living on and inside the body \u2014\u0026nbsp;from the skin and mouth to the gut, reproductive system, and lungs. Her group examines how these microbes and human tissues exchange information through small molecules.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cOur work aims to understand the chemistry of collaboration between the microbiome and its host,\u201d says Garg. \u201cWe focus on the lungs and airways, studying how epithelial cells and microbial communities interact through nutrients and microbial compounds. These molecules form a chemical dialogue, and my lab builds models to decode and investigate it.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBy mapping this communication network, Garg hopes to shape future therapeutic strategies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cUnderstanding collaboration between the microbiome and the host will help develop microbiome-targeted therapies,\u201d she explains. \u201cThese therapeutics could prevent respiratory infections, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, limit harmful bacteria, or influence host tissues in ways that improve health.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHer work also extends to marine systems. Garg\u2019s team studies similar chemical interactions between microbes and corals, offering insight into ecosystem resilience and ocean health.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGarg was co-nominated by\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EPieter Dorrestein\u003C\/strong\u003E, professor at UCSD\u2019s Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EBradley Moore\u003C\/strong\u003E, distinguished professor of marine chemical biology and director of the Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine at UCSD\u2019s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Moore also serves as a distinguished professor at the UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cShe\u2019s a multidisciplinary wizard leading a revolution in functional metabolomics,\u201d says Moore. \u201cNeha gives me great hope for a better tomorrow in science.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cNeha is a remarkable scientist taking on deeply compelling questions in metabolic communication,\u201d adds Dorrestein. \u201cHer leadership, integrity, and commitment to mentorship make her a true role model for emerging scientists.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAwards and accolades\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGarg has earned numerous honors throughout her career, including the Royal Society of Chemistry\u0027s 2024 Natural Product Reports Emerging Investigator Lectureship Award, the 2023 ACS Academic Young Investigator Award from the Division of Organic Chemistry, Georgia Tech\u2019s 2022 Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award, and a 2021 NSF CAREER Award. While working on her Ph.D. at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she received the Anne A. Johnson Work Award for Excellence in Biochemistry, which recognizes one female student per year for excellence in Ph.D. thesis research.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECulture and community at Georgia Tech\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGarg credits her experience at Georgia Tech\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;and the Institute\u2019s strong support of women in STEM\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;for shaping her path as a scientist and mentor. She praises the collaborative environment, helpful colleagues, and the number of women in leadership roles. Garg also appreciates the work of Georgia Tech organizations such as\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/wic\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Women+ in Chemistry\u003C\/a\u003E and the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/wst.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Center for the Study of Women, Science, and Technology\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech provides a supportive, collegial, and respectful environment where women in STEM can thrive and truly make a difference,\u201d says Garg.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGarg\u2019s groundbreaking research on chemical communication between humans and microbes \u2014 and her dedication to advancing women in STEM \u2014 has earned her national recognition as a WCC Rising Star.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Garg\u2019s groundbreaking research on chemical communication between humans and microbes \u2014 and her dedication to advancing women in STEM \u2014 has earned her national recognition as a WCC Rising Star."}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2026-01-05 14:49:18","changed_gmt":"2026-01-13 19:31:54","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-05T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-05T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678921":{"id":"678921","type":"image","title":"Neha Garg","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENeha Garg\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1767634559","gmt_created":"2026-01-05 17:35:59","changed":"1767634559","gmt_changed":"2026-01-05 17:35:59","alt":"Women standing in front of railing","file":{"fid":"263018","name":"Portrait-NG.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/05\/Portrait-NG.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/05\/Portrait-NG.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":11005063,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/05\/Portrait-NG.jpg?itok=KHb9Xi4S"}}},"media_ids":["678921"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.garglab-microbiomegt.com\/","title":"The Garg Lab"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"85951","name":"School of Chemistry and Biochemistry"}],"categories":[{"id":"141","name":"Chemistry and Chemical Engineering"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192250","name":"cos-microbial"},{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"26011","name":"faculty honors"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"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":""}},"687242":{"#nid":"687242","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Energy Policy and Innovation Center Launches Interactive Dashboard ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEnergy Policy and Innovation Center\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (EPIcenter) has collaborated with\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/daniel-matisoff\u0022\u003EDan Matisoff\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EJimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy\u003C\/a\u003E and EPIcenter\u2019s faculty affiliate, to develop a new\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/saf\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Data Dashboard\u003C\/strong\u003E,\u003C\/a\u003E designed to provide clear, accessible insights into the rapidly evolving SAF market.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe interactive dashboard compiles and visualizes data gathered by\u0026nbsp;Matisoff, along with\u0026nbsp;Program and Operations Manager\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/2af53a9b-d638-574a-a72e-567d586c3cef\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMichael Morley\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;offering a comprehensive view of SAF production, feedstock availability, and policy trends.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEPIcenter Research Associate \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/people-yang-you\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYang You\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E has designed the dashboard to translate complex datasets into policy-relevant insights for decision-makers. By organizing key metrics into interactive visuals, the dashboard helps stakeholders assess market readiness and identify regulatory actions that could accelerate SAF adoption.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEmphasizing the importance of data-driven insights, Matisoff said, \u201cThe Department of Energy has a Grand Challenge to produce 3 billion gallons a year of Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2030, and 35 billion gallons a year by 2050. By compiling and visualizing SAF data, we can help policymakers and researchers understand progress towards these goals, where the key opportunities and bottlenecks are \u2013 and how to move forward effectively\u201d.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy SAF Matters\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWhile aviation only accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is a rapidly growing share, and decarbonizing this sector is considered one of the most challenging aspects of the energy transition. Produced from renewable feedstocks, sustainable aviation fuel offers a pathway to reduce lifecycle emissions from air travel without requiring major changes to aircraft or infrastructure. However, SAF production and deployment face hurdles related to cost, supply chain development, and policy support.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEPIcenter\u2019s Director \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/energy.gatech.edu\/people\/laura-taylor\u0022\u003ELaura Taylor\u003C\/a\u003E highlighted the dashboard\u2019s role in addressing these challenges:\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cSustainable aviation fuel is a cornerstone of decarbonizing air travel, but the market is complex and rapidly evolving. The dashboard provides clarity by organizing the relevant data in a way that\u2019s accessible and actionable for decision-makers.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis tool is meant to bridge analysis and action,\u201d said You. \u201cBy visualizing SAF production, capacity, and offtake dynamics, the dashboard allows policymakers and stakeholders to see where the market is moving, where gaps remain, and how targeted infrastructure investments or supportive policies could unlock scale.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe EPIcenter SAF Dashboard is intended as a resource for industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers working to accelerate SAF adoption. By providing transparent, data-driven insights, Georgia Tech aims to support informed decisions that advance innovation and sustainability in aviation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo explore the dashboard and learn more about Georgia Tech\u2019s work on sustainable aviation fuel, visit\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/saf\/\u0022\u003EEPIcenter\u2019s SAF page\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEnergy Policy and Innovation Center\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (EPIcenter) has collaborated with\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/daniel-matisoff\u0022\u003EDan Matisoff\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EJimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy\u003C\/a\u003E and EPIcenter\u2019s faculty affiliate, to develop a new\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/saf\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Data Dashboard\u003C\/strong\u003E,\u003C\/a\u003E designed to provide clear, accessible insights into the rapidly evolving SAF market.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech\u2019s Energy Policy and Innovation Center has collaborated with Dan Matisoff, EPIcenter\u2019s faculty affiliate, to develop a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel Data Dashboard to provide clear, accessible insights into the rapidly evolving SAF market. "}],"uid":"36413","created_gmt":"2026-01-13 17:04:00","changed_gmt":"2026-01-13 17:10:35","author":"pdevarajan3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-13T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-13T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678970":{"id":"678970","type":"image","title":"SAFDashboard-AdobeStock.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1768324007","gmt_created":"2026-01-13 17:06:47","changed":"1768324007","gmt_changed":"2026-01-13 17:06:47","alt":"Fuel Truck carrying Sustainable Aviation Fuel near an airplane","file":{"fid":"263073","name":"SAFDashboard-AdobeStock.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/13\/SAFDashboard-AdobeStock.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/13\/SAFDashboard-AdobeStock.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":831898,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/13\/SAFDashboard-AdobeStock.jpeg?itok=bJdX1-Z0"}}},"media_ids":["678970"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/epicenter.energy.gatech.edu\/saf\/","title":"EPIcenter SAF Dashboard"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"367481","name":"SEI Energy"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"},{"id":"660398","name":"Sustainability Hub"}],"categories":[{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"},{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"151","name":"Policy, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"},{"id":"194836","name":"Sustainability"}],"keywords":[{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:priya.devarajan@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EPriya Devarajan\u003C\/a\u003E || SEI Communications Program Manager\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["priya.devarajan@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687059":{"#nid":"687059","#data":{"type":"news","title":"At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Prototype Wins I2P Showcase","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThis fall, the Marcus Nanotechnology Building overflowed with energy as 35 student teams unveiled their prototypes during the Ideas to Prototype (I2P) Showcase. Attendees from the Georgia Tech community and beyond got a firsthand look at prototyped solutions that addressed problems across industries.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe showcase featured a diverse mix of innovators: Startup Launch alumni, returning I2P students refining earlier concepts, and first-time participants stepping into the entrepreneurial arena.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ETop Three Teams\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFirst Place\u003C\/strong\u003E: Gorginea Care\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EShalom Ejiwunmi \u2013 Applied Biotechnology, Fourth-Year, University of Georgia\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERakeb Tesfassellasie \u2013 Industrial and Systems Engineering, Third-Year, Georgia Tech\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESophia Bereket \u2013 Mechanical Engineering, Fourth-Year, Kennesaw State University\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA cross-institutional team from Georgia Tech, UGA, and Kennesaw State introduced an at-home cervical cancer screening kit, designed to give women privacy and control over their health.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ETaking the Leap\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam Gorginea Care started their journey at Georgia State University\u2019s Perimeter College, where they participated in the MESA program (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) \u2014 a dedicated study and research space located on Perimeter College\u2019s Clarkston campus. The team was sparked by a simple question: Why isn\u2019t there a better way to test for cervical cancer? The founders were planning on getting pap smears themselves, but they had heard about painful experiences from other women.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe were hesitant to go through the process since it seemed uncomfortable,\u201d Tesfassellasie said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo, Tesfassellasie, Bereket, and Ejiwunmi decided to consider alternatives to the plastic speculum used during standard exams and develop a tampon-like device.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u0027s just giving women a choice basically to be able to take the samples and solve without having to be so vulnerable and uncomfortable,\u201d Tesfassellasie said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team joined the summer I2P and continued to develop their prototype in the fall semester course. Bereket said CREATE-X gave them resources and space without taking ownership.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe point of us being engineers is to make a difference in the world,\u201d Tesfassellasie said. \u201cCREATE-X gives you the chance to do that, and they don\u0027t take any intellectual property. You might be really passionate about whatever you\u0027re majoring in, but this is where you can start implementing what you learn in classes in real-life projects. CREATE-X is allowing you to do this without limiting you by Schools or where you\u0027re coming from.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInitially, the team hesitated to enter the InVenture Prize competition, worried they weren\u2019t ready.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe thought we could work on more things and find more ways to improve,\u201d Bereket said. \u201cWe can give ourselves a year. By next year, maybe we\u0027ll be ready to do Inventure Prize.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut I2P changed that. Bereket said she was shocked by the win, as the team had thought they\u2019d try Startup Launch first.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cNow it\u0027s the other way around,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u0027re excited to be part of the InVenture Prize, and we\u0027re going to see how everything works out as well.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf you have an idea, or even if you don\u0027t have an idea but you feel very strongly about working on something, go to showcases like this and talk to teams and professors. Half the time, teams are looking for somebody to help,\u201d Ejiwunmi said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdditional winning teams include:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESecond Place\u003C\/strong\u003E: PedalSwap\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWylam DeSimone \u2013 Electrical Engineering, Third-Year\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EZephyr Smith \u2013Music Technology, Third-Year\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis team reimagined guitar effects pedals by creating one main pedal case with interchangeable magnetic parts, reducing cost and increasing flexibility for musicians looking to experiment with new sounds.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThird Place\u003C\/strong\u003E: Matareal\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELily Chisholm \u2013 Computer Science (Media and Systems), Fourth-Year\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENicholas Castles \u2013 Mechanical Engineering, Fourth-Year\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMegan Liu \u2013 Industrial and Systems Engineering, Second-Year\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGloria Goudjinou \u2013 Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity), Second-Year\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETackling inefficiencies in mural painting, Matareal developed a paint estimation tool that cuts planning time from two days to two minutes, saving artists thousands of dollars in wasted materials.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat the Winners Take Home\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeyond recognition, winners earn a golden ticket into CREATE-X Startup Launch, Georgia Tech\u2019s summer accelerator program. This includes:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPriority admission to Startup Launch.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E$5,000 in optional seed funding.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAccess to $200,000 in in-kind services, including legal and accounting credits.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMentorship from faculty and industry experts.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EVisibility from Demo Day.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAutomatic advancement to the InVenture Prize semifinals.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/make\/idea-to-prototype\u0022\u003ERegistration for Spring 2026 I2P\u003C\/a\u003E is open. Whether you have a fully formed idea or just a spark, I2P offers a $500 reimbursement, mentorship, and research credit to support you in making your ideas real.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe I2P Showcase at Georgia Tech featured 35 student teams presenting innovative prototypes, with first place going to Gorginea Care for their at\u2011home cervical cancer screening kit designed to offer women a more comfortable, private alternative to traditional exams. The team, made up of students from Georgia Tech, UGA, and Kennesaw State, developed a tampon\u2011like device after hearing about painful pap smear experiences. Second place went to PedalSwap, which created modular guitar pedals, and third place went to Matareal, which built a tool that drastically speeds up mural paint estimation. Winners earned entry into CREATE\u2011X Startup Launch, seed funding, mentorship, and a spot in the InVenture Prize semifinals.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Gorginea Care won the I2P Showcase for developing an at\u2011home cervical cancer screening kit, leading a lineup of innovative student teams who earned entry into CREATE\u2011X Startup Launch and advancement to the InVenture Prize."}],"uid":"36810","created_gmt":"2026-01-05 15:39:45","changed_gmt":"2026-01-12 19:08:08","author":"zzhang860","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-05T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-05T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678920":{"id":"678920","type":"image","title":"Fall 2025 I2P Showcase","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI2P Showcase Winners\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFirst Place: \u003C\/strong\u003EGorginea Care\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShalom Ejiwunmi \u2013 Applied Biotechnology, Fourth-Year, University of Georgia\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERakeb Tesfassellasie \u2013 Industrial and Systems Engineering, Third-Year, Georgia Tech\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESophia Bereket \u2013 Mechanical Engineering, Fourth-Year, Kennesaw State University\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESecond Place: \u003C\/strong\u003EPedalSwap\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWylam DeSimone \u2013 Electrical Engineering, Third-Year\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZephyr Smith \u2013Music Technology, Third-Year\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThird Place:\u003C\/strong\u003E Matareal\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELily Chisholm \u2013 Computer Science (Media and Systems), Fourth-Year\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENicholas Castles \u2013 Mechanical Engineering, Fourth-Year\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMegan Liu \u2013 Industrial and Systems Engineering, Second-Year\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGloria Goudjinou \u2013 Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity), Second-Year\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1767633739","gmt_created":"2026-01-05 17:22:19","changed":"1767633955","gmt_changed":"2026-01-05 17:25:55","alt":"Pictured, the winners of the Fall 2025 I2P Showcase stand in Marcus Nano Tech atrium with their certificates","file":{"fid":"263017","name":"20251202_I2P-Showcase-4.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/05\/20251202_I2P-Showcase-4.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/05\/20251202_I2P-Showcase-4.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":6866646,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/05\/20251202_I2P-Showcase-4.jpg?itok=qJs46R_i"}}},"media_ids":["678920"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/make\/idea-to-prototype","title":"Apply to I2P"}],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"139","name":"Business"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"},{"id":"193593","name":"gt-commercialization"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"},{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"},{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBreanna Durham\u003Cbr\u003EMarketing Strategist\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["bdurham31@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687192":{"#nid":"687192","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Coastal Resilience Project Secures Nearly $1 Million to Restore Wetlands","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has awarded an interdisciplinary team nearly $1 million in funding through the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nfwf.org\/programs\/national-coastal-resilience-fund\u0022\u003ENational Coastal Resilience Fund\u003C\/a\u003E to restore coastal wetlands in Georgia. It was the only project in Georgia to be selected for funding from the program\u0027s 2025 call for proposals.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe award will support the design of nature-based solutions including\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/insight\/understanding-living-shorelines\u0022\u003Eliving shorelines\u003C\/a\u003E and marsh restoration in flood-prone areas of Camden County, Georgia, adjacent to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Cumberland Island National Seashore, and the city of St. Marys.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cRestoring wetlands in Camden County is not just an environmental priority \u2014 it\u2019s a resilience strategy for the entire region,\u201d says principal investigator (PI)\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/people\/joel-kostka\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJoel Kostka\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;Tom and Marie Patton Distinguished Professor, associate chair for Research in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E, and faculty director of\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/joel-kostka-named-director-georgia-tech-georgias-tomorrow\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech for Georgia\u2019s Tomorrow\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u201cEach acre of restored marshland protects coastal communities from natural hazards like storms and flooding, provides essential marine habitat, and has the potential to aid the Navy and the Army Corps of Engineers in developing management alternatives for dredged materials. When our wetlands flourish, our whole coastline does.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIn addition to Kostka, co-PI\u2019s include University of Georgia (UGA) Skidaway Institute of Oceanography Director\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EClark Alexander\u003C\/strong\u003E, UGA Associate Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/engineering.uga.edu\/team_member\/matthew-v-bilskie\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMatt Bilskie\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/engineering.uga.edu\/team_member\/brian-bledsoe-2\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBrian Bledsoe\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.org\/georgia\u0022\u003EThe Nature Conservancy\u003C\/a\u003E Coastal Climate Adaptation Director\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAshby Worley\u003C\/strong\u003E, and Georgia Tech alumnus\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ENolan Williams\u003C\/strong\u003E of\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.rde.us\/\u0022\u003ERobinson Design Engineers\u003C\/a\u003E, a firm dedicated to the engineering of natural infrastructure in the Southeast that is owned and operated by Georgia Tech alumnus\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EJoshua Robinson\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA coastal collaboration\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe new project, known as a \u201cpipeline project\u201d by NFWF,\u0026nbsp; builds on multiple resilience plans and years of previous research conducted by the established team. \u201cThis is a testament to the value of the long-term collaborations and partnerships that enable coastal resilience work,\u201d Kostka says. \u201cWe\u2019re working closely with local communities and a range of city, state, and federal stakeholders to ensure these solutions align with local priorities and protect what matters most.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s not the first time that the team has brought this type of collaboration to the coastline. Since 2019, Kostka has worked alongside the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the South Carolina Aquarium, and Robinson Design Engineers in a\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/maryville-marsh-restoration\u0022\u003E$2.6 million effort to restore degraded salt marshes in historic Charleston\u003C\/a\u003E, also funded by NFWF. Now in the implementation phase, much of the marsh restoration in Charleston involves planting salt-tolerant grasses, restoring oyster reefs, and excavating new tidal creeks \u2014 work that is being spearheaded by local volunteers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cCoastal resilience isn\u2019t something one group can tackle alone,\u201d Kostka adds. \u201cThat shared, community-driven vision is what makes these projects possible.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe award will support the design of nature-based solutions including\u0026nbsp;living shorelines and marsh restoration in flood-prone areas of Camden County, Georgia.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The award will support the design of nature-based solutions including\u00a0living shorelines and marsh restoration in flood-prone areas of Camden County, Georgia."}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2026-01-12 13:20:04","changed_gmt":"2026-01-12 13:31:16","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-12T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-12T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678950":{"id":"678950","type":"image","title":"Degraded marsh on Cumberland Island, Georgia.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDegraded marsh on Cumberland Island, Georgia.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1768224154","gmt_created":"2026-01-12 13:22:34","changed":"1768224154","gmt_changed":"2026-01-12 13:22:34","alt":"Degraded marsh on Cumberland Island, Georgia.","file":{"fid":"263053","name":"Degraded-marsh-on-Cumberland.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/12\/Degraded-marsh-on-Cumberland.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/12\/Degraded-marsh-on-Cumberland.png","mime":"image\/png","size":5430100,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/12\/Degraded-marsh-on-Cumberland.png?itok=rblZWU1k"}},"678953":{"id":"678953","type":"image","title":"Kostka sampling transects of marshland on Cumberland Island, Georgia.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EKostka sampling transects of marshland on Cumberland Island, Georgia.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1768224154","gmt_created":"2026-01-12 13:22:34","changed":"1768224154","gmt_changed":"2026-01-12 13:22:34","alt":"Kostka sampling transects of marshland on Cumberland Island, Georgia.","file":{"fid":"263056","name":"Transect-sampling-on-Cumberland-Island.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/12\/Transect-sampling-on-Cumberland-Island.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/12\/Transect-sampling-on-Cumberland-Island.png","mime":"image\/png","size":5222904,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/12\/Transect-sampling-on-Cumberland-Island.png?itok=xBr-zea0"}},"678951":{"id":"678951","type":"image","title":"Erosion around the historic property \u201cDungeness\u201d on Cumberland Island, Georgia.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EErosion around the historic property \u201cDungeness\u201d on Cumberland Island, Georgia.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1768224154","gmt_created":"2026-01-12 13:22:34","changed":"1768224154","gmt_changed":"2026-01-12 13:22:34","alt":"Erosion around the historic property \u201cDungeness\u201d on Cumberland Island, Georgia.","file":{"fid":"263054","name":"Erosion-in-front-of-Dungeness-on-Cumberland.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/12\/Erosion-in-front-of-Dungeness-on-Cumberland.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/12\/Erosion-in-front-of-Dungeness-on-Cumberland.png","mime":"image\/png","size":6900758,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/12\/Erosion-in-front-of-Dungeness-on-Cumberland.png?itok=uvmJsn8X"}},"678952":{"id":"678952","type":"image","title":"Flooding in the town of St. Marys, a town in Camden County, Georgia.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFlooding in the town of St. Marys, a town in Camden County, Georgia.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1768224154","gmt_created":"2026-01-12 13:22:34","changed":"1768224154","gmt_changed":"2026-01-12 13:22:34","alt":"Flooding in the town of St. Marys, a town in Camden County, Georgia.","file":{"fid":"263055","name":"Flooding-in-St.-Marys.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/12\/Flooding-in-St.-Marys.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/12\/Flooding-in-St.-Marys.png","mime":"image\/png","size":4918395,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/12\/Flooding-in-St.-Marys.png?itok=Ug-RLMae"}}},"media_ids":["678950","678953","678951","678952"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/maryville-marsh-restoration","title":"Researchers and Alumni Aid in $2.6 Million Effort to Restore Salt Marshes in Historic Charleston"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"categories":[{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"},{"id":"194836","name":"Sustainability"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194631","name":"cos-georgia"},{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"192254","name":"cos-climate"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"},{"id":"39511","name":"Public Service, Leadership, and Policy"},{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWritten by \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686615":{"#nid":"686615","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Look to Maker Safer AI Through Google Awards","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EPeople seeking mental health support are increasingly turning to large language models (LLMs) for advice.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, most popular AI-powered chatbots are not trained to recognize when someone is in crisis. LLMs also cannot determine when to refer someone to a human specialist.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENew Georgia Tech research projects that address these issues may soon provide people seeking mental health support with safer experiences.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGoogle has awarded research grants to three faculty members from the School of Interactive Computing to study artificial intelligence (AI), trust, safety, and security. The grants were among dozens awarded by the company to researchers across the country.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProfessor \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.munmund.net\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMunmun De Choudhury\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Associate Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.google.com\/view\/riarriaga\/home\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERosa Arriaga\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and Associate Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/aritter.github.io\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlan Ritter\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E are among the recipients of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.google\/programs-and-events\/google-academic-research-awards\/google-academic-research-award-program-recipients\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2025 Google Academic Research Awards\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETheir projects will explore questions like:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhat harms could occur if people consult LLMs for mental health advice?\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhich groups are most at risk of receiving harmful guidance?\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhen should an LLM stop responding and refer someone to a human professional?\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDe Choudhury and Arriaga will examine how LLMs might harm people seeking mental health care.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDe Choudhury\u2019s work focuses on spotting when chatbot conversations go wrong and lead users toward self-harm. She is also studying design changes that could prevent these situations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHer project,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EExiting Harmful Reliance: Identifying Crises \u0026amp; Care Escalation Needs\u003C\/em\u003E, is in partnership with Angel Hsing-Chi Hwang from the University of Southern California. Together, they will review real and synthetic chat transcripts with clinicians to find language patterns that signal risk.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cA chatbot will always give a response and keep talking to you for however long you want,\u201d De Choudhury said. \u201cThat may not be a good thing for someone in crisis. We need to know when the right response is to stop and suggest talking to a human.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUnderstanding Risks for Low-Income Users\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArriaga\u2019s project,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EDull, Dirty, Dangerous: Investigating Trust of Digital Resources Among Low-SES Mental Health Care Seekers\u003C\/em\u003E, looks at how LLMs affect people with low socioeconomic status (SES).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDull, dirty, and dangerous is a phrase used to describe work that is well-suited for robot automation because they are repetitive, physically taxing, or hazardous for humans. Arriaga said she adapted these terms for her research to create a taxonomy of the harms AI can cause to people seeking mental health care.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArriaga also wants to label the trust factors that chatbots have that attract low-SES users to seek their advice, and how these may differ for adults and adolescents across contexts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe know one of the reasons some users go to LLMs is because they aren\u2019t insured and can\u2019t afford a therapist,\u201d she said. \u201cLLMs are available 24-7. Maybe it doesn\u2019t start as a trust issue. Maybe it starts with availability.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSome of these human-AI conversations that result in harmful mental health advice didn\u2019t begin on the topic of mental health. In one case, the person started going to the machine for help with homework.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThen this relationship evolved into personal matters. Should we constrain the system to limit itself to helping someone with their homework and not wander off that subject into mental health matters?\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EManaging Privacy Risks for Social Media\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERitter will use the Google award to advance research on social media privacy tools, including interactive AI agents that help people make more informed decisions about what they share online.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis project, \u003Cem\u003EAI Tools to Help Users Make Informed Decisions About Online Information Sharing\u003C\/em\u003E, focuses on reducing privacy risks in both text and images by identifying when posts reveal more than users intend.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019ve been developing methods to assess risks in text, and now we\u2019re extending that work to images,\u201d Ritter said. \u201cPeople post photos without realizing how easily they can be geolocated by advanced AI systems. A casual selfie near home might contain subtle cues about where you live, like a street sign, that reveal private details.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe project aims to create AI agents that review content within user posts, flag elements that pose risk, and suggest safer alternatives. Ritter said he wants people to maintain control over their privacy without limiting freedom of expression.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERitter will deploy advanced reasoning models capable of probabilistic privacy estimation. These systems can infer how identifiable a piece of text might be or how likely an image is to reveal a user\u2019s location.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor images, Ritter and his collaborators will use models that identify geolocatable features, allowing users to edit or hide them before posting.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor more on Ritter\u2019s research,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/new-large-language-model-can-protect-social-media-users-privacy\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eread how an LLM he co-developed protects the privacy of users on social media.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThree Georgia Tech faculty members from the School of Interactive Computing received Google Academic Research Awards to study how to make AI safer, focusing on minimizing harm to users seeking \u003Cstrong\u003Emental health support\u003C\/strong\u003E from large language models (LLMs) and improving \u003Cstrong\u003Esocial media privacy\u003C\/strong\u003E tools.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Three Georgia Tech faculty members received Google Academic Research Awards to study how to make AI safer."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2025-11-24 20:28:32","changed_gmt":"2026-01-09 13:38:21","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-24T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-24T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678716":{"id":"678716","type":"image","title":"437249_Google-Research-Award-Graphic.jpg","body":null,"created":"1764016128","gmt_created":"2025-11-24 20:28:48","changed":"1764016128","gmt_changed":"2025-11-24 20:28:48","alt":"Google Research Awards","file":{"fid":"262784","name":"437249_Google-Research-Award-Graphic.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/24\/437249_Google-Research-Award-Graphic.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/24\/437249_Google-Research-Award-Graphic.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":120957,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/24\/437249_Google-Research-Award-Graphic.jpg?itok=QmSwvwkp"}}},"media_ids":["678716"],"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":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"193860","name":"Artifical Intelligence"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"192524","name":"ChatGPT"},{"id":"184554","name":"Google Research Award"},{"id":"167007","name":"health \u0026 well-being"},{"id":"10343","name":"mental health"},{"id":"169137","name":"chatbot"},{"id":"167543","name":"social media"},{"id":"114791","name":"Data Privacy"}],"core_research_areas":[],"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":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686197":{"#nid":"686197","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Software Center Director to Lead Next Wave of Scientific Discovery","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EScientists across Georgia Tech rely on powerful software tools to propel breakthroughs in fields ranging from physics to biology. Now, software experts who make that research possible are gaining a new leader.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe College of Computing named Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/vuduc.org\/v2\/\u0022\u003ERich Vuduc\u003C\/a\u003E as director of the Center for Scientific Software Engineering (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ssecenter.cc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECSSE\u003C\/a\u003E). The Georgia Tech hub is dedicated to building reliable, high-performance software for scientists. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnder Vuduc\u2019s leadership, CSSE strives to accelerate the pace and increase the quality of scientific discovery by developing custom software tools and best practices tailored to researchers\u2019 needs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere is a reproducibility and reliability problem right now with scientific software,\u201d Vuduc said. \u201cThe promise of CSSE is to leverage capabilities shared between Georgia Tech, Schmidt Sciences, and industry experts to address this problem.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIssues arise because scientists often need to develop their own software for experiments or data analysis. However, troubleshooting coding issues and other bugs can slow down research.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo assist these scientists, CSSE receives their input to create custom software tools and best practices. The center employs professional software engineers who build and deliver products tailor-made to the needs of researchers at Georgia Tech and broader scientific communities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBeyond its research focus, CSSE helps Georgia Tech fulfill its educational mission. The center provides students with direct access and exposure to real-world software engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs the center enters its third year, Vuduc wants to better prepare students for employment by enhancing their hands-on experience while learning from CSSE engineers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo achieve this goal, Vuduc is working to establish a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gatech.infoready4.com\/#competitionDetail\/1999204\u0022\u003EPh.D. fellowship program\u003C\/a\u003E in which CSSE engineers mentor students. This program would connect academic inquiry with industry expertise, creating the next generation of dynamic leaders in computational science. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVuduc also envisions pairing CSSE with Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/vip.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EVertically Integrated Projects (VIP) program\u003C\/a\u003E. This approach would allow undergraduate students to earn class credit while working with CSSE engineers on large software engineering projects spanning multiple semesters.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe center gives our students access to something that is very unique to find in a university environment,\u201d Vuduc said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe software engineers in CSSE mostly come from industry. They have over 65 years of combined experience doing real-world software engineering that students can learn from.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVuduc is a 2010 recipient of the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/awards.acm.org\/bell\u0022\u003EGordon Bell Prize\u003C\/a\u003E and a leading expert in high-performance computing (HPC). He was a finalist for the award in 2020 and 2022.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Gordon Bell Prize, often referred to as the Nobel Prize in supercomputing due to the scope and magnitude of research it recognizes, celebrates achievement in HPC research and application.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVuduc joined Georgia Tech in 2007 as one of the first faculty hired for the new Division of Computational Science and Engineering (CSE). Not a stranger of leading new units, he saw CSE begin offering M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in 2008 and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cse.gatech.edu\/founding-school\u0022\u003Eattain school status in 2010\u003C\/a\u003E. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince 2021, Vuduc has served as co-director of the Center for Research into Novel Computing Hierarchies (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/crnch.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECRNCH\u003C\/a\u003E).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECRNCH is an interdisciplinary research center at Georgia Tech that explores technologies and approaches that will usher the next generation of computing. Areas CRNCH studies include quantum computing, brain-inspired computing, and approximate computing.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVuduc will step down as CRNCH co-director to fulfill his role as CSSE director. The College of Computing will lead a search for CRNCH\u2019s next co-director.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn a sense, the CRNCH to CSSE transition was partly a natural one because one thing that contributes to software challenges is that hardware platforms are also changing and evolving very rapidly,\u201d said Vuduc.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cPeople are exploring radically new hardware systems and we will have to write software configured for those too. Centers, like CRNCH and CSSE, strongly position Georgia Tech to lead these endeavors.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlessandro (Alex) Orso\u003C\/strong\u003E, the previous CSSE director, departed Georgia Tech earlier this year to become\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.uga.edu\/alex-orso-named-dean-of-ugas-college-of-engineering\/\u0022\u003Edean of the University of Georgia\u2019s College of Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E. Orso and Distinguished Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EIrfan Essa\u003C\/strong\u003E wrote the proposal to bring CSSE to Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech formed CSSE in 2022 after securing an $11 million grant from\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.schmidtsciences.org\/\u0022\u003ESchmidt Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and his spouse, Wendy Schmidt, founded the philanthropic venture that funds science and technology research and talent networking programs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s CSSE is part of Schmidt Sciences\u2019\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.schmidtsciences.org\/viss\/\u0022\u003EVirtual Institute for Scientific Software (VISS) program\u003C\/a\u003E. This network helps scientists obtain more robust, flexible, scalable open-source software.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESchmidt Sciences is investing $40 million in VISS over five years at four universities: Georgia Tech, University of Washington, Johns Hopkins University, and University of Cambridge.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECSSE uses the funding to employ a software engineering lead, three senior and two junior software engineers. The Schmidt Sciences grant equips these engineers with computing resources to build scientific software. Along with the director, an advisory board guides the group\u2019s work to meet the point of need for scientists in the field.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI am grateful to Schmidt Sciences for their support of CSSE. It aligns with our college\u2019s strategic goals and expertise in scientific software, and I am delighted that Rich has agreed to take on this important role,\u201d said Vivek Sarkar, Dean and John P. Imlay Jr. Chair of Computing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI know that Rich is committed to growing CSSE\u0027s internal and external visibility and long-term sustainability. I am confident that he will also help further socialize CSSE among internal stakeholders across Georgia Tech.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EScientists across Georgia Tech rely on powerful software tools to propel breakthroughs in fields ranging from physics to biology. Now, software experts who make that research possible are gaining a new leader.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe College of Computing named Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/vuduc.org\/v2\/\u0022\u003ERich Vuduc\u003C\/a\u003E as director of the Center for Scientific Software Engineering (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ssecenter.cc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECSSE\u003C\/a\u003E). The Georgia Tech hub is dedicated to building reliable, high-performance software for scientists. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnder Vuduc\u2019s leadership, CSSE strives to accelerate the pace and increase the quality of scientific discovery by developing custom software tools and best practices tailored to researchers\u2019 needs.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The College of Computing named Professor Rich Vuduc as director of the Center for Scientific Software Engineering (CSSE). The Georgia Tech hub is dedicated to building reliable, high-performance software for scientists.  "}],"uid":"36319","created_gmt":"2025-11-05 14:01:46","changed_gmt":"2026-01-09 13:38:07","author":"Bryant Wine","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-03T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-03T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678546":{"id":"678546","type":"image","title":"Vuduc-CSSE-Director.jpg","body":null,"created":"1762351373","gmt_created":"2025-11-05 14:02:53","changed":"1762351373","gmt_changed":"2025-11-05 14:02:53","alt":"Rich Vuduc CSSE Director","file":{"fid":"262598","name":"Vuduc-CSSE-Director.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/05\/Vuduc-CSSE-Director.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/05\/Vuduc-CSSE-Director.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":82857,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/05\/Vuduc-CSSE-Director.jpg?itok=o-JZUe-T"}}},"media_ids":["678546"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/new-software-center-director-lead-next-wave-scientific-discovery","title":"New Software Center Director to Lead Next Wave of Scientific Discovery"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50877","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"172288","name":"School of Computational Science Engineering"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"},{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"183717","name":"Center for Research into Novel Computing Hierarchies"},{"id":"15030","name":"high-performance computing"},{"id":"170965","name":"software engineering"},{"id":"194841","name":"Center for Scientific Software Engineering"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"}],"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\u003EBryant Wine, Communications Officer\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:bryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686843":{"#nid":"686843","#data":{"type":"news","title":"NSF Grant Funds Protein Research for Drug Discovery and Personalized Medicine","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EProteins, including antibodies, hemoglobin, and insulin, power nearly every vital aspect of life. Breakthroughs in protein research are producing vaccines, resilient crops, bioenergy sources, and other innovative technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite their importance, most of what scientists know about proteins only comes from a small sample size. This stands in the way of fully understanding how most proteins work and unlocking their full potential.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/faculty.cc.gatech.edu\/~yunan\/\u0022\u003EYunan Luo\u003C\/a\u003E believes artificial intelligence (AI) could fill this knowledge gap. The National Science Foundation agrees. Luo is the recipient of an NSF Faculty Early Career Development (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/funding\/opportunities\/career-faculty-early-career-development-program\u0022\u003ECAREER\u003C\/a\u003E) award.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSo much of biology depends on knowing what proteins do, but decades of research have concentrated on a relatively small set of well-studied proteins. This imbalance in scientific attention leads to a distorted view of the biological landscape that\u0026nbsp;quietly shapes our data and our algorithms,\u201d Luo said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMy group\u2019s goal is to build machine learning (ML) models that actively close this gap by generating trustworthy\u0026nbsp;function predictions for the many proteins that remain understudied.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E[Related: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/faculty-use-ai-protein-design-and-discovery-support-18-million-nih-grant\u0022\u003EYunan Luo to use AI for Protein Design and Discovery with Support of $1.8 Million NIH Grant\u003C\/a\u003E]\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn his \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/awardsearch\/show-award\/?AWD_ID=2442063\u0026amp;HistoricalAwards=false\u0022\u003Eproposal to NSF\u003C\/a\u003E, Luo coined this rich-get-richer effect \u201cannotation inequality.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne problem of annotation inequality is that it slows progress in disease prognosis, drug discovery, and other critical biomedical areas. It is challenging to innovate the few proteins that scientists already know so much about.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA cascading effect of annotation inequality is that it diminishes the effectiveness of studying proteins with\u0026nbsp;AI. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI methods learn from existing experimental data. Datasets skewed toward well-known proteins propagate and become entrenched in models. Over time, this makes it harder for computers to research understudied proteins.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cProtein annotation inequality creates an effect analogous to a vast library where 95% of patrons only read the top 5% popular books, leaving the rest of the collection to gather dust,\u201d Luo said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis has resulted in knowledge disparities across proteins in current literature and databases, biasing our understanding of protein functions.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe NSF CAREER award will fund Luo with over $770,000 for the next five years to tackle head-on the problem of protein annotation inequality.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELuo will use the grant to build an accurate, unbiased protein function prediction framework at scale. His project aims to:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EReveal how annotation inequality affects protein function prediction systems\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECreate ML techniques suited for biological data, which is often noisy, incomplete, and imbalanced \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIntegrate data and ML models into a scalable framework to accelerate discoveries involving understudied proteins\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMore enduring than the ML framework, Luo will leverage the NSF award to support educational and outreach programs. His goal is to groom the next generation of researchers to study other challenges in computational biology, not just the annotation inequality problem.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELuo teaches graduate and undergraduate courses focused on computational biology and ML. Problems and methods developed through the CAREER project can be used as course material in his classes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELuo also championed collaboration with Georgia Tech\u2019s Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ceismc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECEISMC\u003C\/a\u003E) in his proposal.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough this partnership, local high school teachers and students would gain access to his data and models. This promotes deeper learning of biology and data science through hands-on experience with real-world tools. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELuo sees reaching students and the community as a way of paying forward the support he received from Georgia Tech colleagues.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI am incredibly grateful for this recognition from the NSF,\u201d said Luo, an assistant professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cse.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Computational Science and Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (CSE).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis would not have been possible without my students and collaborators, whose hard work laid the groundwork for this proposal.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELuo praised CSE faculty members \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/faculty.cc.gatech.edu\/~badityap\/\u0022\u003EB. Aditya Prakash\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/xiuweizhang.wordpress.com\/\u0022\u003EXiuwei Zhang\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/chaozhang.org\/\u0022\u003EChao Zhang\u003C\/a\u003E for their guidance. All three study \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cse.gatech.edu\/artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning\u0022\u003Emachine learning\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cse.gatech.edu\/computational-bioscience-and-biomedicine\u0022\u003Ecomputational bioscience\u003C\/a\u003E, two of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cse.gatech.edu\/research\u0022\u003ECSE\u2019s five core research areas\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELuo also thanked \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/faculty.cc.gatech.edu\/~hpark\/\u0022\u003EHaesun Park\u003C\/a\u003E for her support and recommendation for the CAREER award. Park is a Regents\u2019 Professor and the chair of the School of CSE.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EProteins, including antibodies, hemoglobin, and insulin, power nearly every vital aspect of life. Breakthroughs in protein research are producing vaccines, resilient crops, bioenergy sources, and other innovative technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite their importance, most of what scientists know about proteins only comes from a small sample size. This stands in the way of fully understanding how most proteins work and unlocking their full potential.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/faculty.cc.gatech.edu\/~yunan\/\u0022\u003EYunan Luo\u003C\/a\u003E believes artificial intelligence (AI) could fill this knowledge gap. The National Science Foundation agrees. Luo is the recipient of an NSF Faculty Early Career Development (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/funding\/opportunities\/career-faculty-early-career-development-program\u0022\u003ECAREER\u003C\/a\u003E) award.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Yunan Luo is the recipient of an NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award to use artificial intelligence to solve the protein annotation inequality problem."}],"uid":"36319","created_gmt":"2025-12-10 16:57:22","changed_gmt":"2026-01-09 13:37:31","author":"Bryant Wine","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-10T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-10T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678817":{"id":"678817","type":"image","title":"Yunan-Luo-NSF-CAREER_1.jpg","body":null,"created":"1765385865","gmt_created":"2025-12-10 16:57:45","changed":"1765385865","gmt_changed":"2025-12-10 16:57:45","alt":"Yunan Luo NSF CAREER Award","file":{"fid":"262902","name":"Yunan-Luo-NSF-CAREER_1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/10\/Yunan-Luo-NSF-CAREER_1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/10\/Yunan-Luo-NSF-CAREER_1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":108350,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/10\/Yunan-Luo-NSF-CAREER_1.jpg?itok=j83dW4Sn"}},"678818":{"id":"678818","type":"image","title":"Yunan-Luo-NSF-CAREER_2.jpg","body":null,"created":"1765385967","gmt_created":"2025-12-10 16:59:27","changed":"1765385967","gmt_changed":"2025-12-10 16:59:27","alt":"Yunan Luo NSF CAREER Award","file":{"fid":"262903","name":"Yunan-Luo-NSF-CAREER_2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/10\/Yunan-Luo-NSF-CAREER_2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/10\/Yunan-Luo-NSF-CAREER_2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":100260,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/10\/Yunan-Luo-NSF-CAREER_2.jpg?itok=CShGR6nJ"}}},"media_ids":["678817","678818"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/nsf-grant-funds-protein-research-drug-discovery-and-personalized-medicine","title":"NSF Grant Funds Protein Research for Drug Discovery and Personalized Medicine"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50877","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"166983","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"},{"id":"9167","name":"machine learning"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"362","name":"National Science Foundation"},{"id":"191934","name":"National Science Foundation (NSF)"},{"id":"170447","name":"Institute for Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"176858","name":"machine learning center"},{"id":"173894","name":"ML@GT"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"}],"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\u003EBryant Wine, Communications Officer\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:bryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686871":{"#nid":"686871","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Meet CSE Profile: Ph.D. Graduate Ziqi Zhang","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EPh.D. student \u003Cstrong\u003EZiqi Zhang\u003C\/strong\u003E has built a career blending machine learning with single-cell biology. His work helps scientists study cellular mechanisms that advance disease research and drug development.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThough\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/award-winning-computer-models-propel-research-cellular-differentiation\u0022\u003Edecorated with awards\u003C\/a\u003E and appearances in leading journals, Zhang will achieve his greatest accomplishment tonight at McCamish Pavilion. He will join the Class of 2025 in walking across the stage, receiving diplomas, and graduating from Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore he \u201cgets out\u201d of Georgia Tech, we interviewed Zhang to learn more about his Ph.D. journey and where his degree will take him next.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGraduate:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/peterzzq.github.io\/\u0022\u003EZiqi Zhang\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResearch Interests:\u003C\/strong\u003E Machine learning, foundational models, cellular mechanisms, single-cell gene sequencing, gene regulatory networks\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEducation:\u003C\/strong\u003E Ph.D. in Computational Science and Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFaculty Advisor\u003C\/strong\u003E: School of CSE J.Z. Liang Early-Career Associate Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/xiuweizhang.wordpress.com\/\u0022\u003EXiuwei Zhang\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat persuaded you to study at Georgia Tech?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI chose Georgia Tech because it is one of the top engineering institutions in the United States, known for its strength in machine learning and data science. The university offers exceptional research resources and the opportunity to work with leading scholars in my field. Georgia Tech also has very good research infrastructure. The \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cse.gatech.edu\/coda\u0022\u003ECoda Building\u003C\/a\u003E is one of the most well-designed and productive research environments I have experienced. Having access to such a space has been a genuine privilege.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow has working on your CSE degree helped you so far in your career?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWorking toward my CSE degree has been instrumental in my career development. As an interdisciplinary program, CSE has equipped me with strong computational skills while also deepening my understanding of key application domains. This breadth of training has opened more opportunities during my job and internship searches. In addition, CSE community events, such as\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/hotcse.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EHotCSE\u003C\/a\u003E, the weekly coffee hour, and faculty recruiting activities, have helped me strengthen my scientific communication skills, which are essential for my long-term career growth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat research project from Georgia Tech are you most proud of?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMy favorite research project was\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41467-023-36066-2\u0022\u003EscMoMaT\u003C\/a\u003E, a matrix tri-factorization algorithm for single-cell data integration. I invested a significant amount of time and effort into this work, iterating on the model many times. I\u2019m very proud that it ultimately evolved into a clean, robust, and elegant algorithm.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat advice would you give someone interested in graduate school?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt is important to find an advisor who is supportive and genuinely invested in your career development. A Ph.D. is not an easy journey, and you will inevitably encounter challenges along the way. Having an advisor who can provide thoughtful guidance and dedicated mentorship is one of the most crucial factors in helping you navigate those difficulties.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat is your most favorite memory from Georgia Tech?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECSE\u2019s new student campus visit day every year was one of my favorite times of the year. It was always fun to meet new people, have good food, and enjoy the beautiful view from the Coda rooftop.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat are your plans after graduation?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI plan to keep working in academia after graduation. I\u2019m on the job hunt, currently applying for positions and preparing for interviews.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EPh.D. student \u003Cstrong\u003EZiqi Zhang\u003C\/strong\u003E has built a career blending machine learning with single-cell biology. His work helps scientists study cellular mechanisms that advance disease research and drug development.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThough\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/award-winning-computer-models-propel-research-cellular-differentiation\u0022\u003Edecorated with awards\u003C\/a\u003E and appearances in leading journals, Zhang will achieve his greatest accomplishment tonight at McCamish Pavilion. He will join the Class of 2025 in walking across the stage, receiving diplomas, and graduating from Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore he \u201cgets out\u201d of Georgia Tech, we interviewed Zhang to learn more about his Ph.D. journey and where his degree will take him next.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Ph.D. graduate Ziqi Zhang will join the Class of 2025 in walking across the stage, receiving diplomas, and graduating from Georgia Tech."}],"uid":"36319","created_gmt":"2025-12-11 15:58:37","changed_gmt":"2026-01-09 13:36:26","author":"Bryant Wine","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-11T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-11T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678827":{"id":"678827","type":"image","title":"Meet-CSE_Ziqi-Zhang.jpg","body":null,"created":"1765468731","gmt_created":"2025-12-11 15:58:51","changed":"1765468731","gmt_changed":"2025-12-11 15:58:51","alt":"Meet CSE Ziqi Zhang","file":{"fid":"262915","name":"Meet-CSE_Ziqi-Zhang.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/11\/Meet-CSE_Ziqi-Zhang.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/11\/Meet-CSE_Ziqi-Zhang.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":119733,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/11\/Meet-CSE_Ziqi-Zhang.jpg?itok=LsnALgbn"}}},"media_ids":["678827"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"50877","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"},{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"}],"keywords":[{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"166983","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"},{"id":"194880","name":"2025 fall commencement"},{"id":"9167","name":"machine learning"},{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"}],"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\u003EBryant Wine, Communications Officer\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:bryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686884":{"#nid":"686884","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Students Collaborating with Nonprofit to Reduce Bird Collisions with Buildings","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn 2015, before the cleaning crews hit the sidewalks of downtown Atlanta and before scavenger animals arose to snag an easy meal, Adam Betuel would venture into the darkness of the early mornings to look for birds.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome were still alive, but most of the birds were dead. They were all too easy to find.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI knew birds hit buildings, but I didn\u2019t know much more about the issue at that time, and I was surprised how easily I just found birds,\u201d Betuel said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBirds flying into windows aren\u2019t isolated events. Environmentalists estimate between 365 million and one billion birds die each year from colliding with structures in the U.S. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat statistic is hard for most people to comprehend,\u201d Betuel said. \u201cWhen you think about the millions of homes we have and these high-rise buildings, and if each one is killing a few a year, that number can get big pretty quick.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBetuel is the executive director of\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.birdsgeorgia.org\/mission-and-programs.html\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBirds Georgia\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a nonprofit affiliate of the Audubon network that leads bird conservation efforts in Georgia. For 10 years, volunteers from the organization have combed Atlanta\u2019s streets, collecting bird specimens.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBirds Georgia launched Project Safe Flight in 2015 to reduce bird building-collision mortality through data collection. Through legislation, the group aims to make building construction bird-friendly and reduce light pollution.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEnvironmentalists who study the issue have ranked Atlanta, which sits squarely on a migration route, as the fourth-most dangerous city for birds during fall migration. It is the ninth-most dangerous city during spring migration.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe number of bird deaths from collisions in Atlanta and across the state remains unknown. However, new data tools developed by student researchers in the College of Computing at Georgia Tech are helping Birds Georgia get a clearer picture of the issue.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019ve been working with different folks at Georgia Tech for years now, but it\u2019s really picked up lately,\u201d Betuel said. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of momentum and interest on campus to try to make the city safer for birds.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPushing for Policy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/abooneportfolio.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAshley Boone\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a Ph.D. student in human-centered computing in Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing, has led the student effort to help Birds Georgia organize its data.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBoone said organizing data and knowing how to use it is critical to spark conversations about adopting legislation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe often see a gap between data collection and data advocacy,\u201d she said. \u201cBirds Georgia has done an amazing job of tracking collisions in Atlanta over the last 10 years. My goal is to understand the role technology can play in making data useful for policy change.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUser-interface tools designed by computer science undergraduate students James Kemerait and Ian Wood have\u0026nbsp;ramped\u0026nbsp;up that process. One tool converts data input into visualizations optimized for social media, while another consolidates the data collected by volunteers and external sources.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBoone said the desired legislation would mirror policies implemented by New York City. Those policies require the use of bird-safe materials \u2014 like window film with patterned designs that break up reflections \u2014 in new buildings and buildings undergoing significant renovations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat Can Residents Do?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResidents, whose homes account for about 40% of bird collision deaths in the U.S., can also make an impact.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHouseholds are an underexamined cause of bird collisions,\u201d Boone said. \u201cWe focus on the big buildings because it\u2019s easier to convince one manager of a large building to use bird-safe materials, and it\u2019s easier for a policy to address a commercial building. But the sheer volume of residential buildings in the U.S. has a tremendous impact on the number of collisions.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESteps that homeowners can take include:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBuying bird-safe film or making do-it-yourself versions of it to put on windows.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPlacing attractive objects like birdhouses and birdfeeders very close or very far away from windows.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETurning off lights after 9 p.m. on the busiest migration nights of the year.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBetuel said millions of birds can fly over Atlanta on a single night during migration, and they are attracted to the city lights.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThey\u2019ll come into urban centers and collide with an illuminated building, or maybe they overnight somewhere that isn\u2019t safe,\u201d he said. \u201cThe next day, they\u2019re surrounded by glass, and birds don\u2019t understand reflection.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResidents can visit the Birds Georgia website to sign up for the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.birdsgeorgia.org\/lights-out-georgia.html\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELights Out Pledge\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. Those who sign up will receive a text on the 10 busiest migratory nights of the year, and they will be asked to turn their lights off early.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe tools provided by Georgia Tech gave Birds Georgia insight into the number of bird species affected by collisions \u2014 more than 140, according to Betuel.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBetuel said that when the organization reaches an estimate of bird collisions, he hopes the number will raise alarms and turn people\u2019s attention to the ecological impact.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAll these birds being lost results in fewer birds to eat pest insects, fewer birds to pollinate flowers, fewer birds to disperse seeds \u2014 all the ecological functions that we need, that they\u2019re doing in the background that most people aren\u2019t keen to,\u201d he said. \u201cIf this decline in bird life continues to happen, at some point, there will be issues with our ecosystems functioning as they always have.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAtlanta is one of the country\u0027s deadliest cities for migratory birds. Human-centered computing students in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing are helping Birds Georgia organize its data to better understand how to reduce the likelihood of birds flying into tall buildings..\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Interactive computing students are developing new data tools to reduce bird\/building strikes in Atlanta, which is among the country\u0027s deadliest cities for migratory birds."}],"uid":"32045","created_gmt":"2025-12-12 22:04:38","changed_gmt":"2026-01-09 13:35:54","author":"Ben Snedeker","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-12T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-12T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678838":{"id":"678838","type":"image","title":"Georgia Tech human-centered computing Ph.D. student Ashley Boone is building data tools to reduce the likelihood of birds flying into buildings.","body":null,"created":"1765577088","gmt_created":"2025-12-12 22:04:48","changed":"1765577088","gmt_changed":"2025-12-12 22:04:48","alt":"Georgia Tech human-centered computing Ph.D. student Ashley Boone is building data tools to reduce the likelihood of birds flying into buildings.","file":{"fid":"262927","name":"Ashley-Boone_86A1373-copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/12\/Ashley-Boone_86A1373-copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/12\/Ashley-Boone_86A1373-copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":66310,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/12\/Ashley-Boone_86A1373-copy.jpg?itok=iPD3xf3i"}}},"media_ids":["678838"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"142","name":"City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth"},{"id":"42901","name":"Community"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"}],"core_research_areas":[],"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":"\u003Cp\u003ENathan Deen, Communications Officer I\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech School of Interactive Computing\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003Endeen6@gatech.edu\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687042":{"#nid":"687042","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Climbs to No. 2 University in Federally Sponsored Research Expenditures","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUniversity research drives U.S. innovation, and Georgia Institute of Technology is leading the way.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe latest \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ncses.nsf.gov\/surveys\/higher-education-research-development\/2024#data\u0022\u003EHigher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey\u003C\/a\u003E from the National Science Foundation (NSF) places Georgia Tech as No. 2 nationally for federally sponsored research expenditures in 2024. This is Georgia Tech\u2019s highest-ever ranking from the NSF HERD survey and a 70% increase over the Institute\u0027s 2019 numbers.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn total expenditures from all externally funded dollars (including the federal government, foundations, industry, etc.), Georgia Tech is ranked at No. 6.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETech remains ranked No. 1 among universities without a medical school \u2014 a major accomplishment, as medical schools account for a quarter of all research expenditures nationally.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech\u2019s rise to No. 2 in federally sponsored research expenditures reflects the extraordinary talent and commitment of our faculty, staff, students, and partners. This achievement demonstrates the confidence federal agencies have in our ability to deliver transformative research that addresses the nation\u2019s most critical challenges,\u201d said Tim Lieuwen, executive vice president for Research.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOverall, the state of Georgia maintained its No. 8 position in university research and development, and for the first time, the state topped the $4 billion mark in research expenditures. Georgia Tech provides $1.5 billion, the largest state university contribution. In the last five years, federal funding for higher education research in the state of Georgia has grown an astounding 46% \u2014 10 points higher than the U.S. rate.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELieuwen said, \u201cGeorgia Tech is proud to lead the state in research contributions, helping Georgia surpass the $4 billion mark for the first time. Our work doesn\u2019t just advance knowledge \u2014 it saves lives, creates jobs, and strengthens national security. This growth reflects our commitment to drive innovation that benefits Georgia, our country, and the world.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout the NSF HERD Survey\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe NSF HERD Survey is an annual census of U.S. colleges and universities that expended at least $150,000 in separately accounted for research and development (R\u0026amp;D) in the fiscal year. The survey collects information on R\u0026amp;D expenditures by field of research and source of funds and also gathers information on types of research, expenses, and headcounts of R\u0026amp;D personnel.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout Georgia Tech\u0027s Research Enterprise\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe research enterprise at Georgia Tech is led by the Executive Vice President for Research, Tim Lieuwen, and directs a portfolio of research, development, and sponsored activities. This includes leadership of the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), the Enterprise Innovation Institute, 11 interdisciplinary research institutes (IRIs), Office of Commercialization, Office of Corporate Engagement, plus research centers, and related research administrative support units. Georgia Tech routinely ranks among the top U.S. universities in volume of research conducted.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"This is the Institute\u2019s best ranking in the National Science Foundation\u2019s annual survey."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EUniversity research drives U.S. innovation, and Georgia Institute of Technology is leading the way. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"This is the Institute\u2019s best ranking in the National Science Foundation\u2019s annual survey."}],"uid":"27561","created_gmt":"2026-01-02 15:18:43","changed_gmt":"2026-01-08 20:52:49","author":"Angela Ayers","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-05T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-05T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678906":{"id":"678906","type":"image","title":"20250911_IBB_ChipLung-08.jpg","body":null,"created":"1767367131","gmt_created":"2026-01-02 15:18:51","changed":"1767367131","gmt_changed":"2026-01-02 15:18:51","alt":"Two Georgia Tech researchers looking at a biomedical chip.","file":{"fid":"263002","name":"20250911_IBB_ChipLung-08.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/02\/20250911_IBB_ChipLung-08_0.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/02\/20250911_IBB_ChipLung-08_0.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":89262,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/02\/20250911_IBB_ChipLung-08_0.jpg?itok=65G0LzgZ"}}},"media_ids":["678906"],"groups":[{"id":"244191","name":"Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems"},{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"},{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"39451","name":"Electronics and Nanotechnology"},{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"193654","name":"Enterprise Innovation Institute"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"},{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"},{"id":"39471","name":"Materials"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"39481","name":"National Security"},{"id":"193656","name":"Neuro Next Initiative"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"},{"id":"39511","name":"Public Service, Leadership, and Policy"},{"id":"39491","name":"Renewable Bioproducts"},{"id":"39521","name":"Robotics"},{"id":"193657","name":"Space Research Initiative"},{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"},{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"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:angela.ayers@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAngela Ayers\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAssistant Vice President of Research Communications\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686999":{"#nid":"686999","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Joints in Motion: Armita Manafzadeh Receives Carl Gans Young Investigator Award","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/qbios.gatech.edu\/user\/275\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EArmita Manafzadeh\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ehas been awarded the prestigious\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sicb.org\/awards\/the-carl-gans-award\/\u0022\u003ECarl Gans Young Investigator Award\u003C\/a\u003E in recognition of her innovative research into joints and skeletons. She will join Georgia Tech as an assistant professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E in August 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe award\u0026nbsp;\u2014 named in recognition of Carl Gans\u2019 contributions to animal morphology, biomechanics, and functional biology\u0026nbsp;\u2014 is one of the highest honors from the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB), and recognizes Manafzadeh\u2019s \u201cexceptional creativity and originality in comparative biomechanics research as well as her strong mentoring contributions.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI\u2019m very fortunate to have done science with incredible mentors, collaborators, and students who\u2019ve helped me develop this body of research,\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to be recognized with the Carl Gans Award, and look forward to continuing to explore new ways to study biomechanics when I start my lab at Georgia Tech.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe new\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.manafzadeh.com\/\u0022\u003EManafzadeh Lab\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech will investigate how joints work and where they come from \u2014 both evolutionarily and developmentally. With powerful new technology, called X-Ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM), Manafzadeh can look inside bodies with 4D \u201cX-ray vision\u201d \u2014 and can create animations of moving skeletons with sub-millimeter precision.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis research has the potential to transform our understanding of animal motion,\u201d she says, \u201cand that can ultimately open doors to everything from personalized surgical treatments for people to new designs for bio-inspired robots.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAs part of the award, Manafzadeh will deliver a plenary speech on \u201cJoints: Form, Function, and the Future of Comparative Biomechanics\u201d this January at the annual SICB meeting in Portland, Oregon.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EManafzadeh will join Georgia Tech as an assistant professor in the School of Biological Sciences in August 2026. The new\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.manafzadeh.com\/\u0022\u003EManafzadeh Lab\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech will investigate how joints work and where they come from \u2014 both evolutionarily and developmentally.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Manafzadeh will join Georgia Tech as an assistant professor in the School of Biological Sciences in August 2026. The new\u00a0Manafzadeh Lab at Georgia Tech will investigate how joints work and where they come from \u2014 both evolutionarily and developmentally.\u00a0"}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2025-12-19 16:29:30","changed_gmt":"2026-01-06 19:40:29","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-06T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-06T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678897":{"id":"678897","type":"image","title":"Armita Manafzadeh","body":"\u003Cp\u003EArmita Manafzadeh\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1766161920","gmt_created":"2025-12-19 16:32:00","changed":"1766161920","gmt_changed":"2025-12-19 16:32:00","alt":"Armita Manafzadeh","file":{"fid":"262987","name":"armita.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/19\/armita.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/19\/armita.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":77736,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/19\/armita.jpg?itok=Zi8kNfrn"}}},"media_ids":["678897"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWritten by \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686920":{"#nid":"686920","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Energy Insecurity Linked to Higher Rates of Anxiety and Depression, School of Public Policy Study Finds","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA new \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2840540\u0022 title=\u0022null\u0022\u003Estudy\u003C\/a\u003E from the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy identifies energy insecurity \u2014 the inability to meet basic household energy needs \u2014 as a critical, yet often overlooked, social determinant of health.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhile we often talk about food and housing insecurity, fewer people recognize energy as a basic necessity that shapes not only comfort, but also safety and stress,\u201d said Assistant Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iac.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/f276dd8a-0e13-5b66-b4cf-3d2960e01b2d\u0022 title=\u0022null\u0022\u003EMichelle Graff\u003C\/a\u003E, who co-authored the paper published in \u003Cem\u003EJAMA Network Open\u003C\/em\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnalyzing data from the U.S. Census Bureau\u2019s Household Pulse Survey, the researchers found that 43% of households experienced energy insecurity in the past year. Among respondents who reduced spending on necessities to cover energy bills, nearly 39% reported symptoms of anxiety and 32% reported symptoms of depression \u2014 more than twice the incidence among respondents who didn\u2019t need to make that tradeoff.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBeing able to afford your home does not guarantee you can afford to safely heat, cool, or power it,\u201d Graff said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESuch instability disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic households, renters, and families dependent on electronic medical devices, Graff said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd while the study was not designed to explain whether energy insecurity causes mental health issues or some other dynamic is at work, Graff said it\u2019s incontrovertible that these groups face compounding stressors. Living in inefficient housing can lead to higher bills and unsafe temperatures, disrupting sleep and health. When combined with the financial anxiety of potential utility shutoffs and the need to sacrifice food or medicine to pay bills, these trade-offs create a cycle of chronic stress, she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAmong other recommendations, Graff said healthcare providers should start screening for energy insecurity just as they do for food insecurity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe view this primarily as a data-collection initiative designed to generate the evidence needed to inform future policy recommendations and program improvements,\u201d Graff said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGraff is continuing to explore these issues with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=spp.gatech.edu\u0022 title=\u0022null\u0022\u003ECarter School\u003C\/a\u003E graduate students, including recent \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S1040619025000661?via%3Dihub\u0022\u003Ework\u003C\/a\u003E on state-level aid implementation with Ph.D. student Ryan Anthony and upcoming research with other students on how energy insecurity impacts eviction rates.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe article, \u201cEnergy Insecurity and Mental Health Symptoms in US Adults,\u201d was published Oct. 27, 2025, in JAMA Network Open. It is available at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi:10.1001\/jamanetworkopen.2025.39479\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/doi:10.1001\/jamanetworkopen.2025.39479\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe study links energy insecurity to significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression in U.S. households.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The study links energy insecurity to significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression in U.S. households."}],"uid":"34600","created_gmt":"2025-12-16 20:44:16","changed_gmt":"2026-01-06 14:02:04","author":"mpearson34","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678862":{"id":"678862","type":"image","title":"energy-insecurity-mental-health.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EEnergy insecurity is a significant financial problem, and potentially a major mental health issue, for millions of Americans.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765917961","gmt_created":"2025-12-16 20:46:01","changed":"1765917961","gmt_changed":"2025-12-16 20:46:01","alt":"A woman wearing a hat and warm clothing prepares food in her kitchen.","file":{"fid":"262952","name":"energy-insecurity-mental-health.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/energy-insecurity-mental-health.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/energy-insecurity-mental-health.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":979742,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/16\/energy-insecurity-mental-health.jpg?itok=FVTsWXlA"}},"678864":{"id":"678864","type":"image","title":"Michelle Graff","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAssistant Professor Michelle Graff.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765918275","gmt_created":"2025-12-16 20:51:15","changed":"1765918275","gmt_changed":"2025-12-16 20:51:15","alt":"\u0022\u0022","file":{"fid":"262954","name":"fb50e65939f4bc3d6cdd1f16.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/fb50e65939f4bc3d6cdd1f16.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/fb50e65939f4bc3d6cdd1f16.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":15260,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/16\/fb50e65939f4bc3d6cdd1f16.jpg?itok=MqO7ho_j"}}},"media_ids":["678862","678864"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"367481","name":"SEI Energy"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:michael.pearson@iac.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EMichael Pearson\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["michael.pearson@iac.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687060":{"#nid":"687060","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Y Combinator Backing and $30M Investment\u202f Take Startup Greptile to the Next Level\u202f","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGreptile, founded by three current and former Georgia Tech students, has quickly emerged as one of Silicon Valley\u2019s most promising young technology companies. The startup, led by Daksh Gupta, CS 2023; Soohoon Choi, CS 2023, MTH 2023; and computer science major Vaishant Kameswaran, builds artificial intelligence tools that help engineering teams review, analyze, and improve their code.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince its launch in 2023, the company has gained traction with more than 2,000 customers, including Brex, Whoop, and Substack. In 2024, Greptile raised $25 million in Series A funding from Benchmark, bringing its total capital raised to $30 million and valuing the company at $180 million.\u202fThat same year, Greptile was also accepted into the winter 2024 cohort of Y Combinator, the startup accelerator that helped launch Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe. \u202f\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Gupta, the road to building Greptile began at Georgia Tech. The founders entered Georgia Tech\u2019s CREATE-X Startup Launch program with an entirely different idea: an AI shopping assistant called Tabnam. But through the program\u2019s customer-discovery process \u2014 an intensive cycle of testing, feedback, and rapid iteration \u2014 the team realized their technology had stronger potential when applied to software development. That pivot became the foundation for Greptile.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCREATE-X did two things without which Greptile would not exist,\u201d Gupta said. \u201cIt introduced me to my co-founder, Soohoon, and it gave us the confidence to consider starting a company as a real career path.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe founders credit the program with shaping their entrepreneurial thinking, but they describe Y Combinator as the force that helped propel their company to the next stage. Gupta says Y Combinator\u2019s value mirrors some of what they found at Georgia Tech. \u201cLike Georgia Tech, a lot of Y Combinator\u2019s value comes from three things: being surrounded by ambitious people, gaining credibility, and having smart, accomplished people believe in you before you fully believe in yourself,\u201d he said. \u201cThat combination does wonders for your self-esteem, which in turn has enormous compounding effects.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe company\u2019s recent fundraising experience reflects this momentum. Gupta describes their investor pitches as \u201cfast and painless,\u201d noting that they entered the process with compelling metrics and a refined story. Today, the team is supported by an impressive roster of founders-turned-investors \u2014 including partners from Initialized Capital and Benchmark \u2014 who have helped the company hire talent and make key strategic decisions.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELooking back, Gupta says the lessons from CREATE-X continue to guide their approach to building technology and scaling a company. \u201cY Combinator helped us scale, but Georgia Tech is where it started,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form\u0022\u003EApplications for the next CREATE-X Startup Launch\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003Ecohort are now open, \u003C\/strong\u003Ewith limited spots available. Early applicants receive priority consideration and feedback.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGreptile, founded by three Georgia Tech students, has quickly become a standout Silicon Valley startup building AI tools that help engineering teams understand and improve their code. After pivoting from an earlier idea during Georgia Tech\u2019s CREATE\u2011X program, the company launched in 2023 and now serves more than 2,000 customers, including major tech firms. In 2024, it raised a $25\u202fmillion Series A from Benchmark, reached a $180\u202fmillion valuation, and joined Y Combinator\u2019s winter cohort. The founders credit both CREATE\u2011X and Y Combinator for shaping their trajectory, from discovering their true product to scaling with confidence.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Greptile, a fast\u2011growing AI startup founded by Georgia Tech students, has rapidly scaled from a CREATE\u2011X pivot to a Y Combinator\u2013backed, $180\u202fmillion\u2013valued company serving thousands of customers with tools that help engineering teams analyze and improve"}],"uid":"36810","created_gmt":"2026-01-05 16:20:16","changed_gmt":"2026-01-05 20:01:59","author":"zzhang860","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-05T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-05T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678924":{"id":"678924","type":"image","title":"Greptile-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px-.png","body":null,"created":"1767642907","gmt_created":"2026-01-05 19:55:07","changed":"1767642907","gmt_changed":"2026-01-05 19:55:07","alt":"Students smiling","file":{"fid":"263021","name":"Greptile-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/05\/Greptile-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/01\/05\/Greptile-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":901544,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/01\/05\/Greptile-Web-Article--1200-x-630-px-.png?itok=Jlt7JUpq"}}},"media_ids":["678924"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form","title":"Apply to Startup Launch"}],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"139","name":"Business"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"},{"id":"193593","name":"gt-commercialization"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"},{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWritten by Amanda Dudley\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInternal Contact:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBreanna Durham\u003Cbr\u003EMarketing Strategist\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["bdurham31@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687058":{"#nid":"687058","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Student\u2019s Fishing App Catchr Becomes Global Hit Before Acquisition","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA mobile fishing app created by Georgia Tech graduate Matthew Steele, CS 2025, has become an international success story, reaching the top of App Store charts in multiple countries before being acquired earlier this year.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe app, Catchr, uses image recognition and gamified features to help anglers identify fish, estimate size, track catches, and compete on global leaderboards. The app climbed as high as No. 13 on the U.S. App Store sports charts and reached No. 1 in France and Croatia, with nearly 200,000 downloads in more than 170 countries.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe idea was to make fishing feel like a real-life version of Pok\u00e9mon, something fun, soxacial, and competitive,\u201d said Steele. \u201cWe launched with just a few basic features, and it grew far faster than I expected.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore developing Catchr, Steele had already experimented with several products, including HairMatch, an AI-powered app that won $25,000 as a global finalist in Microsoft\u2019s Imagine Cup competition, and UPic, Purrpulse, and Better Call Santa (now known as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/9to5mac.com\/2024\/12\/13\/better-call-santa-talk-to-santa-ai\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESantaCalls\u003C\/a\u003E). Those experiences gave him insight into customer behavior, app deployment, and business operations \u2014 lessons he brought with him into Georgia Tech\u2019s CREATE-X Startup Launch program.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECREATE-X provided him with seed funding, mentorship, and a framework for validating ideas through real-world feedback. For Steele, those resources made it possible to move from experimentation to a scalable product.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCREATE-X was a time of innovation and exploration,\u201d he said. \u201cIt gave me the structure and confidence to test assumptions, get real feedback, and pivot quickly \u2014 all critical steps in developing Catchr.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThose earlier products helped Steele learn how to test assumptions about customers, navigate App Store requirements, manage support requests, and handle the operational demands of running a small software business.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBy the time I started Catchr, I knew what level of product quality was needed, how many hours support would take, and what the revenue expectations might be,\u201d he said. \u201cEven so, the speed at which Catchr captured users and grew in revenue was unbelievably fast compared to my expectations.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter Catchr\u2019s explosive growth, Steele faced another challenge: deciding whether to sell the company. While many startup founders view acquisition as a goal, Steele said selling Catchr was one of the hardest decisions he has made. \u201cMonetizing something you built is appealing, but selling is different,\u201d he said. \u201cYour creation becomes someone else\u2019s job. You spend so much time with it that it becomes an extension of yourself.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESteele said he spoke with multiple interested buyers, asking each about their long-term plans for the app before moving forward. \u201cI wanted to make sure the buyer\u2019s vision would improve the product and be positive for users,\u201d he said. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t have sold if I didn\u2019t trust them.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe ultimately found a buyer who committed to expanding Catchr\u2019s capabilities and investing in its continued growth. \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019d change anything about the decision,\u201d Steele said. \u201cCatchr is in capable hands, and I can return to what I enjoy most, which is building things I believe will be part of a better future for consumers.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith the sale complete, Steele says he is returning to new ideas and the early-stage development process he prefers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf there\u2019s one thing I\u2019d tell other Georgia Tech students,\u201d he said, \u201cit\u2019s that you\u2019re already in one of the best places in the world to build something meaningful. Don\u2019t wait until you feel ready. Just start.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EApply to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EStartup Launch\u003C\/a\u003E by March 17. Limited spots available.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech graduate \u003Cstrong\u003EMatthew Steele (CS 2025)\u003C\/strong\u003E turned his mobile fishing app \u003Cstrong\u003ECatchr\u003C\/strong\u003E into a global phenomenon before selling it. The app uses \u003Cstrong\u003Eimage recognition\u003C\/strong\u003E and \u003Cstrong\u003Egamified features\u003C\/strong\u003E to help users identify fish, estimate size, log catches, and compete on worldwide leaderboards. It surged to \u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 13 on the U.S. App Store sports charts\u003C\/strong\u003E and hit \u003Cstrong\u003ENo. 1 in France and Croatia\u003C\/strong\u003E, ultimately reaching \u003Cstrong\u003Enearly 200,000 downloads across 170+ countries\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech graduate Matthew Steele\u2019s fishing app Catchr became a global chart\u2011topping hit with nearly 200,000 downloads before he sold it to a buyer committed to expanding its future."}],"uid":"36810","created_gmt":"2026-01-05 15:26:31","changed_gmt":"2026-01-05 15:38:30","author":"zzhang860","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-01-05T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-01-05T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678903":{"id":"678903","type":"image","title":"Catchr","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECatchr\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1767118246","gmt_created":"2025-12-30 18:10:46","changed":"1767118374","gmt_changed":"2025-12-30 18:12:54","alt":"Catchr","file":{"fid":"262996","name":"CatchrLandscapeImage--1-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/30\/CatchrLandscapeImage--1-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/30\/CatchrLandscapeImage--1-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":664611,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/30\/CatchrLandscapeImage--1-.png?itok=oQRqfiGc"}}},"media_ids":["678903"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form","title":"Apply to Startup Launch"}],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"139","name":"Business"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"},{"id":"193593","name":"gt-commercialization"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWritten by Amanda Dudley\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInternal Contact:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBreanna Durham\u003Cbr\u003EMarketing Strategist\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["bdurham31@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685297":{"#nid":"685297","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Decades in the Making: Seeing the Full Impact From Air Pollution Reductions","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at Georgia Tech have analyzed the seasonal differences of sulfate aerosols \u2014 a major pollutant in the United States \u2014 to examine the long-term impact from sulfur dioxide (SO\u2082) emission reductions since the enactment of the Clean Air Act amendments in 1990.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EYuhang Wang\u003C\/strong\u003E and his team studied the factors affecting SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;and sulfate concentrations during winter and summer in the \u201cRust Belt\u201d \u2014 from New York through the Midwest \u2014 and the Southeast regions of the U.S. over two decades (2004 to 2023). Supported by the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/\u0022\u003ENational Science Foundation\u003C\/a\u003E and Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/sustainability\u0022\u003EBrook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems\u003C\/a\u003E, the team also developed an ensemble machine learning approach to project seasonal patterns until 2050.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cPower plants, particularly those burning coal and oil, are a major source of SO\u2082 emissions in these regions,\u201d says Wang, who co-authored, with Ph.D. students \u003Cstrong\u003EFanghe Zhao\u003C\/strong\u003E and \u003Cstrong\u003EShengjun Xi\u003C\/strong\u003E, the study recently published in\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/full\/10.1021\/acs.estlett.5c00731\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EEnvironmental Science \u0026amp; Technology Letters\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESeasonal differences in atmospheric chemistry\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the U.S., the chemistry in the atmosphere varies among the seasons. During summer, solar radiation from ample sunlight activates oxidant reactions that produce hydrogen peroxide (H\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003EO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E) in the atmosphere. The supply of H\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003EO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E is determined by the amount of emitted air pollution, and once in the atmosphere, H\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003EO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E can oxidize SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;quickly into sulfate aerosols in the aqueous phase.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESulfate aerosols from the oxidation of SO\u2082 contribute to the formation of particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5). Particulate sulfate poses significant environmental and public health risks, including air pollution, acid rain, and circulatory and respiratory issues.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe supply of H\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003EO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;in summer is eight times greater than in winter \u2014 a huge difference \u2014 which means sulfate concentrations are generally higher in summer and a reduction in SO\u2082 emissions leads to a proportional decrease in sulfate concentrations,\u201d explains Wang. \u201cWhen SO\u2082 emissions exceed the available supply of H\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003EO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E in winter, the reduction in sulfate concentrations can be much smaller because of a \u2018chemical damping\u2019 effect that causes sulfate levels to decline more slowly than SO\u2082 emissions.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENarrowing the disparities between seasonal sulfate levels\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe study\u2019s two-decade observations revealed distinct patterns in the reduction of SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;emissions and sulfate concentrations during winter and summer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;emissions significantly decreased in both seasons\u00ad over time \u2014 primarily from the Clean Air Act and more power plants transitioning from coal to natural gas \u2014 the reduction of sulfate concentrations initially showed large seasonal differences. However, over the past decade, the disparity between winter and summer sulfate levels narrowed as SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;emissions decreased.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to Wang, the seasonal disparity of sulfate was caused by changing chemical regimes in winter over time. Although the lower supply of H\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003EO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E remained stable in winter, SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;wintertime emissions were higher from 2004 to 2013, then dropped below the level of H\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003EO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;after 2013 \u2014 reaching parity with the levels of reduced SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;emissions in the summer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen you have this complexity of atmospheric chemistry, there is a non-linear effect in winter \u2014 as SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;emissions decreased, sulfate aerosol production efficiency increased until 2013, then flattened as of today. The reduction in sulfate aerosols initially lagged behind the decrease in SO\u2082 emissions but eventually caught up as a result of sustained air quality control efforts,\u201d says Wang. \u201cConversely, there is a simple, linear effect in summer \u2014 the more SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;emissions, the more sulfate aerosols in the atmosphere \u2014 and if you reduce one, the other is reduced by the same proportion.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDecades-long full impact\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom now until 2050, the researchers\u2019 machine learning projections indicate a continuing decrease of winter and summer sulfate levels, which are currently around 20 percent, as SO\u2082\u0026nbsp;emission controls achieve comparable efficacy across the seasons.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re now seeing the full impact from the Clean Air Act,\u201d concludes Wang, \u201cand the nation\u2019s sustained effort in pollution reduction is key to improving air quality and health outcomes.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers analyze seasonal differences of SO\u2082 and sulfate concentrations in the atmosphere over decades to determine the long-term impact of sustained air quality control efforts.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers analyze seasonal differences of SO\u2082 and sulfate concentrations in the atmosphere over decades to determine the long-term impact of sustained air quality control efforts."}],"uid":"27465","created_gmt":"2025-09-25 21:44:42","changed_gmt":"2025-12-30 19:40:19","author":"Annette Filliat","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-09-26T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-09-26T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678151":{"id":"678151","type":"image","title":"NOAA Iridescent Clouds","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIridescent clouds before sunset \/ Source: NOAA\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1758842239","gmt_created":"2025-09-25 23:17:19","changed":"1758842239","gmt_changed":"2025-09-25 23:17:19","alt":"NOAA Iridescent Clouds","file":{"fid":"262138","name":"NOAA-North-Carolina-Clouds.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/NOAA-North-Carolina-Clouds.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/NOAA-North-Carolina-Clouds.png","mime":"image\/png","size":3019658,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/25\/NOAA-North-Carolina-Clouds.png?itok=aC8m6MF-"}},"678152":{"id":"678152","type":"image","title":"Yuhang Wang ","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Professor Yuhang Wang and his team co-authored the study, \u201cChemically Induced Decline in Wintertime SO\u003Cem\u003E\u2082\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;Emission Control Efficacy,\u201d which was published in \u003Cem\u003EEnvironmental Science \u0026amp; Technology Letters\u003C\/em\u003E.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1758842459","gmt_created":"2025-09-25 23:20:59","changed":"1758842459","gmt_changed":"2025-09-25 23:20:59","alt":"Yuhang Wang ","file":{"fid":"262139","name":"GT-CoS-Yuhang-Wang-Headshot.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Yuhang-Wang-Headshot.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Yuhang-Wang-Headshot.png","mime":"image\/png","size":6600933,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Yuhang-Wang-Headshot.png?itok=Wga0XlvH"}},"678153":{"id":"678153","type":"image","title":"Fanghe Zhao","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPh.D. student Fanghe Zhao\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1758843155","gmt_created":"2025-09-25 23:32:35","changed":"1758843155","gmt_changed":"2025-09-25 23:32:35","alt":"Fanghe Zhao","file":{"fid":"262141","name":"GT-CoS-Fanghe-Zhao-Headshot.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Fanghe-Zhao-Headshot_0.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Fanghe-Zhao-Headshot_0.png","mime":"image\/png","size":10158591,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Fanghe-Zhao-Headshot_0.png?itok=rmCNXJa_"}},"678154":{"id":"678154","type":"image","title":"Shengjun Xi","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003EPh.D. student Shengjun Xi\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1758843283","gmt_created":"2025-09-25 23:34:43","changed":"1758843283","gmt_changed":"2025-09-25 23:34:43","alt":"Shengjun Xi","file":{"fid":"262142","name":"GT-CoS-Shengjun-Xi-Headshot.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Shengjun-Xi-Headshot.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Shengjun-Xi-Headshot.png","mime":"image\/png","size":3927326,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/25\/GT-CoS-Shengjun-Xi-Headshot.png?itok=ut8CDG5t"}}},"media_ids":["678151","678152","678153","678154"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/study-reveals-wintertime-formation-large-pollution-particles-chinas-skies","title":"Study Reveals Wintertime Formation of Large Pollution Particles in China\u2019s Skies"},{"url":"https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/everlasting-african-wildfires-fueled-aerosol-feedback","title":"Everlasting African Wildfires Fueled by Aerosol Feedback"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"367481","name":"SEI Energy"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"192254","name":"cos-climate"},{"id":"194631","name":"cos-georgia"},{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"},{"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\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jess@cos.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJess Hunt-Ralston\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Communications\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences at Georgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWriter: Annette Filliat\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEditor: Lindsay Vidal\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jess@cos.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685430":{"#nid":"685430","#data":{"type":"news","title":"The Future of Antarctic Ice: New Study Reveals the Mathematics of Meltwater Lakes","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers have developed a mathematical formula to predict the size of lakes that form on melting ice sheets \u2014 discovering their depth and span are linked to the topography of the ice sheet itself.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe team leveraged physics, model simulations, and satellite imagery to develop simple mathematical equations that can easily be integrated into existing climate models. It\u2019s a first-of-it\u2019s-kind tool that is already improving climate models.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cMelt lakes play an important role in ice sheet stability, but previously, there were no constraints on what we would expect their maximum size to be in Antarctica,\u201d says study lead\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/people\/grau-danielle-0\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDanielle Grau\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a Ph.D. student in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cI was intrigued by the idea of quantifying how much of a role we could expect them to play in the future.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe paper, \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41467-025-61798-8\u0022\u003EPredicting mean depth and area fraction of Antarctic supraglacial melt lakes with physics-based parameterizations\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d was published in\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003ENature Communications\u003C\/em\u003E. In addition to Grau, the research team includes School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/people\/robel-alexander\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlexander Robel\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, who is Grau\u2019s advisor, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAzeez Hussain\u003C\/strong\u003E (PHYS 2025).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETheir predictions show that the majority of these lakes will be less than a meter deep and span up to 40% of the ice sheet surface area.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cMany models don\u2019t include any data about lakes on the surface of ice sheets, while others simulate these melt lakes growing until the ice collapses,\u201d Robel says. \u201cOur results show that the reality is somewhere in between \u2014 and that the maximum size of these lakes can be predicted using these new equations. This gives us real, concrete numbers to use in climate models.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom summer project to satellite discovery\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGrau\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Efirst\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Estarted working on the project as an undergraduate student when she applied for a\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/easreu.eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESummer Research Experiences for Undergraduates program\u003C\/a\u003E hosted by the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EInspired by\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1002\/2016GL071378\u0022\u003Eterrestrial lake research\u003C\/a\u003E, Grau and Robel investigated the \u201cself-affinity\u201d of the Antarctic ice sheet \u2014 a property associated with surface roughness across various scales. For example, a landscape like Badlands National Park, with many rolling hills of a wide range of sizes, would have a different self-affinity than a flat prairie with three large volcanoes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cA previous study had used this property to predict the size of terrestrial lakes and ponds, and we were curious if we could use a similar approach for supraglacial lakes in Antarctica,\u201d Grau says. \u201cEstablishing that the Antarctic ice sheet also has this property was the first step in pursuing this research in more depth.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe mathematics of melt\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGrau continued the investigation as a Ph.D. student in Robel\u2019s lab. Together, they unraveled the physics of how meltwater moves across the ice surface, designing a \u2018glacier in a computer\u2019 that mimics meltwater accumulation and movement across various topographies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe designed an algorithm and integrated it into a model that the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iceclimate.eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGT Ice \u0026amp; Climate Group\u003C\/a\u003E has used in the past,\u201d Grau says. \u201cFrom that, we were able to see how lakes would form on different surfaces across thousands of scenarios. This was the foundation for the mathematical equations I developed, which can predict the lake depth and lake surface area based on the self-affinity property.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETo check their results, Grau enlisted the help of Hussain \u2014 then an undergraduate in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E \u2014 to examine satellite data from the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov\/\u0022\u003ELandsat satellite program\u003C\/a\u003E (which captures detailed photography of the Earth\u2019s surface from space) to measure existing supraglacial lakes and surface topography.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cIt was exciting to see how our predictions lined up with what we were seeing in the satellite imagery,\u201d Robel explains. \u201cThis shows that our solution is a concrete avenue for climate models to realistically incorporate supraglacial lakes.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGrau is already working to incorporate the team\u2019s equations into an atmospheric model used by NASA in addition to an ice sheet model developed by the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Dartmouth College.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cBy turning complicated models and satellite data into simple predictive equations, we\u2019re giving climate models a new lens to see the future,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s a small piece of the puzzle,\u0026nbsp; but one that helps us understand how ice sheets respond to a warming world.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EFunding: NASA Modeling, Analysis, and Prediction Program\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EDOI: \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-025-61798-8\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-025-61798-8\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESimple equations are revealing how topography controls supraglacial lake size in Antarctica \u2014 and why it matters for climate predictions.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Simple equations are revealing how topography controls supraglacial lake size in Antarctica \u2014 and why it matters for climate predictions."}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2025-10-01 16:43:29","changed_gmt":"2025-12-30 18:25:55","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-01T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-01T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678235":{"id":"678235","type":"image","title":"A view of Greenland\u0027s ice sheet from the NASA\/USGS Landsat 8 satellite showing meltwater lakes on a glacier. (Credit: NASA)","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA view of Greenland\u0027s ice sheet from the NASA\/USGS Landsat 8 satellite showing meltwater lakes on a glacier. (Credit: NASA)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1759337021","gmt_created":"2025-10-01 16:43:41","changed":"1759337021","gmt_changed":"2025-10-01 16:43:41","alt":"A view of Greenland\u0027s ice sheet from the NASA\/USGS Landsat 8 satellite showing meltwater lakes on a glacier. (Credit: NASA)","file":{"fid":"262231","name":"Supraglacial-Lake-1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/01\/Supraglacial-Lake-1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/01\/Supraglacial-Lake-1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":440764,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/01\/Supraglacial-Lake-1.jpg?itok=e9CGf1U-"}}},"media_ids":["678235"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"367481","name":"SEI Energy"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192254","name":"cos-climate"},{"id":"192252","name":"cos-planetary"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWritten by \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto: sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686991":{"#nid":"686991","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Nuclear Waste: What It Is \u2014 and What It Isn\u2019t","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen people hear \u201cnuclear waste,\u201d they often imagine glowing green sludge leaking into the ground \u2014 a scene straight out of science fiction. The truth is far less dramatic and far more manageable. In fact, all the civilian nuclear waste produced by U.S. power plants so far could fit on a single football field stacked just 10 yards high. Managed under strict safety protocols, this byproduct of nuclear energy poses manageable risk compared to the billions of tons of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels. Today, researchers at Georgia Tech and around the world are working on safer reactor designs, advanced monitoring, and innovative recycling methods to turn nuclear waste into new opportunities \u2014 from clean energy to ultra-long-lasting batteries and even power for space missions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/node\/44646\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERead more \u00bb\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen people hear \u201cnuclear waste,\u201d they often imagine glowing green sludge leaking into the ground \u2014 a scene straight out of science fiction. The truth is far less dramatic and far more manageable. In fact, all the civilian nuclear waste produced by U.S. power plants so far could fit on a single football field stacked just 10 yards high. Managed under strict safety protocols, this byproduct of nuclear energy poses manageable risk compared to the billions of tons of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels. Today, researchers at Georgia Tech and around the world are working on safer reactor designs, advanced monitoring, and innovative recycling methods to turn nuclear waste into new opportunities \u2014 from clean energy to ultra-long-lasting batteries and even power for space missions.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Nuclear waste can be managed safely with proper safety protocols. Researchers at Georgia Tech and around the world are working on safer reactor designs, advanced monitoring, and innovative recycling methods to turn nuclear waste into new opportunities \u2014 f"}],"uid":"27255","created_gmt":"2025-12-18 19:42:21","changed_gmt":"2025-12-30 15:01:11","author":"Josie Giles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-18T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-18T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678901":{"id":"678901","type":"image","title":"1.-MarthaGroverTeam.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EMartha Grover, professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, with her research team. [Photo by Christopher McKenney]\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1767106727","gmt_created":"2025-12-30 14:58:47","changed":"1767106727","gmt_changed":"2025-12-30 14:58:47","alt":"Georgia Tech Professor Martha Grover with her research team","file":{"fid":"262994","name":"1.-MarthaGroverTeam.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/30\/1.-MarthaGroverTeam.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/30\/1.-MarthaGroverTeam.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5334947,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/30\/1.-MarthaGroverTeam.jpg?itok=hG_9ee7m"}}},"media_ids":["678901"],"groups":[{"id":"372221","name":"Renewable Bioproducts Institute (RBI)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"367481","name":"SEI Energy"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"39491","name":"Renewable Bioproducts"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:priya.devarajan@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EPriya Devarajan\u003C\/a\u003E || SEI Communications Program Manager\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686987":{"#nid":"686987","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Synthetex Team Named Winner of 2025 Fall Senior Design Competition  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOf the 17 teams of undergraduates in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EH. Milton Stewart School of Industrial \u0026amp; Systems Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (ISyE), the \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/capstone.isye.gatech.edu\/research\/inventory-innovations-supporting-synthetexs-transition-make-stock\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInventory Innovation: SyntheteX Marks the Spot\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d group has been named winner of the Fall 2025 Senior Design Competition.\u202fStudents Aanan Biswas, Ethan Benater, Will Fox, Molly Hickman, Sristi Karamchandani, Guzide Melis Kargin, Rohin Shah, and Joshua Wen were selected for their project, working under the guidance of faculty advisor Alexander Shapiro.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Growing Manufacturer Facing Volatile Demand\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ESynthetex is a Georgia-based manufacturer of geosynthetic fabric systems used for erosion control and infrastructure protection, with headquarters in Peachtree Corners and a production facility in Toccoa. With dozens of products and extensive customization, the organization operates in a complex manufacturing environment shaped by fluctuating construction demand. Historically, Synthetex relied on a make-to-order system, leading to sharp swings between overtime-heavy production and prolonged idle periods, delayed material procurement, and workforce challenges. These factors pushed average lead times beyond 12 weeks, sometimes as long as six months, putting customer deadlines at risk. To address these challenges, the winning senior design team developed a comprehensive plan to transition Synthetex to a proactive, hybrid production model.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERedesigning the System from the Ground Up\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cWhen we analyzed the sales pipeline, we found that one in four orders experienced margin loss,\u201d said Aanan Biswas during the team\u2019s final presentation, noting that expediting materials and paying overtime eroded profitability, as one in ten orders was lost due to long lead times.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERather than optimizing the constraints of the existing system, the team proposed a fundamental redesign.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe students\u2019 solution centered on three integrated design changes: introducing strategic safety stock for raw materials so production can begin immediately, using idle-time production planning to turn unused capacity into semi-finished inventory, and redesigning the facility layout to accommodate higher inventory levels while meeting safety requirements. Together, these changes create a data-driven production planning framework that puts the right products on the right machines at the right time, reducing changeovers and avoiding stockouts.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUsing Data to Make Measurable Impact\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cOne of the key ways that we\u0027re helping Synthetex derive value from this project is through its data,\u201d said Rohin Shah. The team took their client\u2019s siloed data sources and created a streamlined solution. \u201cFor example, if the client wanted to look at its material usage, they would have to hunt through dozens of files in SharePoint and extract all of that manually, before even being able to look at that data. With our automated solution, it\u2019s structured, it\u0027s aggregated, it\u0027s tabulated, and easy to use and analyze. Ultimately, in the future state, every decision that Synthetex makes has the potential to be data-driven because of these automated data assets.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe redesigned system is projected to cut average lead times by nearly 39% (from more than 12 weeks to under 7.5 weeks) while significantly reducing margin losses and lowering the rate of lost orders from one in ten to one in fourteen. Overall, the team estimates a 14% increase in profit in the first year alone, and Synthetex has already begun implementing the recommendations with an initial investment of approximately $7,000.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EClient Praise for Insight, Dedication, and Impact\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ERachel Wewengkang (IE 2023), Business Analyst at Synthetex and the team\u2019s primary client contact, praised both the impact of the students\u2019 work and the process behind it.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cInitially, the project was submitted with a focus on pricing optimization. However, after conducting lots of research, the team proposed a change in scope that proved to be far more valuable,\u201d said Wewengkang. \u201cTheir solution would give us significant improvement in inventory management. Their second opportunity provides a pathway to utilize idle resources for bulk roll production, supported by a model that prioritizes production decisions with data-driven evidence.\u201d\u003Cem\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWewengkang also highlighted the students\u2019 persistence and initiative throughout the project, noting how they not have access to all the data they ideally needed. Nonetheless, they impressed the client by working with limited information, gathering new data where possible, and making well-reasoned assumptions to deliver meaningful results.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Senior Design Experience That Defines ISyE\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EAll fourth-year students in ISyE culminate their undergraduate educational experience with the Senior Design course to provide firsthand experience in solving real world problems in a team environment. Groups work with leading businesses and organizations to take engineering principles learned in the classroom and apply them to create solutions. The other finalist in this semester\u2019s competition, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/capstone.isye.gatech.edu\/research\/perfecting-pin-placement\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EPerfecting Pin Placement (Green Jackets)\u003C\/a\u003E, worked with a top golf course to help their client make more informed and consistent daily pin-placement decisions for their tournament.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFaculty leaders say the project exemplifies the purpose and impact of ISyE\u2019s senior design program.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI couldn\u2019t be prouder of what our students accomplish in senior design,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/dima-nazzal\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDima Nazzal\u003C\/a\u003E, ISyE Associate Chair for Academic Administration.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThese projects represent not just technical excellence, but a journey filled with challenges and perseverance. Our alumni often tell us that senior design was the most impactful experience of their education, and it\u2019s because of this exact process of learning to push through uncertainty and ambiguity to create impact.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe course is intentionally structured to mirror real-world engineering practice, explained \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/gamze-tokol-goldsman\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGamze Tokol-Goldsman\u003C\/a\u003E, ISyE Senior Lecturer and Senior Design Co-Coordinator. Tokol-Goldsman also works alongside ISyE Senior Lecturer and Senior Design Co-Coordinator \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/ying-li\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ELaura Li\u003C\/a\u003E, to provide students with guidance during the semester. Li added that the open-ended nature of the experience is often the greatest challenge, and the greatest source of growth.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt is a journey; students must learn how to formulate a problem and analyze that problem, and they are doing everything on their own. In the end, we\u2019re always pleasantly surprised by how much they\u2019ve learned throughout the process. That\u2019s the most enjoyable part \u2013 to see how much progress the students have been making.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPreparing Engineers to Lead Through Ambiguity\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFor this semester\u2019s winning Senior Design team, the recognition marks the culmination of months of analysis, site visits, modeling, and iteration, but also the beginning of their professional impact beyond the classroom.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBy delivering a solution that Synthetex is already putting into practice, the students demonstrated not only technical mastery, but the ability to navigate ambiguity, collaborate with industry partners, and design systems that create lasting value\u2014hallmarks of the ISyE senior design experience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThrough collaboration with Synthetex, the ISyE senior design team delivered a comprehensive, data-driven redesign of the company\u2019s production and inventory systems, addressing long-standing challenges. By combining strategic inventory planning, idle-time production optimization, and facility layout redesign, the students created practical tools and frameworks that are already being implemented and are projected to significantly improve efficiency, profitability, and long-term operational stability.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Students deliver a practical, data-driven solution that is transforming how Synthetex plans inventory, manages production, and serves its customers. "}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2025-12-18 15:33:48","changed_gmt":"2025-12-29 18:53:05","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-18T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-18T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678890":{"id":"678890","type":"image","title":"ISyE Senior Design Winners - SyntheX Marks the Spot ","body":null,"created":"1766072034","gmt_created":"2025-12-18 15:33:54","changed":"1766072034","gmt_changed":"2025-12-18 15:33:54","alt":"ISyE Senior Design Winners - SyntheX Marks the Spot ","file":{"fid":"262980","name":"Synthetex.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/18\/Synthetex.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/18\/Synthetex.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2292580,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/18\/Synthetex.jpg?itok=y7O2I6U7"}},"678891":{"id":"678891","type":"image","title":"ISyE Senior Design Finalists - Green Jackets","body":null,"created":"1766072090","gmt_created":"2025-12-18 15:34:50","changed":"1766072090","gmt_changed":"2025-12-18 15:34:50","alt":"ISyE Senior Design Finalists - Green Jackets","file":{"fid":"262981","name":"IMG_3914.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/18\/IMG_3914.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/18\/IMG_3914.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2088615,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/18\/IMG_3914.jpg?itok=UdzmD18I"}}},"media_ids":["678890","678891"],"groups":[{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"167319","name":"senior design"},{"id":"180027","name":". ISyE"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EErin Whitlock Brown, Communications Manager II\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"687004":{"#nid":"687004","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Growth Without Hiring: The Last Pendulum Swing","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EBy Chris Gaffney, Managing Director, Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute | Supply Chain Advisor | Former Executive at Frito-Lay, AJC International, and Coca-Cola\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIntroduction\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe supply chain labor market has been through one of the most dramatic swings in modern history. During the COVID-19 era disruption, talent shortages were acute, and the pendulum swung decisively toward employees. Companies paid top dollar, offered unprecedented flexibility, and competed fiercely for planners, warehouse leaders, S\u0026amp;OP talent, logistics managers, strategic sourcing leaders, and procurement specialists.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut the pendulum swung back in the opposite direction, from whence it came: in favor of the employers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe past 18\u201324 months have seen hiring across supply chain cooling. Many large companies are now signaling they intend to grow revenue without necessarily increasing headcount. At the same time, AI and automation have gotten to the point where employers can get more productivity from existing teams. The result is not necessarily indicative of a recessionary job market but a \u201cGreat Hiring Pause\u201d: low hiring, low firing, and a clear tilt of bargaining power back toward employers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe key question now is whether this moment represents a temporary pause or the new normal. Additionally, what does this mean for both hiring managers and early to mid-career supply chain professionals who want to stay competitive in the workplace?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019ll explore what this means for all stakeholders as we wrap up the year, looking at how the supply chain job market evolved in 2025 and what we expect to see in 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Pendulum has Swung from Employee Power to Employer Advantage\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you had as little as 5 years of supply chain experience in late 2020\u20132022, you may have found yourself with competing job offers. Compensation packages offered were lucrative and filled with relocation fees or even 100% remote job offers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWithout a doubt, this shaped the next 2\u20133 years of the supply chain labor force. Office space sat empty. Employees moved out of the city into the suburbs. Work-life balance improved for everyone. Employers fretted over rents and mortgages on office space and whether their highly compensated employees were actually working. Threats of a pending recession loomed but never materialized. (fingers crossed, knock on wood). Employers ran a bit lean but then found themselves needing more people to keep up with demand.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn early 2025, we wrote about this swing and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scmtalent.com\/supply-chain-management\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ethe influence AI and automation had on supply chain hiring\u003C\/a\u003E. Companies seemed to be focusing more on how they could accelerate the performance of existing teams while navigating new cost influences and demand swings. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/fortune.com\/2025\/08\/12\/economy-anxiety-compensation-budgets-inflation\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAnxiety about the economy amid never-before-seen tariff whims\u003C\/a\u003E made it increasingly difficult for employers to plan reliable growth strategies for 2026.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd now here we are. The prevailing mindset as we close out a volatile 2025, where AI and tariffs took center stage, is for growth without as much hiring. So what does that mean for 2026 for employers and employees, or aspiring employees?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGrowth Without Hiring: Why Companies are Staying Lean Across Supply Chain and Logistics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EExecutives are treating hiring as a last resort and not a first resort. JP Morgan Chase\u2019s CFO reportedly said the firm has a \u201cstrong bias\u201d against reflexively hiring new people. Walmart, Inc. has signaled plans to grow revenue without increasing employee numbers, instead relying more on automation\/AI and efficiency improvements.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs mentioned above, market indicators have become increasingly unreliable. Recent Black Friday \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.deloitte.com\/us\/en\/about\/press-room\/deloitte-survey-black-friday-cyber-monday.html\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Econsumer spending data indicate\u003C\/a\u003E that people are financing their purchases on credit and using buy-now, pay-later plans. This means less cash injected into the economy in the short term, along with increased interest payments for 95% of the purchases made on Black Friday. Retailers rely heavily on consumer spending and demand, which dictate their growth or lack thereof.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBusinesses have also decided to engage in what some are calling \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/low-hire-low-fire-layoffs-employees-stuck-unemployment-job-seekers-2025-10\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u201cThe Great Freeze\u201d\u003C\/a\u003E, which is not to hire but also to not fire\u2014holding steady on headcount until they can get a better feel for what 2026 will offer from a demand and affordability sense. High inflation affects everyone, which is why many employers are riding it out for a while.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Risks of Going Too Lean: Burnout, Fragility, and a Shrinking Talent Pipeline\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor supply chain organizations, running lean means pressure to improve throughput, reduce waste, and automate more tasks. While the rapid emergence of AI and automation has greatly improved efficiencies, you still need people to understand the best use cases for all of these tools. They can certainly be enhancements, but will backfire if they are seen to be wholesale replacements for full-time employees. This backlash is being felt and mentioned a lot more consistently. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/sbellamkonda_ai-wont-replace-workersitll-make-them-activity-7391809011039313920-ZtgE\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAI shouldn\u2019t replace humans, but rather, make them superhuman.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFirms may invest in upskilling existing staff rather than hiring large numbers of junior or mid-level staff. This could help manage costs in a turbulent economy. This is a tricky game, though. Keeping headcount flat while demands increase can lead to burnout, skill gaps, or degraded service if not managed carefully. Productivity gains might be possible, but at what cost? Change management, culture shift, lack of future talent pipeline, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scmtalent.com\/succession-planning\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Esuccession planning\u003C\/a\u003E can place your supply chain at great risk. Think about it: What will you do about career progression, worker loyalty, and organizational capability in 5\u201310 years? Yes, AI and automation are force multipliers, but not force replacers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe people who succeed are those who take a measured approach to talent decisions. It is a refrain that has been emphasized for years. Overly lean operations become fragile, just as banking talent balloons your costs. The goal is to strike a balance between the two.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWill the Pendulum Swing Again?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe short answer: not anytime soon. Today\u2019s flat hiring environment is not just a reaction to inflation or a temporary post-COVID correction or regression to the mean. It is influenced by other structural forces like AI maturity, demographic shifts (including the aging of the workforce), productivity pressure, and a corporate mindset increasingly comfortable with \u201cgrowth without headcount.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo what now? Employees should pay attention to these moves and make themselves more valuable by staying proactive. Do not wait for a chance to improve your position. Seek it out.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFind \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scmtalent.com\/supply-chain-collaboration\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ecollaborative opportunities with your peers outside of your specific silo\u003C\/a\u003E. Cross-functional literacy takes center stage to increase one\u2019s value. There has been career acceleration among mid-level supply chain professionals who can work across the organization and become proficient in a multitude of functions. Increase your functional knowledge base and increase your organizational value at the same time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is not the time to be complacent or average. Employers still need people with elite soft skills such as leadership, personnel management, communication, and initiative. Visible contributions are essential and will separate those who thrive from those who are content to endure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere is also hope on the horizon. An elite supply chain institution recently reported that more than 85% of their spring graduates received high-level roles. Another hopeful metric is the rise in offers coming to every supply chain graduate. These numbers are all trending up, which means that the supply chain is strong and in need of a robust talent pipeline.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEmployees must demonstrate they can become experienced\u2014if not fluent\u2014with AI tools that make individuals more productive. Use them to lift your value. Differentiation is the name of the game in a field where the top 10\u201315 percent of talent still commands a premium.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis was explored further in an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/news\/human-edge-age-ai-what-technology-cant-replace-and-how-build-your-advantage\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Earticle\u003C\/a\u003E written for Georgia Tech this summer. AI is not the end, it is the beginning:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI firmly believe professionals\u2014especially early in their careers\u2014should spend 3 to 5 years in front-line roles. No AI tool can replicate the kind of intuition you build by seeing how things work, where they break, and how people respond in real time. That foundation lasts an entire career.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere will always be a place where the human edge is necessary. The goal is to find where you fit and how you can use AI to your advantage while honing and refining your soft skills. Do not be afraid to make mistakes, either. It is one of the best ways to learn.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EConclusion: Planning for Stability in an Unstable Market\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe supply chain talent pendulum has clearly swung back toward employers, and the forces keeping it there are unlikely to fade any time soon. AI maturity, demographic stagnation, post-COVID overcorrections, and a corporate appetite for \u201cgrowth without hiring\u201d all point to a labor market that may remain employer-favored through 2027 or 2028. But the story does not end there. The pendulum can shift again, and it will if several conditions align: steady consumer demand, renewed business investment, lower interest rates, stable inflation, and a labor market that stays tight enough to force companies to compete for talent rather than squeeze more productivity out of smaller teams.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor employees, waiting for that moment is a recipe for disaster and is not a strategy for success. This is the time to skill up, stand out, and become visibly indispensable. Become more proficient with AI tools, expand your cross-functional range, and build the soft skills that technology cannot replace. Your competition now becomes yourself. There is no better time to be a \u201cself-starter\u201d than now.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor employers, running lean perpetually will not provide a bulletproof bottom line. There is risk to succession planning and employee morale through burnout and stagnation. Continue strategically building internal pipelines. The job market has plenty of talent at a premium right now, so find people who can help you maintain operations and grow into more senior roles as the economy rebounds. Workforce resilience cannot be built overnight, and organizations that fail to adequately invest now will struggle later.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSteady-Eddie\u201d remains the preferred path. Do not overhire or overfire. Aim for a sweet spot that maintains growth, protects margins, and creates a small cushion of resilience for the labor pool. The companies that invest smartly and the employees who stay adaptable, proactive, and highly visible have the chance to define the next era of supply chain leadership, no matter where the pendulum lands.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECall to Action: What This Means for You\u2014and What to Do Next\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf these dynamics feel familiar\u2014or unsettling\u2014you are not alone. Moments like this are precisely when intentional investment in skills, talent pipelines, and professional networks matters most.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EFor students and early-career professionals\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is the time to differentiate, not wait. Employers are hiring selectively, and they are looking for candidates who combine foundational supply chain experience with strong communication, cross-functional literacy, and practical fluency with analytics and AI-enabled tools. Georgia Tech\u2019s Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL) offers professional education courses designed to build exactly these capabilities\u2014grounded in real-world application, not theory alone.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EFor working professionals\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you are navigating growth-without-hiring realities, reskilling and upskilling are no longer optional. SCL programs help professionals sharpen decision-making, leadership, and applied technical skills that increase both individual and organizational resilience\u2014especially in environments where headcount is constrained but expectations are rising.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EFor hiring managers and employers\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven in a cautious hiring market, the competition for top-tier supply chain talent has not disappeared\u2014it has become more targeted. Engaging early with Georgia Tech SCL allows you to connect with high-caliber students, support a durable talent pipeline, and partner on developing skills that align with where supply chains are headed, not where they have been.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EReaders are also encouraged to explore SCM-focused podcasts and practitioner conversations\u2014including leadership, career-path, and \u201cday-in-the-life\u201d perspectives\u2014that help translate these labor market shifts into practical guidance. These voices complement formal education by offering lived experience and real-world context during periods of uncertainty.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor those wondering how to navigate what comes next, staying connected with Georgia Tech SCL can be valuable. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/education\/webinar-archive\u0022\u003EIn a January 2026 webinar\u003C\/a\u003E, the team will preview an emerging trend expected to materially shape supply chain roles, workforce expectations, and talent strategies over the next 3\u20135 years\u2014particularly at the intersection of AI enablement, front-line experience, and leadership readiness.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis moment favors those who engage early, build capability deliberately, and stay connected to credible institutions shaping the future of supply chain practice.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis content was developed in collaboration with \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scmtalent.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESCM Talent Group\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E, a supply chain recruiting and executive search firm.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EResources\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAssociated Press\u003C\/em\u003E \u2014 \u201cUS hiring stalls with employers reluctant to expand...\u201d (reports just ~22,000 jobs in a month). \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/jobs-economy-unemployment-trump-firing-f686eab61f7d6b702ca10b12b0250498?utm_source=chatgpt.com\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAP News\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECBS News\u003C\/em\u003E \u2014 Supporting story on same 22,000-job report \/ labor-market cooldown. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/jobs-report-august-2025-economy-trump-hiring-bls\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECBS News\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPBS NewsHour\u003C\/em\u003E \u2014 Analysis of U.S. hiring stall and its implications. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/newshour\/economy\/u-s-hiring-stalls-with-just-22000-jobs-added-in-august?utm_source=chatgpt.com\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EPBS\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cem\u003EBusiness Insider\u003C\/em\u003E \u2014 Coverage of weak August 2025 jobs report and growing caution in labor markets. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/august-jobs-report-unemployment-rate-employment-federal-reserve-interest-rates-2025-9?utm_source=chatgpt.com\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EBusiness Insider\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Wall Street Journal\u003C\/em\u003E \u2014 \u201cJobs Report Shows Hiring Slowed in August 2025\u201d (subscription-gated). \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/economy\/jobs\/jobs-report-august-2025-unemployment-economy-0901d8a7?gaa_at=eafs\u0026amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqchKh3jmpwT9oBKadEFr20vqa0oekM0H_2Z6MAjK_BHVV_WSXNhZmmn\u0026amp;gaa_sig=XP0YIblbgP_BB8gOwNc4xP9NqUpUXhAMm1Cq7hQeuzdCb_GONFFq682U1xLvlfNJnhN5fKoAAcYYj5wexIPvWA%3D%3D\u0026amp;gaa_ts=6931f75c\u0026amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EThe Wall Street Journal\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cem\u003EBloomberg\u003C\/em\u003E \u2014 Reporting that job openings and hiring have decoupled despite rising corporate capital expenditures; signals firms are investing without matching headcount growth. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2025-10-03\/us-government-shutdown-stops-jobs-report-but-labor-market-seen-slowing?utm_source=chatgpt.com\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EBloomberg\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cem\u003EWalmart\u003C\/em\u003E \/ \u003Cem\u003ENewsweek\u003C\/em\u003E \u2014 Recent article on Walmart celebrating automation and signaling flat headcount even as business grows. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/walmart-celebrates-automation-us-job-cuts-reach-multiyear-high-11107369?utm_source=chatgpt.com\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENewsweek\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ESupply chain employers are increasingly targeting \u201cgrowth without hiring,\u201d using AI, automation, and lean teams instead of expanding headcount. This shift raises risks of burnout and fragile pipelines, making proactive skill-building and long-term talent development essential for both companies and professionals.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Supply chain employers are pursuing \u201cgrowth without hiring\u201d by using AI, automation, and lean teams, making it critical for both organizations and professionals to proactively build skills, resilience, and long-term talent pipelines."}],"uid":"27233","created_gmt":"2025-12-23 14:30:34","changed_gmt":"2025-12-23 16:44:48","author":"Andy Haleblian","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-23T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-23T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678898":{"id":"678898","type":"image","title":"Growth Without Hiring: The Last Pendulum Swing","body":null,"created":"1766504076","gmt_created":"2025-12-23 15:34:36","changed":"1766508827","gmt_changed":"2025-12-23 16:53:47","alt":"Growth Without Hiring: The Last Pendulum Swing","file":{"fid":"262991","name":"SupplyChainHiringTrends_11_48_50-AM.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/23\/SupplyChainHiringTrends_11_48_50-AM.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/23\/SupplyChainHiringTrends_11_48_50-AM.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":48953,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/23\/SupplyChainHiringTrends_11_48_50-AM.jpg?itok=ieuW8Hue"}},"674087":{"id":"674087","type":"image","title":"Chris Gaffney","body":"\u003Cp\u003EChris Gaffney\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1717067903","gmt_created":"2024-05-30 11:18:23","changed":"1771883375","gmt_changed":"2026-02-23 21:49:35","alt":"Chris Gaffney, Managing Director, Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute","file":{"fid":"257557","name":"chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":129544,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg?itok=_M0fOBTF"}}},"media_ids":["678898","674087"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/news-events\/newsletters","title":"View past SCL newsletters and join our mailing list"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/","title":"Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute"}],"groups":[{"id":"1250","name":"Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems (CHHS)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"194489","name":"scl-spot"},{"id":"167074","name":"Supply Chain"},{"id":"187190","name":"-go-gtmi"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["info@scl.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686984":{"#nid":"686984","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Community and Collaboration Shape the Class of 2025","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJust as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community of faculty, mentors, research collaborators, and staff to raise a Georgia Tech graduate.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Yellow Jacket community swarmed campus for the final time of the fall semester to celebrate Commencement ceremonies held Dec. 11 to 13. Graduates from the School of Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) were among the 7,177 new alumni \u201cgetting out\u201d of Tech. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are immensely proud of School of CSE and CSE programs graduates in the Class of 2025,\u201d said Haesun Park, Regents\u2019 Professor and Chair of the School of CSE.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur collaborative approach to CSE education has prepared these graduates to attain roles in academia, national labs, industry, government, and beyond, where they will lead the next generation of interdisciplinary research.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlong with administering its flagship CSE Ph.D. and M.S. CSE programs, the School of CSE offers doctoral degrees in computer science and machine learning. Ph.D. graduates who received their diplomas and doctoral hoods on Dec. 11 at McCamish Pavilion included:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/grantbruer\u0022\u003EGrant Bruer\u003C\/a\u003E (Ph.D. CSE-CSE 2025), advised by School of CSE Professor and Associate Chair Edmond Chow\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.jinchoi.xyz\/\u0022\u003EDongjin Choi\u003C\/a\u003E (Ph.D. CSE-CSE 2025), advised by School of CSE Regents\u2019 Professor and Chair Haesun Park\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/event\/2023\/06\/27\/phd-proposal-hyungu-choi\u0022\u003EHyungu Choi\u003C\/a\u003E (Ph.D. CSE-AE 2025), advised by Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering Regents\u2019 Professor Dimitri Mavris\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMaxfield Comstock\u003C\/strong\u003E (Ph.D. CSE-CSE 2025), advised by Elizabeth Cherry, College of Computing Associate Dean for Graduate Education and School of CSE Associate Professor\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/dilab.gatech.edu\/andrew-hornback\/\u0022\u003EAndrew Hornback\u003C\/a\u003E (Ph.D. CS-CSE 2025), co-advised by School of CSE Assistant Professor Yunan Luo and Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Professor May Wang\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/grad.gatech.edu\/events\/phd-defense-ayush-jain\u0022\u003EAyush Jain\u003C\/a\u003E (Ph.D. CSE-MSE 2025), advised by School of Materials Science and Engineering Regents\u2019 Entrepreneur and Professor Rampi Ramprasad\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/anurendk\/\u0022\u003EAnurendra Kumar\u003C\/a\u003E (Ph.D. CS-CSE 2025), co-advised by School of CSE J.Z. Liang Early Career Associate Professor Xiuwei Zhang and Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Professor Saurabh Sinha\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/jxie1997.github.io\/\u0022\u003EJiajia Xie\u003C\/a\u003E (Ph.D. CSE-BME 2025), advised by Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Associate Professor Cassie Mitchell\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/night-chen.github.io\/\u0022\u003EYuchen Zhuang\u003C\/a\u003E (Ph.D. ML-CSE 2025), advised by School of CSE Edenfield Early Career Associate Professor Chao Zhang\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/peterzzq.github.io\/\u0022\u003EZiqi Zhang\u003C\/a\u003E (Ph.D. CSE-CSE 2025), advised by School of CSE J.Z. Liang Early Career Associate Professor Xiuwei Zhang\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESeven CSE Ph.D. students completed M.S. degrees this fall and will continue their studies at Georgia Tech. They are:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jesusarias9\/\u0022\u003EJesus Arias\u003C\/a\u003E (M.S. CSE-CSE 2025), advised by School of CSE Assistant Professor Spencer Bryngelson\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/isabel-berry\/\u0022\u003EIsabel Berry\u003C\/a\u003E (M.S. CSE-CHEM 2025), advised by Regents\u2019 Professor C. David Sherrill, who is jointly appointed with the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the School of CSE\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/maxhawkins.info\/\u0022\u003EMax Hawkins\u003C\/a\u003E (M.S. CSE-CSE 2025), co-advised by School of CSE Professor Rich Vuduc and Assistant Professor Spencer Bryngelson\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/xiao-jing-738641a3\/\u0022\u003EXiao Jing\u003C\/a\u003E (M.S. CSE-AE 2025), advised by Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering Regents\u2019 Professor Dimitri Mavris\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/haoyunli.wordpress.com\/\u0022\u003EHaoyun Li\u003C\/a\u003E (M.S. CSE-CSE 2025), advised by Professor Felix Herrmann, who is jointly appointed with the Schools of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and CSE\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/yuan-qiu-a47404227\/\u0022\u003EYuan Qiu\u003C\/a\u003E (M.S. CSE-CSE 2025), advised by School of CSE Assistant Professor Peng Chen\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/william-schertzer\/\u0022\u003EWilliam Schertzer\u003C\/a\u003E (M.S. CSE-MSE 2025), advised by School of Materials Science and Engineering Regents\u2019 Entrepreneur and Professor Rampi Ramprasad\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s CSE graduate program includes 12 schools and departments participating as home units. These home units represent the colleges of Computing, Engineering, and Sciences. This approach facilitates an immersive, interdisciplinary experience in which students study computational approaches within domain fields.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech jointly celebrated master\u2019s graduates at a ceremony on Dec. 13 at Bobby Dodd Stadium. After the Institute celebration, graduates were recognized during ceremonies held by their respective colleges.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMawutor Kofi Amanfu (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESunyoung An (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENischal Bandi (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EElijah Bellamy (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeiwen Bi (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHao-Cheng Chang (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETianyu Chen (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYilong Chen (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZhiyu Chen (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESeung Eun Choi (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVinodhini Comandur (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZhiyi Dai (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlejandro Danies-Lopez (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZixing Fan (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStefan Faulkner (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMihiri Fernando (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlexandra Freeman (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYuhan Fu (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJack Ganem (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOmar Atef Garib (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMartin Graffigna (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBochun Guo (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMoyi Guo (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EXinyu Guo (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYuqi Han (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETianyang Hu (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMingzheng Huang (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPo-Han Huang (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWentao Jiang (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBoxiao Jin (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWilliam-Michael Johnson (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGaryoung Lee (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETzu Jung Lee (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECongyan Li (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPeiru Li (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYuhan Li (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZhiyun Liang (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYuexi Liao (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EChenyu Liu (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHonglin Liu (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShuojiang Liu (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EXuanzhang Liu (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYue Lu (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFang Lunt (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJinrui Ma (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYu Miao (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHui-Chun Mo (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPrajwal Kumar (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKavya Krishnan (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFelicity Nielson (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJonathan Perng (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYinzhu Quan (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDevanshi Shah (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYuxuan Shen (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESteven Stewart (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELinjun Su (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJingyun Sun (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAbdul Rehman Tariq (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYu Chu Tsai (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EXunzhi Wen (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJinghua Weng (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAndi Xia (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZihao Xiao (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYunxiang Yan (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZiyuan Ye (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELinyuan Yu (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBingqing Zhang (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETiankuo Zhang (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYu Zheng (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBoye Zhou (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EXinjie Zhu (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZilu Zhu (M.S. CSE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJust as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community of faculty, mentors, research collaborators, and staff to raise a Georgia Tech graduate.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Yellow Jacket community swarmed campus for the final time of the fall semester to celebrate Commencement ceremonies held Dec. 11 to 13. Graduates from the School of Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) were among the 7,177 new alumni \u201cgetting out\u201d of Tech. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Yellow Jacket community swarmed campus for the final time of the fall semester to celebrate Commencement ceremonies held Dec. 11 to 13. Graduates from the School of Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) were among the 7,177 new alumni \u201cgetting o"}],"uid":"36319","created_gmt":"2025-12-18 14:56:42","changed_gmt":"2025-12-18 14:57:35","author":"Bryant Wine","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-18T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-18T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678889":{"id":"678889","type":"image","title":"Fall-2025-Masters-Commencement.jpg","body":null,"created":"1766069812","gmt_created":"2025-12-18 14:56:52","changed":"1766069812","gmt_changed":"2025-12-18 14:56:52","alt":"Fall 2025 College of Computing Masters Commencement","file":{"fid":"262979","name":"Fall-2025-Masters-Commencement.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/18\/Fall-2025-Masters-Commencement.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/18\/Fall-2025-Masters-Commencement.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":105246,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/18\/Fall-2025-Masters-Commencement.jpg?itok=pWTczKbt"}}},"media_ids":["678889"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/community-and-collaboration-shape-class-2025","title":"Community and Collaboration Shape the Class of 2025"}],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"50877","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"},{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"166983","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBryant Wine, Communications Officer\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:bryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686924":{"#nid":"686924","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Outside the Box: The Adaptation of Georgia Tech\u2019s Beekeeper in Residence From Advertising to Apiaries ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EDuring her years working in the advertising and marketing industry,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EDeb DeWitt\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Ebecame increasingly intrigued by beekeeping. The timing, however, was never quite right.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBusy with her career and family, DeWitt tucked the idea away \u2014 until she stepped back from the professional world and knew it was time to pursue keeping bees. She enrolled in a one-day beekeeping class that was offered by the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/metroatlantabeekeepers.org\/\u0022\u003EMetro Atlanta Beekeepers Association\u003C\/a\u003E. From there, DeWitt learned the fundamentals, purchased her first honey bees, and began the fascinating \u2014 and sometimes mystifying \u2014 work of caring for them in her backyard.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ELike many new beekeepers, she faced steep challenges: sick bees, failing colonies, secondary pests, and ensuring her hives had enough resources to survive winter. But DeWitt says that she also discovered how remarkably generous and supportive the beekeeping community is. She connected with mentors and attended local bee club meetings and state conferences where researchers shared their latest findings. Beekeeping became meaningful in ways she had never anticipated.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI fell in love with honey bees and all things related. There is an innate spirituality in keeping bees,\u201d she says. \u201cOnce I put the veil on, life slows to a standstill and becomes a walking meditation into a delicately complex and endlessly fascinating world.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHer marketing background came full circle too. \u201cLike any creative endeavor, beekeepers must be keenly observant,\u201d DeWitt explains. \u201cWe have to think outside the box, pivot quickly, anticipate problems, and plan ahead.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAs her colony numbers grew, so did her reach. DeWitt established apiaries at several metro Atlanta schools and at sites in Chattahoochee Hills, Grant Park, Brookhaven, Arabia Mountain, and Brevard, North Carolina. Along the way, she earned her Master Beekeeper certification from Cornell University, served as the central regional director for the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gabeekeeping.com\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Beekeepers Association\u003C\/a\u003E, taught beekeeping to incarcerated individuals through the Georgia Department of Corrections, and partnered with tree companies to rescue wild honey bee colonies living in trees slated for removal.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EServing as the Beekeeper in Residence\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThis breadth of experience prepared her for a unique opportunity: becoming Georgia Tech\u2019s 2025 Beekeeper in Residence with the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/bees\/\u0022\u003EUrban Honey Bee Project\u003C\/a\u003E. The one-year residency, DeWitt says, offered \u201ca rare opportunity to be part of the Georgia Tech community,\u201d allowing her to explore new ideas in beekeeping while tending to and expanding the rooftop hives at\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/livingbuilding.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EThe Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Urban Honey Bee Project, an interdisciplinary initiative of Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sustain.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EOffice of Sustainability\u003C\/a\u003E, established the Beekeeper in Residence program to maintain colonies at The Kendeda Building and in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/facilities.gatech.edu\/ecocommons\u0022\u003EEcoCommons\u003C\/a\u003E, mentor student beekeepers, and enrich the program with diverse expertise.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cDeb did so much this year \u2014 working closely with the Beekeeping Club, keeping our hives healthy, and even rehoming a wild hive from a dead tree on campus,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/expert\/jennifer-leavey\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJennifer Leavey\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant dean for faculty mentoring in the College of Sciences and director of the Urban Honey Bee Project. \u201cMost importantly, Deb showed our students how an expert beekeeper approaches hive care. She took every opportunity to include them, and it made a real impact.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech undergraduate\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAlyssa Zhang\u003C\/strong\u003E agrees. \u201cThe Beekeeping Club loved working with Deb. She was always happy to teach us \u2014 whether it was managing Varroa mites last summer, when she helped reduce counts from 17% to below 1%, or preparing the hives for winter.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProtecting intelligent pollinators\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Varroa mite is one of many pressures beekeepers face. \u201cThe biggest challenges affecting honey bees \u2014 as well as native bees and other pollinators \u2014 are climate change, habitat loss, pesticide use, pests, and pathogens,\u201d DeWitt explains. \u201cThese factors contributed to U.S. commercial beekeepers losing a devastating average of 62% of their colonies last year.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHoney bees play a critical role in pollinating food crops and producing honey and beeswax. These threats fuel DeWitt\u2019s passion for education, mentorship, and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. Yet, the most meaningful rewards are personal.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cHoney bee colonies are superorganisms \u2014 tens of thousands of individuals working together for the good of the hive,\u201d she adds. \u201cBees are intelligent, endlessly fascinating creatures, and I never stop learning from them. Beekeeping has made me a better gardener, horticulturist, ecologist, conservationist, carpenter, biologist, scientist, student, teacher, problem solver\u2026 you name it.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERecognized across Georgia\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHer passion for the craft is unmistakable. In 2025, DeWitt received one of the state\u2019s highest honors: Georgia Beekeepers Association\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gabeekeeping.com\/Beekeeper-of-the-Year\u0022\u003EBeekeeper of the Year Award\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI am profoundly grateful to the state\u2019s beekeeping community for recognizing my efforts over the past eight years,\u201d says DeWitt. \u201cThis award reflects the mentorship I\u2019ve received from some truly exceptional beekeepers.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMarketer-turned-beekeeper Deb DeWitt serves as Georgia Tech\u0027s Beekeeper in Residence and receives the Georgia Beekeepers Association\u2019s Beekeeper of the Year Award.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Marketer-turned-beekeeper Deb DeWitt serves as Georgia Tech\u0027s Beekeeper in Residence and receives the Georgia Beekeepers Association\u2019s Beekeeper of the Year Award."}],"uid":"27465","created_gmt":"2025-12-16 22:19:18","changed_gmt":"2025-12-17 20:36:58","author":"Annette Filliat","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678876":{"id":"678876","type":"image","title":"Deb DeWitt serves as Georgia Tech\u2019s 2025 Beekeeper in Residence with the Urban Honey Bee Project. ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDeb DeWitt serves as Georgia Tech\u2019s 2025 Beekeeper in Residence with the Urban Honey Bee Project.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1766001431","gmt_created":"2025-12-17 19:57:11","changed":"1766002974","gmt_changed":"2025-12-17 20:22:54","alt":"Woman standing with a honeycomb.","file":{"fid":"262966","name":"Deb-DeWitt.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/17\/Deb-DeWitt.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/17\/Deb-DeWitt.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":6215201,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/17\/Deb-DeWitt.jpg?itok=L_TiZuFL"}},"678878":{"id":"678878","type":"image","title":"Left to right: Beekeeper in Residence Deb DeWitt, alumna Tosin Adedipe (BME 2025), and Jennifer Leavey, assistant dean for faculty mentoring in the College of Sciences and director of the Urban Honey Bee Project","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELeft to right: Beekeeper in Residence Deb DeWitt, alumna Tosin Adedipe (BME 2025), and Jennifer Leavey, assistant dean for faculty mentoring in the College of Sciences and director of the Urban Honey Bee Project\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1766001666","gmt_created":"2025-12-17 20:01:06","changed":"1766003099","gmt_changed":"2025-12-17 20:24:59","alt":"Three women with one of them holding beekeeping equipment.","file":{"fid":"262968","name":"DDewitt-JLeavey-Tosin.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/17\/DDewitt-JLeavey-Tosin.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/17\/DDewitt-JLeavey-Tosin.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":762068,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/17\/DDewitt-JLeavey-Tosin.jpeg?itok=3PPC0_Gs"}},"678882":{"id":"678882","type":"image","title":"Beekeeper in Residence Deb DeWitt (center) educates undergraduate students Omar Malik (left) and Alyssa Zhang (right). ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EBeekeeper in Residence Deb DeWitt\u0026nbsp;(center) educates undergraduate students Omar Malik (left) and Alyssa Zhang (right).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1766003609","gmt_created":"2025-12-17 20:33:29","changed":"1766003609","gmt_changed":"2025-12-17 20:33:29","alt":"Three people, including a woman in a bee-keeping hat.","file":{"fid":"262972","name":"Dewitt-AlyssaZhang-OmarMalik--1-.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/17\/Dewitt-AlyssaZhang-OmarMalik--1-_0.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/17\/Dewitt-AlyssaZhang-OmarMalik--1-_0.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":676158,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/17\/Dewitt-AlyssaZhang-OmarMalik--1-_0.jpg?itok=EFEO_Mfn"}},"678883":{"id":"678883","type":"image","title":"Beekeeper in Residence Deb DeWitt discusses important pollinators at Georgia Tech\u0027s Honeypalooza. ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EBeekeeper in Residence Deb DeWitt discusses important pollinators at Georgia Tech\u0027s Honeypalooza.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1766003727","gmt_created":"2025-12-17 20:35:27","changed":"1766003727","gmt_changed":"2025-12-17 20:35:27","alt":"Woman teaching a class and holding a honeycomb.","file":{"fid":"262973","name":"Honeypalooza_Kendeda.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/17\/Honeypalooza_Kendeda_0.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/17\/Honeypalooza_Kendeda_0.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3074892,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/17\/Honeypalooza_Kendeda_0.jpg?itok=IVXudvBm"}}},"media_ids":["678876","678878","678882","678883"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/happy-world-bee-day-inside-urban-honey-bee-project","title":"Happy World Bee Day: Inside the Urban Honey Bee Project\u00a0"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/janelle-dunlap-turns-beekeeping-art","title":"Janelle Dunlap Turns Beekeeping Into Art "}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"categories":[{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"194836","name":"Sustainability"}],"keywords":[{"id":"177142","name":"beekeeping"},{"id":"180897","name":"honey bees"},{"id":"70141","name":"Georgia Tech Urban Honey Bee Project"},{"id":"187127","name":"Georgia Tech College of Sciences"},{"id":"192081","name":"office of sustainability"},{"id":"177739","name":"Kendeda Building"},{"id":"79481","name":"ecocommons"},{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"},{"id":"71911","name":"Earth and Environment"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jess@cos.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJess Hunt-Ralston\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Communications\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences at Georgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWriter: Annette Filliat\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEditor: Selena Langner\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["afilliat@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686905":{"#nid":"686905","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Researchers Make Waves at the World\u2019s Largest Neuroscience Conference","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EImagine stepping into a space the size of multiple football fields \u2014 only instead of turf and goalposts, it\u2019s filled with science. Every inch is alive with posters, equipment demos, and researchers sharing the latest breakthroughs.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWelcome to the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Conference, one of the largest scientific gatherings in the world, drawing more than 30,000 attendees to San Diego in November. According to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/user\/1105\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAnnabelle Singer\u003C\/a\u003E, it is \u003Cem\u003Ethe\u003C\/em\u003E place to be for neuroscientists. \u201cIf you want to know what is going on now in neuroscience, it is being talked about at SfN.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESinger is a McCamish Foundation Early Career Professor in the Wallace H. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bme.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECoulter Department of Biomedical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (BME) at Georgia Tech and Emory University. A frequent SfN attendee, she describes the meeting as \u201cDragon Con for neuroscience, with thousands of talks and posters going on simultaneously.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis year, Georgia Tech didn\u2019t just show up \u2014 it made a statement with more than \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/views\/Neuroscience2025\/main?:showVizHome=no\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E60 presentations\u003C\/a\u003E, a major outreach award, and a spotlight press conference.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSeeing Georgia Tech and INNS represented so strongly at SfN is exciting,\u201d says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/directory\/christopher-john-rozell\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChris Rozell\u003C\/a\u003E, executive director of Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInstitute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society\u003C\/a\u003E (INNS). \u201cIt reflects the incredible breadth of neuroscience and neurotechnology research happening across our campus and how our work is shaping conversations at the highest level.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInside \u2018Neuroscience Dragon Con\u2019\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMany conferences center around structured lectures, but at SfN, posters are the heart. You might find a senior researcher presenting groundbreaking findings right next to a first-time attendee sharing early results. This diversity is what makes the experience so valuable, says Singer. \u201cTrainees get to talk directly with the scientist doing the work to get their questions answered, from wondering about future implications to clarifying technical details.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe scale of SfN can feel overwhelming, but for many, that\u2019s part of the excitement. \u201cThere are so many different posters from so many different fields. It\u2019s a lot to absorb, but it\u2019s all very interesting,\u201d said Benjamin Magondu, a biomedical engineering Ph.D. student presenting for the first time. \u201cI\u2019ve definitely learned at least 47 things by just walking 10 feet.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor students like Magondu, the experience is critical, says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EBiological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E Assistant Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/people\/farzaneh-najafi\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EFarzaneh Najafi\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cSfN has such a big scope, all the way from molecular to cognitive and computational systems. Especially for those deciding which direction of neuroscience they want to go into, it\u2019s invaluable.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat breadth also fosters connections across disciplines. \u201cConferences are usually pretty niche,\u201d noted Tina Franklin, a research scientist in BME. \u201cYou have your own field that you\u2019re really good at, but it\u2019s difficult to venture out and find new people who can help you figure out what comes next. This conference brings people from all different fields together with the common interest of neuroscience and brain research.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELeading the Charge\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s impact went beyond the conference floor. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/ming-fai-fong\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMing-fai Fong\u003C\/a\u003E, an assistant professor in BME, received the prestigious Next Generation Award, one of SfN\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sfn.org\/publications\/latest-news\/2025\/11\/03\/society-for-neuroscience-2025-education-and-outreach-awards\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eeducation and outreach awards\u003C\/a\u003E. The honor recognizes members who make outstanding contributions to public communication and education about neuroscience.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019m certainly very grateful to the Society for Neuroscience for recognizing these types of contributions,\u201d says Fong, who was recognized for her work supporting blind and visually impaired youth in Atlanta. \u201cRewarding outreach efforts reinforces my core belief that scientists and engineers can make an immediate impact on communities we care about through outreach. It\u2019s a great parallel avenue to making a positive impact through research.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBuilding on this recognition, Georgia Tech was in the spotlight during one of SfN\u2019s selective press conferences \u2014 a session on \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.the-scientist.com\/ai-tools-unravel-thoughts-actions-and-neuronal-makeup-73779\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eartificial intelligence in neuroscience\u003C\/a\u003E moderated by Rozell, who is also the Julian T. Hightower Chair 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.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring the SfN press event, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/med.emory.edu\/directory\/profile\/?u=TKESAR\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ETrisha Kesar,\u003C\/a\u003E an associate professor in BME and adjunct faculty in the School of Biological Sciences, presented her research using AI to improve gait rehabilitation. Her work was among just 40 abstracts selected from more than 10,000 submissions for this honor, and one of five abstracts selected for the AI in neuroscience press conference. The project is a collaboration with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bme.gatech.edu\/bio\/hyeokhyen-kwon\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EHyeok Kwon\u003C\/a\u003E, a Georgia Tech computer science alumnus and an assistant professor in BME.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s exciting to see Georgia Tech and Atlanta emerging as hubs for neuroscience innovation,\u201d said Kesar. \u201cBeing part of a press conference on AI in neuroscience shows how much our community is contributing to the future of brain research, and how collaboration across institutions can accelerate progress.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWith more than 60 presentations and recognition for neuroscience outreach and AI research, Georgia Tech demonstrated its growing impact at the 2025 Society for Neuroscience\u2019s annual meeting.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"With more than 60 presentations and recognition for neuroscience outreach and AI research, Georgia Tech demonstrated its growing impact at the 2025 Society for Neuroscience\u2019s annual meeting."}],"uid":"35575","created_gmt":"2025-12-16 16:25:18","changed_gmt":"2025-12-16 20:34:06","author":"adavidson38","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678854":{"id":"678854","type":"image","title":"1763342998142_viaSfN.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAffectionally called \u0022DragonCon for neuroscience,\u0022 the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting is one of the largest academic conferences in the world.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765903757","gmt_created":"2025-12-16 16:49:17","changed":"1765903757","gmt_changed":"2025-12-16 16:49:17","alt":"Affectionally called \u0022DragonCon for neuroscience,\u0022 the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting is one of the largest academic conferences in the world.","file":{"fid":"262944","name":"1763342998142_viaSfN.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/1763342998142_viaSfN.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/1763342998142_viaSfN.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":161836,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/16\/1763342998142_viaSfN.jpeg?itok=0fC9aJqn"}},"678856":{"id":"678856","type":"image","title":"IMG_6535-2.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003EBenjamin Magondu, a graduate student in biomedical engineering, presented at SfN for the first time this year.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765903975","gmt_created":"2025-12-16 16:52:55","changed":"1765903975","gmt_changed":"2025-12-16 16:52:55","alt":"Benjamin Magondu, a graduate student in biomedical engineering, presented at SfN for the first time this year.","file":{"fid":"262946","name":"IMG_6535-2.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/IMG_6535-2.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/IMG_6535-2.png","mime":"image\/png","size":16053615,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/16\/IMG_6535-2.png?itok=RqMzz6kC"}},"678855":{"id":"678855","type":"image","title":"IMG_6838.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWith hundreds of presentations happening simultaneously, the poster floor can be overwhelming at SfN \u2014 but for many, that\u0027s part of the draw.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765903880","gmt_created":"2025-12-16 16:51:20","changed":"1765903880","gmt_changed":"2025-12-16 16:51:20","alt":"With hundreds of presentations happening simultaneously, the poster floor can be overwhelming at SfN \u2014 but for many, that\u0027s part of the draw.","file":{"fid":"262945","name":"IMG_6838.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/IMG_6838.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/IMG_6838.png","mime":"image\/png","size":10484632,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/16\/IMG_6838.png?itok=5jvPd7_3"}},"678857":{"id":"678857","type":"image","title":"IMG_6748-2.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETrisha Kesar answers a question during the SfN press conference on AI in neuroscience, moderated by Chris Rozell.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765904071","gmt_created":"2025-12-16 16:54:31","changed":"1765904071","gmt_changed":"2025-12-16 16:54:31","alt":"Trisha Kesar answers a question during the SfN press conference on AI in neuroscience, moderated by Chris Rozell.","file":{"fid":"262947","name":"IMG_6748-2.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/IMG_6748-2.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/IMG_6748-2.png","mime":"image\/png","size":10935175,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/16\/IMG_6748-2.png?itok=dFEAz4Je"}}},"media_ids":["678854","678856","678855","678857"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/georgia-tech-uses-computing-and-engineering-methods-shift-neuroscience-paradigms","title":"Georgia Tech Uses Computing and Engineering Methods to Shift Neuroscience Paradigms"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.the-scientist.com\/ai-tools-unravel-thoughts-actions-and-neuronal-makeup-73779","title":"Inside the SfN Press Conference: AI Tools Unravel Thoughts, Actions, and Neuronal Makeup"},{"url":"https:\/\/neuro.gatech.edu\/head-toe-georgia-tech-researchers-treat-entire-human-body-through-neuroscience-research","title":"Head to Toe: Georgia Tech Researchers Treat the Entire Human Body Through Neuroscience Research"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/202927865@N06\/albums\/72177720330951882\/","title":"Georgia Tech at SfN in Photos"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"66220","name":"Neuro"},{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"},{"id":"443951","name":"School of Psychology"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"172970","name":"go-neuro"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193656","name":"Neuro Next Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWriter and media contact:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:audra.davidson@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAudra Davidson\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EResearch Communications Manager\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society (INNS)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPresenter Dashboard:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECreated by \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jpreston7@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJoshua Preston\u003C\/a\u003E, Communications Manager, College of Computing\u003Cbr\u003EData collection by Audra Davidson, Hunter Ashcraft\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["audra.davidson@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686904":{"#nid":"686904","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Design, Build, Launch: New CS Capstone Turns Students into Entrepreneurs","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFrom zero to working prototype in just four months, students in the College of Computing\u2019s new entrepreneurial Junior Design Capstone tackle real-world problems with guidance from startup mentors.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELed by School of Computing Instruction faculty member and Georgia Tech alumna \u003Cstrong\u003EJennifer Whitlow\u003C\/strong\u003E, the course gives students a founder\u2019s perspective on building technology that meets real user needs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EA Startup Approach to Junior Design\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnlike the traditional CS Junior Design course where teams work with sponsors, students in the entrepreneurial track act as their own clients. They begin the semester with no predetermined problem and follow a structured process, which is anchored by deliverables that reflect professional expectations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cStudents come in with nothing,\u201d Whitlow said. \u201cThey identify a problem, conduct customer discovery, realize which assumptions were wrong, refine their direction, figure out what to build and then build it. And they own it 100 percent.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECustomer-discovery interviews ensure every idea is grounded in real user needs, and the semester culminates in a fully functioning prototype paired with a written justification of the decisions behind it. This combination of development and reflection gives students a framework that mirrors startup practices.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EExpert Alumni Coached and AI-Driven Development\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo further simulate a startup environment, Whitlow recruited alumni coaches with startup or executive experience. Coaches were paired with teams based on their areas of expertise, advising anywhere from one to four groups. The roster includes a former chief technology officer and longtime startup advisor, along with alumni startup founders.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudents also incorporate AI tools into development, accelerating early prototype work while still making critical decisions themselves.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAI can accelerate the early stages,\u201d Whitlow said. \u201cBut students have to understand their design well enough to guide it. AI doesn\u2019t replace their decision-making.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003ETop Teams Earn CREATE-X Acceptance\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESixteen teams completed the entrepreneurial capstone this fall.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe top two scoring projects earned automatic acceptance into \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECREATE-X Launch\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Georgia Tech\u2019s startup accelerator:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECodeOrbit\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESonara\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese teams showcase the program\u2019s ability to quickly bring student ideas to a level that\u2019s ready for real-world startup incubation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EPutting the Process into Action: Lunchbox\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne team that exemplifies how the capstone\u2019s structure supports innovation is LunchBox. Created by computational media major \u003Cstrong\u003EAbigail Rhea\u003C\/strong\u003E and her teammates, LunchBox helps parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children navigate limited safe-food options.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe idea evolved after early customer discovery revealed that the original concept had too much competition, so the team narrowed its focus.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cDuring research, one of our teammates came across a testimonial from the mother of an autistic child,\u201d Rhea said. \u201cIt spoke to all of us and helped us shift toward a truly underserved demographic.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team conducted more than 20 interviews with caregivers and special education teachers, reshaping its approach. \u201cWe realized families didn\u2019t need another daily task,\u201d Rhea said. \u201cThey needed personalized guidance that runs in the background. Everything we built came directly from those conversations.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team\u0027s biggest technical challenge was engineering a dynamic, emotionally supportive roadmap for food-exposure therapy. While AI accelerated development of SwiftUI code, all core decisions remained human-driven.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the Capstone Expo, attendees connected strongly with the project. \u201cSo many people told us how applicable LunchBox is to their lives,\u201d Rhea said. \u201cMost joined the waitlist. We couldn\u2019t be more excited for what\u2019s next.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003ELooking Ahead\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhitlow sees the pilot already fulfilling its purpose: giving students the tools and confidence to turn ideas into real ventures. Teams can continue work by applying to CREATE-X programs or building on their prototypes after the semester.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis course shows students they can create something real,\u201d Whitlow said. \u201cThat\u2019s the goal: empowering them to innovate.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Startup Approach to Junior DA Startup Approach to Junior Desi\u003C\/strong\u003EUnlike the traditional CS Junior Design course where teams work with sponsors, students in the entrepreneurial track act as their own clients. They begin the semester with no predetermined problem and follow a structured process, which is anchored by deliverables that reflect professional expectatio\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFrom zero to working prototype in just four months, students in the College of Computing\u2019s new entrepreneurial Junior Design Capstone tackle real-world problems with guidance from startup mentors.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELed by School of Computing Instruction faculty member and Georgia Tech alumna \u003Cstrong\u003EJennifer Whitlow\u003C\/strong\u003E, the course gives students a founder\u2019s perspective on building technology that meets real user needs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"From zero to working prototype in just four months, students in the College of Computing\u2019s new entrepreneurial Junior Design Capstone tackle real-world problems with guidance from startup mentors."}],"uid":"36613","created_gmt":"2025-12-16 15:37:38","changed_gmt":"2025-12-16 15:51:16","author":"Emily Smith","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678848":{"id":"678848","type":"image","title":"Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0505.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESCI\u0027s Jennifer Whitlow speaks with a team presenting at the new entrepreneur section of Junior Design Capstone. Photos by Terence Rushin\/ College of Computing.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765899546","gmt_created":"2025-12-16 15:39:06","changed":"1765899546","gmt_changed":"2025-12-16 15:39:06","alt":"SCI\u0027s Jennifer Whitlow speaks with a team presenting at the new entrepreneur section of Junior Design Capstone. Photos by Terence Rushin\/ College of Computing.","file":{"fid":"262938","name":"Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0505.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0505.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0505.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":4012374,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/16\/Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0505.jpg?itok=8E3MNYtC"}},"678849":{"id":"678849","type":"image","title":"Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0535.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EStudents present at the expo\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765899546","gmt_created":"2025-12-16 15:39:06","changed":"1765899546","gmt_changed":"2025-12-16 15:39:06","alt":"Junior Design","file":{"fid":"262939","name":"Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0535.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0535.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0535.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5239182,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/16\/Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0535.jpg?itok=jwWKoDcO"}},"678850":{"id":"678850","type":"image","title":"Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0510.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ETeam Lunchbox created a prototype to help parents of neurodivergent children with safe foods. Photo by Terence Rushin\/ College of Computing.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765899546","gmt_created":"2025-12-16 15:39:06","changed":"1765899546","gmt_changed":"2025-12-16 15:39:06","alt":"Team Lunchbox created a prototype to help parents of neurodivergent children with safe foods. Photo by Terence Rushin\/ College of Computing. ","file":{"fid":"262940","name":"Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0510.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0510.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0510.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3303194,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/16\/Junior-Design-Expo-Fall-2025_V7A0510.jpg?itok=7oVGZkI-"}},"678851":{"id":"678851","type":"image","title":"Image--12-.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ETeam CodeOrbit took first place at the Expo. Photo by Jennifer Whitlow.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765899847","gmt_created":"2025-12-16 15:44:07","changed":"1765899847","gmt_changed":"2025-12-16 15:44:07","alt":"Team CodeOrbit took first place at the Expo. Photo by Jennifer Whitlow. ","file":{"fid":"262941","name":"Image--12-.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/Image--12-.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/Image--12-.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":192539,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/16\/Image--12-.jpeg?itok=h7JX9G11"}},"678852":{"id":"678852","type":"image","title":"Image--13-.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ETeam Sonara took second place at the Expo. Photo by Jennifer Whitlow.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765899847","gmt_created":"2025-12-16 15:44:07","changed":"1765899847","gmt_changed":"2025-12-16 15:44:07","alt":"Team Sonara took second place at the Expo. Photo by Jennifer Whitlow. ","file":{"fid":"262942","name":"Image--13-.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/Image--13-.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/Image--13-.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":198161,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/16\/Image--13-.jpeg?itok=eC6e_Y2c"}},"678853":{"id":"678853","type":"image","title":"Image--14-.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EWhitlow, who has years of experience working with startups, leads the new section of Junior Design Capstone. Photo by Kevin Beasley\/ College of Computing.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765899847","gmt_created":"2025-12-16 15:44:07","changed":"1765899847","gmt_changed":"2025-12-16 15:44:07","alt":"Whitlow, who has years of experience working with startups, leads the new section of Junior Design Capstone. Photo by Kevin Beasley\/ College of Computing.","file":{"fid":"262943","name":"Image--14-.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/Image--14-.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/Image--14-.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":40189,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/16\/Image--14-.jpeg?itok=v2lER5K0"}}},"media_ids":["678848","678849","678850","678851","678852","678853"],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"130","name":"Alumni"},{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"42921","name":"Exhibitions"},{"id":"194609","name":"Industry"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"193158","name":"Student Competition Winners (academic, innovation, and research)"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"137161","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"183228","name":"CS Junior Design Capstone"},{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["emily.smith@cc.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686897":{"#nid":"686897","#data":{"type":"news","title":"The Age of Autonomous Supply Chains is Here","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ESupply chain management is poised to enter a new era. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/hbr.org\/\u0022\u003EThe Harvard Business Review\u003C\/a\u003E has published a groundbreaking article co-authored by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/directory\/faculty\/calmon\/index.html\u0022\u003EAndre Calmon\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor of operations management, alongside \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/seas.harvard.edu\/person\/flavio-calmon\u0022\u003EFlavio Calmon\u003C\/a\u003E, Harvard University; \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/seas.harvard.edu\/person\/carol-long\u0022\u003ECarol Long\u003C\/a\u003E, Harvard University; and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cee.mit.edu\/people_individual\/david-simchi-levi\/\u0022\u003EDavid Simchi-Levi\u003C\/a\u003E, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/hbr.org\/2025\/12\/when-supply-chains-become-autonomous\u0022\u003EThe Age of Autonomous Supply Chains Has Arrived\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d explores how generative AI is transforming supply chain management from automated systems to truly autonomous operations.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBased on data collected at the Scheller College of Business, Calmon\u2019s research demonstrates how AI models like Llama 4 Maverick 17B\u2014equipped with optimized prompts, data-sharing rules, and guardrails\u2014can outperform human teams in managing complex supply chains. Using the classic \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mitsloan.mit.edu\/teaching-resources-library\/mit-sloan-beer-game-online\u0022\u003EMIT Beer Distribution Game\u003C\/a\u003E as a testbed, the authors benchmarked AI agents against more than 100 Georgia Tech students. The results were striking: AI-driven systems reduced total supply chain costs by up to 67% compared to human performance.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETraditional automated systems rely on rigid, human-designed rules. Calmon and his co-authors employed autonomous agents that learn, adapt, and coordinate across functions in real time. The study highlights four critical factors for success: selecting capable reasoning models, implementing guardrails to prevent costly errors, curating data through orchestration, and refining prompts for optimal performance.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis breakthrough positions the Scheller College of Business as a thought leader at the intersection of AI and supply chain innovation,\u201d said Calmon. \u201cWorld-class supply chain management is becoming a plug-and-play capability. Businesses that understand how to guide generative AI agents with the right data and policies will gain a decisive competitive edge.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe implications extend beyond cost savings. By delegating operational decisions to autonomous systems, human managers can focus on strategic priorities such as network design and supplier relationships. In an era of global volatility, this research emphasizes how future supply chain success depends on the strategic use of AI-driven technology.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/hbr.org\/2025\/12\/when-supply-chains-become-autonomous\u0022\u003ERead More: Harvard Business Review\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EHarvard Business Review has published research by Andre Calmon, associate professor of operations management, showing that generative AI-powered autonomous agents can outperform humans in managing complex supply chains.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Harvard Business Review reports that research by Andre Calmon shows generative AI-powered agents can outperform humans in managing complex supply chains."}],"uid":"36730","created_gmt":"2025-12-16 14:17:20","changed_gmt":"2025-12-16 14:23:41","author":"klowe36","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678846":{"id":"678846","type":"image","title":"Andre Calmon, associate professor of operations management","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAndre Calmon, associate professor of operations management\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765893983","gmt_created":"2025-12-16 14:06:23","changed":"1765894132","gmt_changed":"2025-12-16 14:08:52","alt":"Andre Calmon, associate professor of operations management","file":{"fid":"262935","name":"andre-calmon.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/andre-calmon.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/andre-calmon.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":226000,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/16\/andre-calmon.jpg?itok=BcsgF6FN"}}},"media_ids":["678846"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/age-of-autonomous-supply-chain.html","title":"Read More"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2812","name":"operations management"},{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKristin Lowe (She\/Her)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EContent Strategist\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology | Scheller College of Business\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:klowe36@gatech.edu\u0022 title=\u0022mailto:klowe36@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ekristin.lowe@scheller.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["kristin.lowe@scheller.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686896":{"#nid":"686896","#data":{"type":"news","title":"60 Years Later, Finally Another Yellow Jacket in the Family","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen Cole Rogers got the notice four years ago that he\u2019d been moved off the waitlist and admitted to Georgia Tech, he knew exactly who to call first.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis grandfather, Peter Petrecca, had studied aerospace engineering at Tech and had a long career in aviation, engineering, and product development. No one would celebrate the news more, so Rogers called him with the news before he even told his parents.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPetrecca had raised three daughters and exposed them to engineering and making things. But none had been interested enough to make it a career \u2014 or study at Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThen Cole came along, and I had another opportunity,\u201d Petrecca said. \u201cWe made model cars and motorcycles together and did other things. I wasn\u0027t sure he was going to go the engineering route, but I was thrilled when he got accepted.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENow Rogers is graduating with his \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eindustrial engineering bachelor\u2019s degree\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and in the sometimes funny way history echoes itself, he\u2019ll walk across the stage exactly 60 years after his grandfather finished his own degree.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s a path that probably has been quietly paved throughout Rogers\u2019 life, during all his visits to his grandfather\u2019s house.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERead the full story \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/12\/60-years-later-finally-another-yellow-jacket-family\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022(opens in a new window)\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECole Rogers is graduating with his industrial engineering bachelor\u0027s degree, and in the sometimes funny way history echoes itself, he\u2019ll walk across the stage exactly 60 years after his grandfather finished his own degree.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Peter Petrecca has been the lone Georgia Tech engineer in his family for decades. That changes in December when his grandson graduates exactly 60 years after Petrecca finished his degree."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2025-12-16 07:12:08","changed_gmt":"2025-12-16 07:16:44","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-16T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678845":{"id":"678845","type":"image","title":"Cole Rogers (IE 2025) - Fall Commencement","body":null,"created":"1765869262","gmt_created":"2025-12-16 07:14:22","changed":"1765869262","gmt_changed":"2025-12-16 07:14:22","alt":"Cole Rogers (IE 2025) - Fall Commencement","file":{"fid":"262934","name":"Peter-Petrecca-Cole-Rogers-Commencement-Fall2025.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/Peter-Petrecca-Cole-Rogers-Commencement-Fall2025.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/16\/Peter-Petrecca-Cole-Rogers-Commencement-Fall2025.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":157210,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/16\/Peter-Petrecca-Cole-Rogers-Commencement-Fall2025.jpg?itok=hiNqPgVO"}}},"media_ids":["678845"],"groups":[{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/12\/60-years-later-finally-another-yellow-jacket-family\u0022\u003ECollege of Engineering News - Full Article\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686876":{"#nid":"686876","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Manufacturing Consortium Helps Industry Close the Finish Gap","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom fighter jets to medical devices, today\u2019s most advanced machines depend on parts as intricate as their missions. These components aren\u2019t just geometrically complex \u2014 they\u2019re made from specialized metals engineered to withstand extreme heat, friction, and wear. But that strength comes with a challenge. How do you shape metals tough enough to survive the heat of a jet engine?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne solution is to start with a more moldable form of these super-metals: powder. In a specialized form of additive manufacturing (like 3D printing), manufacturers start with fine metal powders and fuse them, layer by layer, using focused energy. Known as powder bed fusion (PBF), this method enables highly complex shapes and reduces the amount of finishing work needed. Still, when a micron of extra material can make or break the final product, even near-perfect parts require precise finishing touches.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe introduction of new, exotic materials produced through additive manufacturing has brought unique challenges, especially for applications in space and missile systems,\u201d says David Antonuccio, business development director at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.halocarbon.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EHalocarbon\u003C\/a\u003E, a Georgia-based company producing advanced chemical solutions used in manufacturing and other fields. \u201cWhile these materials offer distinct properties, they are notoriously difficult to machine.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat\u2019s where the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/manufacturing.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Manufacturing Institute\u003C\/a\u003E (GTMI) comes in. Through its Manufacturing 4.0 Consortium, GTMI connects industry manufacturers like Halocarbon with researchers and innovators to tackle real \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0007850625000319?via%3Dihub\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eproduction challenges\u003C\/a\u003E like this. Membership includes access to GTMI\u2019s Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility (AMPF), where companies can test ideas and collaborate on new solutions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHalocarbon recently teamed up with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/freemelt.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EFreemelt\u003C\/a\u003E, a leader in producing PBF systems and a fellow consortium member, to address this bottleneck. Their goal: to determine whether Halocarbon\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.halocarbon.com\/machining-mission-critical-metals-the-halocarbon-advantage-in-aerospace-alloys\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Especialized metalworking fluids\u003C\/a\u003E could enhance the finishing process for PBF-manufactured parts made from tungsten and molybdenum, two high-temperature, hard-to-machine metals.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe future of manufacturing depends on how well we integrate talent, technology, and collaboration,\u201d says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/manufacturing.gatech.edu\/people\/steven-ferguson\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESteven Ferguson\u003C\/a\u003E, interim director of Research Operations at GTMI and managing director of the consortium. \u201cBy bringing companies together around shared challenges, we\u2019re closing critical gaps and strengthening the nation\u2019s advanced manufacturing capability.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESolving the Post-Processing Bottleneck\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven with advanced methods like electron beam powder bed fusion (E-PBF), which uses an electron beam to fuse metal powders inside a vacuum chamber, finishing remains a critical hurdle. \u201cSurface finish in powder bed fusion is fundamentally tied to the particle size of the metal powder,\u201d says Ian Crawford, a materials and application engineer at Freemelt. \u201cPost-processing will almost always be part of the equation for high-performance components.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn traditional machining, coolants and cutting fluids used in these finishing steps are often overlooked, and the methods haven\u2019t changed much in decades. Halocarbon\u2019s metalworking fluid aims to bring these fluids into a new era, using innovative polymer chemistry to extend tool life, improve surface quality, and boost efficiency when machining these challenging alloys.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe two companies initiated their joint project during their free AMPF equipment use time, which comes with the full level of consortium membership. From there, GTMI designed and executed controlled studies comparing the use of Halocarbon\u2019s fluids to two standard finishing methods, dry machining and EDM-based finishing. The results showed a 6% improvement in side milling and a 26% improvement in end milling versus dry machining, with even greater gains over EDM. These improvements translate into higher-quality parts, tighter specifications, lower scrap rates, extended tool life, and reduced downstream costs \u2014 exactly what aerospace and defense suppliers need to meet stringent requirements. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe findings were shared at the 2025 National Space \u0026amp; Missile Materials Symposium, reinforcing the value of industry-academic collaboration.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIndustry keeps pushing materials to handle more heat and stress, but that makes post-processing harder,\u201d says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/manufacturing.gatech.edu\/people\/matthew-carroll\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMatt Carroll\u003C\/a\u003E, one of the GTMI researchers on the project. \u201cBy bringing equipment makers and chemistry innovators into the same experiment, we were able to prove where the gains really are and give manufacturers data they can act on.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cNo single manufacturing method solves every challenge,\u201d says Crawford. \u201cTo achieve the performance and cost targets that aerospace and defense applications demand, we need to bring together the right combination of technologies, and collaborations like this show what\u0027s possible when we do.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECollaborative research at GTMI is helping manufacturers overcome critical challenges in finishing advanced materials for aerospace and defense applications.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Collaborative research at GTMI is helping manufacturers overcome critical challenges in finishing advanced materials for aerospace and defense applications."}],"uid":"35575","created_gmt":"2025-12-11 18:59:54","changed_gmt":"2025-12-15 14:39:11","author":"adavidson38","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-15T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-15T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678830":{"id":"678830","type":"image","title":"52029942294_e335c3c0ec_b.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAdvanced manufacturing methods like E-BPF enable the production of parts with complex geometries that traditional machining can\u0027t achieve, like those seen here at GTMI\u0027s Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility. (Photo by Georgia Tech)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765479873","gmt_created":"2025-12-11 19:04:33","changed":"1765479873","gmt_changed":"2025-12-11 19:04:33","alt":"Advanced manufacturing methods like E-BPF enable the production of parts with complex geometries that traditional machining can\u0027t achieve, like those seen here at GTMI\u0027s Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility.","file":{"fid":"262918","name":"52029942294_e335c3c0ec_b.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/11\/52029942294_e335c3c0ec_b.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/11\/52029942294_e335c3c0ec_b.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":94216,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/11\/52029942294_e335c3c0ec_b.jpg?itok=4l_JPc9m"}},"678829":{"id":"678829","type":"image","title":"finishing-machining-halocarbon.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EHigh-performance parts used in aerospace and defense systems need to be precise and durable. Collaborative research at the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute teamed is working to improve the finishing processes for hard to machine metals like tungsten. (Photo via Halocarbon)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765479614","gmt_created":"2025-12-11 19:00:14","changed":"1765479614","gmt_changed":"2025-12-11 19:00:14","alt":"High-performance parts used in aerospace and defense systems need to be precise and durable. Collaborative research at the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute teamed is working to improve the finishing processes for hard to machine metals like tungsten.","file":{"fid":"262917","name":"finishing-machining-halocarbon.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/11\/finishing-machining-halocarbon.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/11\/finishing-machining-halocarbon.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":20940,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/11\/finishing-machining-halocarbon.jpg?itok=41BlRrZ7"}}},"media_ids":["678830","678829"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/manufacturing.gatech.edu\/engage\/manufacturing-40-consortium","title":"More about GTMI\u0027s Manufacturing 4.0 Consortium"},{"url":"https:\/\/manufacturing.gatech.edu","title":"Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute"}],"groups":[{"id":"155831","name":"Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (GTMI)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194609","name":"Industry"},{"id":"194685","name":"Manufacturing"},{"id":"147","name":"Military Technology"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"}],"keywords":[{"id":"186857","name":"go-gtmi"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWriter: Audra Davidson\u003Cbr\u003EResearch Communications Program Manager\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech Manufacturing Institute\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EContact: \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:bvogel30@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EBelinda Vogel\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EResearch Engagement Manager\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech Manufacturing Institute\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["bvogel30@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686883":{"#nid":"686883","#data":{"type":"news","title":"IE Students Thrive Through Dean\u2019s Scholars Program ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFor many engineering students, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/deanscholars.coe.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EDean\u2019s Scholars Program\u003C\/a\u003E has been the difference between financial uncertainty and life-changing opportunities. Launched in 2020 with the generous donation of \u003Cstrong\u003EDavid\u003C\/strong\u003E (IE 1976) and \u003Cstrong\u003EAnn Flanagan\u003C\/strong\u003E, the program provides $10,000 annually plus enrichment funds, mentorship, and professional development. Later a matching program was added that inspired others to give.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAndrea Laliberte\u003C\/strong\u003E (IE 1982, M.S. IE 1984, HON Ph.D. 2025) has also invested in the program to ensure future engineers have the support they need. Laliberte shared that she champions the cohort model, which fosters leadership and connection.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIndustrial Engineering undergraduate student \u003Cstrong\u003ELukas Anisansel\u003C\/strong\u003E used his enrichment grant to study abroad at Georgia Tech-Europe, visiting 14 countries and shaping his global career aspirations.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKarina Osma Perez\u003C\/strong\u003E (IE 2025) found community and leadership growth through off-campus enrichment experiences like Climate Week in New York.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPrevious recipients include:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2020 Cohort:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EBethanie Penna (IE 2021) \u2013 Tech Strategy Consultant, PwC\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2021 Cohort:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESofia Varmeziar (IE 2025, Graduate MS Operations Research Student)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2022 Cohort:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ELukas Anisansel\u003Cbr\u003ECarson Veal\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2024 Cohort:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ETiffany Laij\u003Cbr\u003EKarina Osma Perez (IE 2025)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2025 Cohort:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJose Gallen\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERead the full story \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/12\/deans-scholars-program-eclipses-100-endowed-scholarships\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EWith more than 100 endowed scholarships funded by ISyE alumni and other donors, the Dean\u2019s Scholars Program is helping students overcome financial barriers and gain experiences that shape their futures.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Thanks to generous alumni and partners, the program has surpassed 100 endowed scholarships, creating pathways for ISyE students to lead and succeed."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2025-12-12 19:53:08","changed_gmt":"2025-12-12 20:20:41","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-12T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-12T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678836":{"id":"678836","type":"image","title":"Karina Osma P\u00e9rez","body":null,"created":"1765569235","gmt_created":"2025-12-12 19:53:55","changed":"1765569235","gmt_changed":"2025-12-12 19:53:55","alt":"Karina Osma P\u00e9rez, 2024 Cohort of Dean\u0027s Scholars","file":{"fid":"262925","name":"Karina-grad-edit.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/12\/Karina-grad-edit.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/12\/Karina-grad-edit.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":914321,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/12\/Karina-grad-edit.jpeg?itok=w7KQ7fDk"}},"678837":{"id":"678837","type":"image","title":"Lukas Anisansel","body":null,"created":"1765569308","gmt_created":"2025-12-12 19:55:08","changed":"1765569308","gmt_changed":"2025-12-12 19:55:08","alt":" Lukas Anisansel, 2022 Cohort of Dean\u0027s Scholars","file":{"fid":"262926","name":"Lukas-Italy-rev.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/12\/Lukas-Italy-rev.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/12\/Lukas-Italy-rev.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1119305,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/12\/Lukas-Italy-rev.jpeg?itok=HX48wahv"}}},"media_ids":["678836","678837"],"groups":[{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFor more information on how to give, contact \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:development@isye.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Edevelopment@isye.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686310":{"#nid":"686310","#data":{"type":"news","title":"For Sujan Ganesh Kumar, Systems are a Path to Helping People","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ESujan Ganesh Kumar became intrigued with the concept of serving humanity through medicine at an early age \u2014 white coat, stethoscope, the whole picture.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo, when he had the opportunity to learn more about it through the Medical Bioscience Academy at his high school, Ganesh Kumar enrolled immediately. The program exposed him to healthcare, patient systems, and the science behind clinical care. Becoming a physician seemed like the natural next step.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut by the end of his junior year, everything changed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe had taken an AP Statistics class, and that opened his eyes to the ways data could spot patterns, strengthen decisions, and, ultimately, improve the ways that systems support people. It was a revelation \u2014 one that pushed him to think about industrial engineering, a field that merged his mathematical mindset with his determination to do something meaningful in healthcare and something that felt deeply human.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhat I love about IE is how it lets you take a systems approach to problems that affect people directly,\u201d said Ganesh Kumar, now a fourth-year student in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE). \u201cIn healthcare, even small process improvements can make a real difference in someone\u2019s care.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs he works toward that future of making a difference for people, he\u2019s trying to make a positive impact on campus first. He\u2019s found ways to connect his interests and his personal values: mentoring younger students, conducting research on using data to improve medical outcomes, and organizing events as president of the Georgia Tech chapter of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) professional organization.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s about using what we learn here to make things work better for people,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs the president of Georgia Tech\u2019s student chapter of IISE, Ganesh Kumar has focused on making the organization a bridge connecting students with industry professionals. He and the executive team worked to create partnerships with major corporations like Lockheed Martin and Delta Airlines, aimed at providing professional development sessions, even offering members Lean Six Sigma certifications to boost their resumes. The group also has expanded opportunities for mentorship between first-year students and their older peers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeanwhile, Ganesh Kumar\u2019s experiences on campus, through research, and as an intern have helped him clarify his future plans \u2014 showing him how data and systems of thinking can drive meaningful change in healthcare.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen I started out, I didn\u2019t know where IE would take me,\u201d he said. \u201cBut the more I saw how data could improve real systems \u2014 especially in hospitals and health systems \u2014 the more I knew that\u2019s where I want to make an impact.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring an internship with Johnson \u0026amp; Johnson focused on medical device manufacturing, he saw how the engineering principles he\u2019d been learning could improve processes in healthcare settings. That helped him focus on using data to strengthen hospital operations and make those systems work more efficiently for patients and providers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeanwhile, as his vision for his career has crystallized, it\u2019s also been reinforced by alumni doing similar work, Ganesh Kumar said. He was particularly inspired by a recent visit from Piedmont Hospital Chief Operating Officer Josh Roberts, an ISyE alumnus who spoke to the Executive Roundtable Club.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHe talked about the different problems he sees in healthcare,\u201d Ganesh Kumar said. \u201cHearing that was really inspiring \u2014 it reassures me this is the field I want to go into because there are so many opportunities to make an impact.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn medicine, I wanted to help people one at a time,\u201d he added. \u201cIn industrial engineering, I get to improve systems that help thousands of people. That\u2019s what makes this so meaningful to me.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"An early interest in medicine led the fourth-year student to industrial engineering and finding ways to improve healthcare through data and systems thinking."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESujan Ganesh Kumar shifted from aspiring physician to industrial engineering leader after discovering the power of data to improve healthcare systems, and now combines research, mentorship, and professional development initiatives to make meaningful impacts on campus and beyond.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":" Sujan Ganesh Kumar is using industrial engineering to transform healthcare systems"}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2025-11-10 15:33:59","changed_gmt":"2025-12-12 19:11:35","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-10T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-10T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678581":{"id":"678581","type":"image","title":"SGK_research.JPG","body":null,"created":"1762787771","gmt_created":"2025-11-10 15:16:11","changed":"1762787771","gmt_changed":"2025-11-10 15:16:11","alt":"Sujan Ganesh Kumar","file":{"fid":"262634","name":"SGK_research.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/10\/SGK_research.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/10\/SGK_research.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":6100273,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/10\/SGK_research.JPG?itok=J4f4XcxW"}},"678582":{"id":"678582","type":"image","title":"SGK_iise.jpg","body":null,"created":"1762787845","gmt_created":"2025-11-10 15:17:25","changed":"1762787845","gmt_changed":"2025-11-10 15:17:25","alt":"Sujan Ganesh Kumar, IISE President","file":{"fid":"262636","name":"SGK_iise.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/10\/SGK_iise.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/10\/SGK_iise.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2283215,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/10\/SGK_iise.jpg?itok=ZRB5HlIa"}},"678583":{"id":"678583","type":"image","title":"SGK_j-j.JPG","body":null,"created":"1762788014","gmt_created":"2025-11-10 15:20:14","changed":"1762788014","gmt_changed":"2025-11-10 15:20:14","alt":"Sujan Ganesh Kumar","file":{"fid":"262637","name":"SGK_j-j.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/10\/SGK_j-j.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/10\/SGK_j-j.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1307565,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/10\/SGK_j-j.JPG?itok=fPsthAmm"}}},"media_ids":["678581","678582","678583"],"groups":[{"id":"1250","name":"Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems (CHHS)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"},{"id":"180027","name":". ISyE"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EDhanesh Amin\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686866":{"#nid":"686866","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Divan, Raychowdhury Named National Academy of Inventors Fellows","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/academyofinventors.org\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer\u0022 title=\u0022(opens in a new window)\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENational Academy of Inventors\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is honoring two Georgia Tech faculty members for their contributions to technology and society: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/directory\/deepakraj-m-divan\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDeepakraj \u201cDeepak\u201d Divan\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/directory\/arijit-raychowdhury\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EArijit Raychowdhury\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. Both are in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERaychowdhury is a semiconductor pioneer whose patented circuit and system-on-chip designs have advanced computing efficiency and commercialization. Divan is a global leader in power electronics and grid modernization, whose innovations and ventures have transformed how electricity is delivered and managed worldwide.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCongratulations to Deepakraj and Arijit on earning one of the most esteemed accolades in technology and discovery. Their groundbreaking work, with nearly 100 patents between them, advances solutions to global challenges,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/raghupathy-sivakumar\u0022\u003ERaghupathy \u201cSiva\u201d Sivakumar\u003C\/a\u003E, chief commercialization officer at Georgia Tech. \u201cTheir success exemplifies how research commercialization drives real-world impact, and we\u2019re proud to see them honored as academy fellows.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EElection to NAI is the highest professional distinction specifically awarded to inventors. With this recognition, Georgia Tech\u2019s roster of NAI Fellows grows to 24. Divan and Raychowdhury join a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/academyofinventors.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2025-Fellows-List.pdf\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer\u0022 title=\u0022(opens in a new window)\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2025 class of 169 new fellows\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E representing university, government, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. They will be inducted at the NAI 15th Annual Conference on June 4, 2026, in Los Angeles.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDeepakraj\u202f\u201cDeepak\u201d Divan\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProfessor Emeritus (2004-2025)\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EFounder, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cde.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Tech Center for Distributed Energy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDeepakraj\u202f\u201cDeepak\u201d Divan is a globally recognized innovator in power electronics and grid transformation. He was awarded the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/news\/2023\/12\/divan-selected-ieee-medal-power-engineering-recipient\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIEEE Medal in\u202fPower Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E in 2024.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe holds over 85 U.S. and international patents and has authored 400 refereed publications. His pioneering work on soft\u2011switching converters\u2014integral for efficient energy storage, EV charging, and industrial controls\u2014has spurred a global $70\u202fbillion power electronics industry.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDivan laid the groundwork for grid\u2011forming inverter control, enabling high-renewables integration. He is the co-author of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/energy-2040.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer\u0022 title=\u0022(opens in a new window)\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEnergy 2040: Aligning Innovation, Economics and Decarbonization\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, named by Forbes as one of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/globalcitizen\/2024\/12\/28\/10-essential-books-and-podcasts-every-leader-needs-in-2025\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer\u0022 title=\u0022(opens in a new window)\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u201c10 Essential Books and Podcasts Every Leader Needs in 2025\u201d\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBeing named an NAI Fellow is a tremendous honor,\u201d said Divan. \u201cIt reflects years of effort to rethink how electricity is delivered and managed to solve real problems and to drive practical innovations that matter.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;As the founder of Georgia Tech\u2019s Center for Distributed Energy, he led research that transforms electricity delivery through analytics, monitoring, and optimization.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAn entrepreneur, Divan co-founded Varentec (backed by Bill Gates and Khosla Ventures) and seeded ventures including GridBlock, Soft Switching Technologies, Innovolt, and Smart Wires\u2014raising over $500\u202fmillion. A National Academy of Engineering member and IEEE Fellow, he champions scalable energy-access solutions worldwide.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EArijit Raychowdhury\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProfessor and Steve W. Chaddick School Chair\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EDirector, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cocosys.ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECenter for the Co-Design of Cognitive Systems\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArijit Raychowdhury has been the Steve W. Chaddick School Chair of ECE since 2021. He is a leading innovator in semiconductor technologies, holding more than 27 U.S. and international patents and authoring over 350 publications.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis work spans low-power circuits, specialized accelerators, and system-on-chip design, with breakthroughs widely adopted in industry.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis recognition reflects the collective effort of students, colleagues, and partners who share a vision for advancing microelectronics,\u201d said Raychowdhury. \u201cI am honored that NAI champions the same mission to lead through research, education, and innovation.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt Texas Instruments, he developed the world\u2019s first adaptive echo-cancellation network for integrated Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL)\u2014a patented technology that enabled high-speed internet over traditional phone lines that received the EDN Innovation of the Year award. At Intel, he developed and incorporated foundational memory and logic technologies that shaped commercial products across global markets for more than a decade.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis research on fine-grain power management of systems-on-chip at Georgia Tech has been licensed and widely adopted by the semiconductor industry.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe directs Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/Georgia Tech\u2019s Center for the Co-Design of Cognitive Systems \u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer\u0022 title=\u0022(opens in a new window)\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECenter for the Co-Design of Cognitive Systems\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and leads initiatives to advance microelectronics design with applications to AI. Over the years, he has served as a founding advisor and board member to multiple startups in the areas of edge-computing and low power design.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERaychowdhury\u2019s research bridges invention and real-world impact, earning him numerous honors, including IEEE\u0026nbsp;Fellow, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/news\/2023\/12\/raychowdhury-chosen-src-technical-excellence-award\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESemiconductor Research Corporation Technical Excellence Award\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and multiple industry awards. Through pioneering designs and mentorship, he continues to drive innovation in computing systems, influencing both academic research and industrial commercialization.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Divan, Raychowdhury Named National Academy of Inventors Fellows"}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDivan, Raychowdhury Named National Academy of Inventors Fellows\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Divan, Raychowdhury Named National Academy of Inventors Fellows"}],"uid":"36172","created_gmt":"2025-12-11 14:36:38","changed_gmt":"2025-12-12 14:36:15","author":"dwatson71","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-11T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-11T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678826":{"id":"678826","type":"image","title":"Divan-and-Arijit_NAI-Fellows-2025.png","body":null,"created":"1765463811","gmt_created":"2025-12-11 14:36:51","changed":"1765463811","gmt_changed":"2025-12-11 14:36:51","alt":"Deepak and Arijit headshot","file":{"fid":"262914","name":"Divan-and-Arijit_NAI-Fellows-2025.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/11\/Divan-and-Arijit_NAI-Fellows-2025.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/11\/Divan-and-Arijit_NAI-Fellows-2025.png","mime":"image\/png","size":3056772,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/11\/Divan-and-Arijit_NAI-Fellows-2025.png?itok=WD-DCWjq"}}},"media_ids":["678826"],"groups":[{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"},{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"194609","name":"Industry"},{"id":"132","name":"Institute Leadership"},{"id":"149","name":"Nanotechnology and Nanoscience"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"}],"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\u003EDan Watson\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["dwatson@ece.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685663":{"#nid":"685663","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Method Uses Collisions to Break Down Plastic for Sustainable Recycling","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile plastics help enable modern standards of living, their accumulation in landfills and the overall environment continues to grow as a global concern.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPolyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the world\u2019s most widely used plastics, with tens of millions of tons produced annually in the production of bottles, food packaging, and clothing fibers. The durability that makes PET so useful also means that it is more difficult to recycle efficiently.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENow, researchers have developed a method to break down PET using mechanical forces instead of heat or harsh chemicals. Published in the journal \u003Cem\u003EChem\u003C\/em\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2451929425003456\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Etheir findings\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E demonstrate how a \u201cmechanochemical\u201d method \u2014 chemical reactions driven by mechanical forces such as collisions \u2014 can rapidly convert PET back into its basic building blocks, opening a path toward faster, cleaner recycling.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELed by postdoctoral researcher Kinga Go\u0142\u0105bek and Professor Carsten Sievers of Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, the research team hit solid pieces of PET with metal balls with the same force they would experience in a machine called a ball mill. This can make the PET react with other solid chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), generating enough energy to break the plastic\u2019s chemical bonds at room temperature, without the need for hazardous solvents.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re showing that mechanical impacts can help decompose plastics into their original molecules in a controllable and efficient way,\u201d \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sievers.chbe.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESievers\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E said. \u201cThis could transform the recycling of plastics into a more sustainable process.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMapping the Impact\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn demonstrating the process, the researchers used controlled single-impact experiments along with advanced computer simulations to map how energy from collisions distributes across the plastic and triggers chemical and structural transformations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese experiments showed changes in structure and chemistry of PET in tiny zones that experience different pressures and heat. By mapping these transformations, the team gained new insights into how mechanical energy can trigger rapid, efficient chemical reactions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis understanding could help engineers design industrial-scale recycling systems that are faster, cleaner, and more energy-efficient,\u201d Go\u0142\u0105bek said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBreaking Down Plastic\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEach collision created a tiny crater, with the center absorbing the most energy. In this zone, the plastic stretched, cracked, and even softened slightly, creating ideal conditions for chemical reactions with sodium hydroxide.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHigh-resolution imaging and spectroscopy revealed that the normally ordered polymer chains became disordered in the crater center, while some chains broke into smaller fragments, increasing the surface area exposed to the reactant. Even without sodium hydroxide, mechanical impact alone caused minor chain breaking, showing that mechanical force itself can trigger chemical change.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe study also showed the importance of the amount of energy delivered by each impact. Low-energy collisions only slightly disturb PET, but stronger impacts cause cracks and plastic deformation, exposing new surfaces that can react with sodium hydroxide for rapid chemical breakdown.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cUnderstanding this energy threshold allows engineers to optimize mechanochemical recycling, maximizing efficiency while minimizing unnecessary energy use,\u201d Sievers explained.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EClosing the Loop on Plastic Waste\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese findings point toward a future where plastics can be fully recycled back into their original building blocks, rather than being downcycled or discarded. By harnessing mechanical energy instead of heat or harsh chemicals, recycling could become faster, cleaner, and more energy-efficient.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis approach could help close the loop on plastic waste,\u201d Sievers said. \u201cWe could imagine recycling systems where everyday plastics are processed mechanochemically, giving waste new life repeatedly and reducing environmental impact.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team now plans to test real-world waste streams and explore whether similar methods can work for other difficult-to-recycle plastics, bringing mechanochemical recycling closer to industrial use.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWith millions of tons of PET produced every year, improving recycling efficiency could significantly reduce plastic pollution and help protect ecosystems worldwide,\u201d Go\u0142\u0105bek said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECITATION: Kinga Go\u0142\u0105bek, Yuchen Chang, Lauren R. Mellinger, Mariana V. Rodrigues, Cau\u00ea de Souza Coutinho Nogueira, Fabio B. Passos, Yutao Xing, Aline Ribeiro Passos, Mohammed H. Saffarini, Austin B. Isner, David S. Sholl, Carsten Sievers, \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2451929425003456\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESpatially-resolved reaction environments in mechanochemical upcycling of polymers\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d \u003Cem\u003EChem\u003C\/em\u003E, 2025.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers have developed a method to break down polyethylene terephthalate, one of the world\u2019s most widely used plastics, using mechanical forces instead of heat or harsh chemicals. Published in the journal \u003Cem\u003EChem\u003C\/em\u003E, their findings demonstrate how a \u201cmechanochemical\u201d method \u2014 chemical reactions driven by mechanical forces such as collisions \u2014 can rapidly convert PET back into its basic building blocks, opening a path toward faster, cleaner recycling.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers have developed a method to break down PET, one of the world\u2019s most widely used plastics, for sustainable recycling using mechanical forces instead of heat or harsh chemicals."}],"uid":"27271","created_gmt":"2025-10-10 16:09:50","changed_gmt":"2025-12-10 20:34:48","author":"Brad Dixon","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-10T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-10T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678329":{"id":"678329","type":"image","title":"sieversballmachine.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe high impact between the metal balls in a ball mill reactor and the polymer surface is suffi\u0002cient to momentarily liquefy the polymer and facilitate chemical reactions.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1760112196","gmt_created":"2025-10-10 16:03:16","changed":"1760112196","gmt_changed":"2025-10-10 16:03:16","alt":"The high impact between the metal balls in a ball mill reactor and the polymer surface is suffi\u0002cient to momentarily liquefy the polymer and facilitate chemical reactions.","file":{"fid":"262342","name":"sieversballmachine.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/10\/sieversballmachine.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/10\/sieversballmachine.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":240481,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/10\/sieversballmachine.jpg?itok=WPkvqn7-"}},"678330":{"id":"678330","type":"image","title":"Kinga-Golabek.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EKinga Go\u0142\u0105bek\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1760112262","gmt_created":"2025-10-10 16:04:22","changed":"1760112262","gmt_changed":"2025-10-10 16:04:22","alt":"Kinga Golabek","file":{"fid":"262343","name":"Kinga-Golabek.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/10\/Kinga-Golabek.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/10\/Kinga-Golabek.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":103075,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/10\/Kinga-Golabek.jpg?itok=ZljPVPOR"}},"678331":{"id":"678331","type":"image","title":"sievers2023webcrop.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EProf. Carsten Sievers\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1760116175","gmt_created":"2025-10-10 17:09:35","changed":"1760116175","gmt_changed":"2025-10-10 17:09:35","alt":"Professor Carsten Sievers","file":{"fid":"262347","name":"sievers2023webcrop.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/10\/sievers2023webcrop.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/10\/sievers2023webcrop.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":116072,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/10\/sievers2023webcrop.jpg?itok=QeQj0eFu"}}},"media_ids":["678329","678330","678331"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"367481","name":"SEI Energy"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"5607","name":"chemical recycling"},{"id":"14536","name":"plastic"},{"id":"194823","name":"plastic recycling"},{"id":"171925","name":"mechanochemistry"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"}],"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":"\u003Cp\u003EBrad Dixon, \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:braddixon@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebraddixon@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["braddixon@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686845":{"#nid":"686845","#data":{"type":"news","title":"60 Years Later, Finally Another Yellow Jacket in the Family","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen Cole Rogers got the notice four years ago that he\u2019d been moved off the waitlist and admitted to Georgia Tech, he knew exactly who to call first.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis grandfather, Peter Petrecca, had studied \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Eaerospace engineering\u003C\/a\u003E at Tech and had a long career in aviation, engineering, and product development. No one would celebrate the news more, so Rogers called him with the news before he even told his parents.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPetrecca had raised three daughters and exposed them to engineering and making things. But none had been interested enough to make it a career \u2014 or study at Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThen Cole came along, and I had another opportunity,\u201d Petrecca said. \u201cWe made model cars and motorcycles together and did other things. I wasn\u0027t sure he was going to go the engineering route, but I was thrilled when he got accepted.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENow Rogers is graduating with his \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003Eindustrial engineering bachelor\u2019s degree\u003C\/a\u003E, and in the sometimes funny way history echoes itself, he\u2019ll walk across the stage exactly 60 years after his grandfather finished his own degree.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s a path that probably has been quietly paved throughout Rogers\u2019 life, during all his visits to his grandfather\u2019s house.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/12\/60-years-later-finally-another-yellow-jacket-family\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERead the full story on the College of Engineering website.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EPeter Petrecca has been the lone Georgia Tech engineer in his family for decades. That changes in December when his grandson graduates exactly 60 years after Petrecca finished his degree.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Peter Petrecca has been the lone Georgia Tech engineer in his family for decades. That changes in December when his grandson graduates exactly 60 years after Petrecca finished his degree."}],"uid":"27446","created_gmt":"2025-12-10 17:44:48","changed_gmt":"2025-12-10 17:47:20","author":"Joshua Stewart","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-10T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-10T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678819":{"id":"678819","type":"image","title":"Peter-Petrecca-Cole-Rogers-Commencement-Fall2025-1262-t.jpg","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPeter Petrecca, left, with his grandson Cole Rogers \u2014 Georgia Tech engineers who graduated 60 years apart. (Photo: Candler Hobbs)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1765388709","gmt_created":"2025-12-10 17:45:09","changed":"1765388709","gmt_changed":"2025-12-10 17:45:09","alt":"Peter Petrecca and his grandson Cole Rogers in McCamish Pavilion.","file":{"fid":"262904","name":"Peter-Petrecca-Cole-Rogers-Commencement-Fall2025-1262-t.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/10\/Peter-Petrecca-Cole-Rogers-Commencement-Fall2025-1262-t.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/10\/Peter-Petrecca-Cole-Rogers-Commencement-Fall2025-1262-t.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":687553,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/10\/Peter-Petrecca-Cole-Rogers-Commencement-Fall2025-1262-t.jpg?itok=4rAwJjkG"}}},"media_ids":["678819"],"groups":[{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"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:jstewart@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJoshua Stewart\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jstewart@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685218":{"#nid":"685218","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Breathtaking Breakthrough: Lung-on-a-Chip Defends Itself ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOn a clear polymer chip, soft and pliable like a gummy bear, a microscopic lung comes alive \u2014 expanding, circulating, and, for the first time, protecting itself like a living organ.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EFor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/ankur-singh\u0022\u003EAnkur Singh,\u003C\/a\u003E director of Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/immunoengineering.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECenter for Immunoengineering\u003C\/a\u003E, watching immune cells rush through the chip took his breath away. Singh co-directed the study with longtime collaborator \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/engineering.vanderbilt.edu\/bio\/?pid=krishnendu-roy\u0022\u003EKrishnendu \u201cKrish\u201d Roy\u003C\/a\u003E, former Regents Professor and director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cellmanufacturingusa.org\/\u0022\u003ENSF Center for Cell Manufacturing Technologies\u003C\/a\u003E at Tech and now the Bruce and Bridgitt Evans dean of engineering and University Distinguished Professor at Vanderbilt University. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bioengineering.gatech.edu\/user\/rachel-ringquist\u0022\u003ERachel Ringquist\u003C\/a\u003E, Roy\u2019s graduate student, and now a postdoctoral fellow with Singh, led the work as part of her doctoral dissertation.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cThat was the \u2018wow\u2019 moment,\u201d Singh said. \u201cIt was the first time we felt we had something close to a real human lung.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELung-on-a-chip platforms provide researchers a window into organ behavior. They are about the size of a postage stamp, etched with tiny channels and lined with living human cells. Roy and Singh\u2019s innovation was adding a working immune system \u2014 the missing piece that turns a chip into a true model of how the lung fights disease.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENow, researchers can watch how lungs respond to threats, how inflammation spreads, and how healing begins.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Human Stakes\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor millions of people struggling with lung disease, everyday life can feel nearly impossible, whether it\u2019s climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or even laughing too hard. Doctors and scientists have attempted for decades to unlock what really happens inside fragile lungs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022This unique lung-on-a-chip model opens new, preclinical pathways of discovery that will allow researchers to better understand the interplay of immune responses to severe viral infections and evaluate critical antiviral treatments,\u201d said Roy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Singh, the Carl Ring Family Professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.me.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorge W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E with a joint appointment in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bme.gatech.edu\/bme\/\u0022\u003EWallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, this research is deeply personal. He lost an uncle when an infection overwhelmed his cancer-weakened immune system.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat experience stays with you,\u201d Singh reflected. \u201cIt made me want to build systems that could predict and prevent outcomes like that, so fewer families go through what mine did. I think about my uncle all the time. If work like this means fewer families lose someone they love, then it\u2019s worth everything.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat motivation pushed his team to reimagine what a lung-on-a-chip could do, setting the stage for the breakthroughs that followed.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhen the Lung Fought Back\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe turning point came when Roy\u2019s and Singh\u2019s team peered through a microscope and saw something no one had ever witnessed on a chip: blood and immune cells coursing through tiny vessel-like structures, behaving just as they do in a living lung.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor years, researchers had struggled to add immunity to organ-on-a-chip systems. Immune cells often died quickly or failed to circulate and interact with tissue the way they do in people. the team solved that problem, creating a chip where immune cells could survive and coordinate a defense.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt was an amazing breakthrough moment,\u201d Singh said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe true test came when the team introduced a severe influenza virus infection. The lung mounted an immune response that closely mirrored what doctors see in patients. Immune cells rushed to the site of infection, inflammation spread through tissue, and defenses activated in response.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThat was when we realized this wasn\u2019t just a model,\u201d Singh said. \u201cIt was capturing the real biology of disease.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESingh and Roy\u2019s research is published in the journal \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41551-025-01491-9\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ENature Biomedical Engineering\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA More Human Approach\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor decades, lung research has relied on animal models. But mice don\u2019t get asthma like children. Their bodies don\u2019t mount the same defenses.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFive mice in a cage may respond the same way, but five humans won\u2019t,\u201d Singh explained. \u201cOur chip can reflect that difference. That\u2019s what makes it more accurate, and why it could dramatically reduce the need for animal models.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKrish Roy emphasized its potential.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe Food and Drug Administration\u2019s strategic vision on reducing animal testing and developing predictive non-animal models aligns perfectly with our work. This device goes further than ever before in modeling human severe influenza and providing unprecedented insights into the complex lung immune response,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFighting More Than the Flu\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat began with influenza now expands to a wider range of diseases. Roy and Singh believes the platform can be used to study asthma, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, and tuberculosis. The researchers are also working to integrate immune organs, showing how the lung coordinates with the body\u2019s defenses.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe long-term vision is personalized medicine: chips built from a patient\u2019s own cells to predict which therapy will work best. Scaling, clinical validation, and regulatory approval will take years, but Singh is undeterred.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cImagine knowing which treatment will help you before you ever take it,\u201d Singh said. \u201cThat\u2019s where we\u2019re headed.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhere we\u2019re headed, the future doesn\u2019t wait for illness. Instead, it anticipates it, intercepts it, and rewrites the outcome.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Tech postdoctoral researcher Rachel Ringquist was the first author leading the study.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis research was supported by Wellcome Leap, with additional funding from the National Institutes of Health, Carl Ring Family Endowment, and the Marcus Foundation.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ERingquist, R., Bhatia, E., Chatterjee, P.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003Eet al.\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;An immune-competent lung-on-a-chip for modelling the human severe influenza infection response.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003ENature Biomedical Engineering,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003ESeptember 2025 Vol.9 No.9\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDOI:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41551-025-01491-9#citeas\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41551-025-01491-9\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech and Vanderbilt researchers have developed the first lung-on-a-chip with a functioning immune system, a breakthrough published in \u003Cem\u003ENature Biomedical Engineering\u003C\/em\u003E. Led by Ankur Singh and Krishnendu \u201cKrish\u201d Roy, the team created a postage stamp-sized device where blood and immune cells circulate, fight infection, and heal, just as they would in a living lung. The advance not only provides unprecedented insight into diseases like influenza, asthma, and cancer but also offers a path toward reducing animal testing. Long-term, the technology could enable personalized medicine, with chips built from patients\u2019 own cells to predict which therapies will work best.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt researchers have built the first lung-on-a-chip with a working immune system, a breakthrough with the potential to reshape how we study disease, move beyond animal testing, and administer lifesaving therapies."}],"uid":"36410","created_gmt":"2025-09-24 15:20:56","changed_gmt":"2025-12-10 16:49:57","author":"mazriel3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-09-24T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-09-24T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678118":{"id":"678118","type":"image","title":"Lung-on-a-Chip With Immune System","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAnkur Singh and Rachel Ringquist point to the microscopic lung-on-a-chip that has a built-in immune system.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1758725634","gmt_created":"2025-09-24 14:53:54","changed":"1758726945","gmt_changed":"2025-09-24 15:15:45","alt":"Researchers show off a lung-on-a-chip that has an immune system. Long term, this technology could lead to highly personalized medicine","file":{"fid":"262102","name":"20250911_IBB_ChipLung-01.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/24\/20250911_IBB_ChipLung-01.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/24\/20250911_IBB_ChipLung-01.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":13303952,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/24\/20250911_IBB_ChipLung-01.jpg?itok=oU9qxbUs"}}},"media_ids":["678118"],"groups":[{"id":"660369","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"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":"1613","name":"Biomedical Engieering"},{"id":"98751","name":"College of Engineering; George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"}],"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\u003EMichelle Azriel Sr. Writer-Editor\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["mazriel3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686804":{"#nid":"686804","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Karl Lang Earns Scialog Grant to Advance Critical Minerals Research","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFrom cell phones to fighter jets, modern technology depends on critical minerals\u0026nbsp;\u2014 yet extracting and processing them\u0026nbsp;often harm the environment and strain supply chains.\u0026nbsp;Understanding how these minerals behave at the atomic level could unlock new ways to stabilize, recycle, and sustain these resources that power our world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E Assistant Professor\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/people\/lang-karl\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EKarl Lang\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E recently earned a Scialog grant to explore one of the most fundamental questions in mineral science: why some minerals withstand radiation damage without breaking down.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cCritical minerals is a buzzword right now, but what\u2019s interesting is that many of these so-called minerals are actually rare earth elements (REEs),\u201d explains Lang. \u201cWhat we will study is how radiation can help liberate these REEs from ore minerals.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFunding the future\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ELang is one of 50 Scialog Fellows selected for the second generation of\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/rescorp.org\/scialog\/sustainable-minerals-metals-materials\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Scialog: Sustainable Minerals, Metals, and Materials\u003C\/a\u003E, a three-year initiative designed to spark bold ideas for addressing how society acquires, uses, and recycles critical materials.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EScialog, which stands for \u201cScience + Dialogue,\u201d is supported by the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/rescorp.org\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Research Corporation for Science Advancement\u003C\/a\u003E, the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sloan.org\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Alfred P. Sloan Foundation\u003C\/a\u003E, and\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.kavlifoundation.org\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;The Kavli Foundation\u003C\/a\u003E. The program funds high-risk, high-reward projects to\u0026nbsp;address scientific challenges of global significance, while supporting dialogue and community-building across fields.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWhat makes Scialog exciting is that it intentionally brings together scientists from very different fields to tackle a giant, multifaceted problem,\u201d says Lang. \u201cIt\u2019s a fun and creative way to spark ideas that wouldn\u2019t happen in isolation.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ELang and the other Scialog Fellows recently met for a series of focused conversations about the challenges and gaps in current critical minerals knowledge, and by the end of the conference, they were sorted into teams to develop and propose ideas for cross-disciplinary\u0026nbsp;research projects. Eighteen $60,000 grants were ultimately awarded, including one from the Kavli Foundation to Lang and his research partner,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EClaudia E. Avalos\u003C\/strong\u003E, from New York University. Their project,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EAn Atomic-Level Perspective on Radiation Damage Annealing with Advanced SSNMR Spectroscopy,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Ewill investigate how minerals respond to radiation over time and how they can be stabilized or recycled\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;knowledge vital for sustainable resource management.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAtomic-level resilience\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAt Georgia Tech, Lang leads the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gatechtonics.info\/\u0022\u003ETECHtonics Research Group\u003C\/a\u003E, which uses radiometric dating of critical minerals to measure changes in geological Earth\u2019s surface and lithosphere. He will team up with Avalos, a recognized expert in magnetic resonance spectroscopy, combining their talents to study the mineral monazite, an important ore for REEs commonly found in beach sands. In addition to REEs, monazite also contains high levels of uranium and thorium, radioactive elements. Despite this natural radioactivity, monazite can retain a crystal structure for millions of years. This mineral\u2019s unique ability to resist radiation damage may help explain why it is also a valuable ore for REEs.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cYou can think of mineral lattice structures like a cage, and the uranium and thorium are like exploding bombs inside,\u201d says Lang. \u201cDespite the explosions, the cage either doesn\u2019t break at all or, quite possibly, heals itself. We want to understand that process at the atomic level.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ELang hopes that understanding why certain minerals maintain their crystal structure (despite radiation damage) could inform strategies for recycling REEs, improving extraction processes, and designing materials that last longer\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;advancing science that could shape the future of resource management.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re using a high-tech tool to study why these minerals don\u2019t break down under radiation damage,\u201d adds Lang. \u201cIt\u2019s not applied research; it\u2019s about answering a fundamental question.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EKarl Lang will investigate why some minerals survive radiation damage\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;a discovery that could transform how we recycle and sustain the critical resources powering modern technology.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Karl Lang will investigate why some minerals survive radiation damage \u2014 a discovery that could transform how we recycle and sustain the critical resources powering modern technology."}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2025-12-09 16:55:50","changed_gmt":"2025-12-09 17:32:13","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-09T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-09T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678806":{"id":"678806","type":"image","title":"Karl Lang","body":"\u003Cp\u003EKarl Lang\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1765299372","gmt_created":"2025-12-09 16:56:12","changed":"1765299372","gmt_changed":"2025-12-09 16:56:12","alt":"Man standing in front of grassy area in nature.","file":{"fid":"262889","name":"IMG_0649.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/09\/IMG_0649.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/09\/IMG_0649.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1853717,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/09\/IMG_0649.JPG?itok=gm0fcXIO"}}},"media_ids":["678806"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/frances-rivera-hernandez-lands-nasa-and-scialog-grants-planetary-research-signatures-life","title":"Frances Rivera-Hern\u00e1ndez Lands NASA and Scialog Grants for Planetary Research, Signatures of Life"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/05\/06\/how-us-can-mine-its-own-critical-minerals-without-digging-new-holes","title":"How the US Can Mine Its Own Critical Minerals \u2014 Without Digging New Holes"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"}],"categories":[{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"192996","name":"rare earth elements"},{"id":"184997","name":"Scialog"},{"id":"61541","name":"Earth and Atmospheric Sciences"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"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":""}},"686652":{"#nid":"686652","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Record-Breaking Simulation Boosts Rocket Science and Supercomputing to New Limits","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ESpaceflight is becoming safer, more frequent, and more sustainable thanks to the largest computational fluid flow simulation ever ran on Earth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInspired by SpaceX\u2019s Super Heavy booster, a team led by Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/comp-physics.group\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESpencer Bryngelson\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and New York University\u2019s \u003Cstrong\u003EFlorian Sch\u00e4fer\u003C\/strong\u003E modeled the turbulent interactions of a 33-engine rocket. Their experiment set new records, running the largest ever fluid dynamics simulation by a factor of 20 and the fastest by over a factor of four.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team ran its custom software on the world\u2019s two fastest supercomputers, as well as the eighth fastest, to construct such a massive model.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EApplications from the simulation reach beyond rocket science. The same computing methods can model fluid mechanics in aerospace, medicine, energy, and other fields. At the same time, the work advances understanding of the current limits and future potential of computing.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team finished as runners-up for the 2025 Gordon Bell Prize for its impactful, multi-domain research. Referred to as the Nobel Prize of supercomputing, the award was presented at the world\u2019s top conference for high-performance computing (HPC) research.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFluid dynamics problems of this style, with shocks, turbulence, different interacting fluids, and so on, are a scientific mainstay that marshals our largest supercomputers,\u201d said Bryngelson, an assistant professor with the School of Computational Science and Engineering (CSE).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cLarger and faster simulations that enable solutions to long-standing scientific problems, like the rocket propulsion problem, are always needed. With our work, perhaps we took a big dent out of that issue.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Super Heavy booster reflects the space industry\u2019s move toward reusable multi-engine first-stage rockets that are easier to transport and more economical overall.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, this shift creates research and testing challenges for new designs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEach of Super Heavy\u2019s 33 thrusters expels propellant at ten times the speed of sound. As individual engines reach extreme temperatures, pressures, and densities, their combined interactions with the airframe make such violent physics even more unpredictable.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrequent physical experiments would be expensive and risky, so scientists rely on computer models to supplement the engineering process.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBryngelson\u2019s flagship\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mflowcode.github.io\/\u0022\u003EMulticomponent Flow Code (MFC)\u003C\/a\u003E software anchored the experiment. MFC is an open-source computer program that simulates fluid dynamic models. Bryngelson\u2019s lab has been modifying MFC since 2022 to run on more powerful computers and solve larger problems.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn computing terms, this MFC-enhanced model simulated fluid flow resolution at 200 trillion grid points and one quadrillion degrees of freedom. These metrics exceeded previous record-setting benchmarks that tallied 10 trillion and 30 trillion grid points.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis means MFC simulations provide greater detail and capture smaller-scale features than previous approaches. The rocket simulation also ran four times faster and achieved 5.7 times the energy efficiency of comparable methods.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIntegrating\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2505.07392\u0022\u003Einformation geometric regularization (IGR)\u003C\/a\u003E into MFC played a key role in attaining these results. This new approach improved the simulation\u2019s computational efficiency and overcame the challenge of shock dynamics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn fluid mechanics, shock waves occur when objects move faster than the speed of sound. Along with hampering the performance of airframes and propulsion systems, shocks have historically been difficult to simulate.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EComputational scientists have used empirical models based on artificial viscosity to account for shocks. Although these approaches mimic the physical effects of shock waves at the microscopic scale, they struggle to effectively capture the large-scale features of the flow.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInformation geometry uses curved spaces to study concepts of statistics and information. IGR uses these tools to modify the underlying geometry in fluid dynamics equations. When traveling in the modified geometry, fluid in the model preserves the shocks in a more natural way.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen regularizing shocks to much larger scales relevant in these numerical simulations, conventional methods smear out important fine-scale details,\u201d said Sch\u00e4fer, an assistant professor at NYU\u2019s Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIGR introduces ideas from abstract math to CFD that allow creating modified paths that approach the singularity without ever reaching it. In the resulting fluid flow, shocks never become too spiky in simulations, but the fine-scale details do not smear out either.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESimulating a model this large required the Georgia Tech researchers to run MFC on El Capitan and Frontier, the world\u0027s two fastest supercomputers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe systems are two of four exascale machines in existence. This means they can solve at least one quintillion (\u201c1\u201d followed by 18 zeros) calculations per second. If a person completed a simple math calculation every second, it would take that person about 30 billion years to reach one quintillion operations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrontier is housed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and debuted as the world\u2019s first exascale supercomputer in 2022. El Capitan surpassed Frontier when Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory launched it in 2024.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo prepare MFC for performance on these machines, Bryngelson\u2019s lab followed a methodical approach spanning years of hardware acquisition and software engineering.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2022,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/new-hardware-brings-students-closer-exascale-computing\u0022\u003EBryngelson attained an AMD MI210 GPU accelerator\u003C\/a\u003E. Optimizing MFC on the component played a critical step toward preparing the software for exascale machines.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAMD hardware underpins both El Capitan and Frontier. The MI300A GPU powers El Capitan while Frontier uses the MI250X GPU.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter configuring MFC on the MI210 GPU,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/group-optimizes-fluid-dynamics-simulator-worlds-fastest-supercomputer\u0022\u003EBryngelson\u2019s lab ran the software on Frontier for the first time during a 2023 hackathon\u003C\/a\u003E. This confirmed the code was ready for full-scale deployment on exascale supercomputers based on AMD hardware.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition to El Capitan and Frontier, the simulation ran on Alps, the world\u2019s eight-fastest supercomputer based at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre. It is the largest available system that features the NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchip.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELike with AMD GPUs,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/researchers-blazing-new-trails-superchip-named-after-computing-pioneer\u0022\u003EBryngelson acquired four GH200s in 2024\u003C\/a\u003E and began configuring MFC to the latest hardware innovation powering New Age supercomputers. Later that year, the J\u00fclich Research Centre accepted Bryngelson\u2019s group into an early access program to test JUPITER, a developing supercomputer based on the NVIDIA superchip.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/pancaked-water-droplets-help-launch-europes-fastest-supercomputer\u0022\u003EThe group earned a certificate for scaling efficiency and node performance\u003C\/a\u003E on the way toward validating that their code worked on the GH200. The early access project proved successful for JUPITER, which launched in 2025 as Europe\u2019s fastest supercomputer and fourth fastest in the world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGetting the level of hands-on experience with world-leading supercomputers and computing resources at Georgia Tech through this project has been a fantastic opportunity for a grad student,\u201d said CSE Ph.D. student \u003Cstrong\u003EBen Wilfong\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTo leverage these machines, I learned more advanced programming techniques that I\u2019m glad to have in my tool belt for future projects. I also enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with and learn from industry experts from NVIDIA, AMD, and HPE\/Cray.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEl Capitan, Frontier, JUPITER, and Alps maintained their rankings at the 2025 International Conference for High Performance Computing Networking, Storage and Analysis (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sc25.supercomputing.org\/\u0022\u003ESC25\u003C\/a\u003E). Of note, the TOP500 announced at SC25 that JUPITER surpassed the exaflop threshold.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe SC Conference Series is one of two venues where the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/top500.org\/\u0022\u003ETOP500\u003C\/a\u003E announces updated supercomputer rankings every June and November. The TOP500 ranks and details the 500 most powerful supercomputers in the world.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe SC Conference Series serves as the venue where the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.acm.org\/media-center\/2025\/november\/gordon-bell-climate-2025\u0022\u003EAssociation for Computing Machinery (ACM) presents the Gordon Bell Prize\u003C\/a\u003E. The annual award recognizes achievement in HPC research and application. The Tech-led team was among eight finalists for this year\u2019s award.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlong with Bryngelson, Georgia Tech members included Ph.D. students \u003Cstrong\u003EAnand Radhakrishnan\u003C\/strong\u003E and Wilfong, postdoctoral researcher \u003Cstrong\u003EDaniel Vickers\u003C\/strong\u003E, alumnus \u003Cstrong\u003EHenry Le Berre\u003C\/strong\u003E (CS 2025), and undergraduate student \u003Cstrong\u003ETanush Prathi\u003C\/strong\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESch\u00e4fer\u2019s partnership with the group stems from his previous role as an assistant professor at Georgia Tech from 2021 to 2025.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECollaborators on the project included \u003Cstrong\u003ENikolaos Tselepidis\u003C\/strong\u003E and \u003Cstrong\u003EBenedikt Dorschner\u003C\/strong\u003E from NVIDIA, \u003Cstrong\u003EReuben Budiardja\u003C\/strong\u003E from ORNL, \u003Cstrong\u003EBrian Cornille\u003C\/strong\u003E from AMD, and \u003Cstrong\u003EStephen Abbot\u003C\/strong\u003E from HPE. All were co-authors of the paper and named finalists for the Gordon Bell Prize.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019m elated that we have been nominated for such a prestigious award. It wouldn\u0027t have been possible without the combined and diligent efforts of our team,\u201d Radhakrishnan said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to presenting our work at SC25 and connecting with other researchers and fellow finalists while showcasing seminal work in the field of computing.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ESpaceflight is becoming safer, more frequent, and more sustainable thanks to the largest computational fluid flow simulation ever ran on Earth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInspired by SpaceX\u2019s Super Heavy booster, a team led by Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/comp-physics.group\/\u0022\u003ESpencer Bryngelson\u003C\/a\u003E and New York University\u2019s \u003Cstrong\u003EFlorian Sch\u00e4fer\u003C\/strong\u003E modeled the turbulent interactions of a 33-engine rocket. Their experiment set new records, running the largest ever fluid dynamics simulation by a factor of 20 and the fastest by a factor of over four.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo construct such a massive model, the custom software ran on the world\u2019s two fastest supercomputers, as well as the eighth fastest.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team finished as runners-up for the 2025 Gordon Bell Prize for its impactful, multi-domain research. Referred to as the Nobel Prize of supercomputing, the award was presented at the world\u2019s top conference for high-performance computing (HPC) research.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Inspired by SpaceX\u2019s Super Heavy booster, a team led by Georgia Tech\u2019s Spencer Bryngelson and New York University\u2019s Florian Sch\u00e4fer modeled the turbulent interactions of a 33-engine rocket. Their experiment set new records, running the largest ever fluid "}],"uid":"36319","created_gmt":"2025-12-01 16:07:52","changed_gmt":"2025-12-08 20:29:59","author":"Bryant Wine","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-01T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-01T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678734":{"id":"678734","type":"image","title":"SpaceX-Super-Heavy2.jpg","body":null,"created":"1764605279","gmt_created":"2025-12-01 16:07:59","changed":"1764605279","gmt_changed":"2025-12-01 16:07:59","alt":"2025 Gordon Bell Prize Rocket Simulation","file":{"fid":"262806","name":"SpaceX-Super-Heavy2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/01\/SpaceX-Super-Heavy2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/01\/SpaceX-Super-Heavy2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":116899,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/01\/SpaceX-Super-Heavy2.jpg?itok=1RgWJXGV"}},"678735":{"id":"678735","type":"image","title":"SHB-and-FS_SC25.jpg","body":null,"created":"1764605349","gmt_created":"2025-12-01 16:09:09","changed":"1764605349","gmt_changed":"2025-12-01 16:09:09","alt":"Spencer Bryngelson and Florian Sch\u00e4fer at SC25","file":{"fid":"262807","name":"SHB-and-FS_SC25.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/01\/SHB-and-FS_SC25.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/01\/SHB-and-FS_SC25.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":58329,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/01\/SHB-and-FS_SC25.jpg?itok=F_WZG0ey"}},"678736":{"id":"678736","type":"image","title":"Frontier-Hackathon.jpg","body":null,"created":"1764605398","gmt_created":"2025-12-01 16:09:58","changed":"1764605398","gmt_changed":"2025-12-01 16:09:58","alt":"Spencer Bryngelson Frontier Hackathon","file":{"fid":"262808","name":"Frontier-Hackathon.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/01\/Frontier-Hackathon.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/01\/Frontier-Hackathon.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":52329,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/01\/Frontier-Hackathon.jpg?itok=fUbvKuxK"}}},"media_ids":["678734","678735","678736"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/news\/record-breaking-simulation-boosts-rocket-science-and-supercomputing-new-limits","title":"Record-Breaking Simulation Boosts Rocket Science and Supercomputing to New Limits"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"654","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"166983","name":"School of Computational Science and Engineering"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"10199","name":"Daily Digest"},{"id":"181991","name":"Georgia Tech News Center"},{"id":"3427","name":"High performance computing"},{"id":"168929","name":"supercomputers"},{"id":"2082","name":"aerospace engineering"},{"id":"190596","name":"space research"},{"id":"167880","name":"SpaceX"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"193657","name":"Space Research Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBryant Wine, Communications Officer\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:bryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686330":{"#nid":"686330","#data":{"type":"news","title":"How the US Cut Climate-Changing Emissions While Its Economy More Than\u00a0Doubled","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECountries around the world have been discussing the need to rein in climate change \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/climatechange\/un-climate-conferences\u0022\u003Efor three decades\u003C\/a\u003E, yet global greenhouse gas emissions \u2013 and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/climate.copernicus.eu\/climate-indicators\/temperature\u0022\u003Eglobal temperatures\u003C\/a\u003E with them \u2013 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ourworldindata.org\/co2-and-greenhouse-gas-emissions\u0022\u003Ekeep rising\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen it seems like we\u2019re getting nowhere, it\u2019s useful to step back and examine the progress that has been made.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELet\u2019s take a look at the United States, historically the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/education.cfr.org\/learn\/reading\/who-releases-most-greenhouse-gases\u0022\u003Eworld\u2019s largest greenhouse gas emitter\u003C\/a\u003E. Over those three decades, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/fred.stlouisfed.org\/series\/POPTOTUSA647NWDB\u0022\u003EU.S. population soared by 28%\u003C\/a\u003E and the economy, as measured by gross domestic product adjusted for inflation, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/fred.stlouisfed.org\/series\/GDPCA\u0022\u003Emore than doubled\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYet U.S. emissions from many of the activities that produce greenhouse gases \u2013 transportation, industry, agriculture, heating and cooling of buildings \u2013 have remained \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/environment\/emissions\/carbon\/\u0022\u003Eabout the same\u003C\/a\u003E over the past 30 years. Transportation is a bit up; industry a bit down. And electricity, once the nation\u2019s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, has seen its emissions drop significantly.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe class=\u0022tc-infographic-datawrapper\u0022 style=\u0022border-width:0;\u0022 id=\u0022YzooO\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/YzooO\/1\/\u0022 height=\u0022400px\u0022 width=\u0022100%\u0022 scrolling=\u0022no\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOverall, the U.S. is still among the countries with the highest \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ourworldindata.org\/co2-and-greenhouse-gas-emissions\u0022\u003Eper capita emissions\u003C\/a\u003E, so there\u2019s room for improvement, and its emissions haven\u2019t fallen enough to put the country on track to meet \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/unfccc.int\/sites\/default\/files\/2024-12\/United%20States%202035%20NDC.pdf\u0022\u003Eits pledges\u003C\/a\u003E under the 10-year-old \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/unfccc.int\/process-and-meetings\/the-paris-agreement\u0022\u003EParis climate agreement\u003C\/a\u003E. But U.S. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/ghgemissions\/inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks\u0022\u003Eemissions are down\u003C\/a\u003E about 15% over the past 10 years.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHere\u2019s how that happened:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EUS Electricity Emissions Have Fallen\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EU.S. electricity use \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/todayinenergy\/detail.php?id=65264\u0022\u003Ehas been rising\u003C\/a\u003E lately with the shift toward more electrification of cars and heating and cooling and expansion of data centers, yet greenhouse gas emissions from electricity are down by almost 30% since 1995.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of the main reasons for this big drop is that Americans are using less coal and more natural gas to make electricity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBoth coal and natural gas are fossil fuels. Both \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/energyexplained\/energy-and-the-environment\/where-greenhouse-gases-come-from.php#\u0022\u003Erelease carbon dioxide\u003C\/a\u003E to the atmosphere when they are burned to make electricity, and that carbon dioxide traps heat, raising global temperatures. But power plants can \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/todayinenergy\/detail.php?id=44436\u0022\u003Emake electricity more efficiently\u003C\/a\u003E using natural gas compared with coal, so it produces less emissions per unit of power.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe class=\u0022tc-infographic-datawrapper\u0022 style=\u0022border-width:0;\u0022 id=\u0022u3fo9\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/u3fo9\/1\/\u0022 height=\u0022400px\u0022 width=\u0022100%\u0022 scrolling=\u0022no\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhy did the U.S. start using more natural gas?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearch and technological innovation in fracking and horizontal drilling have allowed companies to extract more oil and gas at lower cost, making it \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/rmi.org\/utilities-analysts-and-customers-agree-transitioning-from-coal-saves-money\/\u0022\u003Echeaper to produce electricity\u003C\/a\u003E from natural gas rather than coal.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a result, utilities have built more natural gas power plants \u2013 especially super-efficient \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gevernova.com\/gas-power\/resources\/education\/combined-cycle-power-plants\u0022\u003Ecombined cycle\u003C\/a\u003E gas power plants, which produce power from gas turbines and also capture waste heat from those turbines to generate more power. More coal plants have been shutting down or running less.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe class=\u0022tc-infographic-datawrapper\u0022 style=\u0022border-width:0;\u0022 id=\u0022zl7DI\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/zl7DI\/1\/\u0022 height=\u0022400px\u0022 width=\u0022100%\u0022 scrolling=\u0022no\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBecause natural gas is a more efficient fuel than coal, it has been a win for climate in comparison, even though it\u2019s a fossil fuel. The U.S. has reduced emissions from electricity as a result.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESignificant \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/energy-star-on-the-trump-administrations-target-list-has-a-long-history-of-helping-consumers-wallets-and-the-planet-258152\u0022\u003Eimprovements in energy efficiency\u003C\/a\u003E, from appliances to lighting, have also played a role. Even though tech gadgets seem to be recharging everywhere all the time today, household electricity use, per person, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/todayinenergy\/detail.php?id=49036\u0022\u003Eplateaued over the first two decades of the 2000s after rising continuously\u003C\/a\u003E since the 1940s.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003ECosts for Renewable Electricity, Batteries Fall\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EU.S. renewable electricity generation, including wind, solar and hydro power, has \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/energyexplained\/electricity\/electricity-in-the-us.php\u0022\u003Enearly tripled since 1995\u003C\/a\u003E, helping to further reduce emissions from electricity generation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECosts for solar and wind power have fallen so much that they are now \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/energyinnovation.org\/report\/the-coal-cost-crossover-3-0\/\u0022\u003Echeaper than coal\u003C\/a\u003E and competitive with natural gas. Fourteen states, including most of the Great Plains, now get \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cleanpower.org\/facts\/state-fact-sheets\/\u0022\u003Eat least 30% of their power\u003C\/a\u003E from solar, wind and battery storage.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe class=\u0022tc-infographic-datawrapper\u0022 style=\u0022border-width:0;\u0022 id=\u0022Hw4VE\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/Hw4VE\/1\/\u0022 height=\u0022400px\u0022 width=\u0022100%\u0022 scrolling=\u0022no\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile wind power has been cost competitive with fossil fuels for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/700156\/original\/file-20251104-66-ftct1o.png\u0022\u003Eat least 20 years\u003C\/a\u003E, solar photovoltaic power has only been competitive with fossil fuels for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.lazard.com\/news-announcements\/lazard-releases-2025-levelized-cost-of-energyplus-report-pr\/\u0022\u003Eabout 10 years\u003C\/a\u003E. So expect deployment of solar PV to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.iea.org\/news\/global-renewable-capacity-is-set-to-grow-strongly-driven-by-solar-pv\u0022\u003Econtinue to increase\u003C\/a\u003E, both in the U.S. and internationally, even as U.S. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2025\/07\/16\/nx-s1-5462190\/trump-tax-credit-solar-ev-heat-pump\u0022\u003Efederal subsidies disappear\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBoth wind and solar provide intermittent power: The sun does not always shine, and the wind does not always blow. There are a number of ways utilities are dealing with this. One way is to use \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/oe\/demand-response\u0022\u003Edemand management\u003C\/a\u003E, offering lower prices for power during off-peak periods or discounts for companies that can cut their power use during high demand. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/lpo\/virtual-power-plants-projects\u0022\u003EVirtual power plants\u003C\/a\u003E aggregate several kinds of distributed energy resources \u2013 solar panels on homes, batteries and even smart thermostats \u2013 to manage power supply and demand. The U.S. had an estimated \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/transformers-magazine.com\/tm-news\/north-american-virtual-power-plants-grow-13-7\/\u0022\u003E37.5 gigawatts of virtual power plants\u003C\/a\u003E in 2024, equivalent to about 37.5 nuclear power reactors.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/700156\/original\/file-20251104-66-ftct1o.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Charts show cost decline compared with fossil fuels.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/700156\/original\/file-20251104-66-ftct1o.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/700156\/original\/file-20251104-66-ftct1o.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=345\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/700156\/original\/file-20251104-66-ftct1o.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=345\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/700156\/original\/file-20251104-66-ftct1o.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=345\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/700156\/original\/file-20251104-66-ftct1o.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=433\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/700156\/original\/file-20251104-66-ftct1o.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=433\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/700156\/original\/file-20251104-66-ftct1o.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=433\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EGlobally, the costs of solar, onshore wind and EV batteries fell quickly over the first two decades of the 2000s.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ipcc.ch\/report\/ar6\/wg3\/chapter\/summary-for-policymakers\/#figure-spm-3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EIPCC 6th Assessment Report\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnother energy management method is battery storage, which is just now \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/todayinenergy\/detail.php?id=64586\u0022\u003Ebeginning to take off\u003C\/a\u003E. Battery \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/about.bnef.com\/insights\/commodities\/lithium-ion-battery-pack-prices-see-largest-drop-since-2017-falling-to-115-per-kilowatt-hour-bloombergnef\/\u0022\u003Ecosts have come down\u003C\/a\u003E enough in the past few years to make utility-scale battery storage cost-effective.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe class=\u0022tc-infographic-datawrapper\u0022 style=\u0022border-width:0;\u0022 id=\u0022nX9Rl\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/nX9Rl\/2\/\u0022 height=\u0022400px\u0022 width=\u0022100%\u0022 scrolling=\u0022no\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhat About Driving?\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the U.S., gasoline consumption has remained roughly constant but \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/eere\/vehicles\/articles\/fotw-1237-may-9-2022-fuel-economy-all-vehicle-classes-has-improved\u0022\u003Efuel efficiency has generally improved\u003C\/a\u003E over the decades.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESales of electric vehicle, which could cut emissions more, have been slow, however. Some of this could be due to the success of fracking: U.S. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/afdc.energy.gov\/data\/10324\u0022\u003Epetroleum production has increased\u003C\/a\u003E, and gasoline and diesel \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.rff.org\/publications\/explainers\/gas-prices-101\/\u0022\u003Eprices have remained relatively low\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPeople in other countries are switching \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.virta.global\/global-electric-vehicle-market\u0022\u003Eto electric vehicles more rapidly\u003C\/a\u003E than in the U.S. as the cost of EVs has fallen. Chinese consumers can buy an entry-level EV for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/electrek.co\/2025\/04\/08\/byds-low-cost-seagull-ev-now-starts-under-8000-china\/\u0022\u003Eunder US$10,000\u003C\/a\u003E in China with the help of government subsidies, and the country \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/global-ev-outlook-2025\/trends-in-electric-car-markets-2\u0022\u003Eleads the world in EV sales\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2024, people in the U.S. bought \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/global-ev-outlook-2025\/trends-in-electric-car-markets-2\u0022\u003E1.6 million EVs\u003C\/a\u003E, and global sales reached \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.virta.global\/global-electric-vehicle-market\u0022\u003E17 million\u003C\/a\u003E, up 25% from the year before.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe class=\u0022tc-infographic-datawrapper\u0022 style=\u0022border-width:0;\u0022 id=\u0022fSBGn\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/fSBGn\/1\/\u0022 height=\u0022400px\u0022 width=\u0022100%\u0022 scrolling=\u0022no\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EThe Unknowns Ahead: What About Data Centers?\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe construction of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/ais-ballooning-energy-consumption-puts-spotlight-on-data-center-efficiency-254192\u0022\u003Enew data centers\u003C\/a\u003E, in part to serve the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, is drawing a lot of attention to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-utilities-are-working-to-meet-ai-data-centers-voracious-appetite-for-electricity-240196\u0022\u003Efuture energy demand\u003C\/a\u003E and to the uncertainty ahead.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EData centers are increasing electricity demand in some locations, such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2025\/07\/17\/nx-s1-5469933\/virginia-data-centers-residents-saying-no\u0022\u003Enorthern Virginia\u003C\/a\u003E, Dallas, Phoenix, Chicago and Atlanta. The future \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.wri.org\/insights\/us-data-centers-electricity-demand\u0022\u003Eelectricity demand growth from data centers is still unclear\u003C\/a\u003E, though, meaning the effects of data centers on electric rates and power system emissions are also uncertain.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, AI is not the only reason to watch for increased electricity demand: The U.S. can expect growing electricity demand for industrial processes and electric vehicles, as well as the overall transition from using oil and gas for heating and appliances \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nrel.gov\/analysis\/electrification-futures\u0022\u003Eto using electricity\u003C\/a\u003E that continues across the country.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/268763\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\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\/how-the-us-cut-climate-changing-emissions-while-its-economy-more-than-doubled-268763\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECountries around the world have been discussing the need to rein in climate change for three decades, yet global greenhouse gas emissions \u2013 and global temperatures with them \u2013 keep rising.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Countries around the world have been discussing the need to rein in climate change for three decades, yet global greenhouse gas emissions \u2013 and global temperatures with them \u2013 keep rising."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-11-06 17:17:39","changed_gmt":"2025-12-08 19:34:19","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-06T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-06T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678588":{"id":"678588","type":"image","title":"Wind power near Dodge City, Kan. Halbergman\/iStock\/Getty Images Plus","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWind power near Dodge City, Kan. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/drone-shot-of-pick-up-truck-approaching-wind-royalty-free-image\/1287525883?phrase=road%20solar%20wind\u0026amp;searchscope=image,film\u0026amp;adppopup=true\u0022\u003EHalbergman\/iStock\/Getty Images Plus\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762795118","gmt_created":"2025-11-10 17:18:38","changed":"1762795118","gmt_changed":"2025-11-10 17:18:38","alt":"Wind power near Dodge City, Kan. Halbergman\/iStock\/Getty Images Plus","file":{"fid":"262642","name":"file-20251104-56-f02oyt.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/10\/file-20251104-56-f02oyt.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/10\/file-20251104-56-f02oyt.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":171900,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/10\/file-20251104-56-f02oyt.jpg?itok=xs5XfgAn"}}},"media_ids":["678588"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/how-the-us-cut-climate-changing-emissions-while-its-economy-more-than-doubled-268763","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"367481","name":"SEI Energy"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"},{"id":"186858","name":"go-sei"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"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":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/valerie-thomas-1633560\u0022\u003EValerie Thomas\u003C\/a\u003E, Professor of Industrial Engineering, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\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":""}},"686789":{"#nid":"686789","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Students Serve Up Solutions to Prevent Hunger and Homelessness at Capstone Design Expo","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis semester\u2019s Capstone Design Expo showcased the ingenuity and problem-solving skills of more than 118 student teams across seven disciplines. Among them, 17 teams represented \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EH. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E (ISyE), presenting a wide range of solutions, from optimizing scheduling for medical clinics, to refining inventory management for a major auto manufacturer, to enhancing sepsis detection through data-driven patient monitoring.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECapstone Design Expo monodisciplinary Industrial Engineering award went to Serving Solutions. The team partnered with \u003Cstrong\u003ENorth Fulton Community Charities\u003C\/strong\u003E (NFCC), a nonprofit dedicated to preventing hunger and homelessness, to design scalable systems for enhancing the overall customer experience.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBy focusing on operational efficiency and accessibility, we delivered improvements across three key areas,\u201d said \u003Cstrong\u003EEmma MacGregor\u003C\/strong\u003E, a fourth-year ISyE student on the team. \u201cWe modernized inventory management by implementing barcode scanners to streamline tracking; we enhanced customer order processes by developing a more accessible interface supported by a digital queueing network and automated ticketing and printing system, and optimized the pantry layout to create more usable space while also reducing travel time through the pantry.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn addition to MacGregor, the full team consisted of \u003Cstrong\u003ESamhith Aravind, Sachin Bharadwaz, Shaktik Bhattacharyya, Elyse Daniel, Erin Hinnegan,\u003C\/strong\u003E and \u003Cstrong\u003EZora Ripkova\u003C\/strong\u003E, under the advisement of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/xin-chen\u0022\u003EXin Chen\u003C\/a\u003E, James C. Edenfield Chair and ISyE professor.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProfessor Chen noted that the team\u2019s success was measured not only in numbers and workflows, but in real benefits for the families NFCC serves.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cServing Solutions delivered measurable improvements to North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC)\u2019s pantry operations and the families it serves, such as optimization-driven reshelving that expanded usable shelf space by 16.4%,\u0022 said Chen. \u201cWatching students transform classroom concepts (optimization, stochastic modeling, and applied data science) into practical systems that volunteers can easily run was truly inspiring.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe added that the benefits extend directly to the community, and how partnerships like these strengthen both student learning and nonprofit operations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCollaborations with food pantries like NFCC showcase the immense value of ISyE partnerships. When our students engage with mission-driven organizations, they don\u2019t just apply theory; they create solutions that significantly enhance community impact.\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003EI look forward to more opportunities where these collaborations continue to drive lasting improvements that strengthen communities.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo learn more about the expo, read the full capstone story\u202f\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/12\/self-assembled-eyeglasses-wearable-device-bladder-health-win-capstone-expo\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u202f\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Serving Solutions team took home the Capstone Expo monodisciplinary Industrial Engineering award. Their project exemplified how engineering can drive meaningful community change, helping North Fulton Community Charities serve families more efficiently for greater impact.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The project showcased how ISyE students applied innovative engineering solutions to help a local nonprofit expand its impact and better serve families in need."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2025-12-08 18:32:37","changed_gmt":"2025-12-08 18:48:29","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-08T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-08T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678790":{"id":"678790","type":"image","title":"Serving Solutions, Capstone Design Expo (Fall 2025)","body":null,"created":"1765219631","gmt_created":"2025-12-08 18:47:11","changed":"1765219631","gmt_changed":"2025-12-08 18:47:11","alt":"Serving Solutions, Capstone Design Expo (Fall 2025)","file":{"fid":"262869","name":"IMG_1457.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/08\/IMG_1457_0.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/08\/IMG_1457_0.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1680865,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/08\/IMG_1457_0.jpg?itok=PYKC5A11"}},"678791":{"id":"678791","type":"image","title":"Team members: Samhith Aravind, Sachin Bharadwaz, Shaktik Bhattacharyya, Elyse Daniel, Erin Hinnegan, Emma MacGregor, and Zora Ripkova","body":null,"created":"1765219670","gmt_created":"2025-12-08 18:47:50","changed":"1765219670","gmt_changed":"2025-12-08 18:47:50","alt":"Team members: Samhith Aravind, Sachin Bharadwaz, Shaktik Bhattacharyya, Elyse Daniel, Erin Hinnegan, Emma MacGregor, and Zora Ripkova,","file":{"fid":"262870","name":"IMG_4496.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/08\/IMG_4496_1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/08\/IMG_4496_1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2144069,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/08\/IMG_4496_1.jpg?itok=6KPXFS1v"}}},"media_ids":["678790","678791"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EErin Whitlock Brown, Communications Manager II\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686720":{"#nid":"686720","#data":{"type":"news","title":"What if Hospitals Could Automatically Protect Patients from Cyber Threats?","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA software update was missed for the program running your local hospital\u2019s X-ray machines. A hacker now controls all the machines and is demanding $500,000 in cryptocurrency be sent to an anonymous wallet; otherwise, he will shut down the entire radiology department.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis scenario becomes more likely for hospitals of all sizes as medical technology advances, adding more devices to constantly growing networks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWith the help of a contract award for up to $12 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arpa-h.gov\/explore-funding\/programs\/upgrade\u0022\u003EUPGRADE\u003C\/a\u003E program, a team of researchers led by the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy at Georgia Tech will begin developing an advanced cybersecurity platform to help hospitals proactively identify and fix vulnerabilities in their software, devices, and networks.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis is a new area of security research,\u201d said Associate Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EBrendan Saltaformaggio\u003C\/strong\u003E. \u201cWe not only have to worry about the cybersecurity aspect, but the physical security as well. Our research must be very accurate to make sure patients are safe from cyberthreats.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStarting next month, the team of researchers on the Hospital-Integrated Vulnerability Identification and Proactive Remediation (H-VIPER) project will begin developing a system they are calling the Whole-Hospital Simulation (WHS).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe system maps out the online network for hospitals of all sizes and enables IT teams to test their cyber capabilities before going live. The system can also identify threats, such as missed software updates, and alert the IT department.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHospitals have thousands of devices connected to their networks, including medical devices,\u201d said Saltaformaggio. \u201cA hospital like Children\u2019s has a huge attack surface. A smaller hospital might have different challenges, but possible entry points are still there.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe team has already interviewed IT teams at Children\u2019s Healthcare of Atlanta and Hamilton Health Care System. Their findings have provided them with a better understanding of how to scale the WHS system to meet each hospital\u2019s specific needs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHospitals IT processes are notoriously sensitive to disruption, because essentially any kind of down time for rebooting a system or lack of availability can create chaos in the clinical environment,\u201d said \u003Cstrong\u003EStoddard Manikin\u003C\/strong\u003E, chief information security officer for Children\u2019s Healthcare of Atlanta.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur goal is to create very smooth processes and workflow for our patient facing staff and providers to deliver the best care possible. This research opportunity gives us a chance to develop news ways where we can look at these sensitive medical devices and things on the IT network in a healthcare environment and potentially remediate vulnerabilities without taking them out of service.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESaltaformaggio and his colleagues found that, regardless of size, security remains retroactive and not proactive. By leveraging their diverse expertise, the research team will ensure that the H-VIPER project addresses vulnerabilities at every layer of hospital technology, from the network to the hardware.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scp.cc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003C\/a\u003E will lead this initiative, with faculty from the H-VIPER project also representing the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECollege of Computing\u003C\/a\u003E, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scs.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Computer Science\u003C\/a\u003E, and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gtri.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Research Institute\u003C\/a\u003E, along with support from their Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAround 30 Georgia Tech researchers will partner with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.emory.edu\/home\/index.html\u0022\u003EEmory University\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.choa.org\u0022\u003EChildren\u2019s Healthcare of Atlanta\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/vitruvianhealth.com\/locations\/hamilton-medical-center\/\u0022\u003EHamilton Health Care System\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.tufts.edu\/\u0022\u003ETufts University\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.iastate.edu\/\u0022\u003EIowa State University\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/narfindustries.com\/\u0022\u003ENarf Industries\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech faculty working on the project are:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAssociate Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EBrendan Saltaformaggio\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERegents\u2019 Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EWenke Lee\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EProfessor \u003Cstrong\u003ETaesoo Kim\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EProfessor \u003Cstrong\u003EFabian Monrose\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAssistant Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EFrank Li\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAssociate Professor \u003Cstrong\u003ESaman Zonouz\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAssociate Professor\u003Cstrong\u003E Daniel Genkin\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EResearch Professor \u003Cstrong\u003ESukarno Mertoguno\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESenior Research Scientist \u003Cstrong\u003ETrevor Lewis\u003C\/strong\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWith the help of a contract award for up to $12 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a team of researchers led by the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy at Georgia Tech will begin developing an advanced cybersecurity platform to help hospitals proactively identify and fix vulnerabilities in their software, devices, and networks.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"With the help of a contract award for up to $12 million from ARPA-H, a team of researchers led by the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy at will begin developing an advanced cybersecurity platform to protect hospitals. "}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2025-12-03 15:49:35","changed_gmt":"2025-12-08 17:08:45","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-03T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-03T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678753":{"id":"678753","type":"image","title":"Cyfi-Lab-Brendan.jpg","body":null,"created":"1764777096","gmt_created":"2025-12-03 15:51:36","changed":"1764777096","gmt_changed":"2025-12-03 15:51:36","alt":"A man points to a rack of computer monitors. Another man sits in front of a laptop with his back to the camera. ","file":{"fid":"262827","name":"Cyfi-No-Dict-1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/03\/Cyfi-No-Dict-1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/03\/Cyfi-No-Dict-1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1596073,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/03\/Cyfi-No-Dict-1.jpg?itok=nDkK4MSK"}}},"media_ids":["678753"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"365","name":"Research"},{"id":"193109","name":"arpa-h"},{"id":"2634","name":"grant"},{"id":"127901","name":"Contract"},{"id":"1404","name":"Cybersecurity"},{"id":"344","name":"cyber"},{"id":"3532","name":"impact"},{"id":"4499","name":"hospitals"},{"id":"179869","name":"partners"},{"id":"340","name":"collaboration"},{"id":"1129","name":"healthcare"},{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"},{"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":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJohn Popham\u0026nbsp;Communications Officer II | School of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jpopham3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686705":{"#nid":"686705","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Researchers Among World\u2019s Most Highly Cited in 2025","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech proudly announces its faculty who have been named to the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/clarivate.com\/highly-cited-researchers\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EClarivate Highly Cited Researchers 2025\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E list. This list is a global recognition of scholars with work among the top 1% most cited within their fields. This distinction demonstrates Georgia Tech\u2019s leadership in advancing research with broad and lasting impact.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Institute\u2019s highly cited researchers include:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIan F. Akyildiz \u003C\/strong\u003E- retired professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAntonio Facchetti\u003C\/strong\u003E \u2013 professor, Hightower Chair, Materials Science and Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMaohong Fan\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 adjunct professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKonstantinos Konstantinidis\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 professor, Environmental Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENian Liu\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 associate professor and Robert G. Miller Faculty Fellow, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnant Madabhushi\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 professor, Biomedical Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EH. Jerry Qi\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 Woodruff Professor, Mechanical Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERampi Ramprasad\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 Regents\u2019 Entrepreneur, Materials Science and Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERodney J. Weber\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 professor, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EC.P. Wong\u003C\/strong\u003E \u2013 Charles Smithgall Institute Endowed Chair and Regents\u2019 Professor, Materials Science and Engineering\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur faculty\u2019s recognition among the world\u2019s most highly cited demonstrates Georgia Tech\u2019s commitment to pioneering discoveries and solving complex global challenges through research,\u201d said Tim Lieuwen, executive vice president for Research. \u201cCongratulations to each of them on this impressive achievement.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EClarivate\u2019s annual list identifies researchers whose published work demonstrates exceptional influence, based on citation data from the Web of Science Core Collection over the past 11 years. These scholars have authored multiple Highly Cited Papers, which are publications consistently ranked in the top 1% by citations in their respective fields.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Tech Researchers Among World\u2019s Most Highly Cited in 2025\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech proudly announces its faculty who have been named to the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers 2025 list. "}],"uid":"27561","created_gmt":"2025-12-02 17:01:31","changed_gmt":"2025-12-04 14:25:29","author":"Angela Ayers","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-02T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-02T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678743":{"id":"678743","type":"image","title":"17C1001-P7-047-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","body":null,"created":"1764694909","gmt_created":"2025-12-02 17:01:49","changed":"1764694909","gmt_changed":"2025-12-02 17:01:49","alt":"Research building at Georgia Tech","file":{"fid":"262815","name":"17C1001-P7-047-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/02\/17C1001-P7-047-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/02\/17C1001-P7-047-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":352503,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/02\/17C1001-P7-047-Web-Use---1-000px-Wide.jpg?itok=CxuL29pg"}}},"media_ids":["678743"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686725":{"#nid":"686725","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Lights, Camera, Leadership ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen a guidance counselor told Mariah Liggins, then a junior in high school, that she wasn\u2019t going to get into college, she didn\u2019t let that stop her. Now the program director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/johnlewis.students.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EJohn Lewis Student Leadership Pathways\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech, she did her research, submitted her applications, and took 15 Greyhound bus trips to tour schools before placing seven acceptance letters \u2014 all accompanied by full-ride scholarships \u2014 on her counselor\u0027s desk.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019m always telling my students to make sure that you\u0027re invested in yourself, and you don\u0027t need a cheerleader. You are the cheerleader, so when somebody gives you a no, work it out and get your yes, because I definitely did that,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA lesson of resilience is one that Liggins shares in her coaching sessions, helping students to develop their leadership skills and career goals, and in her role as the manager of her 10-year-old daughter Kyhler\u2019s acting career.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKhyler\u2019s most recent credit was also her biggest \u2014 a role in the Warner Bros. film \u003Cem\u003EWeapons\u003C\/em\u003E \u2014 but Liggins is intentional about teaching her daughter that the road to success in the film industry isn\u2019t always a straight one.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019ve been doing this her whole life. She was 3 years old on the red carpet, but that comes with a lot of ups and downs. We talk all the time about the importance of hard work and the fact that you may get some no\u2019s, but in those situations, it\u2019s all about finding a lesson to learn from it and embracing the ability to try again,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKhyler affectionately refers to Mariah as her \u201cmomager,\u201d and Mariah, who grew up in foster care, relishes the opportunity to take a lead role in her daughter\u2019s life.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn my childhood, I never had anybody who was invested in me, so once I became a mom, I was going to make sure I give them a childhood that they have control of, that they\u0027re invested in, and that I can invest in them the best way possible,\u201d Liggins said. \u201cWhat drives me is knowing I\u2019m able to give them so much of what I lacked, and I get to live out this experience with my family.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe mother of three sees similarities between her home and professional life, including the joy of seeing others succeed in pursuing their passions. Liggins began her career in academic advising and served as the pre-health advisor at Georgia Tech before moving into her current role.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAs I see students come through our program, I see them try things they wouldn\u2019t have before, and that makes me so proud. I always say that when my students have applied to medical school and got accepted, I feel like I got in because we\u2019re celebrating together,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELiggins has worked at Tech for seven years and, during that time, has continued her education as an Ed.D. student at the University of West Georgia.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhat I love so much about working at Georgia Tech is working around so many creative and innovative thinkers. As a first-generation college student, I am in rooms today and part of conversations that I never could have imagined. Working at Tech has pushed me and continues to help ignite the professional and the student that I am today,\u201d she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Mariah, her dream is not for Kyhler to become a movie star. It\u2019s for her to feel like she had a childhood that allowed her to express herself and find what makes her happy. Just like she does with her students, Mariah is proud to play a part in helping Kyhler find her path to becoming a leader in any venture she pursues.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Whether it\u0027s mentoring students or managing her daughter\u2019s acting career, Mariah Liggins knows the importance of resilience.  "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhether it\u0027s mentoring students or managing her daughter\u2019s acting career, Mariah Liggins knows the importance of resilience.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Whether it\u0027s mentoring students or managing her daughter\u2019s acting career, Mariah Liggins knows the importance of resilience.  "}],"uid":"36418","created_gmt":"2025-12-03 18:56:00","changed_gmt":"2025-12-03 20:25:54","author":"sgagliano3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-03T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-03T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678758":{"id":"678758","type":"video","title":"Lights, Camera, Leadership ","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWhether she\u2019s guiding students on their leadership path at Georgia Tech or heading to an audition with her daughter, Mariah Liggins teaches the value of resilience. Having grown up in foster care, Liggins knew she wanted to provide her children with the mentor she never had, and she\u2019s embracing her role as a \u201cmomager.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1764793326","gmt_created":"2025-12-03 20:22:06","changed":"1764793326","gmt_changed":"2025-12-03 20:22:06","video":{"youtube_id":"J_ahYumAlag","video_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=J_ahYumAlag"}},"678756":{"id":"678756","type":"image","title":"Mariah-Liggins.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMariah Liggins, program director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/johnlewis.students.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EJohn Lewis Student Leadership Pathways\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech, and her daughter, Khyler. Submitted photo.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1764788234","gmt_created":"2025-12-03 18:57:14","changed":"1764788234","gmt_changed":"2025-12-03 18:57:14","alt":"Mariah Liggins","file":{"fid":"262830","name":"Mariah-Liggins.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/03\/Mariah-Liggins.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/03\/Mariah-Liggins.png","mime":"image\/png","size":585873,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/03\/Mariah-Liggins.png?itok=1bKforNI"}}},"media_ids":["678758","678756"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"143","name":"Digital Media and Entertainment"}],"keywords":[{"id":"190795","name":"John Lewis Student Center"},{"id":"170520","name":"Actor"},{"id":"4749","name":"movies"}],"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 \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:meavenson@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMicah Eavenson\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:julian.hills@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJulian Hills\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:steven.gagliano@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESteven Gagliano\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686175":{"#nid":"686175","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Develop Biobased Film that Could Replace Traditional Plastic Packaging ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EPlastic packaging is ubiquitous in our world, with its waste winding up in landfills and polluting oceans, where it can take centuries to degrade.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo ease this environmental burden, industry has worked to adopt renewable biopolymers in place of traditional plastics. However, developers of sustainable packaging have faced hurdles in blocking out moisture and oxygen, a barrier critical for protecting food, pharmaceuticals, and sensitive electronics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENow, researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a biologically based film made from natural ingredients found in plants, mushrooms, and food waste that can block moisture and oxygen as effectively as conventional plastics. Their findings were recently \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/10.1021\/acsapm.5c02909\u0022\u003Epublished\u003C\/a\u003E in \u003Cem\u003EACS Applied Polymer Materials\u003C\/em\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re using materials that are already abundant in and degrade in nature to produce packaging that won\u2019t pollute the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/meredith\/\u0022\u003ECarson Meredith\u003C\/a\u003E, a professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EChBE@GT\u003C\/a\u003E) and executive director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/rbi\u0022\u003ERenewable Bioproducts Institute\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cOur films, composed of biodegradable components, rival or exceed the performance of conventional plastics in keeping food fresh and safe.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeredith\u2019s research team has worked for more than a decade to develop environmentally friendly oxygen and water barriers for packaging. While earlier research using biopolymers showed promise, high humidity continued to weaken the barrier properties.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, Meredith and his collaborators found a fix using a blend of these natural ingredients: cellulose (which gives plants their structure), chitosan (derived from crustacean-based food waste or mushrooms), and citric acid (from citrus fruits).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBy crosslinking these materials and adding a heat treatment, we created a thin film that reduced both moisture and oxygen transmission, even in hot, humid conditions simulating the tropics,\u201d said lead author Yang Lu, a former postdoctoral researcher in ChBE@GT.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe barrier technology developed by the researchers consists of three primary components: a carbohydrate polymer for structure, a plasticizer to maintain flexibility, and a water-repelling additive to resist moisture. When cast into thin films, these ingredients self-organize at the molecular level to form a dense, ordered structure that resists swelling or softening under high humidity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven at 80 percent relative humidity, the films showed extremely low oxygen permeability and water vapor transmission, matching or outperforming common plastics such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol) (EVOH).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur approach creates barriers that are not only renewable, but also mechanically robust, offering a promising alternative to conventional plastics in packaging applications,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/stingelin-lab.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ENatalie Stingelin\u003C\/a\u003E, professor and chair of Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Materials Science and Engineering (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mse.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EMSE\u003C\/a\u003E) and a professor in ChBE@GT.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe research team has filed for patent protection for the technology (patent pending). The research was supported by Mars Inc., Georgia Tech\u2019s Renewable Bioproducts Institute, and the U.S. Department of Defense through the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program. Eric Klingenberg, a co-author of the study, is an employee of Mars, a manufacturer of packaged foods.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECitation: Yang Lu, Javaz T. Rolle, Tanner Hickman, Yue Ji, Eric Klingenberg, Natalie Stingelin, and Carson Meredith, \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/10.1021\/acsapm.5c02909\u0022\u003ETransforming renewable carbohydrate-based polymers into oxygen and moisture-barriers at elevated humidity\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E,\u201d ACS Applied Polymer Materials\u003C\/em\u003E, 2025.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a biologically based film made from natural ingredients found in plants, mushrooms, and food waste that can block moisture and oxygen as effectively as conventional plastics.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a biologically based film made from natural ingredients found in plants, mushrooms, and food waste that can block moisture and oxygen as effectively as conventional plastics"}],"uid":"27271","created_gmt":"2025-11-04 16:55:50","changed_gmt":"2025-12-01 17:28:55","author":"Brad Dixon","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-04T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-04T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678529":{"id":"678529","type":"image","title":"packagingresearchimage.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA biologically based film made from natural ingredients found in plants, mushrooms, and food waste\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762275364","gmt_created":"2025-11-04 16:56:04","changed":"1762275364","gmt_changed":"2025-11-04 16:56:04","alt":"Biobased film for packaging","file":{"fid":"262579","name":"packagingresearchimage.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/04\/packagingresearchimage.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/04\/packagingresearchimage.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":89643,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/04\/packagingresearchimage.jpeg?itok=MdlzaOoB"}},"678531":{"id":"678531","type":"image","title":"carsonmeredith2024web.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EProfessor Carson Meredith\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762275906","gmt_created":"2025-11-04 17:05:06","changed":"1762275906","gmt_changed":"2025-11-04 17:05:06","alt":"Professor Carson Meredith","file":{"fid":"262581","name":"carsonmeredith2024web.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/04\/carsonmeredith2024web.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/04\/carsonmeredith2024web.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":90187,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/04\/carsonmeredith2024web.jpg?itok=QyHLCIWs"}},"678532":{"id":"678532","type":"image","title":"stingelin2021.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EProfessor Natalie Stingelin\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762276002","gmt_created":"2025-11-04 17:06:42","changed":"1762276002","gmt_changed":"2025-11-04 17:06:42","alt":"Professor Natalie Stingelin","file":{"fid":"262582","name":"stingelin2021.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/04\/stingelin2021.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/04\/stingelin2021.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":119243,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/04\/stingelin2021.jpg?itok=I5aE6cGH"}}},"media_ids":["678529","678531","678532"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"141","name":"Chemistry and Chemical Engineering"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"194836","name":"Sustainability"}],"keywords":[{"id":"5275","name":"plastics"},{"id":"129691","name":"advanced packaging research"},{"id":"6188","name":"BioPolymers"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"188020","name":"go-rbi"},{"id":"188360","name":"go-bbiss"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39471","name":"Materials"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"39491","name":"Renewable Bioproducts"},{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBrad Dixon, \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:braddixon@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ebraddixon@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["braddixon@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686657":{"#nid":"686657","#data":{"type":"news","title":"IMS Launches Series on Interdisciplinary Innovation with AI Computing Panel ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute for Matter and Systems (IMS) hosted the inaugural Boundaries and Breakthroughs\u003Cem\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Epanel on Nov. 11, setting the stage for a new era of interdisciplinary dialogue at Georgia Tech. The event, held in the Marcus Nanotechnology building, brought together experts in electrical engineering, computer architecture, and computer systems design to tackle one of today\u2019s pressing challenges: artificial intelligence (AI) scalability and sustainable high-performance computing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs one of Georgia Tech\u2019s 11 interdisciplinary research institutes, IMS is designed to break down silos between traditional academic units. By operating core user facilities and fostering collaborative research, IMS creates a unique ecosystem where device-level innovation meets systems-level design. This event personified that mission by connecting researchers who typically work on different ends of the stack.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re looking for opportunities to bring people together to have discussions that are both informative and potentially create a little bit of friction in the best possible way around trending topics in science and engineering,\u201d said Mike Filler, IMS deputy director, during opening remarks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe panel was moderated by \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/directory\/divya-mahajan\u0022\u003EDivya Mahajan\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and featured \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/moin.cc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EMoinuddin Qureshi\u003C\/a\u003E, professor of computer science; \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scs.gatech.edu\/people\/anand-padmanabha-iyer\u0022\u003EAnand Iyer\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant professor of computer science; and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matter-systems.gatech.edu\/people\/asif-khan\u0022\u003EAsif Khan\u003C\/a\u003E, associate professor in electrical and computer engineering.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe discussion explored the dynamics between compute abundance and energy constraints. As AI models scale up, power consumption has become a societal issue, driving up energy demands and even influencing political conversations. The panelists agreed that the bottleneck isn\u2019t compute \u2014 a computer\u2019s ability to process and execute tasks \u2014 but data movement. Moving data uses 100 to 1,000 times more energy than computation, making memory systems the critical frontier.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe conversation highlighted how breakthroughs in compute must occur at every layer \u2014 from individual devices to full computer systems. At the device level, Khan mentioned emerging memory technologies and \u201cbeyond CMOS\u201d approaches such as embedding compute within memory and exploring bio-inspired architectures.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrom a computer architecture level, Qureshi advocated rethinking interfaces and creating designs optimized for the future of computing. AI needs regular patterns to work optimally, and current patterns are not set up for that.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf you want efficiency, design systems that make sense for AI,\u201d Qureshi said. \u201cDevelop new interfaces, develop new modules, architectures, and organization that make for a specific pattern.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the systems level, Iyer stressed practical strategies like near-memory compute and energy-aware scheduling while acknowledging the need for co-design between hardware and software.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cNow in terms of brains or bio-inspired computing, my conjecture is that there is currently no hardware that is capable of doing it,\u201d Khan said. He also noted that right now, there is no computer or algorithm that has the scale of computing comparable to human brain power.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe panelists didn\u2019t shy away from provocative ideas \u2014 such as whether graphic processing units are the final solution for AI and whether matrix multiplication alone can lead to artificial general intelligence. While opinions varied, all agreed that organizations like IMS are key to bringing together diverse expertise to tackle these questions collaboratively.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Boundaries and Breakthroughs series continues in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matter-systems.gatech.edu\/events\/boundaries-breakthroughs-panel-series-bioelectronics-med-tech\u0022\u003EJanuary with a panel on bioelectronics and medical technologies\u003C\/a\u003E, reinforcing IMS\u2019s commitment to fostering dialogue that spans the full spectrum of innovation.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Boundaries and Breakthroughs panel explored how interdisciplinary collaboration can drive solutions for the future of artificial intelligence.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Boundaries and Breakthroughs panel explored how interdisciplinary collaboration can drive solutions for the future of artificial intelligence. "}],"uid":"35272","created_gmt":"2025-12-01 17:02:37","changed_gmt":"2025-12-01 17:03:39","author":"aneumeister3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-12-01T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-12-01T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678737":{"id":"678737","type":"image","title":"BB_web_story.png","body":null,"created":"1764608566","gmt_created":"2025-12-01 17:02:46","changed":"1764608566","gmt_changed":"2025-12-01 17:02:46","alt":"Panelists speaking at the Boundaries and Breakthroughs panel series","file":{"fid":"262809","name":"BB_web_story.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/01\/BB_web_story.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/12\/01\/BB_web_story.png","mime":"image\/png","size":4029223,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/12\/01\/BB_web_story.png?itok=zYZRftI4"}}},"media_ids":["678737"],"groups":[{"id":"660369","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"149","name":"Nanotechnology and Nanoscience"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"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 | Research Communications Program 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":""}},"686631":{"#nid":"686631","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Alexander Cachine Awarded Steve Jobs Archive Fellowship for Textile-Inspired Medical Solutions","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E Ph.D. student\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/alexander-cachine\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlexander Cachine\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E has been selected as a 2025 recipient of the prestigious\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/stevejobsarchive.com\/fellowship\u0022\u003ESteve Jobs Archive (SJA) Fellowship\u003C\/a\u003E for his work in solving modern medical challenges using ancient textile techniques.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis fellowship with the Archive is a fantastic opportunity for me as a physicist. There is an incredible community of creatives that I get to be a part of and draw inspiration from,\u201d he says. \u201cIt\u2019s also very validating that an organization with as much prestige as the SJA finds value in the work we\u2019re doing here in the lab. I\u2019m so grateful that people believe in me and the work that we\u2019re doing.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ECachine is one of just eight individuals selected this year from a nationwide pool. The one-year fellowship supports work at the intersection of technology and the liberal arts, and will provide essential support for his creative trajectory, including a stipend, mentoring, and a robust community of peers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAt Georgia Tech, Cachine is the lab manager and lead experimentalist for the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matsumoto.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EMatsumoto Group\u003C\/a\u003E where he works alongside his advisor, School of Physics Associate Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/elisabetta-matsumoto\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EElisabetta Matsumoto\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cAs a physicist who studies craft, I often see that this is an overlooked area of research, especially in women\u2019s health,\u201d Cachine says. \u201cI hope that beyond building a pathway to improved patient outcomes, my work this year will show people that crafting traditions are incredible technological feats \u2014 they are entire knowledge systems waiting to be explored.\u0026nbsp; There is so much we can learn from craft.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECachine was selected for his work in solving modern medical challenges using ancient textile techniques.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Cachine was selected for his work in solving modern medical challenges using ancient textile techniques. "}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2025-11-26 14:29:17","changed_gmt":"2025-11-26 14:33:43","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-26T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-26T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678722":{"id":"678722","type":"image","title":"Alexander Cachine","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAlexander Cachine\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1764167505","gmt_created":"2025-11-26 14:31:45","changed":"1764167505","gmt_changed":"2025-11-26 14:31:45","alt":"Alexander Cachine","file":{"fid":"262791","name":"Screenshot-2025-11-26-at-7.30.48-AM.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/26\/Screenshot-2025-11-26-at-7.30.48-AM.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/26\/Screenshot-2025-11-26-at-7.30.48-AM.png","mime":"image\/png","size":2721696,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/26\/Screenshot-2025-11-26-at-7.30.48-AM.png?itok=aVnhsbvZ"}}},"media_ids":["678722"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"}],"categories":[{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"193157","name":"Student Honors and Achievements"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"192259","name":"cos-students"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"},{"id":"39471","name":"Materials"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWritten by \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686567":{"#nid":"686567","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Amazon\u0027s Scott King Joins the SCL Industry Advisory Board","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EScott King is the Director of Strategic Planning for One MHS (Material Handling System) at Amazon. In this role, Scott is supporting the transformation of Amazon\u0027s material handling systems to an integrated ecosystem of purpose-built equipment and intelligent software.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPrior to joining One MHS, Scott was Director of Worldwide Design and Engineering for Retail Core Fulfillment\/Transportation at Amazon, where he was responsible for the design and development of global supply chain capability to support business growth across Amazon\u0027s vast network. He led critical design reviews with senior executives, effectively communicating vision, technology development roadmaps, and solutions to make compelling business cases at the VP, SVP, and CEO levels.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis expertise covers the full spectrum of Amazon\u0027s supply chain operations, including first mile facilities (transload facilities, import processing centers, and inbound cross docks), production on demand (books, disks, custom merchandise), fulfillment centers (both Amazon Robotics and traditional facilities supporting conveyable and non-conveyable products across diverse merchandise categories), air and ground transportation (ground hubs, sort centers, air hubs and air gateways), and seasonal\/specialty operations (quick-deploy, returns processing, and reverse logistics).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince joining Amazon in 2015, Scott has been influential in technological breakthroughs in robotics and AI, enabling new opportunities to broaden the types of deployable systems by using computer vision and machine learning to unlock new capabilities. He leads the development of integrated systems-of-systems that balance process optimization and intentional automation to ensure humans and technology work together safely and efficiently. During his tenure Amazon has achieved the largest deployment of industrial robotics and mechatronics on earth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPrior to Amazon, Scott served as Project Manager and Lead Engineer for Direct Fulfillment Supply Chain at The Home Depot from 2011 to 2014, where he developed comprehensive omni-channel supply chain architecture and was recognized as Supply Chain \u0022Leader of the Month\u0022 for his work on e-commerce facility network design and \u0026nbsp;startup. Earlier in his career, he spent six years at Office Depot as Senior Manager for Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and Supply Chain, where he received the Global Innovation Award for implementing lean principles to achieve 57% cycle time reductions across the fulfillment network.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScott holds both Bachelor\u0027s and Master\u0027s degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology \u2014 a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (2004) and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering (2011). His graduate work included analyzing future cargo aircraft and automotive designs, supply chain network simulations, advanced supply chain robotics, and autonomous robotics integration with human systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs an Industrial and Systems Engineer with over 20 years of industry experience, Scott brings expertise in strategic business planning, logistics network analysis and design, automation and robotics, statistical modeling, continuous process improvement, and team leadership.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESCL appreciates Scott\u0027s participation and will leverage his extensive expertise in global supply chain design, automation, robotics, and systems engineering to help shape our strategic initiatives and provide valuable insights to our research and educational programs.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMr. King brings over 20 years of expertise in global supply chain design, automation, and robotics to the SCL Advisory Board. At Amazon, Scott leads initiatives to transform material handling systems into an integrated ecosystem of advanced equipment and intelligent software, driving breakthroughs in robotics and AI. His career spans leadership roles in supply chain design and engineering at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Office Depot, where he earned recognition for innovation and operational excellence. A Georgia Tech alumnus with degrees in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Scott brings deep expertise in automation, logistics network design, and strategic planning to support SCL\u2019s research and educational mission.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Scott brings over 20 years of expertise in global supply chain design, automation, and robotics to the SCL Advisory Board."}],"uid":"27233","created_gmt":"2025-11-21 16:43:15","changed_gmt":"2025-11-25 19:24:20","author":"Andy Haleblian","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-18T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-18T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678698":{"id":"678698","type":"image","title":"Scott King, Director of Strategic Planning for One MHS (Material Handling System) at Amazon","body":null,"created":"1763750366","gmt_created":"2025-11-21 18:39:26","changed":"1763750609","gmt_changed":"2025-11-21 18:43:29","alt":"Scott King, Director of Strategic Planning for One MHS (Material Handling System) at Amazon","file":{"fid":"262762","name":"scottking.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/21\/scottking.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/21\/scottking.png","mime":"image\/png","size":43554,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/21\/scottking.png?itok=T8IpWXBx"}},"678721":{"id":"678721","type":"image","title":"One MHS (Material Handling System): Addressing one of Amazon\u2019s biggest operational challenges\u2014standardizing equipment, controls, and processes across facilities.","body":null,"created":"1764098532","gmt_created":"2025-11-25 19:22:12","changed":"1764099430","gmt_changed":"2025-11-25 19:37:10","alt":"Inside of distribution center interior showing boxes on a conveyor belt moving through the facility.","file":{"fid":"262790","name":"BoxesOnConveyorInWarehouse.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/25\/BoxesOnConveyorInWarehouse.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/25\/BoxesOnConveyorInWarehouse.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":170727,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/25\/BoxesOnConveyorInWarehouse.jpg?itok=2l6QVcIW"}}},"media_ids":["678698","678721"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/people\/industry-advisory-board","title":"SCL Industry Advisory Board Members"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/news-events\/newsletters","title":"View past SCL newsletters and join our mailing list"}],"groups":[{"id":"1250","name":"Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems (CHHS)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"126331","name":"Advisory Board Member"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["info@scl.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686604":{"#nid":"686604","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Clean, Old-Fashioned Collaboration: Engineering the Future of Healthcare at Georgia Tech and UGA","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019ve lived in Georgia long enough, you\u2019ve almost certainly heard the friendly jabs tossed across divided Thanksgiving tables. On one side, a smirk and a mention of the \u201cNorth Avenue Trade School.\u201d On the other, a pointed retort: \u201cTo hell with Georgia.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EFew rivalries run deeper than the one known as \u201cClean, Old-Fashioned Hate,\u201d the annual showdown between Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia (UGA). On Friday afternoon, November 28, the two will face off in one of the most anticipated matchups in years. These teams don\u2019t like each other, and for a few hours every year, neither do friends, families, and even significant others.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EOff the field, however, the schools are proving that collaboration, not competition, is the schools\u2019 true strength.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EFor more than a century, Georgia\u2019s flagship universities have united around complementary strengths, tackling the state\u2019s biggest challenges together. That starts with making Georgians healthier.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cWhen Georgia Tech and UGA combine their strengths, together we create solutions that neither institution could achieve alone,\u201d said Tim Lieuwen, executive vice president for Research at Georgia Tech. \u201cThese collaborations accelerate innovation in healthcare, improve lives across our state, and demonstrate that partnership \u2014 not rivalry \u2014 is Georgia\u2019s most powerful tradition.\u0022\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cThe common denominator between these two great institutions is the populations they serve,\u201d said Chris King, interim vice president for Research at UGA. \u201cWe have a duty to find solutions that help improve the quality of life for all Georgians, and that\u2019s what these partnerships are all about.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EFrom programs like the Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance (Georgia CTSA) to the National Science Foundation\u2019s Engineering Research Center for Cell Manufacturing Technologies (CMaT), researchers at UGA and Georgia Tech are setting rivalries aside to build lasting partnerships that fuel innovation and expand the workforce to meet the state\u2019s needs.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPushing Cell Therapy Across the Goal Line\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECMaT is an NSF-funded consortium of more than seven universities and 40 member companies. At Georgia Tech and UGA, teams are conducting many early stage translational projects to improve manufacturing of cell-based therapeutics.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EOne joint project between Andr\u00e9s Garc\u00eda, executive director of Georgia Tech\u2019s Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering \u0026amp; Bioscience, and John Peroni, the Dr. Steeve Giguere Memorial Professor in Large Animal Medicine in UGA\u2019s College of Veterinary Medicine, addresses treatment of bacterial infections that can follow bone repair surgeries.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EBone fractures and non-union defects often require surgical implants, but 1-5% are compromised by bacterial infection, costing hospitals more than $1.9 billion annually. Current treatments are limited to sustained, high doses of antibiotics, which are less effective and can generate antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Garc\u00eda and Peroni are engineering synthetic biomaterials that locally deliver antimicrobial agents to eliminate infections and promote bone repair.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESteven Stice, D.W. Brooks Distinguished Professor and Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar at UGA\u2019s Regenerative Bioscience Center, is also working with Georgia Tech\u2019s Andrei Fedorov, professor and Rae S. and Frank H. Neely Chair in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, to improve the quality and control of producing natural, cell-derived healing materials for regenerative medicine.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAdult cells secrete tiny, bubble-like vesicles that help other cells heal and regenerate tissue. Stice developed methods to boost vesicle production, while Fedorov created a probe that accelerates the process.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cCells simply don\u2019t secrete these healing vesicles in the quantities needed for scalable, clinical-grade treatments,\u201d said Stice, UGA lead and co-principal investigator for CMaT. \u201cOur collaborative work changes that, accelerating production in a way that finally makes large-scale regenerative therapies feasible.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia Tech and UGA\u0027s collective commitment to advancing science and technology exceeds the intensity of our athletic rivalry,\u201d Fedorov said. \u201cTogether, we\u2019re advancing cell and therapy biomanufacturing to develop lifesaving treatments for the most devastating diseases.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Francisco Robles and UGA\u2019s Lohitash Karumbaiah are using manufactured T cells to target cancer. Robles, who leads the Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy Lab in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, developed quantitative Oblique Back-illumination Microscopy (qOBM) to monitor tumor growth in real time. The method allows scientists to visualize patient-derived glioblastoma cell clusters generated in the Karumbaiah Lab, tracking tumor structure and behavior at various stages.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cAssessing therapeutic potency is often complex, costly, and ineffective for solid tumors,\u201d Karumbaiah said. \u201cqOBM simplifies the process by providing real-time, label-free monitoring of therapeutic efficacy against 3D solid tumors.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe work could help doctors personalize cancer treatments by providing early, detailed signs of whether a therapy is working.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cThis technique is more compact and affordable and lets us watch T cells attack cell cultures in real time,\u201d Robles said. \u201cThis breakthrough could transform how we study disease and screen new treatments.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Playbook for Local Healthcare\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECreated in 2007 by the National Institutes of Health, Georgia CTSA is one of several NIH-funded national partnerships advancing new health therapeutics and practices. Since 2017, it has comprised UGA, Georgia Tech, Emory, and the Morehouse School of Medicine. The alliance\u2019s reach extends far beyond campus borders, bringing together researchers, clinicians, professional societies, and community and industry partners to identify local health challenges and translate research into practical solutions.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAnd out of this alliance have come many collaborative studies among CTSA\u2019s members.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EOne, the Georgia Health Landscape Dashboard, is a tool to identify local health gaps and connect regional health professionals or policymakers with the researchers who can best address their community\u2019s challenges. UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences Associate Professors Alison Berg and Dee Warmath, along with community health engagement coordinator Courtney Still Brown, are working with Georgia Tech\u2019s Jon Duke, director of the Center for Health Analytics and Informatics at the Georgia Tech Research Institute and a principal research scientist in the School of Interactive Computing.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe dashboard has already helped match researchers with communities by combining epidemiological data with \u201ccommunity voice\u201d insights through surveys of residents and local leaders.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EFor example, when examining diabetes data, the dashboard indicates Randolph County has the state\u2019s highest prevalence, despite declining by about 8% between 2021-24. Meanwhile, Treutlen County\u2019s rate increased 29.2% during the same period. Perhaps Treutlen\u2019s need for diabetic care is a growing concern, while Randolph\u2019s is being addressed. And perhaps Hancock County, which ranks diabetes its top priority in the community voice category, is in search of immediate solutions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe Landscape Dashboard is a fantastic example of how the unique expertise found at Georgia Tech and UGA can be brought together to create something truly valuable for all Georgia,\u201d Duke said. \u201cBy bringing together a range of data sources and health analytics approaches, this collaboration has created a tool that delivers novel insights into health, community, and policy across the state.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESupported by UGA Cooperative Extension and the Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, the project leverages a network of agents in every county across the state. Warmath said the project\u2019s strength lies in its ability to connect research with real-world needs.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cTo build a community-responsive ecosystem for biomedical research, scientists must recognize local needs, share progress with communities to foster trust and acceptance, recruit clinicians and industry partners, and strengthen the relationships between patient and caregiver,\u201d Warmath said.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETeaming Up for Maternal Health\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWarmath and a team of researchers at UGA, Georgia Tech, and Emory are also collaborating on an NIH-funded project uniting experts in maternal health, biostatistics, and consumer science to explore how wearable technologies could improve delivery-room care.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDuring childbirth, clinicians monitor countless maternal and fetal vitals \u2014 contractions, heart rates, oxygen levels, kidney function, and more. What new insights, the researchers asked, could advanced wearable technologies offer in the delivery room, and what barriers might prevent their use?\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EUsing nationwide surveys and focus groups, the team gathered information from a representative sample of pregnant, postpartum, and reproductive-age women, as well as healthcare professionals, to examine acceptance of wearable health technologies during labor and delivery. In their analysis of this rich data source, the team is identifying key variables that reveal gaps in technology acceptance and the unique needs of diverse maternal populations.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEach partner institution brings unique expertise. At Emory, principal investigator Suchitra Chandrasekaran contributes clinical insights from direct patient care. At UGA, Warmath applies her knowledge in consumer science to analyze end-user motivation, attitudes, and behaviors. At Georgia Tech, experts like Sarah Farmer in the Center for Advanced Communications Policy\u2019s Home Lab facilitate large-scale data collection.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWith data collection now complete, the team is analyzing results to inform future design and deployment of wearable technologies.\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cEach school has a different perspective,\u201d Farmer said. \u201cIt\u2019s not as simple as one school does this but doesn\u2019t do that. Each has their expertise, but they offer different perspectives and different resources that, when pooled, can make our research that much more effective.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWhether advancing maternal health, mapping Georgia\u2019s health needs, or engineering next-generation therapies, UGA and Georgia Tech continue to prove that collaboration is Georgia\u2019s strongest tradition. Further, the undergraduate and graduate students who work in these labs and others represent the state\u2019s highly skilled workforce of tomorrow.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cWhen our institutions work together, Georgia wins,\u201d Warmath said.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u2014 \u003Cem\u003EBy David Mitchell\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech and UGA are teaming up to tackle big health challenges, from cancer and bone repair to maternal care and community health. By combining their strengths, these schools are turning research into real-world solutions that make life better for Georgians.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"By uniting expertise and resources, Georgia\u2019s leading institutions are creating practical solutions to improve health outcomes across the state."}],"uid":"28766","created_gmt":"2025-11-24 15:25:22","changed_gmt":"2025-11-24 19:33:14","author":"Shelley Wunder-Smith","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-24T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-24T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678711":{"id":"678711","type":"image","title":"Tim Lieuwen and Chris King","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETim Lieuwen and Chris King\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1763994958","gmt_created":"2025-11-24 14:35:58","changed":"1763999939","gmt_changed":"2025-11-24 15:58:59","alt":"A tall white man wearing a blue GT-branded polo standing next to a slightly shorter man wearing a UGA-branded red polo. They\u0027re smiling and both holding a football.","file":{"fid":"262778","name":"26-R10410-P61-003.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/24\/26-R10410-P61-003.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/24\/26-R10410-P61-003.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1760052,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/24\/26-R10410-P61-003.jpg?itok=mtg-lhnt"}},"678706":{"id":"678706","type":"image","title":"Andres Garcia","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAndr\u00e9s J. Garc\u00eda\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1763993719","gmt_created":"2025-11-24 14:15:19","changed":"1763999973","gmt_changed":"2025-11-24 15:59:33","alt":"A man in a white lab coat and glasses, with a gold tie","file":{"fid":"262772","name":"andres-garcia.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/24\/andres-garcia_1.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/24\/andres-garcia_1.png","mime":"image\/png","size":56117,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/24\/andres-garcia_1.png?itok=xiBVwOz6"}},"678707":{"id":"678707","type":"image","title":"John Peroni","body":"\u003Cp\u003EJohn Peroni\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1763993920","gmt_created":"2025-11-24 14:18:40","changed":"1763999994","gmt_changed":"2025-11-24 15:59:54","alt":"A man wearing teal surgical cloges and a green scrubs top, next to a light brown horse","file":{"fid":"262773","name":"JohnP24.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/24\/JohnP24.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/24\/JohnP24.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":148787,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/24\/JohnP24.jpg?itok=AO_9L5fk"}},"678709":{"id":"678709","type":"image","title":"The Dynamic Mass Spectrometry Probe developed to monitor the health of living cell cultures (photo credit: Rob Felt)","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Dynamic Mass Spectrometry Probe developed to monitor the health of living cell cultures (photo credit: Rob Felt)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1763994556","gmt_created":"2025-11-24 14:29:16","changed":"1764000017","gmt_changed":"2025-11-24 16:00:17","alt":"The Dynamic Mass Spectrometry Probe developed to monitor the health of living cell cultures (photo credit: Rob Felt)","file":{"fid":"262776","name":"cell-quality-control-012.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/24\/cell-quality-control-012_0.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/24\/cell-quality-control-012_0.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":287024,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/24\/cell-quality-control-012_0.jpg?itok=eeMa9kOC"}},"678710":{"id":"678710","type":"image","title":"Sarah Farmer","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESarah Farmer\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1763994685","gmt_created":"2025-11-24 14:31:25","changed":"1764000040","gmt_changed":"2025-11-24 16:00:40","alt":"A smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing a black t-shirt and a floral cardigan","file":{"fid":"262777","name":"Sarah-Farmer.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/24\/Sarah-Farmer.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/24\/Sarah-Farmer.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":22508,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/24\/Sarah-Farmer.jpeg?itok=zrlUSoPs"}}},"media_ids":["678711","678706","678707","678709","678710"],"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"},{"id":"140","name":"Cancer Research"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"194611","name":"State Impact"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"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":"\u003Cp\u003EFor media inquiries:\u003Cbr\u003EAngela Bajaras Prendiville\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Media Relations\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:media@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Emedia@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686480":{"#nid":"686480","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Why Change Management Remains the \u201cSays Easy, Does Hard\u201d Skill Every Supply Chain Leader Must Master","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EBy Chris Gaffney, Managing Director, Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute | Supply Chain Advisor | Former Executive at Frito-Lay, AJC International, and Coca-Cola\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn today\u0027s supply chain environment, the pace and scale of change are no longer episodic \u2014 they are constant. Network redesigns, automation investments, digital transformation, new product and business models, shifting customer expectations, cost pressure, and talent dynamics all converge at once.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHere is the most direct insight I can offer \u2014 and one I have come to believe deeply through experience:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u201cIf you want your organization, automation, or Digital\/AI investments to pay off, change management is not optional. It is the highest-leverage point of failure or success.\u201d\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDespite decades of innovation, the uncomfortable truth is that most large-scale supply chain transformations still fall short. According to a recent Bain survey, 70% of major transformations fail to meet their objectives \u2014 a number that has remained stubbornly consistent over time. The reasons vary, but the most common root cause is not the technology \u2014 it\u2019s the people side of the change.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is why change management must be treated as a leadership discipline at the center of supply chain excellence. And it is why this topic continues to rise in conversations I have with industry partners, consulting clients, and the students entering the field.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhere I First Learned the Power of Change Leadership\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis isn\u2019t an abstract subject for me \u2014 it is something I experienced in my career. When I worked at The Coca-Cola Company, the business went through multiple waves of transformation over a 10\u201315 year period: acquisitions and integrations, major information-system deployments, shifts in the beverage portfolio, and cultural changes as carbonated soft drink growth slowed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs the company diversified into new beverage categories, the economics shifted and productivity expectations rose. The technical challenges were significant, but what stood out to me was this:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u201cThe difference between transformations that succeeded and those that stalled was how effectively people were brought into the change \u2014 how well they understood it, aligned with it, and adapted to it.\u201d\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStrong technical designs struggled if people weren\u2019t aligned. But \u201cgood enough\u201d solutions thrived when the organization invested in communication, role clarity, and capability-building.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELater in my career, during my time as President of Coca-Cola Supply, we made one of the most durable leadership investments I\u2019ve ever seen: certifying the entire organization in the Coca-Cola change model. Many of those leaders still apply the same principles today \u2014 15 to 20 years later \u2014 because the skills became part of how they led, not something they had to remember.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat experience shaped how I see change leadership today.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat Today\u2019s Supply Chain Landscape Is Telling Us\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcross industries \u2014 and especially across complex supply chains \u2014 the same patterns repeat.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWMS and automation vendors\u003C\/strong\u003E now budget change management into implementation plans. They\u2019ve learned that even well-designed systems fail if associates fear job loss or can\u2019t visualize the \u201cafter\u201d state of their work.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EConsulting firms\u003C\/strong\u003E see adoption challenges as the biggest barrier to client success. A firm we taught recently added change management to their executive education curriculum because their teams saw change gaps in almost every engagement. Months later, that module remains the highest-value part of the course.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENetwork design firms\u003C\/strong\u003E observe cultural resistance across geographies. Even optimized solutions don\u2019t transfer cleanly from one region to another. Culture, norms, and expectations matter \u2014 often more than the math.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERobotics and automation projects\u003C\/strong\u003E fail for people reasons, not engineering reasons. At the recent RoboGeorgia Forum, the keynote emphasized that a surprising percentage of large automation investments fail because of unclear roles, resistance, weak communication, and fear \u2014 not limitations in the technology.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAI adoption mirrors these challenges\u003C\/strong\u003E. According to a recent McKinsey Global AI survey, only one-third say they are scaling AI enterprise-wide, and just 39% report measurable EBIT impact. The survey reinforces that even when technology works, the real barrier is organizational readiness \u2014 leadership alignment, redesigned processes, clear governance, and a reskilled workforce \u2014 not model performance.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThere is also strong evidence showing that when change leadership is done well, project outcomes dramatically improve\u003C\/strong\u003E. In a benchmarking study of more than 2,600 initiatives, Prosci found that \u003Cstrong\u003E88% of projects with excellent change management met or exceeded their objectives, compared with only 13% of those with poor change management\u003C\/strong\u003E. Projects with excellent change management were also 5 times more likely to stay on or ahead of schedule and 1.5 times more likely to stay on or under budget. These findings reinforce a simple truth: effective change leadership is directly correlated with higher performance, better adoption, and faster time to value.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPut simply:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u201cTechnical innovation moves faster than organizational adoption \u2014 and the gap costs time, money, and credibility.\u201d\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy We Still Struggle With Change, Even Though We \u201cKnow Better\u201d\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHere\u0027s where a critical-thinking lens helps:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWe have 50 years of research on how change works.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWe have widely used models.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWe have entire consulting practices devoted to change.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAnd most leaders have lived through multiple transformations.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo why does the gap persist?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELeaders confuse technical readiness with organizational readiness\u003C\/strong\u003E. A strong design doesn\u2019t guarantee strong adoption.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESelf-interest is underestimated\u003C\/strong\u003E. Logic rarely moves people. Personal impact does.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUrgency pressures force shortcuts\u003C\/strong\u003E. Go-live dates push leaders to cut corners on communication, training, and role clarity \u2014 the exact things that prevent failure.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELeaders assume operations teams \u201cwill adjust.\u201d\u003C\/strong\u003E This is the most common miscalculation. Operational excellence does not automatically translate to change readiness.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese points explain the paradox: even experienced leaders underestimate the work of leading people through change.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Two Leading Change Management Models: Kotter and ADKAR\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDozens of frameworks exist, but two stand clearly above the rest in terms of use, validation, and practical effectiveness in modern supply chain and technology environments: Kotter\u2019s 8-Step Process and the Prosci ADKAR model.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFrameworks like \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.kotterinc.com\/methodology\/8-steps\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKotter\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.prosci.com\/methodology\/adkar\u0022\u003EADKAR\u003C\/a\u003E are powerful, but they don\u0027t replace judgment. Real change leadership requires applying these tools with situational awareness, not following them mechanically.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKotter\u2019s 8 Steps focus on organization-wide transformation:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECreate a sense of urgency:\u003C\/strong\u003E Show why change is necessary and the potential consequences of not changing.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuild a guiding coalition:\u003C\/strong\u003E Assemble a team with enough power and influence to lead the change effort and encourage teamwork.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EForm a strategic vision:\u003C\/strong\u003E Develop a clear vision for the future and strategies to achieve it, making it clear how things will be different.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommunicate the change vision:\u003C\/strong\u003E Widely and often communicate the vision to get buy-in and inspire action from others.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEmpower broad-based action:\u003C\/strong\u003E Remove obstacles and barriers, such as outdated processes or resistant individuals, to enable employees to act on the vision.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGenerate short-term wins:\u003C\/strong\u003E Plan for and celebrate early successes to build momentum and prove that progress is being made.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EConsolidate gains and build on the change:\u003C\/strong\u003E Use the credibility from initial wins to tackle larger, more complex changes, and don\u0027t declare victory too early.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnchor new approaches in the culture:\u003C\/strong\u003E Reinforce the new behaviors, processes, and practices until they become a permanent part of the organization\u0027s culture.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ol\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EADKAR focuses on individual adoption:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAwareness \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 Of the need for change\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDesire \u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 To Participate and support the change\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKnowledge \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 On how to change\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbility \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 To implement required skills and behaviors\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReinforcement \u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 To sustain the change\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe synthesis:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EKotter shows leaders how to orchestrate change.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EADKAR shows leaders how to scale it through people.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ESupply chain leaders benefit from understanding both.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat Supply Chain Leaders Can Do on Monday\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA practical call to action for building your own change leadership muscle:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Run a 15-minute clarity check with your team.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAsk:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhat change is coming?\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhy is it happening?\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWho will feel it most?\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhat might they fear losing?\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Identify the two individuals most affected by the change.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAsk:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhat will their new day actually look like?\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhat one action can support them?\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Choose one communication habit and make it consistent.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOptions include\u003C\/strong\u003E:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EA Friday \u201cWhat\u2019s coming next\u201d email\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EA weekly dashboard\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EA Monday 10-minute huddle\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4. Map one current project against Kotter or ADKAR.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPick a project already underway.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIdentify the missing step.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStrengthen it.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E5. Model the behaviors you want to see.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBe the first adopter.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBe transparent.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBe steady.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Personal Reflection (Full Circle\u003C\/strong\u003E)\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELooking back at my time at Coca-Cola Supply, the decision to certify the entire organization in change leadership stands out as one of the smartest investments we made. It gave us a shared language and a shared discipline for supporting people through transformation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFifteen to twenty years later, I still see those leaders applying those principles instinctively. That\u2019s what happens when change management becomes part of a leadership culture \u2014 a natural reflex, not a task.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMy hope is that every supply chain professional, whether student or senior leader, will build this capability. Because:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u201cTechnology will keep evolving. People will remain the center of every transformation.\u201d\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFinal Thought: \u201cSays Easy, Does Hard\u201d \u2014 But Always Worth It\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESupply chains do not succeed because of perfect plans or flawless systems. They succeed because the people who operate them understand the change, believe in it, and are supported through it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is a muscle worth building. And it\u2019s one that lasts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf You Need Support \u2014 We\u2019re Here to Help\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf your organization is navigating a transformation and wants support building these capabilities, \u003Cstrong\u003Eplease reach out to us at the Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)\u003C\/strong\u003E. We are actively working with companies across Georgia and beyond, sharing what we\u2019ve learned and offering short, practical workshops on change leadership for supply chain teams. We\u2019re always happy to help organizations strengthen this essential muscle.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EChange management is identified as the most critical skill for supply chain leaders to master, especially amid constant transformations driven by automation, digitalization, and evolving business models. Despite technological advances, \u003Cstrong\u003E70% of major supply chain transformations fail\u003C\/strong\u003E, primarily due to challenges on the people side rather than technology itself. Effective change leadership significantly improves project success rates, adoption, and time to value.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Despite technological advances, 70% of major supply chain transformations fail, primarily due to challenges on the people side rather than technology itself."}],"uid":"27233","created_gmt":"2025-11-17 16:00:28","changed_gmt":"2025-11-21 15:53:17","author":"Andy Haleblian","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-21T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-21T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678695":{"id":"678695","type":"image","title":"Why Change Management Remains the \u201cSays Easy, Does Hard\u201d Skill Every Supply Chain Leader Must Master","body":null,"created":"1763738951","gmt_created":"2025-11-21 15:29:11","changed":"1763740913","gmt_changed":"2025-11-21 16:01:53","alt":"Illustration showing executive in suit rolling gear with effort in front of members of business team who appear confused.","file":{"fid":"262759","name":"spotlight-ChangeMgmt.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/21\/spotlight-ChangeMgmt.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/21\/spotlight-ChangeMgmt.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":147478,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/21\/spotlight-ChangeMgmt.jpg?itok=gMgdH_h4"}},"674087":{"id":"674087","type":"image","title":"Chris Gaffney","body":"\u003Cp\u003EChris Gaffney\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1717067903","gmt_created":"2024-05-30 11:18:23","changed":"1771883375","gmt_changed":"2026-02-23 21:49:35","alt":"Chris Gaffney, Managing Director, Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute","file":{"fid":"257557","name":"chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":129544,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg?itok=_M0fOBTF"}}},"media_ids":["678695","674087"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/news-events\/newsletters","title":"View past SCL newsletters and join our mailing list"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/","title":"Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute"}],"groups":[{"id":"1250","name":"Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems (CHHS)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"194489","name":"scl-spot"},{"id":"167074","name":"Supply Chain"},{"id":"186857","name":"go-gtmi"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["info@scl.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686180":{"#nid":"686180","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech and PBS Aerospace Power Next-Gen Defense Innovation","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EModern warfare and the technology behind it are evolving. Around the world, the skies are increasingly filled with small, agile, and intelligent systems \u2014 drones, missiles, and interceptors that demand lightweight, affordable, and highly efficient propulsion. The future of defense is fast, adaptable, and precise \u2014 and Georgia is positioning itself at the center of that transformation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.pbsaerospace.com\/\u0022\u003EPBS Aerospace (PBS)\u003C\/a\u003E, a global leader in small turbojet engines, began searching for a location to build its first U.S. manufacturing facility, it didn\u2019t look to the traditional defense hubs. Instead, it chose Roswell, Georgia \u2014 where research excellence at Georgia Tech, a ready supply of high-tech talent, and a business environment built for speed are converging to create a new aerospace manufacturing cluster.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cPBS is the world\u2019s leading producer of small turbojet engines,\u201d said Erin Durham, CEO of PBS Aerospace. \u201cWe\u2019re bringing those outstanding engines here to the United States to start up a U.S. factory \u2014 and we\u2019ll be producing thousands of them by 2026.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnlike the multimillion-dollar cruise missiles of the past, the systems PBS supports are designed for scale and agility. Their compact engines \u2014 typically producing 100 to 200 pounds of thrust \u2014 power the small drones and missiles that have redefined defense strategy in conflicts from Eastern Europe to the Middle East. \u201cOur engines go into munitions that cost a tenth of traditional systems,\u201d Durham said. \u201cThat allows us to produce at a fraction of the cost, project power, and defend U.S. interests more effectively.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo stay ahead in such a rapidly changing field, PBS turned to Georgia Tech. \u201cBecause the drone world is so innovative and so disruptive, we have to move very quickly to provide the most advanced engines possible,\u201d Durham said. \u201cWorking with Georgia Tech on the cutting edge of disruptive technologies enables us to keep our engine designs moving forward and provide the best solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat partnership draws on Georgia Tech\u2019s world-renowned expertise in propulsion, combustion, and systems engineering \u2014 as well as its unique ability to translate research directly into industry impact. Inside the Zinn Combustion Laboratory on Georgia Tech\u2019s Midtown Atlanta campus, faculty and students are already working with PBS engines to refine fuel efficiency, test new materials, and optimize performance.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are about 50 active projects in our lab right now,\u201d said Adam Steinberg, professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EDaniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cThey range from fundamental combustion science to testing real hardware used in flight. Georgia Tech provided access to one of our engine facilities while PBS was standing up its Roswell site. Georgia Tech students and PBS staff then worked hand in hand to test the first engines built in Roswell.\u202fThis is a strong example of how partnerships can help accelerate industry innovation.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Steinberg, the collaboration represents a model for how research universities can help shape emerging industries. \u201cWhen you\u2019re building engines, you need people who know how to assemble and test them \u2014 but you also need highly skilled engineers who will push the technology into the future,\u201d he said. \u201cFor our students, it\u2019s an incredible hands-on experience. They\u2019re working on systems that are shaping the next generation of propulsion.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat talent pipeline \u2014 from research labs to manufacturing floors \u2014 is already flowing. In Roswell, Joseph Banks, a technician at PBS, helps assemble the engines that will soon power some of the world\u2019s most advanced crewless systems. \u201cIt\u2019s a puzzle,\u201d Banks said. \u201cIt\u2019s all precision work. At the end of the day, I\u2019m happy to do it because there\u2019s purpose behind everything we do here.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat sense of purpose is matched by the urgency of the moment. As global demand for crewless and autonomous systems accelerates, the U.S. Department of Defense is seeking faster, more flexible production on American soil. PBS\u2019 decision to locate in Georgia \u2014 where 99% of its supply chain will be U.S.-based \u2014 strengthens both national security and the state\u2019s growing role in the aerospace economy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia\u2019s pro-business environment has amplified that momentum. The City of Roswell fast-tracked PBS\u2019 permitting process, enabling construction to begin within months, while nearby technical colleges and Georgia Tech supply the skilled workforce needed to scale. \u201cWith Georgia Tech-trained engineers, nearby tech schools, and a community that supports innovation, we have everything we need to grow,\u201d Durham said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Georgia Tech, PBS\u2019 arrival signals more than a successful partnership \u2014 it\u2019s part of a broader strategy to ensure the state leads in the technologies that define the future of defense.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis could be one of the largest expansions in domestic aerospace manufacturing in quite some time,\u201d Steinberg said. \u201cHaving that here in Georgia right now, with the talent and support to make it succeed, is amazing.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs drones and next-generation munitions reshape the nature of conflict, Georgia Tech\u2019s research, talent, and industry partnerships are ensuring that Georgia \u2014 and the nation \u2014 stay at the forefront of innovation in the skies.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA new chapter in aerospace innovation is taking flight in Georgia. PBS Aerospace, a global leader in small turbojet engines, has selected Roswell for its first U.S. manufacturing facility\u2014drawn by Georgia Tech\u2019s engineering expertise, a skilled talent pool, and a business climate built for speed.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech\u2019s research and talent are helping PBS Aerospace launch a new era of aerospace manufacturing in Roswell, Georgia \u2014 advancing U.S. defense innovation and fueling the state\u2019s growing leadership in drone and propulsion technology."}],"uid":"36174","created_gmt":"2025-11-04 19:31:05","changed_gmt":"2025-11-20 19:13:11","author":"Blair Meeks","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-18T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-18T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678654":{"id":"678654","type":"video","title":"Georgia Tech and PBS Aerospace Power Next-Gen Defense Innovation","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s research and talent are helping PBS Aerospace launch a new era of aerospace manufacturing in Roswell, Georgia \u2014 advancing U.S. defense innovation and fueling the state\u2019s growing leadership in drone and propulsion technology.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1763475217","gmt_created":"2025-11-18 14:13:37","changed":"1763475217","gmt_changed":"2025-11-18 14:13:37","video":{"youtube_id":"-1h8Y1iQPgg","video_url":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/-1h8Y1iQPgg"}},"678655":{"id":"678655","type":"image","title":"Balance testing at PBS Aerospace in Roswell, GA.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EJoseph Banks, a technician at PBS Aerospace in Roswell, places a drone part on a machine for balance testing.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1763475401","gmt_created":"2025-11-18 14:16:41","changed":"1763475756","gmt_changed":"2025-11-18 14:22:36","alt":"This is a photo of a technician at PBS Aeros space placing a part on a balancing machine in the company\u0027s manufacturing facility","file":{"fid":"262714","name":"PBS-Aerospace-1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/18\/PBS-Aerospace-1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/18\/PBS-Aerospace-1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2502711,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/18\/PBS-Aerospace-1.jpg?itok=deXjcKpi"}},"678656":{"id":"678656","type":"image","title":"Turbojet engine manufactured by PBS Aerospace","body":"\u003Cp\u003EOne of the turbojet engines manufactured by PBS Aerospace.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1763475554","gmt_created":"2025-11-18 14:19:14","changed":"1763475554","gmt_changed":"2025-11-18 14:19:14","alt":"This photo shows one of the turbojet engines manufactured by PBS Aerospace","file":{"fid":"262715","name":"PBS-Aerospace-3.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/18\/PBS-Aerospace-3.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/18\/PBS-Aerospace-3.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2880611,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/18\/PBS-Aerospace-3.jpg?itok=Ai12jrrR"}}},"media_ids":["678654","678655","678656"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"194838","name":"aerospace manufacturing"},{"id":"194839","name":"defense innovation"},{"id":"187353","name":"drone"},{"id":"179187","name":"jet engine"},{"id":"7018","name":"propulsion"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39481","name":"National Security"}],"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\u003EBlair Meeks\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["Blair.Meeks@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686528":{"#nid":"686528","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Ranked No. 7 Globally in Interdisciplinary Science Rankings","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology has been ranked 7th in the world in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.timeshighereducation.com\/world-university-rankings\/interdisciplinary-science-rankings\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E2026 Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings\u003C\/a\u003E, in association with Schmidt Science Fellows. This designation underscores Georgia Tech\u2019s leadership in research that solves global challenges.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cInterdisciplinary research is at the heart of Georgia Tech\u2019s mission,\u201d said Tim Lieuwen, executive vice president for Research. \u201cOur faculty, students, and research teams work across disciplines to create transformative solutions in areas such as healthcare, energy, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. This ranking reflects the strength of our collaborative culture and the impact of our research on society.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a top R1 research university, Georgia Tech is shaping the future of basic and applied research by pursuing inventive solutions to the world\u2019s most pressing problems. Whether discovering cancer treatments or developing new methods to power our communities, work at the Institute focuses on improving the human condition.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeams from all seven Georgia Tech colleges, 11 interdisciplinary research institutes, the Georgia Tech Research Institute, Enterprise Innovation Institute, and hundreds of research labs and centers work together to transform ideas into \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/real-life\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ereal results\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"The recognition highlights Tech\u2019s leadership in cross-disciplinary research that solves complex challenges."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology has been ranked 7th in the world in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.timeshighereducation.com\/world-university-rankings\/interdisciplinary-science-rankings\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E2026 Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings\u003C\/a\u003E, in association with Schmidt Science Fellows. This designation underscores Georgia Tech\u2019s leadership in research that solves global challenges.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech has been ranked 7th in the world in the 2026 Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings"}],"uid":"27561","created_gmt":"2025-11-19 12:50:26","changed_gmt":"2025-11-20 14:07:38","author":"Angela Ayers","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-20T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-20T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678686":{"id":"678686","type":"image","title":"cancer-researchers.jpg","body":null,"created":"1763591127","gmt_created":"2025-11-19 22:25:27","changed":"1763591127","gmt_changed":"2025-11-19 22:25:27","alt":"Three Georgia Tech researchers working together in the lab on cancer research","file":{"fid":"262747","name":"cancer-researchers.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/19\/cancer-researchers.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/19\/cancer-researchers.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":96118,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/19\/cancer-researchers.jpg?itok=Xb8D05Lg"}}},"media_ids":["678686"],"groups":[{"id":"244191","name":"Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems"},{"id":"155831","name":"Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (GTMI)"},{"id":"217141","name":"Georgia Tech Materials Institute"},{"id":"1276","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI)"},{"id":"545781","name":"Institute for Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"197261","name":"Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology"},{"id":"69599","name":"IPaT"},{"id":"142761","name":"IRIM"},{"id":"1317","name":"News Briefs"},{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"372221","name":"Renewable Bioproducts Institute (RBI)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"367481","name":"SEI Energy"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"},{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"},{"id":"39431","name":"Data Engineering and Science"},{"id":"39451","name":"Electronics and Nanotechnology"},{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"193654","name":"Enterprise Innovation Institute"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"},{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"},{"id":"39471","name":"Materials"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"39481","name":"National Security"},{"id":"193656","name":"Neuro Next Initiative"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"},{"id":"39511","name":"Public Service, Leadership, and Policy"},{"id":"39491","name":"Renewable Bioproducts"},{"id":"39521","name":"Robotics"},{"id":"193657","name":"Space Research Initiative"},{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"},{"id":"39541","name":"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\u003EAngela Ayers\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["angela.ayers@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686540":{"#nid":"686540","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Real-World Helper Exoskeletons Just Got Closer to Reality","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETo make useful wearable robotic devices that can help stroke patients or people with amputated limbs, the computer brains driving the systems must be trained. That takes time and money \u2014 lots of time and money. And researchers\u0026nbsp;need specially equipped labs to collect mountains of human data for training.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven when engineers have a working device and brain, called a controller, changes and improvements to the exoskeleton system typically mean data collection and training start all over again. The process is expensive and makes bringing fully functional exoskeletons or robotic limbs into the real world largely impractical.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENot anymore, thanks to Georgia Tech engineers and computer scientists.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey\u2019ve created an artificial intelligence tool that can turn huge amounts of existing data on how people move into functional exoskeleton controllers. No data collection, retraining, and hours upon hours of additional lab time required for each specific device.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETheir approach has produced an exoskeleton brain capable of offering meaningful assistance across a huge range of hip and knee movements that works as well as the best controllers currently available. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/scirobotics.ads8652\u0022\u003ETheir worked was published Nov. 19 in \u003Cem\u003EScience Robotics.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/11\/real-world-helper-exoskeletons-just-got-closer-reality\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFull details on the College of Engineering website.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech researchers are using AI to quickly train exoskeleton devices, making it much more practical to develop, improve, and ultimately deploy wearable robots for people with impaired mobility.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researchers are using AI to quickly train exoskeleton devices, making it much more practical to develop, improve, and ultimately deploy wearable robots for people with impaired mobility."}],"uid":"27446","created_gmt":"2025-11-19 18:38:33","changed_gmt":"2025-11-19 19:12:16","author":"Joshua Stewart","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-19T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-19T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678673":{"id":"678673","type":"image","title":"Matthew-Gombolay-Aaron-Young-AI-exoskeleton-control-0337-h.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers Matthew Gombolay, left, and Aaron Young used the lower-limb exoskeleton demonstrated in the background to test their new approach to creating exoskeleton controllers. They use huge amounts of existing data on how people move to create functional controllers able to provide meaningful assistance. And unlike earlier controllers, they do not require hours and hours of additional training and data collection with each specific exoskeleton device.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1763577576","gmt_created":"2025-11-19 18:39:36","changed":"1763577576","gmt_changed":"2025-11-19 18:39:36","alt":"Matthew Gombolay and Aaron Young pose in the lab while Ph.D. researchers work on a leg exoskeleton device.","file":{"fid":"262731","name":"Matthew-Gombolay-Aaron-Young-AI-exoskeleton-control-0337-h.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/19\/Matthew-Gombolay-Aaron-Young-AI-exoskeleton-control-0337-h.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/19\/Matthew-Gombolay-Aaron-Young-AI-exoskeleton-control-0337-h.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":985612,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/19\/Matthew-Gombolay-Aaron-Young-AI-exoskeleton-control-0337-h.jpg?itok=qFUHgDV1"}}},"media_ids":["678673"],"groups":[{"id":"1237","name":"College of Engineering"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"152","name":"Robotics"}],"keywords":[{"id":"168835","name":"Aaron Young"},{"id":"175375","name":"matthew gombolay"},{"id":"182630","name":"exoskeletons"},{"id":"187991","name":"go-robotics"}],"core_research_areas":[{"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\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jstewart@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJoshua Stewart\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jstewart@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686519":{"#nid":"686519","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Professor Randall Engle Receives Lifetime Achievement Award","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/psychology.gatech.edu\/people\/randall-w-engle\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERandall W. Engle\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/psychology.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Psychology\u003C\/a\u003E, has received the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award from the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/isironline.org\/\u0022\u003EInternational Society for Intelligence Research\u003C\/a\u003E (ISIR). This award, the Society\u2019s highest honor, recognizes individuals who have made substantial, lifelong contributions to the scientific understanding of human intelligence. In recognition of this distinction, Engle has been invited to deliver a plenary address at the 2026 ISIR Annual Conference.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis is a great honor from the premier society in the world for the study of human intelligence,\u201d he says.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EEngle\u2019s research centers on the nature of our ability to maintain attention and focus in the face of external and internal distractions. His pioneering work has influenced a wide range of fields \u2014 including social psychology, emotion, psychopathology, developmental psychology, and psychological testing \u2014 and has contributed to modern theories of cognitive and emotional control. Tests developed in Engle\u2019s lab will soon be used to select pilots and air traffic controllers for the U.S. Navy. These assessments evaluate one\u2019s ability to focus attention and avoid distraction while problem solving.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHe obtained his Ph.D. in experimental psychology from The Ohio State University and joined Georgia Tech in 1995 as chair of the School of Psychology. Engle stepped down from that role in 2008 to establish the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cabi.gsu.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia State University\/Georgia Tech Center for Advanced Brain Imaging\u003C\/a\u003E, where he served as director for four years.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThroughout his career, Engle has received numerous awards. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences and is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, Association for Psychological Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Society of Experimental Psychologists, Memory Disorders Research Society, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHe served as editor of\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003ECurrent Directions in Psychological Science\u003C\/em\u003E for more than 10 years and has been on the editorial board of several other journals.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EProfessor Engle\u2019s research centers on the nature of our ability to maintain attention and focus in the face of external and internal distractions. His pioneering work has influenced a wide range of fields and contributed to modern theories of cognitive and emotional control.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Professor Engle\u2019s pioneering work has influenced a wide range of fields and contributed to modern theories of cognitive and emotional control."}],"uid":"36583","created_gmt":"2025-11-18 19:55:32","changed_gmt":"2025-11-19 15:50:49","author":"lvidal7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-19T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-19T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"674944":{"id":"674944","type":"image","title":"Professor Randall W. Engle","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPortrait of Randall Engle, professor of psychology\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1726072375","gmt_created":"2024-09-11 16:32:55","changed":"1763495840","gmt_changed":"2025-11-18 19:57:20","alt":"Professor Randall W. Engle","file":{"fid":"258516","name":"Randall Engle.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/09\/11\/Randall%20Engle.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/09\/11\/Randall%20Engle.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1085645,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/09\/11\/Randall%20Engle.jpg?itok=LVNl0Ng9"}}},"media_ids":["674944"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/englelab.gatech.edu","title":"Engle\u0027s Research Group: Attention and Working Memory Lab"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/recalling-academic-career-researching-mystery-memory","title":"Recalling an Academic Career Researching the Mystery of Memory"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"443951","name":"School of Psychology"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"192253","name":"cos-neuro"},{"id":"181685","name":"Attention"},{"id":"167710","name":"School of Psychology"},{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWriter: Lindsay C. Vidal\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["lvidal7@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686195":{"#nid":"686195","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Deleon: Bridging Space Technology and Preventive Health","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn the startup world, existing research often helps uncover a problem that needs a solution. For two Georgia Tech graduates, studying metabolomics,\u0026nbsp;the exploration of the body\u2019s chemical processes, and\u0026nbsp;an\u0026nbsp;existing NASA chemical analysis technology\u0026nbsp;inspired\u0026nbsp;a company that hopes to change the face of preventative healthcare.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETech College of Engineering alumni Chad Pozarycki, Ph.D., CHBE, 2022, and Jos\u00e9 Andrade, AE, 2025, are on a mission to make biochemical\u0026nbsp;monitoring more accessible \u2014 with a focus on preventing disease. Today, their startup\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.deleon-omics.com\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022https:\/\/www.deleon-omics.com\/\u0022\u003EDeleon\u003C\/a\u003E, using NASA\u2019s technology (originally designed to search for life on Mars) and metabolomics, provides a system that uses daily urine sampling\u0026nbsp;to track metabolites related to overtraining, stress, and recovery. Future applications will be aimed at early disease detection.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSomething that frustrated me about metabolomics was its lack of focus on preventive care,\u201d said Andrade. \u201cWe created Deleon by combining these ideas and tracking the human metabolome to optimize for healthy lifestyles.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Deleon founders began the company shortly after Pozarycki completed his graduate studies at Georgia Tech, with Andrade moonlighting and Pozarycki working a part-time job at Georgia Tech\u2019s bike shop to keep the project afloat. In the beginning, funding was a major challenge.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI finished my Ph.D., was working on Deleon, and didn\u2019t have any income. CREATE-X gave us $5,000 in funding, which motivated us to keep going on this project,\u201d said Pozarycki.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECREATE-X\u003C\/a\u003E, Georgia Tech\u2019s campus-wide initiative to instill entrepreneurial confidence and help students launch startups, provided more than funding. Through the program, Deleon received guidance on finding potential customers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe one-on-one advice from expert CREATE-X entrepreneurs and organizers like Rahul [CREATE-X director] and Margaret [LAUNCH associate director] was super valuable and helped us focus on launching our minimum viable product and getting our first customers,\u201d said Andrade.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe program\u2019s culminating event, Demo Day, gave Deleon a platform to present to investors and the public. Among dozens of student-led startups, Deleon\u2019s data-driven approach attracted strong interest. The exposure led to an eventual $850,000 investment, partially funded by Georgia Tech\u0027s early-stage fund, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ventures.commercialization.gatech.edu\/\u0022 id=\u0022menurmoc\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022https:\/\/ventures.commercialization.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGTF Ventures\u003C\/a\u003E. This investment allowed the founders to work full-time on the company, hire a team, and build a lab space.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI would recommend the CREATE-X program to anyone,\u201d Pozarycki said. \u201cEven if you don\u2019t think you want to start a company, there\u2019s a lot you can learn about commercialization in this program that may change your mind and give you more control over your own fate.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDeleon\u2019s path from concept to launch highlights the growing role of Georgia Tech\u2019s entrepreneurial ecosystem in supporting student innovation. Programs like CREATE-X not only help students build companies but also contribute to regional economic growth by keeping talent and investment in the Southeast.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCREATE-X is the best environment on campus to learn by doing,\u201d Pozarycki said. \u201cYou are encouraged to build something real, not just talk about it. You\u2019ll leave knowing how to talk to customers, how to pitch, and how to think like a founder.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOpportunities for Entrepreneurs\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudents, faculty, researchers, and alumni interested in developing their own startups are encouraged to apply to CREATE-X\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/create-x.gatech.edu\/launch\/startup-launch\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStartup Launch\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. The early admission deadline to\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eapply for Startup Launch\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003Eis Nov. 17. Spots are limited.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/airtable.com\/appaTqlTL2zQkXBBR\/pagdkIvjQbvDbSD2F\/form\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EApply now\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003Efor a higher chance of acceptance and early feedback.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EDeleon, founded by Georgia Tech graduates Chad Pozarycki and Jos\u00e9 Andrade, repurposes NASA\u2019s data transmission technology to create a biochemical monitoring system that tracks stress, recovery, and early signs of disease through daily urine samples. The startup began with limited resources but gained traction through Georgia Tech\u2019s CREATE-X Startup Launch program, which provided seed funding, mentorship, and industry connections. Deleon\u2019s Demo Day pitch led to an eventual investment from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/gtfv1\/\u0022\u003EGTF Ventures\u003C\/a\u003E, enabling further development and team expansion. Their journey showcases how CREATE-X empowers student entrepreneurs and strengthens the Southeast\u2019s innovation economy.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Inspired by NASA technology, Georgia Tech alumni launched Deleon\u2014a startup using biochemical data to advance preventive health, backed by CREATE-X."}],"uid":"36436","created_gmt":"2025-11-04 22:03:50","changed_gmt":"2025-11-18 21:44:27","author":"bdurham31","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-04T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-04T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678544":{"id":"678544","type":"image","title":"Deleon cofounders from left to right, Chad Pozarycki and Jos\u00e9 Andrade.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDeleon cofounders from left to right, Chad Pozarycki and Jos\u00e9 Andrade.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762293202","gmt_created":"2025-11-04 21:53:22","changed":"1762293334","gmt_changed":"2025-11-04 21:55:34","alt":"Deleon cofounders from left to right, Chad Pozarycki and Jos\u00e9 Andrade.","file":{"fid":"262595","name":"Deleon--Web-Article--1200-x-630-px-.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/04\/Deleon--Web-Article--1200-x-630-px-.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/04\/Deleon--Web-Article--1200-x-630-px-.png","mime":"image\/png","size":601643,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/04\/Deleon--Web-Article--1200-x-630-px-.png?itok=vQYcpWJQ"}}},"media_ids":["678544"],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"139","name":"Business"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"},{"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\u003EWritten by Amanda Dudley\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInternal Contact:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBreanna Durham\u003Cbr\u003EMarketing Strategist\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["breanna.durham@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686517":{"#nid":"686517","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Ph.D. Student Making Digital Maps That Blind People Can Hear","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMap region. Graphic clickable. Blank.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat\u2019s usually the only information \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/brandonkeithbiggs.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBrandon Biggs\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E receives from digital maps.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBiggs is a human-centered computing Ph.D. student in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing. He is almost totally blind due to Leber\u2019s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a rare degenerative eye disorder affecting about one in 40,000 people.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBased on his experience, Biggs argues that most digital maps aren\u2019t accessible to people who are blind. Even worse, he said, the needs of the blind are usually overlooked.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen I started research on maps, I had never viewed a weather, campus, or building map, so I didn\u2019t realize the amount of information maps contain,\u201d Biggs said. \u201cHow do you represent shapes, orientation, and layout through audio and translate that into a geographic map?\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo answer these questions, Biggs founded \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/xrnavigation.io\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EXRNavigation\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a company focused on developing accessible digital tools. Its flagship product, Audiom, is a cross-sensory map that people can see and hear through text.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSighted people view about 300 maps per year, while blind people view fewer than one,\u201d he said. \u201cBlind people don\u2019t view maps; it\u2019s not part of their lives.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI want to ensure that for blind users, digital maps are no longer just \u2018blank.\u2019\u0026nbsp; They receive the information they need to know to navigate in this world and become more autonomous.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrganizations that need to include accessible maps in their digital spaces can integrate Audiom into their website or app.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech recently became one such organization and used Audiom to introduce the first fully accessible digital campus map.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProfessor \u003Cstrong\u003EBruce Walker\u003C\/strong\u003E advises Biggs in Walker\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/sonify.psych.gatech.edu\/~walkerb\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESonification Lab\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, which designs auditory displays for technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cBrandon has the perfect and unique blend of technical skills, research savvy, innovativeness, lived experience, and never-stop attitude to tackle this problem while impacting and improving many lives,\u201d Walker said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDefining Accessibility\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBiggs said most maps limit accessibility features to turn-by-turn directions, tables, or other kinds of alternative text that disregard spatial information. The ability to communicate spatial information distinguishes Audiom.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAccording to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), all non-text content \u2014 like maps \u2014 must include a text alternative with an equivalent purpose,\u201d Biggs said. \u201cBut what does \u2018equivalent purpose\u2019 mean for geographic maps?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe argue that every single map, regardless of what it\u2019s showing, communicates general spatialized information and relationships.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAudiom also prioritizes the information that\u2019s most important to blind users, including sidewalks and buildings.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of information blind people just don\u2019t get on maps but desperately need,\u201d he said. \u201cThey couldn\u2019t care less about the roads. They might need the road name, but they really need the sidewalks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf a blind person made a map, they might not even add the roads. And then they would add in the location of doorways, a critical detail that sighted people completely leave out.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBiggs\u2019s work is already gaining national recognition. XRNavigation was recently one of three companies selected by the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) Foundation for a 2025 Gaady Award, which honors work being done to make digital technologies more accessible.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPast and present winners of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/gaad.foundation\/what-we-do\/gaadys\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGaady Awards \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003Erange from tech startups to major brands like T-Mobile.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBiggs will accept the award during a banquet on Thursday in San Francisco.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBrandon Biggs, a Georgia Tech Ph.D. student who is nearly blind, developed \u003Cstrong\u003EAudiom\u003C\/strong\u003E, a cross-sensory digital map that lets blind users navigate spatial information through audio. Biggs\u0027s tool, which Georgia Tech now uses for its campus map, emphasizes spatial relationships like sidewalks and buildings and gives organizations a way to integrate accessible, auditory maps into their own platforms.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A Georgia Tech Ph.D. student who is nearly blind has developed Audiom, a cross-sensory digital map that translates spatial and geographic information into audio so that blind users can \u201chear\u201d maps."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2025-11-18 19:26:48","changed_gmt":"2025-11-18 19:30:42","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-18T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-18T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678659":{"id":"678659","type":"image","title":"Brandon-Biggs_86A9112-copy_5.jpg","body":null,"created":"1763494016","gmt_created":"2025-11-18 19:26:56","changed":"1763494016","gmt_changed":"2025-11-18 19:26:56","alt":"Brandon Biggs","file":{"fid":"262718","name":"Brandon-Biggs_86A9112-copy_5.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/18\/Brandon-Biggs_86A9112-copy_5.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/18\/Brandon-Biggs_86A9112-copy_5.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":138423,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/18\/Brandon-Biggs_86A9112-copy_5.jpg?itok=lC8FCRD0"}}},"media_ids":["678659"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"360","name":"accessibility"},{"id":"172442","name":"Disabilites"},{"id":"47091","name":"maps"},{"id":"194036","name":"blindness"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686478":{"#nid":"686478","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Andrzej \u015awi\u0119ch Named Fellow of the American Mathematical Society","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/swiech.math.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAndrzej \u015awi\u0119ch\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/math.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Mathematics\u003C\/a\u003E, has been named a Fellow of the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ams.org\/news?news_id=7549\u0026amp;utm_source=Informz\u0026amp;utm_medium=email\u0026amp;utm_campaign=Informz+Mailing\u0026amp;_zs=7c1QA1\u0026amp;_zl=uu7u7\u0022\u003EAmerican Mathematical Society\u003C\/a\u003E (AMS). He is one of only 40 mathematical scientists recognized this year for outstanding contributions to the creation, exposition, advancement, communication, and utilization of mathematics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI am honored to be named an AMS Fellow and join this distinguished group of mathematicians,\u201d says \u015awi\u0119ch, who\u0026nbsp;joined Georgia Tech in 1993.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u015awi\u0119ch is a leading global expert in the theory of viscosity solutions in nonlinear partial differential equations and has published\u0026nbsp;numerous seminal papers in this and other fields. His research is fundamental to advances in pure and applied mathematics and scientific problem solving.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHe has served on the editorial boards of several academic journals, including\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EApplied Mathematics and Optimization Journal\u003C\/em\u003E (2016-present),\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EMathematical Control and Related Fields\u003C\/em\u003E (2011-18), and\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003ESociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E(\u003Cem\u003ESIAM) Journal on Control and Optimization\u003C\/em\u003E (2006-12). \u015awi\u0119ch gave the plenary lecture at the 2022 SIAM Annual Meeting and received, jointly with Shigeaki Koike, the\u003Cem\u003E Journal of the Mathematical Society of Japan\u003C\/em\u003E\u2019s 2010 Outstanding Paper Prize. In 2017, he coauthored, with Giorgio Fabbri and Fausto Gozzi, the book,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EStochastic Optimal Control in Infinite Dimension: Dynamic Programming and HJB Equations\u003C\/em\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u015awi\u0119ch earned his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EProfessor Andrzej \u015awi\u0119ch is one of only 40 mathematical scientists recognized this year for outstanding contributions to the creation, exposition, advancement, communication, and utilization of mathematics.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Professor Andrzej \u015awi\u0119ch is one of only 40 mathematical scientists recognized this year for outstanding contributions to the creation, exposition, advancement, communication, and utilization of mathematics."}],"uid":"36583","created_gmt":"2025-11-17 15:55:09","changed_gmt":"2025-11-18 19:27:48","author":"lvidal7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-17T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-17T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678642":{"id":"678642","type":"image","title":"Professor Andrzej \u015awi\u0119ch ","body":null,"created":"1763395029","gmt_created":"2025-11-17 15:57:09","changed":"1763395029","gmt_changed":"2025-11-17 15:57:09","alt":"Professor Andrzej \u015awi\u0119ch ","file":{"fid":"262701","name":"Math-Professor-Andrzej-Swiech.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/17\/Math-Professor-Andrzej-Swiech.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/17\/Math-Professor-Andrzej-Swiech.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":8014507,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/17\/Math-Professor-Andrzej-Swiech.jpg?itok=4nv3UWOd"}}},"media_ids":["678642"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1279","name":"School of Mathematics"}],"categories":[{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"168854","name":"School of Mathematics"},{"id":"173647","name":"_for_math_site_"},{"id":"193733","name":"_for_math_site_manual_feed_"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWriter: Lindsay C. Vidal\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["lvidal7@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686496":{"#nid":"686496","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Evening MBA Students Help Creative Firm Embrace AI Transformation in Marketing Practicum","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHow will AI kill Creature?\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat was the question posed to Scheller College of Business Evening MBA students\u0026nbsp;Katie Bowen\u0026nbsp;(\u201925),\u0026nbsp;Ellie Cobb\u0026nbsp;(\u201926), and\u0026nbsp;Christopher Jones\u0026nbsp;(\u201926) in a marketing practicum course that paired them with\u0026nbsp;Creature, a brand, product, and marketing transformation studio.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor 10 weeks, the students worked as consultants in a project that challenged them to rethink the role of artificial intelligence in creative industries. Course instructor\u0026nbsp;Jarrett Oakley, director of Marketing at TOTO USA, guided the student project as they developed strategies to help Creature navigate the evolving landscape of AI-driven marketing.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBusiness School Meets Real Business\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cNothing accelerates the value of a business school education like applying it in real time to real businesses,\u201d Oakley said. \u201cThis course mirrored a consulting engagement, turning classroom learning into actionable expertise through direct collaboration with local firms. It was designed to spark creative thinking, build confidence, and bridge theory with practice.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat began as a traditional strategic analysis quickly evolved into a forward-looking exploration of AI\u2019s impact on branding, user experience, and performance creative. \u201cOur team realized early on that AI wasn\u2019t a threat but a powerful tool,\u201d the students shared. \u201cWe found that AI\u2019s real impact lies not in replacing creativity, but in reshaping expectations, accelerating timelines, and redefining performance standards. It also gives forward-thinking agencies like Creature the opportunity to guide clients still catching up to the AI curve.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECreature\u2019s founders, Margaret Strickland and Matt Berberian, welcomed the collaboration. \u201cWe solve creative challenges across brand, product, and performance,\u201d said Strickland. \u201cAI is transforming each of these areas. The students helped us see how to stay ahead of the curve.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudents applied frameworks like SWOT, Porter\u2019s Five Forces, and the G-STIC model to diagnose challenges and develop actionable strategies. Weekly meetings with Creature allowed for iterative feedback and refinement.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of the team\u2019s most surprising insights came from primary research: many agencies hesitate to disclose their use of AI, fearing clients will demand lower prices. \u201cWe recommended Creature define and share their AI philosophy,\u201d said the students. \u201cClients want transparency and innovation, and they\u2019ll choose partners who embrace AI, not hide from it.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECreature took the advice to heart. Since the project concluded, the firm has launched a new AI consulting offering, SNSE by Creature, and implemented automation across operations, resulting in a 21% boost in efficiency. They\u2019ve also adopted an AI manifesto to guide future initiatives.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Transformative Student Experience\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKatie Bowen, Evening MBA \u002725\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cThis project let us apply MBA concepts to a real-world business challenge. We dove into Creature\u2019s business and tailored our analysis to their needs. It pushed us to think critically about how companies stay competitive when AI tools are widely accessible. Using strategy, innovation, and marketing frameworks, we bridged theory and practice to deliver forward-looking recommendations.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEllie Cobb, Evening MBA \u201826\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cThis project strengthened my ability to use AI effectively in both personal and professional contexts\u2014not just knowing how to use it, but when not to. Exploring such a fast-evolving topic made me more agile and open-minded, ready to follow where research and emerging trends lead.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EChristopher Jones, Evening MBA \u201826\u003Cbr\u003E\u201cThe Marketing Practicum with Creature was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of AI\u2019s impact on business. It sharpened my critical thinking as I navigated conflicting information about AI, and gave me practical insight into business strategy, from integrating new technology to managing innovation and diversifying product offerings.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEducation With Impact\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOakley believes the practicum will have lasting impact. \u201cThese students now understand how traditional marketing strategy integrates with emerging AI capabilities. They\u2019re ready to lead in a rapidly evolving industry.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs AI continues to reshape marketing, partnerships like the one between Scheller and Creature demonstrate the power of collaboration, innovation, and education in preparing future leaders for whatever comes next.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EScheller Evening MBA students Katie Bowen, Ellie Cobb, and Christopher Jones partnered with Atlanta-based agency Creature in a 10-week practicum to explore AI\u2019s role in creative industries, delivering strategies that helped the firm embrace AI as a tool for proactive innovation.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Scheller Evening MBA students Katie Bowen, Ellie Cobb, and Christopher Jones partnered with Atlanta-based agency Creature in a 10-week practicum to explore AI\u2019s role in creative industries."}],"uid":"36730","created_gmt":"2025-11-17 18:29:32","changed_gmt":"2025-11-17 18:34:15","author":"klowe36","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-17T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-17T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678649":{"id":"678649","type":"image","title":"The Future of Marketing Collides With AI","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe brand, product, and marketing transformation studio Creature is learning to embrace AI with the help of Scheller MBA students, using tools like this playful meeting-to-creature automation that turns meeting insights into AI-generated creatures.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1763403685","gmt_created":"2025-11-17 18:21:25","changed":"1763403989","gmt_changed":"2025-11-17 18:26:29","alt":"The Future of Marketing Collides With AI","file":{"fid":"262708","name":"creature-mba-practicum.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/17\/creature-mba-practicum.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/17\/creature-mba-practicum.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":400807,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/17\/creature-mba-practicum.jpg?itok=4rRCpqNZ"}}},"media_ids":["678649"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/mba-students-help-creative-firm-embrace-ai.html?_gl=1*14thiri*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzQ4NjA0MTc0LjE3NjM0MDM4OTM.*_ga_8XJDVR2ZKP*czE3NjM0MDM4OTMkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjM0MDM4OTYkajU3JGwwJGgxMTUzOTc5OTQ2","title":"Read More"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"139","name":"Business"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKristin Lowe (She\/Her)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EContent Strategist\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology | Scheller College of Business\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:klowe36@gatech.edu\u0022 title=\u0022mailto:klowe36@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ekristin.lowe@scheller.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["kristin.lowe@scheller.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686380":{"#nid":"686380","#data":{"type":"news","title":"A 30-Year \u201cSnapshot\u201d of Pacific Northwestern Birds Shows Their Surprising Resilience","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EA 30-year \u201csnapshot study\u201d of birds in the Pacific Northwest is showing their surprising resilience in the face of climate change. The project started when School of Biological Sciences Assistant Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/people\/benjamin%20freeman\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBenjamin Freeman\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Efound\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/jem-online.org\/index.php\/jem\/article\/view\/232\u0022\u003Ea study by\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ELouise Waterhouse\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E detailing birds in the mountains near Vancouver three decades ago. What followed was an ecological scavenger hunt: Freeman revisited each of the old field sites, navigating using his local knowledge and Waterhouse\u2019s hand-drawn maps.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFreeman, who grew up in Seattle, mainly studies the ecology of tropical birds \u2014 but the discovery of Waterhouse\u2019s paper made him curious about research closer to home. The results were surprising: over the last three decades, most of the bird populations in the region were stable and had been increasing in abundance at higher elevations.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe study, \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/ecy.70193\u0022\u003EPacific Northwest birds have shifted their abundances upslope in response to 30\u2009years of warming temperatures\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d was published in the journal\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EEcology\u003C\/em\u003E this fall.\u0026nbsp;In addition to lead author Freeman, the team also included\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EHarold Eyster\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E(The Nature Conservancy),\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EJulian Heavyside\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E(University of British Columbia),\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EDaniel Yip\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E(Canadian Wildlife Service),\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EMonica Mather\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E(British Columbia Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship), and Waterhouse\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E(British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Coast Area Research).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cIt is great news that most birds in the region are resilient, and by doing this work, we can focus on the species that do need help, like the Canada Jay, which is struggling in this region,\u201d Freeman says. \u201cStudies like this help us focus resources and effort.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESongbirds and snow\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EConducting the fieldwork was a detective game, Freeman says. Each day, he would wake up at four in the morning to locate and visit the research areas \u2014 often navigating trails, open forest, and rough terrain on foot.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThis area of the Pacific Northwest is punctuated with old-growth stands of trees \u2014 sections of forest that have never been logged or altered. \u201cThese areas feel like islands,\u201d Freeman shares. \u201cThey feel ancient and untouched, but even in pristine habitats, birds are still responding to climate change.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EMost of the work was conducted during the birds\u2019 breeding season, from late May into June. This is when the birds are most vocal, which is ideal for surveys, Freeman says. The downside? Even in June, there is often snow in the mountains. \u201cI was out at dawn, hiking through snow in the freezing cold, wondering why I didn\u2019t stay in bed,\u201d he recalls. \u201cBut then I\u2019d hear birds singing all around me and realize it was all worth it.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUpward expansion \u2014 and resilience\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBy comparing the two \u201csnapshots,\u201d the team showed that while temperatures have increased over the last 30 years, most bird populations in the region haven\u2019t declined \u2014 but they have become more abundant at higher elevations. \u201cIt\u2019s encouraging,\u201d Freeman says. \u201cThirty years of warming has led to changes, but for the most part, these bird populations are mostly stable or improving.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EOne reason for this resilience could be the stability that old growth forests provide, and Freeman suggests that conserving wide swaths of mountain habitat might help birds thrive as they continue to adapt, while still supporting populations at lower elevations. The study also helps identify which bird species need additional support, like the Canada Jay \u2014 a gray and white bird known for following hikers in pursuit of dropped snacks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s just one piece of Freeman\u2019s larger research goal \u2014 he aims to do this type of snapshot research in many different places to identify general patterns, especially differences in temperate versus tropical environments.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cIn the tropics, most bird species are vulnerable, with only a few resilient species. In the Pacific Northwest, we saw the opposite,\u201d he says. \u201cA pattern is emerging: temperate zones show more resilience, tropics more vulnerability.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFreeman is also conducting research with a group of students in Northern Georgia. \u201cWe predict that these Appalachian birds will be resilient as well,\u201d he says, \u201cbut we need to study and understand what\u2019s happening in nature \u2014 not just make predictions.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EDOI:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/ecy.70193\u0022\u003Ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/ecy.70193\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EFunding: Packard Foundation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAfter discovering a historic bird survey in the Pacific Northwest, Georgia Tech\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EBen Freeman\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Elocated the original sites, repeating the surveys three decades later. Each day, he would wake up at four in the morning to locate and visit the research areas \u2014 often navigating trails, open forest, and rough terrain on foot.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"After discovering a historic bird survey in the Pacific Northwest, Georgia Tech\u2019s\u00a0Ben Freeman\u00a0located the original sites, repeating the surveys three decades later."}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2025-11-12 14:22:25","changed_gmt":"2025-11-14 21:26:39","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-12T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-12T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678597":{"id":"678597","type":"image","title":"The Canada Jay is one of the birds struggling in the Pacific Northwest. (Credit: Mason Maron)","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Canada Jay is one of the birds struggling in the Pacific Northwest. (Credit: Mason Maron)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762959555","gmt_created":"2025-11-12 14:59:15","changed":"1762959555","gmt_changed":"2025-11-12 14:59:15","alt":"The Canada Jay is one of the birds struggling in the Pacific Northwest. (Credit: Mason Maron)","file":{"fid":"262652","name":"Canada_Jay.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/12\/Canada_Jay.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/12\/Canada_Jay.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":11607706,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/12\/Canada_Jay.jpg?itok=-KvA6Vn1"}},"678599":{"id":"678599","type":"image","title":"A placard still standing from the original surveys conducted in the early 90\u0027s. Finding these original sites was a \u0022scavenger hunt,\u0022 Freeman says. (Credit: Benjamin Freeman)","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA placard still standing from the original surveys conducted in the early 90\u0027s. Finding these original sites was a \u0022scavenger hunt,\u0022 Freeman says. (Credit: Benjamin Freeman)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762959555","gmt_created":"2025-11-12 14:59:15","changed":"1762959555","gmt_changed":"2025-11-12 14:59:15","alt":"A placard still standing from the original surveys conducted in the early 90\u0027s. Finding these original sites was a \u0022scavenger hunt,\u0022 Freeman says. (Credit: Benjamin Freeman)","file":{"fid":"262654","name":"placard_leftover_from_early90s_surveys.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/12\/placard_leftover_from_early90s_surveys.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/12\/placard_leftover_from_early90s_surveys.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3900939,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/12\/placard_leftover_from_early90s_surveys.jpeg?itok=qHVcLO0k"}},"678598":{"id":"678598","type":"image","title":"A large downed cedar tree in one of the lowland old-growth forests that Freeman navigated. (Credit: Benjamin Freeman)","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA large downed cedar tree in one of the lowland old-growth forests that Freeman navigated. (Credit: Benjamin Freeman)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762959555","gmt_created":"2025-11-12 14:59:15","changed":"1762959555","gmt_changed":"2025-11-12 14:59:15","alt":"A large downed cedar tree in one of the lowland old-growth forests that Freeman navigated. (Credit: Benjamin Freeman)","file":{"fid":"262653","name":"lowland_oldgrowth_massive_downed_cedar.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/12\/lowland_oldgrowth_massive_downed_cedar.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/12\/lowland_oldgrowth_massive_downed_cedar.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5162509,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/12\/lowland_oldgrowth_massive_downed_cedar.jpeg?itok=qsBpKQgV"}},"678600":{"id":"678600","type":"image","title":"Townsend\u0027s Warbler, a small songbird that lives in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. (Credit: Melissa Hafting, @bcbirdergirl)","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETownsend\u0027s Warbler, a small songbird that lives in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. (Credit: Melissa Hafting, @bcbirdergirl)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762959555","gmt_created":"2025-11-12 14:59:15","changed":"1762959555","gmt_changed":"2025-11-12 14:59:15","alt":"Townsend\u0027s Warbler, a small songbird that lives in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. (Credit: Melissa Hafting, @bcbirdergirl)","file":{"fid":"262655","name":"Townsend-s_Warbler.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/12\/Townsend-s_Warbler.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/12\/Townsend-s_Warbler.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":6682884,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/12\/Townsend-s_Warbler.jpeg?itok=tZA3VVj5"}},"678596":{"id":"678596","type":"image","title":"While locating the field sites, Freeman spotted this bear on an old road. (Credit: Benjamin Freeman)","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWhile locating the field sites, Freeman spotted this bear on an old road. (Credit: Benjamin Freeman)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762959555","gmt_created":"2025-11-12 14:59:15","changed":"1762959555","gmt_changed":"2025-11-12 14:59:15","alt":"While locating the field sites, Freeman spotted this bear on an old road. (Credit: Benjamin Freeman)","file":{"fid":"262651","name":"bear_on_road.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/12\/bear_on_road.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/12\/bear_on_road.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":4431217,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/12\/bear_on_road.jpeg?itok=9jCCrqlU"}},"678595":{"id":"678595","type":"image","title":"An overgrown and abandoned road that Freeman traversed. (Credit: Benjamin Freeman)","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAn overgrown and abandoned road that Freeman traversed. (Credit: Benjamin Freeman)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762959555","gmt_created":"2025-11-12 14:59:15","changed":"1762960403","gmt_changed":"2025-11-12 15:13:23","alt":"An overgrown and abandoned road that Freeman traversed. (Credit: Benjamin Freeman)","file":{"fid":"262650","name":"abandoned_road_difficult_to_walk_on.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/12\/abandoned_road_difficult_to_walk_on.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/12\/abandoned_road_difficult_to_walk_on.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5305167,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/12\/abandoned_road_difficult_to_walk_on.jpeg?itok=5imBlQae"}},"678601":{"id":"678601","type":"image","title":"The Varied Thrush is another bird common in the Pacific Northwest. (Credit: Melissa Hafting, @bcbirdergirl)","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Varied Thrush is another bird common in the Pacific Northwest. (Credit: Melissa Hafting, @bcbirdergirl)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762959555","gmt_created":"2025-11-12 14:59:15","changed":"1762959555","gmt_changed":"2025-11-12 14:59:15","alt":"The Varied Thrush is another bird common in the Pacific Northwest. (Credit: Melissa Hafting, @bcbirdergirl)","file":{"fid":"262656","name":"Varied_Thrush.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/12\/Varied_Thrush.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/12\/Varied_Thrush.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":6078901,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/12\/Varied_Thrush.jpg?itok=Qz8fEy9T"}}},"media_ids":["678597","678599","678598","678600","678596","678595","678601"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"194836","name":"Sustainability"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"194631","name":"cos-georgia"},{"id":"192254","name":"cos-climate"},{"id":"166890","name":"sustainability"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWritten by \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686467":{"#nid":"686467","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers Find Opportunities for 311 Chatbots to Foster Community Engagement","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E311 chatbots make it easier for people to report issues to their local government without long wait times on the phone. However, a new study finds that the technology might inhibit civic engagement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E311 systems allow residents to report potholes, broken fire hydrants, and other municipal issues. In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide 311 services to community residents has boomed across city and state governments. This includes an artificial virtual assistant (AVA) developed by third-party vendors for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.atlantaga.gov\/government\/departments\/customer-service-atl311\/atl311-chatbot\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ethe City of Atlanta\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E in 2023.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough survey data, researchers from Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing found that many residents are generally positive about 311 chatbots. In addition to eliminating long wait times over the phone, they also offer residents quick answers to permit applications, waste collection, and other frequently asked questions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, the study, which was conducted in Atlanta, indicates that 311 chatbots could be causing residents to feel isolated from public officials and less aware of what\u2019s happening in their community.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJieyu Zhou\u003C\/strong\u003E, a Ph.D. student in the School of IC, said it doesn\u2019t have to be that way.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUniting Communities\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZhou and her advisor, Assistant Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chrismaclellan.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChristopher MacLellan\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, published a paper at the 2025 ACM Designing Interactive Systems (DIS) Conference that focuses on improving public service chatbot design and amplifying their civic impact. They collaborated with Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.carldisalvo.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECarl DiSalvo\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Associate Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/lynndombrowski.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELynn Dombrowsk\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003Ei, and graduate students \u003Cstrong\u003ERui Shen\u003C\/strong\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/yueyu1030.github.io\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYue You\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZhou said 311 chatbots have the potential to be agents that drive community organization and improve quality of life.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCurrent chatbots risk isolating users in their own experience,\u201d Zhou said. \u201cIn the 311 system, people tend to report their own individual issues but lose a sense of what is happening in their broader community.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cPeople are very positive about these tools, but I think there\u2019s an opportunity as we envision what civic chatbots could be. It\u2019s important for us to emphasize that social element \u2014 engaging people\u0026nbsp;within the community and connecting them with government representatives, community organizers, and other community members.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EZhou and MacLellan said 311 chatbots can leave users wondering if others in their communities share their concerns.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf people are at a town hall meeting, they can get a sense of whether the problems they are experiencing are shared by others,\u201d Zhou said. \u201cWe can\u2019t do that with a chatbot. It\u2019s like an isolated room, and we\u2019re trying to open the doors and the windows.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdding a Human Touch\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn their paper, the researchers note that one of the biggest criticisms of 311 chatbots is they can\u2019t replace interpersonal interaction.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnlike chatbots, people working in local government offices are likely to:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EHave direct knowledge of issues\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EProvide appropriate referrals\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEmpathize with the resident\u2019s concerns\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMacLellan said residents are likely to grow frustrated with a chatbot when reporting issues that require this level of contextual knowledge.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne person in the researchers\u2019 survey noted that the chatbot they used didn\u2019t understand that their report was about a sidewalk issue, not a street issue.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cExplaining such a situation to a human representative is straightforward,\u201d MacLellan said. \u201cHowever, when the issue being raised does not fall within any of the categories the chatbot is built to address, it often misinterprets the query and offers information that isn\u2019t helpful.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers offer some design suggestions that can help chatbots foster community engagement and improve community well-being:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEscalation. Regarding the sidewalk report, the chatbot did not offer a way to escalate the query to a human who could resolve it. Zhou said that this is a feature that chatbots should have but often lack.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETransparency. Chatbots could provide details about recent and frequently reported community issues. They should inform users early in the call process about known problems to help avoid an overload of user complaints.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEducation. Chatbots can keep users updated about what\u2019s happening in their communities.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECollective action. Chatbots can help communities organize and gather ideas to address challenges and solve problems.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGovernment agencies may focus mainly on fixing individual issues,\u201d Zhou said, \u201cBut recognizing community-level patterns can inspire collective creativity. For example, one participant suggested that if many people report a broken swing at a playground, it could spark an initiative to design a new playground together\u2014going far beyond just fixing it.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese are just a few examples of things, the researchers argue, that 311 services were originally designed to achieve.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cCommunities were already collaborating on identifying and reporting issues,\u201d Zhou said. \u201cThese chatbots should reflect the original intentions and collaboration practices of the communities they serve.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur research suggests we can increase the positive impact of civic chatbots by including social aspects within the design of the system, connecting people, and building a community view.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EResearchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology found that while 311-style chatbots simplify the process of reporting municipal issues and reduce wait times, users can feel isolated from their community and less connected to broader civic awareness. They recommend redesigning these systems to include transparency about collective issues, provide pathways for human escalation, and support community-level action.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"AI-powered 311 chatbots may unitentionally reduce residents\u0027 sense of connection within their community."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2025-11-14 20:30:41","changed_gmt":"2025-11-14 20:35:50","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-14T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-14T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678639":{"id":"678639","type":"image","title":"Jieyu-Zhou_86A8161-Enhanced-NR.jpg","body":null,"created":"1763152260","gmt_created":"2025-11-14 20:31:00","changed":"1763152260","gmt_changed":"2025-11-14 20:31:00","alt":"Jieyu Zhou","file":{"fid":"262697","name":"Jieyu-Zhou_86A8161-Enhanced-NR.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/14\/Jieyu-Zhou_86A8161-Enhanced-NR.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/14\/Jieyu-Zhou_86A8161-Enhanced-NR.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":134034,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/14\/Jieyu-Zhou_86A8161-Enhanced-NR.jpg?itok=909Uit6L"}}},"media_ids":["678639"],"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":"142","name":"City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth"},{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"188776","name":"go-research"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"169137","name":"chatbot"},{"id":"189306","name":"public service technology"},{"id":"1134","name":"City of Atlanta"},{"id":"188933","name":"Atlanta community."},{"id":"10614","name":"community organizing"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686466":{"#nid":"686466","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Professor Earns Test-of-Time Award at AI and Computer Gaming Conference","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EOne of the top conferences for AI and computer games is recognizing a School of Interactive Computing professor with its first-ever test-of-time award.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt its event this week in Alberta, Canada, the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital Entertainment (AIIDE) is honoring Professor Mark Riedl. The award also honors University of Utah Professor and Division of Games Chair Michael Young, Riedl\u2019s Ph.D. advisor.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERiedl studied under Young at North Carolina State University.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETheir 2005 paper, \u003Cem\u003EFrom Linear Story Generation to Branching Story Graphs\u003C\/em\u003E, highlighted the challenges of using AI to create interactive gaming narratives in which user actions influence the story\u2019s progression.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2005, computer game systems that supported linear, non-branching games were widely used. Riedl introduced an innovative mathematical formula for interactive stories ranging from choose-your-own-adventure novels to modern computer games.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe didn\u2019t use the term \u2018generative AI\u2019 back then, but I was working on AI for the generation of creative artifacts,\u201d Riedl said. \u201cThis was before we had practical deep learning or large language models.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOne of the reasons this paper is still relevant 20 years later is that it didn\u2019t just present a technology, it attempted to provide a framework for solving a grand challenge in AI.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat challenge is still ongoing, Riedl said. Game designers continue to struggle with balancing story coherence against the amount of narrative control afforded to users.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen users exercise a high degree of control within the environment, it is likely that their actions will change the state of the world in ways that may interfere with the causal dependencies between actions as intended within a storyline,\u201d Riedl and Young wrote in the paper.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cNarrative mediation makes linear narratives interactive. The question is: Is the expressive power of narrative mediation at least as powerful as the story graph representation?\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAIIDE is being held this week at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. Riedl will receive the award on Wednesday.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EProfessor Mark Riedl was honored with the first-ever test-of-time award by the AIIDE conference. The award recognizes their influential 2005 paper \u003Cem\u003EFrom Linear Story Generation to Branching Story Graphs\u003C\/em\u003E, which addressed the challenge of using AI to create interactive, non-linear narratives in computer games. The paper introduced a mathematical framework that remains relevant today.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Professor Mark Riedl received the first-ever test-of-time award from the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital Entertainment (AIIDE)."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2025-11-14 20:21:03","changed_gmt":"2025-11-14 20:24:32","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-12T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-12T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678638":{"id":"678638","type":"image","title":"Summit-on-Responsible-Computing--AI--Society_86A8505.jpg","body":null,"created":"1763151672","gmt_created":"2025-11-14 20:21:12","changed":"1763151672","gmt_changed":"2025-11-14 20:21:12","alt":"Mark Riedl","file":{"fid":"262696","name":"Summit-on-Responsible-Computing--AI--Society_86A8505.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/14\/Summit-on-Responsible-Computing--AI--Society_86A8505.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/14\/Summit-on-Responsible-Computing--AI--Society_86A8505.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":82088,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/14\/Summit-on-Responsible-Computing--AI--Society_86A8505.jpg?itok=m3SKeUcr"}}},"media_ids":["678638"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"187812","name":"artificial intelligence (AI)"},{"id":"170453","name":"Test of Time Award"},{"id":"2356","name":"gaming"},{"id":"2450","name":"computer games"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686422":{"#nid":"686422","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Ph.D. Student\u2019s Framework Used to Bolster Nvidia\u2019s Cosmos Predict-2 Model","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA new deep learning architectural framework could boost the development and deployment efficiency of autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots. The framework will lower training costs and reduce the amount of real-world data needed for training.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWorld foundation models (WFMs) enable physical AI systems to learn and operate within\u0026nbsp;synthetic worlds created by generative artificial intelligence (genAI). For example, these models use predictive capabilities to generate up to 30 seconds of video that accurately reflects the real world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe new framework, developed by a Georgia Tech researcher, enhances the processing speed of the neural networks that simulate these real-world environments from text, images, or video inputs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe neural networks that make up the architectures of large language models like ChatGPT and visual models like Sora process contextual information using the \u201cattention mechanism.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAttention refers to a model\u2019s ability to focus on the most relevant parts of input.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Neighborhood Attention Extension (NATTEN) allows models that require GPUs or high-performance computing systems to process information and generate outputs more efficiently.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProcessing speeds can increase by up to 2.6 times, said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/alihassanijr.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAli Hassani\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a Ph.D. student in the School of Interactive Computing and the creator of NATTEN. Hassani is advised by Associate Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.humphreyshi.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHumphrey Shi\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHassani is also a research scientist at Nvidia, where he introduced NATTEN to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nvidia.com\/en-us\/ai\/cosmos\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECosmos\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u2014 a family of WFMs the company uses to train robots, autonomous vehicles, and other physical AI applications.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cYou can map just about anything from a prompt or an image or any combination of frames from an existing video to predict future videos,\u201d Hassani said. \u201cInstead of generating words with an LLM, you\u2019re generating a world.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cUnlike LLMs that generate a single token at a time, these models are compute-heavy. They generate many images \u2014 often hundreds of frames at a time \u2014 so the models put a lot of work on the GPU. NATTEN lets us decrease some of that work and proportionately accelerate the model.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech Ph.D. student Ali Hassani developed the Neighborhood Attention Extension (NATTEN), a deep learning architectural framework that is being integrated into Nvidia\u0027s Cosmos Predict-2 world foundation model. NATTEN enhances the processing speed of neural networks that simulate real-world environments for physical AI systems, which are used to train autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A new deep learning architectural framework, Neighborhood Attention Extension (NATTEN), is being used by Nvidia to  increase the processing speed of their Cosmos Predict-2 Model for training autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots."}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2025-11-13 21:13:58","changed_gmt":"2025-11-13 21:14:58","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-03T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-03T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678621":{"id":"678621","type":"image","title":"2X6A3487.jpg","body":null,"created":"1763068473","gmt_created":"2025-11-13 21:14:33","changed":"1763068473","gmt_changed":"2025-11-13 21:14:33","alt":"Humprhey Shi and Ali Hassani","file":{"fid":"262676","name":"2X6A3487.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/13\/2X6A3487.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/13\/2X6A3487.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":93105,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/13\/2X6A3487.jpg?itok=axfoqv8i"}}},"media_ids":["678621"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"194609","name":"Industry"},{"id":"152","name":"Robotics"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192863","name":"go-ai"},{"id":"193860","name":"Artifical Intelligence"},{"id":"194701","name":"go-resarchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"14549","name":"nvidia"},{"id":"191138","name":"artificial neural networks"},{"id":"97281","name":"autonomous vehicles"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686408":{"#nid":"686408","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Department Raises Thousands for Campus Food Pantry","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scp.cc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003C\/a\u003E (SCP) kicked off the season of giving early this year with a more than $2,000 food donation to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/star.studentlife.gatech.edu\/klemis-kitchen\u0022\u003EKlemis Kitchen\u003C\/a\u003E, Georgia Tech\u2019s food bank.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe kitchen serves students in need with groceries or meals, and works to reduce food waste on campus.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022We are so grateful for this incredibly generous donation from the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy,\u201d said \u003Cstrong\u003ESteven Fazenbaker\u003C\/strong\u003E, program director of Students\u2019 Temporary Assistance and Resources (STAR).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere are over 300 students with access to Klemis Kitchen, and this donation will go far in making sure these students have the food they need.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMary Helen Hayes\u003C\/strong\u003E, SCP assistant director of financial operations, organized the food drive and spent October raising funds.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThroughout the year, I look for ways to bring our SCP community together\u2014faculty, staff, and students alike,\u201d she said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen I learned that about 10% of Georgia Tech students experience food insecurity and 15% often prioritize working over academics and activities just to afford food, the Klemis Kitchen food drive became my focus.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHayes added she wanted everyone to contribute to the SCP fundraiser, so she offered to handle the shopping for anyone who wanted to give but didn\u2019t have the time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOur team came together with incredible generosity and energy\u2014organizing, purchasing, delivering, and coordinating every detail. Within just a few days, we raised over $1000, which was then doubled through an anonymous matching gift, bringing our total to $2,110.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe amount of food the School was able to purchase filled two cars and required the staff to make several trips to unload. According to Fazenbaker, department donations like this help keep the food bank stocked.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cKlemis Kitchen relies 100% on donations - leftovers from the dining halls, donations from community partners like grocery stores and churches, food drives sponsored by departments across campus, and monetary donations that allow us to fill gaps when food donations are low,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe Georgia Tech community always comes through. This program only works because of Georgia Tech\u0027s commitment to Progress and Service.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMonetary donations to Klemis Kitchen can be made on the kitchen\u0027s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/star.studentlife.gatech.edu\/donate\u0022\u003Ewebsite\u003C\/a\u003E. \u0026nbsp;Departments can sign up to sponsor food drives \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/star.studentlife.gatech.edu\/klemis-kitchen\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scp.cc.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003C\/a\u003E (SCP) kicked off the season of giving early this year with a more than $2,000 food donation to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/star.studentlife.gatech.edu\/klemis-kitchen\u0022\u003EKlemis Kitchen\u003C\/a\u003E, Georgia Tech\u2019s food bank.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe kitchen serves students in need with groceries or meals, and works to reduce food waste on campus\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The School of Cybersecurity and Privacy (SCP) kicked off the season of giving early this year with a more than $2,000 food donation to Klemis Kitchen, Georgia Tech\u2019s food bank."}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2025-11-13 16:16:19","changed_gmt":"2025-11-13 16:20:26","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-13T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-13T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678613":{"id":"678613","type":"image","title":"Food-Drive-Banner.jpg","body":null,"created":"1763050591","gmt_created":"2025-11-13 16:16:31","changed":"1763050591","gmt_changed":"2025-11-13 16:16:31","alt":"1.\tA photo of a group of people standing behind a table full of packaged food. The group is smiling and represents a diverse crowd of faculty and staff.","file":{"fid":"262668","name":"Food-Drive-Banner.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/13\/Food-Drive-Banner.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/13\/Food-Drive-Banner.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1771481,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/13\/Food-Drive-Banner.jpg?itok=D3V7V6XN"}}},"media_ids":["678613"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"194836","name":"Sustainability"}],"keywords":[{"id":"344","name":"cyber"},{"id":"1404","name":"Cybersecurity"},{"id":"167018","name":"staff"},{"id":"1506","name":"faculty"},{"id":"4728","name":"donor"},{"id":"266","name":"donation"},{"id":"172646","name":"food drive"},{"id":"90451","name":"donation drives"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"},{"id":"39511","name":"Public Service, Leadership, and Policy"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJohn Popham\u0026nbsp;Communications Officer II | School of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jpopham3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686371":{"#nid":"686371","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Anton Leykin Awarded AI for Math Fund Grant","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESchool of Mathematics Professor\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/anton-leykin\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAnton Leykin\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is part of a research team selected to receive support through the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.renaissancephilanthropy.org\/initiatives\/ai-for-math-fund\u0022\u003EAI for Math Fund\u003C\/a\u003E, a new grant program created to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools for mathematics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis grant gives me a foothold in a new world where AI can be used in a very concrete way,\u201d says Leykin. \u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity to move beyond the hype and develop tools that truly benefit mathematical research.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EWith a total of $18 million in inaugural grants to 29 project teams, the AI for Math Fund backs initiatives that create open-source tools, expand high-quality datasets for AI training, and make advanced systems more accessible to mathematicians.\u0026nbsp;The fund received 280 grant applications from researchers and mathematicians worldwide.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBuilding bridges\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ELeykin\u2019s global team includes researchers from the University of South Carolina, University of Warwick, and Cornell University. Their project,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003E\u201c\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.renaissancephilanthropy.org\/bridging-proof-and-computation-a-verified-leanmacaulay2-interface\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBridging Proof and Computation: For a Verified Lean-Macaulay2 Interface\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u201d\u003C\/strong\u003E aims to connect two powerful systems: Lean, a platform for assisting and formalizing mathematical proofs, and Macaulay2, a computational algebra system widely used in research.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBy developing a native interface \u2014\u0026nbsp;a built-in connection that allows the two systems to work together without external tools \u2014\u0026nbsp;and a Lean-based domain-specific language, the project will enable communication between these systems. This will allow Lean users to formulate tactics that involve sophisticated computation done by algorithms implemented in Macaulay2; in return, Macaulay2 users can formalize computer-assisted proofs via Lean with a little help from AI.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis integration has the potential to transform how mathematicians work,\u201d says Leykin. \u201cIt will not only connect Lean and Macaulay2 but also lay the groundwork for a general interface that could benefit other computer algebra systems in the future.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHis goal is to create a robust proof-assistance system where AI can help generate strategies and validate proofs, driving progress in areas that require both computational power and rigorous verification.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout the AI for Math Fund\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA joint initiative developed in partnership between\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/renaissancephilanthropy.org\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Renaissance Philanthropy\u003C\/a\u003E and founding donor\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.xtxmarkets.com\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;XTX Markets\u003C\/a\u003E, the AI for Math Fund is one of the largest\u0026nbsp;philanthropic commitments supporting the development of AI and machine learning tools to advance mathematics. Individual grants range up to $1 million for 24 months of work on open-source projects and research.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELeykin and his international team are developing an AI-powered interface to link proof verification and computational algebra, aiming to transform how mathematicians collaborate and solve complex problems.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Leykin and his international team are developing an AI-powered interface to link proof verification and computational algebra, aiming to transform how mathematicians collaborate and solve complex problems."}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2025-11-11 17:58:53","changed_gmt":"2025-11-12 13:10:01","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-11T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-11T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678593":{"id":"678593","type":"image","title":"Anton Leykin","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAnton Leykin\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762885000","gmt_created":"2025-11-11 18:16:40","changed":"1762885000","gmt_changed":"2025-11-11 18:16:40","alt":"man in a hat","file":{"fid":"262648","name":"GT-Anton-Leykin-Headshot-2025.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/11\/GT-Anton-Leykin-Headshot-2025.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/11\/GT-Anton-Leykin-Headshot-2025.png","mime":"image\/png","size":4895966,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/11\/GT-Anton-Leykin-Headshot-2025.png?itok=3AgS0JNU"}}},"media_ids":["678593"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/anton-leykin-awarded-simons-fellowship","title":"Anton Leykin Awarded Simons Fellowship"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1279","name":"School of Mathematics"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"173647","name":"_for_math_site_"},{"id":"193733","name":"_for_math_site_manual_feed_"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[],"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":""}},"686281":{"#nid":"686281","#data":{"type":"news","title":"A Changing Reporting Landscape at the Intersection of Accounting and Cryptocurrency","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECryptocurrency continues to reshape the financial landscape. As cryptocurrency moves from niche to mainstream, companies are grappling with how to account for these volatile digital assets. New research from Scheller College of Business accounting professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/directory\/faculty\/moon\/index.html?_gl=1*1jp4fxj*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTA4MjcxMzQwNS4xNzYyNTI2Mjg3*_ga_8XJDVR2ZKP*czE3NjI1MjYyODckbzEkZzEkdDE3NjI1MjYyOTAkajU3JGwwJGgxNDU2MDcyODg2\u0022\u003ERobbie Moon\u003C\/a\u003E, and his co-authors\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/business.uc.edu\/faculty-research\/accounting\/faculty\/chelsea-anderson.html\u0022\u003EChelsea M. Anderson\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/kelley.iu.edu\/faculty-research\/faculty-directory\/profile.html?id=VFANG\u0022\u003EVivian W. Fang\u003C\/a\u003E, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/walton.uark.edu\/departments\/accounting\/directory\/uid\/jeshipma\/name\/Jonathan+Edward+Shipman\/\u0022\u003EJonathan E. Shipman\u003C\/a\u003E, sheds light on how U.S. public companies have navigated crypto holdings and accounting practices over the past decade.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EASU 2023-08, the Financial Accounting Standards Board\u2019s (FASB) newly enacted rule, aims to bring clarity and consistency to crypto asset reporting with the mandate for fair value reporting. Moon\u2019s research, which examined a comprehensive set of companies from 2013 to 2022, looks at the exponential rise in corporate crypto investments and the diverse, and often inconsistent, ways firms have reported them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/1475-679X.70018?af=R\u0022\u003EAccounting for Cryptocurrencies\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d Moon and his co-authors work to better understand this pivotal point in financial reporting with research that dives into why firms hold crypto \u2013 whether for mining, payment acceptance, or investment \u2013 and how reporting practices have evolved to meet this current moment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKeep reading to learn more about Moon\u2019s research and why it matters right now.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy do companies hold cryptocurrencies, and how has this changed over time?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECompanies hold cryptocurrency for three main reasons: they mine it, they accept it as payment, or they consider it an investment. Early on, most businesses kept crypto because customers used it to pay for goods and services. Around 2017, that trend declined, and more companies began mining crypto themselves. Today, mining accounts for about half of corporate crypto holdings, while payment acceptance and investment make up the rest.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat were the main challenges companies face when trying to report cryptocurrency holdings in their financial statements?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUntil the end of 2023, there were no official rules on how companies should report cryptocurrency on their financial statements. Back in 2018, the Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG) stepped in with guidance, suggesting that crypto be treated like intangible assets, similar to things like patents or trademarks. This is known as the impairment model.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat is the difference between the \u201cfair value model\u201d and the \u201cimpairment model\u201d for accounting crypto assets, and why does it matter?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe two accounting methods differ in how they handle changes in crypto value. The fair value model updates the value of a company\u2019s crypto to match current market prices every reporting period. If the price goes up or down, the change shows up on the company\u2019s income statement as a gain or loss.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe impairment model only lets companies record losses when the value drops below what they paid. If the price goes up, they can\u2019t record the increase.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe difference in the two approaches can best be seen when crypto prices rise. Under the impairment model, companies\u2019 balance sheets understate the true value of the crypto since the gains cannot be recorded. The fair value model allows companies to adjust the balance sheet value of crypto as market prices change.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat factors led ASU 2023-08 to favor fair value reporting?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen the FASB was trying to decide if they should add crypto accounting to their standard setting agenda, they reached out to the public for feedback. The response was overwhelming and most practitioners and firms called for the use of the fair value model.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow do big accounting firms, like Deloitte or PwC, influence how companies report their crypto holdings?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen there aren\u2019t official rules for complex issues like crypto accounting, the Big Four firms often step in to guide companies. In 2018, they recommended using the impairment model, which they viewed as most appropriate based on existing standards. After that, most companies switched from fair value reporting to the impairment approach.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETheir guidance in 2018 was based on what was allowed under the standards at that time. With the new rule in place, the firms will likely help clients manage the transition.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDoes using fair value accounting for crypto make a company\u2019s stock price more volatile or its earnings reports more useful to investors?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe primary downside of using a fair value model for a risky asset like crypto is how volatility affects earnings. \u0026nbsp;Moon\u2019s research suggests that stock price volatility increases for firms using the fair value model, and it doesn\u2019t appear the model makes earnings more useful for investors. That said, the results should be viewed cautiously because the study\u2019s sample largely consisted of smaller companies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy does this research matter right now?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis research matters because more companies are investing in cryptocurrency. That trend is only expected to grow. This research looks at how businesses handled crypto before official rules came out in 2023, showing that many treated it like traditional investments. This provides a baseline against which future research can evaluate the new rule. The research also warns that the fair value approach could make stock prices more volatile without necessarily making earnings reports more useful for investors.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/1475-679X.70018?af=R\u0022\u003ERead More: Accounting for Cryptocurrencies\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERobbie Moon\u2019s newly published research explains why companies hold cryptocurrency, the challenges of reporting it, and how new accounting rules aim to bring clarity.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Robbie Moon\u2019s research explains why companies hold cryptocurrency, the challenges of reporting it, and how new accounting rules aim to bring clarity."}],"uid":"36730","created_gmt":"2025-11-07 14:43:23","changed_gmt":"2025-11-07 14:47:24","author":"klowe36","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-06T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-06T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678570":{"id":"678570","type":"image","title":"Robbie Moon, associate professor of Accounting","body":"\u003Cp\u003ERobbie Moon, associate professor of Accounting\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762526145","gmt_created":"2025-11-07 14:35:45","changed":"1762526251","gmt_changed":"2025-11-07 14:37:31","alt":"Robbie Moon, associate professor of Accounting","file":{"fid":"262622","name":"robbie-moon-research.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/07\/robbie-moon-research.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/07\/robbie-moon-research.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":233237,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/07\/robbie-moon-research.jpg?itok=28zXMMKh"}}},"media_ids":["678570"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/accounting-and-cryptocurrency-robbie-moon.html?_gl=1*1bo5ybe*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTA4MjcxMzQwNS4xNzYyNTI2Mjg3*_ga_8XJDVR2ZKP*czE3NjI1MjYyODckbzEkZzEkdDE3NjI1MjYyODkkajU4JGwwJGgxNDU2MDcyODg2","title":"Read More"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"104321","name":"cryptocurrency"},{"id":"1427","name":"Accounting"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"1224","name":"regulation"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EKristin Lowe\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003Ekristin.lowe@scheller.gatech.edu\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["kristin.lowe@scheller.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686079":{"#nid":"686079","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Stats HelpDesk Empowers Georgia Tech Researchers","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/psychology.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EThe School of Psychology\u003C\/a\u003E has launched a new\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/stats-helpdesk\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Stats HelpDesk\u003C\/a\u003E to provide tailored statistical support for students, faculty, and researchers across Georgia Tech. The initiative, led by Academic Professional\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/psychology.gatech.edu\/people\/eunbee-kim-0\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EEunbee Kim\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, offers statistical guidance throughout the research process\u0026nbsp;from hypothesis formulation to data analysis and reporting.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe can assist at every stage of statistical analysis and for every School and major on campus,\u201d says Kim.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe emphasizes that students and faculty don\u2019t need a fully formed research design to seek help. In fact, Kim encourages early consultations \u2014 preferably before data collection.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cIf you want a solid hypothesis and data plan, the best time to come is actually before you start collecting data,\u201d she explains. \u201cThe goal is to make statistical support an integral part of the research process rather than a last-minute hurdle.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EKim earned a Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology from Georgia Tech in 2024. She proposed the idea for a Stats HelpDesk during the interview for her current position after witnessing people with great research ideas struggle to find accessible, customized statistical guidance.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cMany researchers \u2014 not just students but faculty as well \u2014 spend hours troubleshooting their data or interpreting output without knowing whether their approach is appropriate,\u201d she says. \u201cI want to bridge that gap.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe service, which officially began in late September, is staffed solely by Kim. Despite its early phase, she has already supported faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates on projects ranging from senior theses to academic papers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELiam Hart\u003C\/strong\u003E is a second-year Ph.D. student studying psychology. \u201cI am still learning multilevel modeling but plan to use it for my thesis,\u201d says Hart. \u201cThe Stats HelpDesk has been incredibly useful \u2014 helping me apply what I\u2019m learning in class to my research \u2014 so that I can move forward with my research proposal.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EConsultations are by appointment only and should be set up through the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/stats-helpdesk\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Stats HelpDesk website\u003C\/a\u003E. Remote and in-person meetings are available on Mondays from noon to 2 p.m. and on Tuesdays (remote only) from 1 \u2013 2 p.m. Currently, the service is free, but a small charge may be added at a later date.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ELooking ahead, Kim plans to expand the team to include specialists in areas such as Bayesian modeling, multilevel modeling, and item response theory.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWith more team members, we could allocate questions based on expertise,\u201d she adds. \u201cIn the long term, we hope to grow into a collaborative resource that serves institutions beyond Georgia Tech.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Stats HelpDesk is making it easier for Georgia Tech researchers to get expert, personalized support at every stage of their project.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Stats HelpDesk is making it easier for Georgia Tech researchers to get expert, personalized support at every stage of their project. "}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2025-10-29 17:26:32","changed_gmt":"2025-11-05 13:01:16","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-29T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-29T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678496":{"id":"678496","type":"image","title":"Eunbee Kim provides personalized statistical guidance to a student during a recent Stats HelpDesk session. ","body":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EEunbee Kim provides personalized statistical guidance to a student during a recent Stats HelpDesk session.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1761758826","gmt_created":"2025-10-29 17:27:06","changed":"1761759955","gmt_changed":"2025-10-29 17:45:55","alt":"A student and woman confer at a desk.","file":{"fid":"262540","name":"IMG_0860.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/29\/IMG_0860.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/29\/IMG_0860.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2840885,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/29\/IMG_0860.jpg?itok=V05EL5XZ"}}},"media_ids":["678496"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/psychology.gatech.edu\/research\/quantitative","title":"Quantitative Psychology at Georgia Tech"},{"url":"https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/stats-helpdesk\/","title":"Stats HelpDesk website"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"443951","name":"School of Psychology"}],"categories":[{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"151","name":"Policy, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"167441","name":"student research"},{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"4402","name":"tutoring"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"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":""}},"686192":{"#nid":"686192","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Built in I2P: The Student Inventions You\u2019ll Want to See to Believe","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECricket powder-based protein brownies. A visualization system for fencing blades. A personalized AI application for analyzing blood work. All I2P Showcase prototypes. See what Georgia Tech students have been developing this semester at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/i2p-showcase-fall-2025-tickets-1748117429289?aff=article\u0022\u003EFall 2025 Idea to Prototype (I2P) Showcase\u003C\/a\u003E on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m. in the Marcus Nanotechnology Building. This year, attendees will have even more\u0026nbsp;original inventions to view, with over 60 teams\u0026nbsp;displaying prototypes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe event marks the culmination of the semester-long I2P course, where undergraduate students develop functional prototypes aimed at solving real-world problems. Prototypes this semester include a smart military drone, a gentler device for cervical cancer screening, a rotating espresso station, tools to keep AI safe, compact data centers, systems that simulate cyberattacks to help companies strengthen their defenses, and many more.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe showcase is free and open to students, faculty, staff, and members of the local community.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWinning teams will receive prizes and a \u201cgolden ticket\u201d into CREATE-X\u2019s Startup Launch, a summer accelerator that provides optional seed funding, accounting and legal service credits, mentorship, and more to help students turn their prototypes into viable startups.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is a free event, and refreshments will be provided.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/i2p-showcase-fall-2025-tickets-1748117429289?aff=article\u0022\u003ERegister for the Fall 2025 I2P Showcase\u003C\/a\u003E today!\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMore than 60 undergraduate teams will present functional prototypes at the Fall 2025 Idea to Prototype (I2P) Showcase at Georgia Tech, Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. in the Marcus Nanotechnology Building. See innovative student creations developed over the semester and designed to solve real-world problems. Winning teams earn prizes and a \u201cgolden ticket\u201d into CREATE-X\u2019s Startup Launch accelerator, which offers funding, in-kind services, mentorship, and more. This is a free event for the campus and local community.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech\u2019s Fall 2025 I2P Showcase will feature over 60 student prototypes tackling real-world challenges."}],"uid":"36436","created_gmt":"2025-11-04 20:30:14","changed_gmt":"2025-11-04 20:45:46","author":"bdurham31","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-04T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-04T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678542":{"id":"678542","type":"image","title":"Founders of Allez Go Adam Kulikowski and Jason Mo","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFounders of Allez Go: Adam Kulikowski and Jason Mo\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762288717","gmt_created":"2025-11-04 20:38:37","changed":"1762288817","gmt_changed":"2025-11-04 20:40:17","alt":"Founders of Allez Go: Adam Kulikowski and Jason Mo","file":{"fid":"262593","name":"54186413447_045f318b99_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/04\/54186413447_045f318b99_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/04\/54186413447_045f318b99_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":13446225,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/04\/54186413447_045f318b99_o.jpg?itok=AFgCbVoS"}}},"media_ids":["678542"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/i2p-showcase-fall-2025-tickets-1748117429289?aff=article","title":"Register for the 2025 Fall I2P Showcase"}],"groups":[{"id":"583966","name":"CREATE-X"},{"id":"655285","name":"GT Commercialization"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"139","name":"Business"},{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"42921","name":"Exhibitions"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"194685","name":"Manufacturing"},{"id":"147","name":"Military Technology"},{"id":"148","name":"Music and Music Technology"},{"id":"149","name":"Nanotechnology and Nanoscience"},{"id":"133","name":"Special Events and Guest Speakers"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192255","name":"go-commercializationnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193658","name":"Commercialization"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"},{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBreanna Durham\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMarketing Strategist\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["breanna.durham@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686132":{"#nid":"686132","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Research Will Move Us Closer to a Passwordless Society","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlthough they are currently essential to online security and privacy, the days of relying on password protection may be numbered, thanks to Assistant Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EFrank Li\u003C\/strong\u003E and his National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award project.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile passwords have security limitations and can be challenging to use, emerging technologies such as Fast IDentity Online 2 (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/security\/business\/security-101\/what-is-fido2\u0022\u003EFIDO2\u003C\/a\u003E) and other passkey authentication methods provide strong security and usability. For example, if you have ever used your smartphone\u2019s facial recognition feature to log in to your bank account instead of typing out the password, you have used a FIDO2 passkey.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUsers and online services, however, have been slow to adopt the new technology despite the benefits. Li\u2019s NSF CAREER Award project addresses this challenge. Along with advancing the technology, Li will also advocate for its use.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe are not assuming that this technology is coming,\u201d said Li. \u201cIt is already here. The challenge is to get people to use this technology.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis up-and-coming technology has been part of Li\u2019s research for some time. His prior work provided a new security analysis of the FIDO2 authentication protocol, which includes passkeys.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELi\u2019s CAREER project will investigate real-world uses of FIDO2\/passkeys and security and usability issues that can arise. A goal of his research is to identify and resolve problems before they become widespread and more difficult to address.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThere\u2019s still a lot to do when it comes to authentication research, and there\u2019s even more to be done with passkeys,\u201d he said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOnline authentication is a core function needed for online security. Making any changes to it will have huge implications. For example, accounts that send spam and phishing attacks are often accounts with compromised passwords. A \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/tonybradley\/2025\/05\/01\/are-we-finally-entering-a-passwordless-era\/\u0022\u003Epasswordless future\u003C\/a\u003E will reduce that threat.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe final component of Li\u2019s CAREER Award is an educational outreach program. The NSF wants researchers to inspire the next generation of scientists as a part of their projects. Li plans to reach out to Atlanta high schools and engage their computer science programs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/funding\/opportunities\/career-faculty-early-career-development-program\u0022\u003ENSF CAREER Awards\u003C\/a\u003E are prestigious federal grants given to early career academic faculty and are widely recognized as a career defining moment. Li\u2019s project will be conducted in the School of Cybersecurity and Privacy as well as the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAlthough they are currently essential to online security and privacy, the days of relying on password protection may be numbered, thanks to Assistant Professor \u003Cstrong\u003EFrank Li\u003C\/strong\u003E and his National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award project.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Although they are currently essential to online security and privacy, the days of relying on password protection may be numbered, thanks to Assistant Professor Frank Li and his National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award project."}],"uid":"36253","created_gmt":"2025-11-03 14:35:58","changed_gmt":"2025-11-03 14:41:22","author":"John Popham","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-11-03T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2025-11-03T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678516":{"id":"678516","type":"image","title":"Frank-Li_86A0205-Enhanced-NR-copy.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAssistant Professor Frank Li standing outside of the Coda Building in Tech Square. \u003Cem\u003EPhotos by Terence Rushin\/College of Computing\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1762180596","gmt_created":"2025-11-03 14:36:36","changed":"1762180596","gmt_changed":"2025-11-03 14:36:36","alt":"A man standing outside in a building breezeway. He is wearing glasses, a blue polo and is smiling.","file":{"fid":"262565","name":"Frank-Li_86A0205-Enhanced-NR-copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/03\/Frank-Li_86A0205-Enhanced-NR-copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/11\/03\/Frank-Li_86A0205-Enhanced-NR-copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1195801,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/11\/03\/Frank-Li_86A0205-Enhanced-NR-copy.jpg?itok=4KqQsNnG"}}},"media_ids":["678516"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660367","name":"School of Cybersecurity and Privacy"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EJohn Popham\u0026nbsp;Communications Officer II | School of Cybersecurity and Privacy\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jpopham3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686104":{"#nid":"686104","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Physics Professor Honored by Southeastern Section of the American Physical Society","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/michael-chapman\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMichael Chapman\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E, has been awarded the 2025 Jesse W. Beams Award from the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/engage.aps.org\/sesaps\/home?_gl=1*zuqde9*_gcl_au*NzY5MDc4Mjk5LjE3NTk4NjA4MjQ.*_ga*MjA4MzQ1NTI3Mi4xNzU5ODYwODI0*_ga_1CCM6YP0WF*czE3NjE2NzAwMDAkbzIkZzEkdDE3NjE2NzAwNjMkajU4JGwwJGgw\u0022\u003ESoutheastern Section of the American Physical Society\u003C\/a\u003E. The award recognizes his significant contributions to the field of physics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cIt is a great honor to receive this recognition, which I share with the students and postdocs who have contributed to our research at Georgia Tech,\u201d says Chapman. \u201cI am also deeply grateful for the Institute\u2019s outstanding research environment. It has been a privilege to advance the frontiers of quantum science and technology together.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe are delighted by this honor for Professor Chapman,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/feryal-%C3%B6zel\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFeryal \u00d6zel\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, chair and professor in the School of Physics. \u201cThe award highlights Mike\u2019s decades-long contributions to atomic physics and the pioneering techniques he has introduced to the field throughout his career. We are especially proud that most of these contributions happened during his time at Georgia Tech.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EChapman is a leading experimental quantum physicist whose research centers on developing and applying novel experimental methods in the areas of ultracold atoms, quantum optics, and quantum information. Before joining Georgia Tech in 1997, Chapman received his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the California Institute of Technology.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EProfessor Michael Chapman has been awarded the 2025 Jesse W. Beams Award in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of physics.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Professor Michael Chapman has been awarded the 2025 Jesse W. Beams Award in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of physics."}],"uid":"36583","created_gmt":"2025-10-31 13:31:31","changed_gmt":"2025-10-31 16:55:31","author":"lvidal7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-31T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-31T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678508":{"id":"678508","type":"image","title":"Professor Michael Chapman received the Jesse W. Beams Research Award on October 24, 2025.","body":null,"created":"1761918177","gmt_created":"2025-10-31 13:42:57","changed":"1761931596","gmt_changed":"2025-10-31 17:26:36","alt":"Professor Michael Chapman received the Jesse W. Beams Research Award on October 24, 2025.","file":{"fid":"262556","name":"Michael-Chapman_Award-Jesse-Beams-2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/31\/Michael-Chapman_Award-Jesse-Beams-2.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/31\/Michael-Chapman_Award-Jesse-Beams-2.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5520496,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/31\/Michael-Chapman_Award-Jesse-Beams-2.jpg?itok=chd6a5QX"}}},"media_ids":["678508"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/chapmanlabs.gatech.edu\/","title":"Michael Chapman\u2019s Research Group"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"}],"categories":[{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"166937","name":"School of Physics"},{"id":"53281","name":"American Physical Society"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWriter: Lindsay C. Vidal\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["lvidal7@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686022":{"#nid":"686022","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Digital Dissection: Anatomage Table Brings Anatomy to Life","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ECenturies ago, some aspiring doctors resorted to grave robbing to study human anatomy. Today, using the recently purchased Anatomage Table, Georgia Tech students can virtually dissect the human body with a swipe of a touchscreen\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;no scalpels, no skeletons, and no midnight raids required.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EA state-of-the-art anatomy and medical education system, the seven-foot-long Anatomage Table features life-size human\u0026nbsp;\u2014 as well as several animal\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;bodies in digital formats,\u0026nbsp;providing accurate representations of three-dimensional anatomy, physiology, and digital pathology.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cCadaver dissection is still the gold standard,\u201d explains Senior Academic Professional and Director of Anatomical Sciences\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/people\/adam-decker\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdam Decker\u003C\/strong\u003E,\u003C\/a\u003E who has taught anatomy and other courses at Georgia Tech since 2010. \u201cBut the Anatomage Table lets students interact with living systems digitally\u0026nbsp;\u2014 and that\u2019s something we couldn\u2019t offer before.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EDecker is a passionate advocate for using the best tools available to prepare students for medical careers. After leading efforts to bring prosections (pre-dissected specimens that students learn from) to Georgia Tech in 2021, he set his sights on acquiring the Anatomage Table.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cProviding the table was the logical next step,\u201d says Decker. \u201cIt\u2019s a way to bridge the tactile experience with dynamic visualization.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Anatomage Table was purchased with College of Sciences Technology Fee funds, designed to enhance students\u0027 experiences using modern instruments and techniques.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s a great resource for our students, especially for those who are interested in pursuing any field of medicine,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EDavid Collard\u003C\/strong\u003E, senior associate dean in the College of Sciences. \u201cIt supports active learning that will enhance students\u0027 applications to medical programs, and gives them experiences with technologies they will encounter in post-graduate professional training.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAnatomy in action\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Series 11 Anatomage Table is housed in the Gilbert Hillhouse Boggs Building and offers a one-to-one display of actual cadavers with five different bodies available for virtual dissection. Students can click on a structure and instantly access detailed information.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s one thing to sit in a classroom and have a professor explain which body parts are which,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EYusuf Abdalla,\u003C\/strong\u003E a second-year biology student with a pre-med focus. \u201cBut being able to independently manipulate the screen to view various parts of the body takes learning to the next level.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe table offers a cleaner environment with less exposure to odors and chemicals than traditional cadaver dissection.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cCadavers don\u2019t come with labels. Using the table enables us to see how the body works as a system rather than just viewing individual parts,\u201d adds\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ERayhan Quraishi\u003C\/strong\u003E, a fourth-year neuroscience major pursuing a career in medicine.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EDecker emphasizes that while the Anatomage Table is a game changer, it doesn\u2019t replace prosections.\u0026nbsp;Students will continue to work with real hearts, lungs, and even full spinal cords, thanks to a partnership with Emory University\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/med.emory.edu\/education\/omesa\/ume\/resources\/body-donor-program.html\u0022\u003EBody Donation Program\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ECombining cadaver dissection with the table enhances the overall learning experience, explains Decker:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWith prosections, they learn how the veins and arteries feel when you cut into them. With the Anatomage Table, students will see what it looks like when the heart beats or the lungs expand. They can virtually follow a drop of blood through the blood vessel, then use the touch screen to see what that same drop of blood would look like under a microscope. You can\u2019t do that with a cadaver.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom anatomy to imaging\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EOne of the table\u2019s most powerful features is its integration of diagnostic imaging. Students can compare anatomical structures side-by-side with CT and MRI scans and overlay images as they simulate physiological processes like heartbeats and brain activity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EDecker is currently designing a new course, Anatomy for Diagnostic Imaging, that will use the table to teach students how to interpret MRI, CT, and ultrasound scans. The Anatomage Table contains built-in datasets of MRIs of the spine, heart, and brain, so students can look at the diagnostic image and the actual structure at the same time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cSome students enter medical school without once taking an anatomy course,\u201d says Decker. \u201cGeorgia Tech students, on the other hand, will already have an introduction to imaging and pathology.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESameeha Lalani\u003C\/strong\u003E, a third-year biology major who works as an EMT praises the clinical features found in the table. \u201cAfter one of my EMT shifts, I went back and recreated what happened to my patient using the table. It really made the clinical experience click, so I could better understand what happened.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExpanding access\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe table will soon be in use in BIOS 3754 (Anatomy Lab), which runs five lab sections each fall. Decker is also exploring ways to integrate the table into live lectures, transmitting demonstrations from the table directly into large lecture halls.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EPlans are currently underway to use the table in the wellness requirement course, APPH 1040 (Scientific Foundations of Health). Students will be able to visualize cardiovascular anatomy and heart disease by rotating the heart, opening chambers, and simulating conditions, such as a stroke or heart attack.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EDecker is eager to collaborate with other departments and make the table a campuswide resource. He sees opportunities in health-related subjects across campus, including biomedical and mechanical engineering, neuroscience, and physiology. Student clubs like the Student Neuroscience Association, Physician Assistant Club, and Pre-Dental Society are also expected to rotate through the lab.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAnatomy is an ancient science, but it\u2019s the foundation of all healthcare. There are going to be many students who benefit from this\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;all across campus,\u201d Decker says. \u201cWe\u2019ve barely scratched the surface of what it can do.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EWhat Can Students Do With the Anatomage Table?\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPerform virtual dissections\u003C\/strong\u003E of life-size, digitized human cadavers with touch-responsive controls.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERotate, label, and isolate anatomical structures\u003C\/strong\u003E to study systems in detail.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECompare anatomy with diagnostic imaging\u003C\/strong\u003E, including CT MRI, and ultrasound scans.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESimulate physiological processes\u003C\/strong\u003E, such as heartbeats, blood flow, and brain activity.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExplore built-in pathologies\u003C\/strong\u003E, including stroke, tumors, and liver disease.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAccess thousands of annotated structures\u003C\/strong\u003E from male, female, geriatric, pregnant, and animal cadavers.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOverlay diagnostic images\u003C\/strong\u003E directly onto anatomical models for side-by-side analysis.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUse real frozen cadaveric slices\u003C\/strong\u003E reconstructed into three-dimensional digital formats.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EConduct pre- and post-lab activities\u003C\/strong\u003E to reinforce learning before and after cadaver dissection.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETake anatomy tests,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eidentifying pinned organs and structures.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s new Anatomage Table blends traditional dissection with digital technology\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u2014\u003Cem\u003E preparing students for the future of medicine.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech\u2019s new Anatomage Table blends traditional dissection with digital technology \u2014 preparing students for the future of medicine."}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2025-10-27 17:44:43","changed_gmt":"2025-10-30 17:02:10","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-27T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-27T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678457":{"id":"678457","type":"image","title":"Adam Decker demonstrates how the Anatomage Table turns traditional dissection into a high-tech learning experience.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAdam Decker demonstrates how the Anatomage Table turns traditional dissection into a high-tech learning experience.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1761587203","gmt_created":"2025-10-27 17:46:43","changed":"1761587203","gmt_changed":"2025-10-27 17:46:43","alt":"Man standing over table embedded with 3-D skeleton.","file":{"fid":"262481","name":"Decker4IMG_0501.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/27\/Decker4IMG_0501.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/27\/Decker4IMG_0501.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1787993,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/27\/Decker4IMG_0501.jpg?itok=bdm2iVtH"}},"678474":{"id":"678474","type":"image","title":"Preparing for careers in medicine, Yoojin Jeong (front left), Sameeha Lalani (back left), Yusuf Abdalla (back left),  and Rayhan Quraishi (front left), dive into digital anatomy.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPreparing for careers in medicine, Yoojin Jeong (front left), Sameeha Lalani (back left), Yusuf Abdalla (back left), \u0026nbsp;and Rayhan Quraishi (front left), dive into digital anatomy.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1761663141","gmt_created":"2025-10-28 14:52:21","changed":"1761843787","gmt_changed":"2025-10-30 17:03:07","alt":"Four students huddle around a lighted table with a virtual human body on it.","file":{"fid":"262502","name":"studentsIMG_0781.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/28\/studentsIMG_0781.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/28\/studentsIMG_0781.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":907716,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/28\/studentsIMG_0781.jpg?itok=CcpbvdmX"}}},"media_ids":["678457","678474"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/hands-anatomy-one-foot-medical-school-one-foot-undergrad","title":"Hands-On Anatomy: \u2018One Foot in Medical School, One Foot in Undergrad\u2019"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1275","name":"School of Biological Sciences"}],"categories":[{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"187864","name":"anatomy class"},{"id":"166882","name":"School of Biological Sciences"},{"id":"177768","name":"Adam Decker"},{"id":"14513","name":"teaching technology"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"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":""}},"685970":{"#nid":"685970","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Preparing for Europa: Deciphering Plasma Flows and Magnetic Fields Near Jupiter\u2019s Icy Moon","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EIn four years, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/europa-clipper\/\u0022\u003EEuropa Clipper mission\u003C\/a\u003E will arrive in Jupiter\u2019s orbit to investigate whether the planet\u2019s icy moon, Europa, could support life. In the interim, researchers like\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/people\/simon-sven\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESven Simon\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a professor in the Schools of\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EEarth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EPhysics\u003C\/a\u003E, are working to uncover critical information to support the rapid analysis of measurements from the mission.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESimon\u2019s research team has been awarded $1.4 million through NASA\u2019s\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nspires.nasaprs.com\/external\/solicitations\/summary!init.do?solId=%7BCA677753-8D6A-CA7B-6E90-14A8676D8C39%7D\u0026amp;path=open\u0022\u003EPrecursor Science Investigations for Europa\u0026nbsp;(PSI-E)\u0026nbsp;program\u003C\/a\u003E. Their project is one of seven selected to provide essential insights that, according to the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/nspires.nasaprs.com\/external\/viewrepositorydocument\/cmdocumentid=1026643\/solicitationId=%7BCA677753-8D6A-CA7B-6E90-14A8676D8C39%7D\/viewSolicitationDocument=1\/PSIE24%20Abstract.pdf\u0022\u003Eprogram announcement\u003C\/a\u003E, \u201cwill maximize the science return during the radiation-limited lifetime of the Europa Clipper.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESimon also serves as the institutional lead co-investigator of a second $1.4 million project, led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, which seeks to decipher how\u0026nbsp;Europa\u0027s atmosphere and ionosphere contribute to the magnetic field near the moon. This project was selected during the same call for proposals.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe research award is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a mission centered on Europa\u2019s complex plasma and electromagnetic environment,\u201d says Simon, referencing the Georgia-Tech led proposal. \u201cOur project combines foundational plasma physics from our School of Physics and geophysical knowledge from our School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences to understand how the magnetic field near Europa is affected by the plasma populating Jupiter\u2019s environment.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe research team includes Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Ph.D. students\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/people\/tello-fallau-ariel-0\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAriel Tello Fallau\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mike-haynes2.github.io\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECharles Michael Haynes\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/neil-baker\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENeil Baker\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a Ph.D. student in the School of Physics, is contributing to the Berkeley-led PSI-E project that also includes Georgia Tech alumnus\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/lukeliuzzo.github.io\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELucas Liuzzo\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (Ph.D. EAS 2018), now an assistant research scientist at the University of California, Berkeley\u2019s Space Sciences Laboratory.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGroundwork for discovery\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EWith a radius of only 1,560 kilometers, Europa is one of Jupiter\u2019s four largest moons, known as the Galilean moons, discovered by Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei in the 1600s.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EMore than two decades ago, data from NASA\u2019s Galileo mission\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Especifically magnetic field measurements collected far above Europa\u2019s surface\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Epointed to the existence of a global subsurface ocean. This ocean, which may contain more liquid water than all of the Earth\u2019s oceans combined, has made Europa a prime candidate in the search for life beyond Planet Earth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cFinding evidence of a saltwater ocean lurking beneath Europa\u2019s surface was a\u0026nbsp;serendipitous discovery during the\u0026nbsp;Galileo mission,\u201d Simon explains. \u201cNASA\u2019s Europa Clipper mission picks up where the Galileo mission left off.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ELaunched in October 2024, the Europa Clipper space probe is expected to reach Jupiter\u2019s orbit in 2030. That gives Simon and his team only a few years to complete their analysis.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cOur research is doing the preparatory work to determine what and where we can measure further magnetic evidence of the ocean beneath Europa\u2019s surface,\u201d says Simon. \u201cWhen the spacecraft arrives, we will find out whether our predictions are correct.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EUsing advanced computer simulations, the team aims to better understand the magnetic fields near Europa. Part of these fields is generated by electric currents in the moon\u2019s saltwater ocean; the other part is created by fast-moving flows of plasma\u0026nbsp;\u2014 ionized matter that fills much of space\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;as it interacts with Europa\u2019s atmosphere and surface.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cOur project focuses on how the magnetic fields from plasma flow patterns compete with the magnetic signal from Europa\u2019s ocean,\u201d says Simon. \u201cWe want to determine which part of the magnetic field near Europa originates from the ocean and which part is a disruptive effect from the plasma.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EDeciphering these magnetic signals will provide essential context for interpreting Europa Clipper\u2019s measurements, helping to not only confirm the ocean\u2019s existence but also reveal details about its structure.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn four years, NASA\u0027s\u0026nbsp;Europa Clipper mission will arrive in Jupiter\u2019s orbit to investigate whether the planet\u2019s icy moon, Europa, could support life. In the interim, Professor Sven Simon is working to uncover critical information to support the rapid analysis of measurements from the mission.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Professor Sven Simon is working to uncover critical information to support the rapid analysis of measurements from NASA\u0027s\u00a0Europa Clipper mission."}],"uid":"36583","created_gmt":"2025-10-23 19:18:47","changed_gmt":"2025-10-29 19:28:07","author":"lvidal7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-27T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-27T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678441":{"id":"678441","type":"image","title":"Illustration of NASA\u0027s Europa Clipper spacecraft with Jupiter and its icy moon Europa in the background (Credit: NASA\/JPL-Caltech)","body":null,"created":"1761247357","gmt_created":"2025-10-23 19:22:37","changed":"1761247357","gmt_changed":"2025-10-23 19:22:37","alt":"Illustration of NASA\u0027s Europa Clipper spacecraft with Jupiter and its icy moon Europa in the background (Credit: NASA\/JPL-Caltech)","file":{"fid":"262464","name":"PIA24321_-NASA_JPL-Caltech.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/23\/PIA24321_-NASA_JPL-Caltech.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/23\/PIA24321_-NASA_JPL-Caltech.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":581206,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/23\/PIA24321_-NASA_JPL-Caltech.jpg?itok=FflHla0I"}},"678440":{"id":"678440","type":"image","title":"Professor Sven Simon","body":null,"created":"1761247357","gmt_created":"2025-10-23 19:22:37","changed":"1761247357","gmt_changed":"2025-10-23 19:22:37","alt":"Professor Sven Simon","file":{"fid":"262463","name":"bild_sven.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/23\/bild_sven.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/23\/bild_sven.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":28791,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/23\/bild_sven.jpg?itok=Kwj0dgua"}}},"media_ids":["678441","678440"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/svensimon.gatech.edu\/","title":"Sven Simon\u2019s Research Group"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"},{"id":"660370","name":"Space"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"166937","name":"School of Physics"},{"id":"192252","name":"cos-planetary"},{"id":"184419","name":"NASA Europa Clipper"},{"id":"81281","name":"Europa"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193657","name":"Space Research Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWriter: Lindsay C. Vidal\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["lvidal7@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686067":{"#nid":"686067","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Leadership at the Georgia Tech Observatory","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe College of Sciences has named\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/paul-sell\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPaul Sell\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003Eas the new director of the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/astronomy.gatech.edu\/Observatory.php\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Observatory\u003C\/a\u003E. Sell joined the Institute in Fall 2025 as a senior academic professional in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/a\u003E. He also serves as advisor of the new\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/astrophysics-major-and-minor-launched-georgia-tech\u0022\u003EB.S. in Astrophysics degree program\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cPaul Sell is a wonderful addition to our College of Sciences community,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/lozier.eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESusan Lozier\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, dean of the College of Sciences, Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair, and professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cHis leadership brings renewed energy to the Georgia Tech Observatory, and I look forward to seeing how he expands its impact across campus and in the broader community.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObserving the cosmos from campus\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Georgia Tech Observatory was established nearly two decades ago at a time when the Institute\u2019s astronomy and astrophysics research and teaching ecosystem was in its infancy.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESchool of Physics Principal Academic Professional Emeritus\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/james-sowell\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJim Sowell\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;created the facility on the roof of the Howey Physics Building in 2007 and served as its director until his retirement in 2024.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe Observatory \u2014 and its numerous variety of telescopes \u2014 makes it possible for Georgia Tech students and Atlanta-area visitors to see with their own eyes some of the best, awe-inspiring celestial delights, including craters on the Moon, Jupiter\u2019s Red Spot, Saturn\u2019s rings, and many other objects,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;Sowell.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Observatory\u2019s primary instrument is a 20-inch diameter telescope by Officina Stellare.\u0026nbsp;Known as the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/holzinger.gatech.edu\/?q=GT-SORT\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s Space Object Research Telescope\u003C\/a\u003E (GT-SORT), this Raven-class space surveillance telescope is used by researchers in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EDaniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E to monitor man-made spacecraft.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWhat\u2019s unique about the Georgia Tech Observatory is that it\u2019s right on campus, offering a meaningful, hands-on experience to everyone,\u201d explains Sell. \u201cIt can be readily integrated into experiential learning projects on campus all year round.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESell\u2019s upper-level astronomy lab, which combines lectures with experiences at the Observatory, highlights the facility\u2019s academic importance.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EYet, the Observatory\u2019s impact extends beyond the classroom, thanks to free community events like \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/astronomy.gatech.edu\/Observatory\/Public_Night_Poster_2025.pdf\u0022\u003EPublic Nights at the Observatory\u003C\/a\u003E,\u201d which offer attendees the opportunity to explore the night sky.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHeld most months, weather permitting, this event features telescopes stationed outside the Howey Physics Building, allowing astronomy enthusiasts from Georgia Tech and beyond to view the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and other cosmic wonders. These gatherings typically draw more than 100 stargazers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESpecialized groups are also hosted at the Observatory. For example, the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/astronomyclub.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Astronomy Club\u003C\/a\u003E uses the facility during its weekly meetings.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe Observatory is a haven where students can step outside for a moment and get lost in the stars,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EAJ Chadha\u003C\/strong\u003E, club president and fourth-year computer science major. \u201cWith one of the largest telescopes in Georgia, the on-campus 20-inch GT-SORT, we weave astronomy directly into student life.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EUnder Sell\u2019s leadership, the Observatory will continue to strengthen partnerships with student organizations, campus units, and community groups.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI\u0027m excited to explore additional ways we can use this resource for outreach and academic purposes that benefit both Georgia Tech and the Atlanta community,\u201d Sell adds.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA passion for astronomy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBefore joining Georgia Tech, Sell served as senior lecturer, astronomy undergraduate coordinator, and interim director of the teaching observatory at the University of Florida.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EHis passion for astronomy began at an early age, sparked by a gift from his parents: an Orion refracting lens telescope.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI remember taking out that telescope, even in freezing cold Ohio winters, simply because the observing conditions were better,\u201d he recalls.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESell nurtured his interest in astronomy through his university studies and extracurricular activities, which included working in planetaria as an undergraduate at the\u0026nbsp;University of Toledo. He later obtained a Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for astronomy, not only with our physics students but with the larger Georgia Tech community \u2014 through classroom lectures, student advising, and Observatory outreach,\u201d Sell says.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe College of Sciences has named\u0026nbsp;Paul Sell\u0026nbsp;as the new director of the\u0026nbsp;Georgia Tech Observatory. Sell joined the Institute in Fall 2025 as a senior academic professional in the\u0026nbsp;School of Physics.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The College of Sciences has named\u00a0Paul Sell\u00a0as the new director of the\u00a0Georgia Tech Observatory. Sell joined the Institute in Fall 2025 as a senior academic professional in the\u00a0School of Physics."}],"uid":"36583","created_gmt":"2025-10-29 14:17:38","changed_gmt":"2025-10-29 19:27:39","author":"lvidal7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-29T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-29T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678491":{"id":"678491","type":"image","title":"Paul Sell of the School of Physics (Photo: Benjamin Zhao\/Georgia Tech)","body":null,"created":"1761747540","gmt_created":"2025-10-29 14:19:00","changed":"1761747540","gmt_changed":"2025-10-29 14:19:00","alt":"Paul Sell of the School of Physics (Photo: Benjamin Zhao\/Georgia Tech)","file":{"fid":"262533","name":"54841894541_ca6b975048_o.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/29\/54841894541_ca6b975048_o.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/29\/54841894541_ca6b975048_o.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":7863443,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/29\/54841894541_ca6b975048_o.jpg?itok=g4X_lyil"}},"678492":{"id":"678492","type":"image","title":"Public Nights at the Georgia Tech Observatory are held most months, weather permitting. (Photo: Rob Felt\/Georgia Tech)","body":null,"created":"1761747604","gmt_created":"2025-10-29 14:20:04","changed":"1761747604","gmt_changed":"2025-10-29 14:20:04","alt":"Public Nights at the Georgia Tech Observatory are held most months, weather permitting. (Photo: Rob Felt\/Georgia Tech)","file":{"fid":"262534","name":"24-R10400-P39-003.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/29\/24-R10400-P39-003.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/29\/24-R10400-P39-003.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":8467335,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/29\/24-R10400-P39-003.jpg?itok=IFfVvscs"}}},"media_ids":["678491","678492"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/astronomy.gatech.edu\/Observatory.php","title":"Georgia Tech Observatory"},{"url":"https:\/\/astronomyclub.gatech.edu\/","title":"Georgia Tech Astronomy Club"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"126011","name":"School of Physics"},{"id":"660370","name":"Space"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"},{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"192252","name":"cos-planetary"},{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"9154","name":"Georgia Tech Observatory"},{"id":"166937","name":"School of Physics"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWriter: Lindsay C. Vidal\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["lvidal7@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"686048":{"#nid":"686048","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Community Spotlight - Ali Sarhadi","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/d7.eas.gatech.edu\/people\/sarhadi-dr-ali\u0022\u003EAli Sarhadi\u003C\/a\u003E and his research team at Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sarhadi.eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EClimate Risk and Extreme Dynamics Lab\u003C\/a\u003E are focused on a growing threat: hurricanes fueled by a warming climate. These storms are no longer behaving like those of the past \u2014 and his research is helping explain why. \u201cPeople often think hurricanes are about wind, but water is by far the deadliest part,\u201d\u0026nbsp;says\u0026nbsp;Sarhadi, assistant professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u201cWhat\u2019s alarming now is how quickly storms intensify and how much flooding they unleash.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile the future frequency of hurricanes remains uncertain, scientists agree on key trends: A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, fueling heavier rainfall. Rising sea levels are amplifying storm surge. Warmer ocean temperatures fuel rapid storm growth. When these factors combine, researchers call this phenomenon hurricane-induced compound flooding.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESarhadi studies\u0026nbsp;this phenomenon. \u201cIn a warming climate, this type of flooding is becoming more frequent and more severe,\u201d he explains. \u201cWith U.S. hurricane damages exceeding $28 billion annually, most loss of life and destruction comes from water, not wind,\u201d says Sarhadi, who joined Georgia Tech in 2024 after postdoctoral work in MIT\u2019s Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELearning From Hurricane Sandy\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBuilding on insights from his postdoctoral work, Sarhadi has developed advanced physics-based and machine learning frameworks to model hurricane hazards such as storm surge and compound flooding and assess their potential economic impacts on coastal infrastructure. His models predict both hazard magnitude and how risk may evolve.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe applied this framework to analyze\u0026nbsp;Hurricane Sandy, which struck New York City in 2012, causing $70 billion in damage. \u201cOur analysis shows that flooding events like Sandy may occur once every 150 years in the current climate,\u201d Sarhadi explains. \u201cBut with warming oceans and shifting storm dynamics, that timeline could shrink to once every 60 years by midcentury and once every 30 years by century\u2019s end.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELeveraging Georgia Tech\u2019s Multidisciplinary Strengths\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESarhadi says that joining Georgia Tech has opened the door to new interdisciplinary collaborations aimed at advancing hurricane forecasting and strengthening the resilience of coastal regions. From seawalls to AI-enhanced power grids and smarter warning systems, he sees real potential to reduce the vulnerability of communities facing increasingly severe storm impacts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019m excited to be here. It\u2019s a vibrant and supportive community,\u201d Sarhadi says. \u201cThe students are incredibly bright and deeply passionate about science.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis research draws on the intersection of\u0026nbsp;engineering, physics-based modeling, and AI, reflecting Georgia Tech\u2019s broad strengths in climate resilience and computational science.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn 2024, Sarhadi received a seed grant to advance his research from the Georgia Tech College of Sciences (COS) Climate Frontiers Symposium, co-funded by COS, the Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems, and the Strategic Energy Institute. \u201cGeorgia Tech is strong in every direction,\u201d he adds. \u201cIt\u2019s a highly collaborative environment where everyone is committed to advancing meaningful solutions.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAn Avid Soccer Player and Foodie\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOutside the lab, Sarhadi enjoys traveling and hiking. A longtime soccer enthusiast who once played semi-professionally, he still joins local pickup games. He also enjoys exploring Atlanta\u2019s diverse food scene. \u201cI really like Persian and Mexican cuisine \u2014 there are so many great restaurants here,\u201d he says.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u2014 writen by Anne Wainscott-Sargent\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Georgia Tech researcher uses physics-based computational modeling to understand and mitigate hurricane risk in the age of climate change."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAli Sarhadi\u0027s research draws on the intersection of\u0026nbsp;engineering, physics-based modeling, and AI, reflecting Georgia Tech\u2019s broad strengths in climate resilience and computational science.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Ali Sarhadi and his research team at GT\u0027s Climate Risk and Extreme Dynamics Lab are focused on a phenomenon called hurricane-induced compound flooding \u2014 hurricanes fueled by a warming climate."}],"uid":"27338","created_gmt":"2025-10-28 15:30:37","changed_gmt":"2025-10-28 20:17:03","author":"Brent Verrill","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-28T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-28T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678480":{"id":"678480","type":"image","title":"Ali_Sarhadi_headshot_adjusted.png","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPortrait of Ali Sarhadi.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1761665449","gmt_created":"2025-10-28 15:30:49","changed":"1761665449","gmt_changed":"2025-10-28 15:30:49","alt":"Portrait of Ali Sarhadi.","file":{"fid":"262518","name":"Ali_Sarhadi_headshot_adjusted.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/28\/Ali_Sarhadi_headshot_adjusted.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/28\/Ali_Sarhadi_headshot_adjusted.png","mime":"image\/png","size":392737,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/28\/Ali_Sarhadi_headshot_adjusted.png?itok=8BDNkR1K"}}},"media_ids":["678480"],"groups":[{"id":"244191","name":"Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems"},{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"}],"categories":[{"id":"154","name":"Environment"}],"keywords":[{"id":"188360","name":"go-bbiss"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:brent.verrill@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EBrent Verrill\u003C\/a\u003E, Research Communications Program Manager, BBISS\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["brent.verrill@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685622":{"#nid":"685622","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Storms Are Changing \u2014 Should the Hurricane Scale Change Too?  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs climate change continues to reshape the intensity and behavior of hurricanes, meteorologists and researchers are examining whether the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, a decades-old classification system, still adequately communicates the full scope of hurricane hazards. While the scale remains a widely recognized tool, experts like \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/people\/handlos-zachary\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EZachary Handlos\u003C\/a\u003E, director of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at Georgia Tech, suggest that a complementary system could enhance public understanding of the broader risks hurricanes pose.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ce.gatech.edu\/news\/hurricane-season-begins-how-georgia-tech-civil-engineer-created-five-categories-we-use-classify\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDeveloped in 1969\u003C\/a\u003E by civil engineer and Georgia Tech alumnus Herbert Saffir, CE 1940, and meteorologist Robert Simpson, the scale classifies hurricanes solely by sustained wind speed, ranging from Category 1 to Category 5. It has long served as the primary tool for describing hurricane intensity in forecasts and media coverage.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cFor anyone that follows hurricane coverage on TV, social media, the internet, or in any other form, the Saffir-Simpson scale is the way that hurricanes are described and classified,\u201d said Handlos.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EToward a More Comprehensive Hazard Framework\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHandlos noted that while the scale is widely recognized, it does not account for other major hazards such as storm surge, inland flooding, tornadoes, and storm size. \u201cMaximum wind speeds are certainly a threat if one is in the path of a hurricane,\u201d he said, \u201cbut several other hazards are also problematic.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA new scale to complement the Saffir-Simpson scale could be beneficial. It would need to have accurate messaging about all aspects of a hurricane event while also continuing to record Saffir-Simpson scale data for comparison to past events.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAny effort to revise or supplement the scale would require broad collaboration across sectors. Handlos emphasized that input from government agencies, emergency managers, academic researchers, and private industry would be essential, and that formal adoption of any new system would likely involve coordination with the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.noaa.gov\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u003C\/a\u003E and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nhc.noaa.gov\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENational Hurricane Center\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe added, \u201cIf there is a way to update this scale or devise a new scale that both accounts for all types of hurricane hazards and is something that is digestible to the general public, this could be helpful in the future.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EForecasting Advances and Communication Challenges\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EClimate change is not currently altering how hurricane strength is measured, but it is changing the conditions in which hurricanes form. Handlos said that with the observed increase in global average temperature over the past several decades, scientists also anticipate sea surface temperature values continuing to rise. This would result in the additional transfer of heat energy from the ocean\u2019s surface to the atmosphere, further fueling hurricanes. It also provides the potential for hurricane development farther poleward in both hemispheres. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe also pointed to changes in atmospheric moisture. As air temperature rises, the atmosphere\u2019s capacity to hold water vapor is expected to increase. One possible consequence of this is that any rainfall associated with hurricanes could be associated with higher rain rates and more total precipitation, which could intensify inland flooding.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdvances in forecasting technology are helping meteorologists improve how hurricane hazards are predicted and communicated. According to Handlos, the integration of traditional numerical weather prediction models with artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, alongside data from radar, satellites, weather balloons, and aircraft, has significantly enhanced the accuracy of hurricane forecasts over the past two decades.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStill, Handlos cautioned that effectively reaching the public remains a persistent challenge. \u201cDespite repeated warnings and widespread messaging, we often hear stories of individuals choosing not to evacuate, because they\u2019ve weathered previous storms without issue,\u201d he said. \u201cIn today\u2019s environment of nonstop social media, constant notifications, and information overload, people can struggle to identify which messages are most important and trustworthy.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Experts revisit the Saffir-Simpson scale in a changing climate"}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs climate change influences hurricane behavior, experts are taking a closer look at how we classify and communicate storm risks, and what that means for forecasting, preparedness, and public understanding.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech expert Zachary Handlos joins a growing conversation about whether the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale adequately reflects the full range of hurricane hazards in a changing climate."}],"uid":"35797","created_gmt":"2025-10-08 19:00:13","changed_gmt":"2025-10-28 18:55:26","author":"Siobhan Rodriguez","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-09T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-09T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678307":{"id":"678307","type":"image","title":"AdobeStock_478449398.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1759950026","gmt_created":"2025-10-08 19:00:26","changed":"1759950026","gmt_changed":"2025-10-08 19:00:26","alt":"Image of a hurricane ","file":{"fid":"262317","name":"AdobeStock_478449398.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/08\/AdobeStock_478449398.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/08\/AdobeStock_478449398.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":12202303,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/08\/AdobeStock_478449398.jpeg?itok=PoFo4GjN"}},"678308":{"id":"678308","type":"image","title":"AdobeStock_287907491.jpeg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Saffir-Simpson scale classifies hurricanes solely by sustained wind speed, ranging from Category 1 to Category 5.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1759950145","gmt_created":"2025-10-08 19:02:25","changed":"1759950145","gmt_changed":"2025-10-08 19:02:25","alt":"Image of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale","file":{"fid":"262318","name":"AdobeStock_287907491.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/08\/AdobeStock_287907491.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/08\/AdobeStock_287907491.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1483004,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/08\/AdobeStock_287907491.jpeg?itok=TVCPO4SV"}}},"media_ids":["678307","678308"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"}],"categories":[{"id":"154","name":"Environment"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194813","name":"Saffir-Simpson scale"},{"id":"194814","name":"hurricane classification"},{"id":"831","name":"climate change"},{"id":"194815","name":"hurricane risk"},{"id":"109","name":"Georgia Tech"},{"id":"184642","name":"Zachary Handlos"},{"id":"181659","name":"Storm Surge"},{"id":"194816","name":"inland flooding"},{"id":"194817","name":"hurricane communication"},{"id":"90271","name":"NOAA"},{"id":"194818","name":"National Hurricane Center"},{"id":"194819","name":"hurricane forecasting"},{"id":"185530","name":"emergency management"},{"id":"194820","name":"weather prediction"},{"id":"194821","name":"AI in meteorology"},{"id":"194822","name":"hurricane hazards"},{"id":"3035","name":"public safety"},{"id":"24971","name":"Disaster Preparedness"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"173581","name":"go-COS"},{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"}],"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\u003ESiobhan Rodriguez\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":["media@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685964":{"#nid":"685964","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Less Is More: Communication as the Quiet Differentiator in Supply Chain Leadership ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EBy Chris Gaffney, Managing Director, Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute | Supply Chain Advisor | Former Executive at Frito-Lay, AJC International, and Coca-Cola\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Moment That Changed How I Listen\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen I chaired the National Product Supply Group at Coca-Cola, one of our most respected board members was Jeff Edwards. Jeff had decades of experience and commanded respect without ever seeking attention. In a four-hour meeting, Jeff might speak two or three times\u2014never more. But when he did, everyone stopped to listen.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWhat made Jeff so impactful wasn\u2019t the number of words he used\u2014it was the care behind them. He listened intently, gathered information, built context, and added value only when his perspective would move the conversation forward. His real skill was not speaking\u2014it was listening with purpose.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThat experience stayed with me, especially because earlier in my own career, I had a very different experience. While working at AJC International, I attended a leadership program at the Center for Creative Leadership. Early in the program, a cohort of about twenty of us sat in a facilitated discussion. What we didn\u2019t know was that we were being filmed.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ELater that day, each of us reviewed our videos one-on-one with an instructor. Watching myself was humbling. I saw a young professional trying too hard to prove himself\u2014talking far too much, jumping in before others, and dominating the conversation. It was uncomfortable to watch, but invaluable. It forced me to face how insecurity can manifest as over-talking and how much more powerful restraint and self-awareness can be. I\u2019ve been on a \u0022less is more\u0022 journey ever since.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Communication Is a Supply Chain Differentiator\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe often talk about supply chain as end-to-end, but that phrase means something deeper than process visibility\u2014it implies constant collaboration. Supply chain professionals must connect with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders across every function.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat means communication is the connective tissue of our profession.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUpstream and downstream, we are translators\u2014interpreting complex data, system logic, and network realities for people who make decisions.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EInside organizations, we act as bridges between technical teams and commercial leaders.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAcross tiers, we negotiate, influence, and build trust with partners who don\u2019t see what we see every day.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven as automation expands, supply chains remain messy, human, and physical. Systems can handle the routine, but edge cases, disruptions, and exceptions still rely on judgment\u2014and judgment relies on communication. The ability to see, listen, and convey context in real time is what keeps operations resilient when variability strikes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn our earlier SCL articles, we wrote that skills that survive AI are the ones that emphasize human discernment\u2014and that critical thinking is about interpreting and questioning rather than accepting data at face value. Communication is where these two intersect. It is how human understanding flows across the supply chain network.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhen Communication Breaks Down\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI once worked with a technically gifted colleague\u2014let\u2019s call him Forrest\u2014who had deep analytical capability but struggled to speak up in group settings. His insights were sharp, but his inability to communicate them left him isolated. Eventually, he left the organization. It was a tough reminder that technical strength without communication is unrealized potential.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn a global supply chain, it\u2019s not enough to know the answer. You have to make others understand why it\u2019s the answer\u2014and what to do with it. Communication is how insight becomes action.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Many Dimensions of Communication\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe tend to equate communication with speaking, but it\u2019s much broader. Great communicators master four dimensions:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESpeaking \u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 Conveying information clearly, concisely, and confidently.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWriting \u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 Capturing ideas and decisions in a way that travels across teams and time zones.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EListening \u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 Absorbing context before contributing, and letting others be heard.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObserving \u003C\/strong\u003E\u2013 Seeing what others miss and using that insight to guide action.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ol\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe fourth one\u2014observing\u2014is often overlooked.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERecently, while reading with my granddaughter, she picked out a children\u2019s book titled \u003Cem\u003EBud Finds Her Gift\u003C\/em\u003E. It\u2019s about discovering one\u0027s special ability, and Bud\u0027s gift turned out to be observation\u2014simply noticing things others missed. Watching her read that story reminded me how powerful observation really is.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI thought of my former colleague, Tim Harville, with whom I worked at Coregistics. Tim often walked the warehouse with new supervisors, teaching them to \u0022see the operation\u0022\u2014to notice what looks good, what\u0027s out of place, and where waste or opportunity hides in plain sight. His goal wasn\u0027t to test them\u2014it was to train their eyes. Observation, in that sense, is a key communication skill. You can\u0027t describe, explain, or improve what you haven\u0027t first seen clearly.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECan Communication Be Taught? Absolutely.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI\u2019ve seen it done.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt Frito-Lay, we invested in communication training for new managers\u2014everything from eliminating filler words to using purposeful body language and structuring messages with intent. At Coca-Cola, Toastmasters chapters gave leaders a safe space to practice public speaking, storytelling, and feedback.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd beyond formal training, there\u0027s practice in the everyday moments\u2014taking notes in meetings, volunteering to summarize a discussion, representing a project team, or offering to speak at a class or event. Every repetition builds comfort and clarity.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMy own Center for Creative Leadership experience was the beginning of that practice for me. Decades later, I still catch myself needing to slow down, listen, and wait for the right moment. The lesson never stops.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPainting the Picture: When It Works and When It\u2019s Missing\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen communication works, credibility follows. Jeff Edwards didn\u2019t have to compete for airtime; his credibility made his words count. When it\u0027s missing, even talented people like Forrest can struggle to influence or grow.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBoth extremes teach the same lesson: communication isn\u0027t about more or less\u2014it\u0027s about meaning. It\u0027s knowing when to speak, what to say, and how to connect it to the needs of others.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPractical Ways to Build Communication Strength\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EListen to learn\u003C\/strong\u003E. Take notes, paraphrase what you\u0027ve heard, and confirm understanding\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETranslate technical into practical\u003C\/strong\u003E. Explain what data means for the business, not just what it shows.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EObserve before you act\u003C\/strong\u003E. Practice \u0022seeing\u0022 your operation or process with fresh eyes.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESimplify your writing\u003C\/strong\u003E. Clarity beats cleverness every time.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESeek feedback\u003C\/strong\u003E. Ask trusted peers to tell you how your communication lands.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPrepare with intent\u003C\/strong\u003E. Know your audience, outcome, and key message before you speak.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReflection Questions\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhere in my current role does communication make or break outcomes?\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhen was the last time I adjusted how I communicate to fit my audience?\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDo I listen more than I speak\u2014and what might I learn if I did?\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EHow can I model communication that builds understanding rather than winning airtime?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EClosing Thought\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETechnical skills and analytics may earn you a seat at the table, but communication determines whether your ideas move the organization forward.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn a world of AI, automation, and constant change, the ability to listen, observe, and translate context into action remains our most human\u2014and most valuable\u2014differentiator.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EEffective communication is a critical differentiator in supply chain leadership, blending listening, observation, and clear messaging to transform insights into action. This skill is essential for collaboration across complex networks and remains invaluable despite advances in automation and AI.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Effective communication is a critical differentiator in supply chain leadership, blending listening, observation, and clear messaging to transform insights into action."}],"uid":"27233","created_gmt":"2025-10-23 18:11:00","changed_gmt":"2025-10-27 18:44:58","author":"Andy Haleblian","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-27T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-27T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678459":{"id":"678459","type":"image","title":"Less Is More: Communication as the Quiet Differentiator in Supply Chain Leadership","body":null,"created":"1761589655","gmt_created":"2025-10-27 18:27:35","changed":"1761590469","gmt_changed":"2025-10-27 18:41:09","alt":"A female supply chain leader attentively listening to a conversation between members of her team on a warehouse floor","file":{"fid":"262487","name":"SplyChainLeaderInWarehouseWithTeam_1536x1024px.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/27\/SplyChainLeaderInWarehouseWithTeam_1536x1024px.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/27\/SplyChainLeaderInWarehouseWithTeam_1536x1024px.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":243077,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/27\/SplyChainLeaderInWarehouseWithTeam_1536x1024px.jpg?itok=b99zp-ot"}},"674087":{"id":"674087","type":"image","title":"Chris Gaffney","body":"\u003Cp\u003EChris Gaffney\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1717067903","gmt_created":"2024-05-30 11:18:23","changed":"1771883375","gmt_changed":"2026-02-23 21:49:35","alt":"Chris Gaffney, Managing Director, Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute","file":{"fid":"257557","name":"chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":129544,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/05\/30\/chris-gaffney_scl.jpg?itok=_M0fOBTF"}}},"media_ids":["678459","674087"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/news-events\/newsletters","title":"View past SCL newsletters and join our mailing list"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.scl.gatech.edu\/","title":"Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute"}],"groups":[{"id":"1250","name":"Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems (CHHS)"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"},{"id":"1243","name":"The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL)"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"2556","name":"artificial intelligence"},{"id":"194489","name":"scl-spot"},{"id":"167074","name":"Supply Chain"},{"id":"186857","name":"go-gtmi"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":["info@scl.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685973":{"#nid":"685973","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Peatlands\u2019 \u2018Huge Reservoir\u2019 of Carbon at Risk of Release","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis story by Caitlin Hayes is shared jointly with the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.cornell.edu\/stories\/2025\/10\/peatlands-huge-reservoir-carbon-risk-release\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECornell Chronicle newsroom\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EStudy co-author Joel E. Kostka is the Tom and Marie Patton Distinguished Professor and associate chair for Research in the\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E with a joint appointment in the\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E. He also serves as faculty director of\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/new-center-science-georgias-tomorrow\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Tech for Georgia\u0027s Tomorrow\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/kostkalab\/peatlands-and-climate-change\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Kostka Lab\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u0026nbsp;works in peatland ecosystems to quantify changes in microbial communities brought on by climate change drivers. In particular, next generation gene sequencing and omics approaches are employed to investigate the microbial groups that mediate organic matter degradation and the release of greenhouse gases.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPeatlands make up just 3% of the earth\u2019s land surface but store more than 30% of the world\u2019s soil carbon, preserving organic matter and sequestering its carbon for tens of thousands of years. A new study sounds the alarm that an extreme drought event could quadruple peatland carbon loss in a warming climate.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn the study, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/science.adv7104\u0022\u003Epublished October 23 in \u003Cem\u003EScience\u003C\/em\u003E,\u003C\/a\u003E researchers find that, under conditions that mimic a future climate (with warmer temperatures and elevated carbon dioxide), extreme drought dramatically increases the release of carbon in peatlands by nearly three times. This means that droughts in future climate conditions could turn a valuable carbon sink into a carbon source, erasing between 90 and 250 years of carbon stores in a matter of months.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cAs temperatures increase, drought events become more frequent and severe,\u0026nbsp; making peatlands more vulnerable than before,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cals.cornell.edu\/people\/yiqi-luo\u0022\u003EYiqi Luo\u003C\/a\u003E, senior author and the Liberty Hyde Bailey Professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science\u2019s Soil and Crop Sciences Section, in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cornell.edu\/\u0022\u003ECornell University\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cWe add new evidence to show that with peatlands, the stakes are high. We observed that these extreme drought events can wipe out hundreds of years of accumulated carbon, so this has a huge implication.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTo me, this study is striking in that it shows that around 10 to 100 years of carbon uptake by one of the most important global soil carbon stores can be erased by just two months of extreme drought,\u201d adds \u003Cstrong\u003EJoel Kostka\u003C\/strong\u003E, Tom and Marie Patton Distinguished Professor in Biological Sciences at Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt was already well-established that drought reduces ecosystem productivity and increases carbon release in peatlands, but this study is the first to examine how that carbon loss is exacerbated as the planet warms and more carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates extreme drought will become 1.7 to 7.2 times more likely in the near future.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ERead the full story in the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.cornell.edu\/stories\/2025\/10\/peatlands-huge-reservoir-carbon-risk-release\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECornell newsroom\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E###\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOther co-authors\u003C\/strong\u003E include Cornell postdoctoral researchers Jian Zhou and Ning Wei; senior research associate Lifen Jiang; and researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology, Florida State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), ETH Zurich, Northern Arizona University, the Australian National University, the University of Western Ontario and Duke University.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFunding\u003C\/strong\u003E for the study came in part from the National Science Foundation, USDA, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EPeatlands make up just 3% of the earth\u2019s land surface but store more than 30% of the world\u2019s soil carbon, preserving organic matter and sequestering its carbon for tens of thousands of years. A new study sounds the alarm that an extreme drought event could quadruple peatland carbon loss in a warming climate.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers analyzed data from 10, yurt-like test chambers in a natural boreal spruce bog in northern Minnesota."}],"uid":"34528","created_gmt":"2025-10-24 14:03:13","changed_gmt":"2025-10-24 14:05:18","author":"jhunt7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-23T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-23T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678444":{"id":"678444","type":"image","title":"Yurt-like test chambers in a natural boreal spruce bog in northern Minnesota (provided).","body":null,"created":"1761314632","gmt_created":"2025-10-24 14:03:52","changed":"1761314632","gmt_changed":"2025-10-24 14:03:52","alt":"Yurt-like test chambers in a natural boreal spruce bog in northern Minnesota (provided).","file":{"fid":"262467","name":"1023_peatlands1.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/24\/1023_peatlands1.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/24\/1023_peatlands1.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":374455,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/24\/1023_peatlands1.jpg?itok=9kQxCKho"}}},"media_ids":["678444"],"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"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"}],"categories":[{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"}],"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":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMedia contacts:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:jess@cos.gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJess Hunt-Ralston\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDirector of Communications\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003Cbr\u003EGeorgia Tech\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:kms465@cornell.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKaitlyn Serrao\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EMedia Relations\u003Cbr\u003ECornell University\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:natalia.burgess@anu.edu.au\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENatalia Burgess\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EMedia Assistant\u003Cbr\u003EANU Communications and Engagement\u003Cbr\u003EThe Australian National University\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jess@cos.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685920":{"#nid":"685920","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Microsoft Removing Support for Windows 10 Could Increase E-Waste, Cybersecurity Threats","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen Microsoft announced it was\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows\/windows-10-support-has-ended-on-october-14-2025-2ca8b313-1946-43d3-b55c-2b95b107f281\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E ending support for Windows 10 last week\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, about 40 percent of all Windows users faced limited options.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile some of those users can upgrade to Windows 11, hundreds of millions of devices don\u2019t meet the technical requirements.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThose users might be wondering what else they can do besides throwing away their current device and buying a new one or risking running outdated software on it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe tech conglomerate faced backlash from environmental and cybersecurity experts after informing Windows users that it would cease providing updates for Windows 10.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese experts have warned that rendering hundreds of millions of devices practically useless will worsen the ever-growing problem with electronic waste (e-waste) and leave users who can\u0027t upgrade vulnerable to cybersecurity threats.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearchers from Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Interactive Computing (SIC) and School of Cybersecurity and Privacy (SCP) echo those concerns.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EForcing users to replace their devices means that\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.itpro.com\/software\/windows\/windows-10-end-of-life-could-prompt-torrent-of-e-waste-as-240-million-devices-set-for-scrapheap\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eup to 240 million old devices, according to one analysis\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, will inevitably end up in landfills.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe problem of e-waste raises the question of why and how these technologies become obsolete,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/lincindy.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECindy Lin\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, a Stephen Fleming Early Career Assistant Professor in SIC.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELin studies data structures and environmental governance in Southeast Asia and the U.S.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cScholarship in human-computer interaction (HCI) on repair reveals that many of these technologies suffer from planned obsolescence,\u201d she said. \u201cThis means that companies have designed products with a short lifespan, increasing consumption and waste simultaneously.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen e-waste is dumped in landfills, the organic materials within devices decompose, producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. And with every discarded device comes the need to produce new ones. The raw materials of these devices are mined, refined, and processed, consuming enormous amounts of energy through the burning of fossil fuels.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Problem With Hackers\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThough Microsoft said it will continue to provide Windows 10 security updates for one year, users are still being pressured to upgrade. By this time next year, if users still haven\u2019t upgraded to Windows 11, they can expect to become easy targets for cyber criminals.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, users could receive phishing emails claiming to be from Microsoft about security updates from hackers pretending to be Microsoft.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe cybersecurity implications are very serious because new vulnerabilities of Windows 10 will go unpatched for a large part of the user base of this system,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cc.gatech.edu\/people\/mustaque-ahamad\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMustaque Ahamad\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Regents\u2019 Entrepreneur Professor and interim chair of SCP.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThese users will become targets of hackers and cyber criminals who will be able to exploit these vulnerabilities. This will make these machines more prone to attacks such as ransomware and data exfiltration.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat Can Users Do?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBuying a new device typically costs around $300 at the low end, while some gaming computers can exceed $2,500.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/josiahhester.com\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJosiah Hester\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, an associate professor in the School of IC who researches computing and sustainability, said users who want to avoid discarding their devices can install Linux Mint, a free universal operating system.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI would hope that instead of discarding, people might see this as an opportunity to go into a more open ecosystem like Linux Mint, which was designed for Windows users,\u201d Hester said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSo much perfectly good hardware is obsolesced by force, when users are more than willing to give it a second life, either through ending support on the software side, subscription services that require certain versions of an OS, or even building the hardware or low-level functions that reduce the autonomy of device owners.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELinux Mint is open source and offers its own suite of software products, including a word processor. It also has a built-in security system. It requires 2GB of RAM, 20GB of disk space, and 1024x768 resolution to operate.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn a systemic level, Lin and Hester said people can support organizations that advocate for right to repair and legislation that protects consumers from planned obsolescence.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cHCI studies of informal economies of improvisation and repair have demonstrated that technologies have a longer lifecycle if we have access to expertise on how to repair them without facing penalties such as copyright violations,\u201d Lin said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe ongoing right-to-repair movement in the US shows promise in making technology repairable and, in turn, more sustainable.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EMicrosoft\u0027s decision to end support for Windows 10 will leave hundreds of millions of devices unable to meet the requirements for upgrading to Windows 11. Experts in Georgia Tech\u0027s College of Computing warn this policy will heavily contribute to the e-waste crisis and expose users to cybersecurity threats from unpatched vulnerabilities.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Microsoft\u0027s decision to end support for Windows 10 could lead to a massive increase in e-waste and expose users who can\u0027t upgrade to greater cybersecurity threats"}],"uid":"36530","created_gmt":"2025-10-22 16:16:36","changed_gmt":"2025-10-22 18:24:13","author":"Nathan Deen","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-22T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-22T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678421":{"id":"678421","type":"image","title":"ChatGPT-Image-Oct-21--2025--02_44_30-PM.png","body":null,"created":"1761149813","gmt_created":"2025-10-22 16:16:53","changed":"1761149813","gmt_changed":"2025-10-22 16:16:53","alt":"Windows device with a landfill in background","file":{"fid":"262444","name":"ChatGPT-Image-Oct-21--2025--02_44_30-PM.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/22\/ChatGPT-Image-Oct-21--2025--02_44_30-PM.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/22\/ChatGPT-Image-Oct-21--2025--02_44_30-PM.png","mime":"image\/png","size":830520,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/22\/ChatGPT-Image-Oct-21--2025--02_44_30-PM.png?itok=etchtugo"}}},"media_ids":["678421"],"groups":[{"id":"47223","name":"College of Computing"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"50876","name":"School of Interactive Computing"}],"categories":[{"id":"153","name":"Computer Science\/Information Technology and Security"}],"keywords":[{"id":"335","name":"Microsoft"},{"id":"173448","name":"windows10"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"9153","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"114261","name":"landfill"},{"id":"10647","name":"e-waste"},{"id":"1404","name":"Cybersecurity"},{"id":"181815","name":"Hackers"},{"id":"8111","name":"phishing"},{"id":"831","name":"climate change"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"145171","name":"Cybersecurity"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"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: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":""}},"685578":{"#nid":"685578","#data":{"type":"news","title":"ChBE Professor Leads Team Awarded $9.2M NSF Grant to Build \u201cPlug-and-Play\u201d Biotechnology","body":[{"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\u003Cp\u003EImagine if building new medicines or sustainable materials were as straightforward as snapping together LEGO\u00ae bricks. That\u2019s the goal of a new project led by the Georgia Institute of Technology that could help transform the future of biomanufacturing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe project, headed by Professor Mark Styczynski in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE@GT), recently received a $9.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) to accelerate the adoption of cell-free systems in biomanufacturing.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPromising Technology\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBiotechnology has largely relied on living cells for production of products such as medicines, fragrances, or renewable fuels. But working with living cells can be complex and expensive.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECell-free systems, by contrast, strip biology down to its essential parts, the enzymes and molecules that carry out life\u2019s chemical reactions. This can simplify and speed up biomanufacturing, making it easier to scale.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe challenge, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/styczynski\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStyczynski\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E explained, is that most cell-free projects still require custom-built setups. \u201cRight now, engineering biology is like reinventing the wheel for every application,\u201d he said. \u201cYou have to figure out how all the parts fit together each time. We want to change that by making ready-to-use modules that work right out of the box.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStyczynski\u2019s project, called Meta-PURE (PUrified Recombinant Elements), will create eight standardized modules, each designed for a key function in cell-free systems, such as generating energy, producing proteins, or assembling complex molecules.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cLike interchangeable puzzle pieces, these modules can be mixed and matched to support different applications,\u201d Styczynski said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDemonstrating Uses\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis team will demonstrate the system\u2019s versatility by producing santalene (a plant-derived fragrance used widely in consumer products), GamS protein (a tool that can improve cell-free processes), and a bacteriophage (a virus that can be safely used in research and the development of new therapeutic treatments).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese examples highlight the technology\u2019s potential across industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and agriculture to chemicals and sustainable materials.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe want to make these tools so that someone in industry can create their molecule or product more quickly and efficiently, and get it out the door,\u201d Styczynski said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cRight now, cell-free systems are mostly limited to high-value products because the cost is too high. The goal is to drive costs down and productivity up, so we can move closer to commodity chemicals like biofuels or monomers for polymers, not just niche applications. One of our partners recently developed a butanol process that shows where this can go,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENSF Initiative\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStyczynski\u2019s team is one of four recently awarded an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/tip\/updates\/nsf-invests-more-32m-biotechnology-accelerating-adoption?utm_medium=email\u0026amp;utm_source=govdelivery\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Einaugural investment of $32.4 million\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to help grow the U.S. bioeconomy. The initiative is called the NSF Advancing Cell-Free Systems Toward Increased Range of Use-Inspired Applications (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/funding\/opportunities\/cfire-ideas-lab-advancing-cell-free-systems-toward-increased-range\/506275\/nsf24-552\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENSF CFIRE\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cNSF is resolute in our commitment to advancing breakthroughs in biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and other key technologies of significance to the U.S. economy,\u201d said Erwin Gianchandani, assistant director for NSF TIP. \u201cThe novel approaches from these four CFIRE teams will speed up and expand the adoption of cell-free systems across a variety of industries and ensure America\u2019s competitive position in the global bioeconomy.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollaborative Effort\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile ChBE@GT is the lead, Meta-PURE is a broad collaboration with partners across academia, industry, and government. Co-principal investigators include Paul Opgenorth, co-founder and vice president of development at the biotech firm eXoZymes; Nicholas R. Sandoval, associate professor of Tulane University\u2019s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; and Anton Jackson-Smith, founder of the biotech startup b.next.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeta-PURE will also train graduate students and postdocs in partnership with industry, government, and other universities, helping prepare trainees to be the future of a highly interdisciplinary U.S. bioeconomy. The team will also engage the scientific community on the implementation of metrics and standards in cell-free biotechnology to better facilitate broad adoption and interoperability of not just the results of the Meta-PURE project, but of cell-free efforts more broadly.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\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\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EImagine if building new medicines or sustainable materials were as straightforward as snapping together LEGO\u00ae bricks. That\u2019s the goal of a new project led by the Georgia Institute of Technology that could help transform the future of biomanufacturing. The project, headed by Professor Mark Styczynski in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE@GT), recently received a $9.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) to accelerate the adoption of cell-free systems in biomanufacturing.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Researchers received a $9.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to accelerate the adoption of cell-free systems in biomanufacturing."}],"uid":"27271","created_gmt":"2025-10-07 18:46:50","changed_gmt":"2025-10-22 15:06:17","author":"Brad Dixon","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-07T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-07T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678296":{"id":"678296","type":"image","title":"Mark-Styczynski-Alexandra-Patterson-Protein-Biosensor-0279-h.jpg","body":null,"created":"1759862848","gmt_created":"2025-10-07 18:47:28","changed":"1759862848","gmt_changed":"2025-10-07 18:47:28","alt":"Mark Styczynski in lab","file":{"fid":"262305","name":"Mark-Styczynski-Alexandra-Patterson-Protein-Biosensor-0279-h.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/07\/Mark-Styczynski-Alexandra-Patterson-Protein-Biosensor-0279-h.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/07\/Mark-Styczynski-Alexandra-Patterson-Protein-Biosensor-0279-h.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":612548,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/07\/Mark-Styczynski-Alexandra-Patterson-Protein-Biosensor-0279-h.jpg?itok=-U_D2zfs"}}},"media_ids":["678296"],"groups":[{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1280","name":"Strategic Energy Institute"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"141","name":"Chemistry and Chemical Engineering"},{"id":"194685","name":"Manufacturing"}],"keywords":[{"id":"14854","name":"biomanufacturing"},{"id":"194811","name":"cell-free systems"},{"id":"1503","name":"Biotechnology"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"39461","name":"Manufacturing, Trade, and Logistics"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBrad Dixon, \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:braddixon@gatech.edu. \u0022\u003Ebraddixon@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["braddixon@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685709":{"#nid":"685709","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Mapping Evolution: James Stroud Named 2025 Packard Fellow","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/stroudlab\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJames Stroud\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E has been named a\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.packard.org\/approach\/fellowships-for-science-engineering\/\u0022\u003E2025 Packard Fellow\u003C\/a\u003E for his pioneering research in evolutionary biology. Stroud, Elizabeth Smithgall-Watts Early Career Assistant Professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Biological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E, will receive $875,000 over five years to fund his work on \u201cLizard Island\u201d in South Florida. His goal? To create evolution\u2019s first high-definition map \u2014 with the help of 1,000 backpack-wearing lizards.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAwarded annually to just 20 individuals by the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.packard.org\/\u0022\u003EDavid and Lucile Packard Foundation\u003C\/a\u003E, Packard Fellowships for Science and Engineering support researchers pursuing cutting-edge research and ambitious goals. \u201cThese visionary Packard Fellows are pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and their bold ideas will become tomorrow\u2019s real-world solutions,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ENancy Lindborg\u003C\/strong\u003E, president and CEO of the Packard Foundation \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.packard.org\/2025fellows\u0022\u003Ein a recent press release\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe flexible funding allows researchers to maximize their creativity and ingenuity. Stroud will spend the next five years transforming Lizard Island into the world\u2019s premier evolutionary observatory, merging groundbreaking technology with long-term field research.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EOn Lizard Island, that means equipping every lizard with an ultra-lightweight sensor \u201cbackpack.\u201d Although the sensors weigh just six-hundredths of a gram each \u2014 the same as two grains of rice \u2014 when combined with innovations in mapping technology, they will help Stroud investigate the role that behavior plays in driving evolution in the wild.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI\u2019m incredibly honored to be named a 2025 Packard Fellow,\u201d says Stroud. \u201cThis support allows me to pursue a question that has fascinated evolutionary biologists for centuries: how does behavior shape evolution? It\u2019s a transformative opportunity, and I\u2019m deeply grateful to the Packard Foundation for believing in the potential of this work.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETiny sensors, big questions\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBegun in 2015, Stroud\u2019s work on Lizard Island is one of the longest-running evolutionary studies of its kind: for the last 10 years, he has carefully caught and released every lizard on the island, measuring evolution through documenting their body characteristics, habitat use, and survival.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThrough his studies, he has captured\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/when-two-lizards-meet-first-time-scientists-witness-evolution-action\u0022\u003Eevolution in action\u003C\/a\u003E, but monitoring and measuring behavior in evolutionary studies has historically been an extremely difficult and elusive task. The problem? While smaller animals tend to have higher population densities and reproduce more quickly (making them ideal candidates for evolutionary field studies), it has been difficult to find durable and long-lasting sensors small enough for these animals to carry.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis has been a missing link because behavior is a critical component of evolution,\u201d Stroud says. \u201cBehavior can both expose individuals to \u2014 or shield them from \u2014 natural selection. For example, an animal with a less favorable trait, like bad eyesight, could change its behavior to avoid situations where it is disadvantaged.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThese decisions can ultimately determine whether they survive and reproduce in the wild, directly influencing the outcome of natural selection. However, until now, we just haven\u2019t had the technology to measure these types of extremely intricate behaviors across many individuals before.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMapping the future\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EStroud won\u2019t just know exactly where each lizard is \u2014 he\u2019ll also create a detailed three-dimensional map of the entire island using remote sensing technology called LiDAR, updating it each year. \u201cBy shooting millions of laser beams, we can create a highly detailed three-dimensional map of Lizard Island, capturing the shape of every branch, rock, and blade of grass on the island,\u201d he explains. \u201cWhen connected to our lizard backpacks, we\u2019ll know the exact microhabitats and resources available to each lizard as they move through this environment.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EStroud will also deploy hundreds of microclimate sensors to understand how species are reacting to changes in temperature and climate. The result will be the world\u2019s first comprehensive database: a record of minute lizard movements, the resources each individual uses, daily interactions, and changes in the environment spanning seasons and years.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cFor evolutionary scientists, it has been seemingly impossible to track the moment-by-moment decisions of individual organisms\u2026 until now,\u201d he says.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cToday, it\u2019s possible to study what Darwin could only dream of \u2014 evolution occurring in real time,\u201d Stroud adds. \u201cBehavior is a critical component of evolution, understanding evolution is critical to understanding life on Earth, and understanding life on Earth is more important than ever.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe award will support Stroud as he creates evolution\u2019s first high-definition map \u2014 with the help of 1,000 backpack-wearing lizards.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The award will support Stroud as he creates evolution\u2019s first high-definition map \u2014 with the help of 1,000 backpack-wearing lizards."}],"uid":"35599","created_gmt":"2025-10-14 15:33:34","changed_gmt":"2025-10-22 00:44:10","author":"sperrin6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-15T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-15T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678350":{"id":"678350","type":"image","title":"A lizard wearing one of the sensors, which weigh just three-hundredths of a gram each \u2014 the same as a two grains of rice. (Credit: Jon Suh)","body":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EA lizard wearing one of the sensors, which weigh just three-hundredths of a gram each \u2014 the same as a two grains of rice. (Credit: Jon Suh)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1760456026","gmt_created":"2025-10-14 15:33:46","changed":"1760546990","gmt_changed":"2025-10-15 16:49:50","alt":"A lizard wearing one of the sensors, which weigh just three-hundredths of a gram each \u2014 the same as a two grains of rice. (Credit: Jon Suh)","file":{"fid":"262368","name":"AB4A1966.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/14\/AB4A1966.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/14\/AB4A1966.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2677038,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/14\/AB4A1966.jpg?itok=AFpraiZV"}},"678351":{"id":"678351","type":"image","title":"Stroud will spend the next five years transforming Lizard Island into the world\u2019s premier evolutionary observatory (Credit: Jon Suh)","body":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EStroud will spend the next five years transforming Lizard Island into the world\u2019s premier evolutionary observatory (Credit: Jon Suh)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1760456026","gmt_created":"2025-10-14 15:33:46","changed":"1760547098","gmt_changed":"2025-10-15 16:51:38","alt":"Stroud will spend the next five years transforming Lizard Island into the world\u2019s premier evolutionary observatory (Credit: Jon Suh)","file":{"fid":"262369","name":"AB4A2042.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/14\/AB4A2042.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/14\/AB4A2042.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":9084848,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/14\/AB4A2042.jpg?itok=xnivhidD"}},"678098":{"id":"678098","type":"image","title":"James Stroud examines a lizard in the field. (Credit: Day\u2019s Edge Productions)","body":"\u003Cp\u003EJames Stroud examines a lizard in the field. (Credit: Day\u2019s Edge Productions)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1758636184","gmt_created":"2025-09-23 14:03:04","changed":"1760547417","gmt_changed":"2025-10-15 16:56:57","alt":"James Stroud examines a lizard in the field. (Credit: Day\u2019s Edge Productions)","file":{"fid":"262081","name":"brighter_StroudResearchMiami_003_DaysEdgeProds.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/23\/brighter_StroudResearchMiami_003_DaysEdgeProds.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/09\/23\/brighter_StroudResearchMiami_003_DaysEdgeProds.png","mime":"image\/png","size":2817190,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/09\/23\/brighter_StroudResearchMiami_003_DaysEdgeProds.png?itok=8uLh4VRQ"}}},"media_ids":["678350","678351","678098"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.packard.org\/2025fellows","title":"The David and Lucile Packard Foundation Announces the 2025 Class of Packard Fellows for Science and Engineering"},{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/3-legged-lizards-can-thrive-against-all-odds-challenging-assumptions-about-how-evolution-works-in-the-wild-262467","title":"3-legged lizards can thrive against all odds, challenging assumptions about how evolution works in the wild"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/when-two-lizards-meet-first-time-scientists-witness-evolution-action","title":"When Two Lizards Meet for the First Time, Scientists Witness Evolution in Action"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/natures-time-machine-how-long-term-studies-unlock-evolutions-secrets","title":"Nature\u0027s Time Machine: How Long-Term Studies Unlock Evolution\u0027s Secrets"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/james-stroud-receives-maxwellhanrahan-award-field-biology","title":"James Stroud Receives Maxwell\/Hanrahan Award in Field Biology"}],"groups":[{"id":"1292","name":"Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB)"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"146","name":"Life Sciences and Biology"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"},{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"194631","name":"cos-georgia"},{"id":"192254","name":"cos-climate"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193653","name":"Georgia Tech Research Institute"}],"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\u003EWritten by \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto: sperrin6@gatech.edu\u0022\u003ESelena Langner\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685773":{"#nid":"685773","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Flying Taxis Are Nearly Here \u2014 What\u2019s Still Grounding Them","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA new wave of aviation innovation is taking shape above our cities, where short flights in electric air taxis could complement cars and trains as part of everyday transportation. Known as\u0026nbsp;advanced air mobility (AAM), this emerging industry aims to connect communities more efficiently while reducing emissions and noise.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore these futuristic aircraft can take off, Georgia Tech researchers say there\u2019s serious work to do \u2014 in the air, on the ground, and in policy.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Now? The Technology Is Catching Up\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe same battery and automation technologies we\u2019re using in electric ground vehicles are now being scaled for aircraft,\u201d said\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ce.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/laurie-garrow\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELaurie Garrow\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and co-director of Georgia Tech\u2019s Center for Urban and Regional Air Mobility. \u201cWe\u2019re also seeing improvements in distributed propulsion and composite materials that make these aircraft lighter, quieter, and more efficient.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGarrow cautions that widespread commercial service is years away. \u201cWe may see high-profile demonstrations soon, maybe even at global events like the Olympics, but aviation certification is a rigorous process. It takes time to earn public trust.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESafety, Regulation, and Public Acceptance\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe promise of AAM depends on more than aircraft design \u2014 it also requires new safety frameworks and public confidence.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe\u2019ll need to define what I call \u2018roads in the sky\u2019 \u2014 safe corridors where these aircraft can operate alongside traditional air traffic,\u201d Garrow said. \u201cAnd we\u2019ll need to ensure certification standards, air traffic control, and pilot training evolve alongside technology.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnderstanding how these vehicles interact with complex urban environments is essential to safe operation.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/marilyn-j-smith\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMarilyn Smith\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, David Sloan Lews Professor in the School of Aerospace Engineering and director of the Vertical Lift Research Center of Excellence, leads research on modeling and simulation to prepare aircraft for real-world conditions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHer lab is developing real-time simulations that factor in turbulence, wind shear, and other transient effects. \u201cThese predictions are not trivial,\u201d Smith said. \u201cWe need fast, physics-based models that can run in near-real time to inform both design and regulation. There are significant and abrupt variations in the atmosphere that must be accounted for, both for passenger vehicles and smaller delivery drones.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESmith\u2019s team is also integrating artificial intelligence to improve speed and accuracy in certification \u2014 but always under expert oversight. \u201cAI can accelerate our work,\u201d she said. \u201cWithout the knowledge of domain experts, machine learning can generate misleading results, and that\u2019s unacceptable when safety is on the line.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInfrastructure, Airspace, and the Urban Puzzle\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEven the most advanced aircraft cannot operate without new infrastructure on the ground and in the sky.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVertiports are needed to allow aircraft to take off and land vertically. Also required are \u201ccharging systems and robust fire safety protocols for high-energy batteries,\u201d Garrow said. \u201cAnd perhaps most critically, we need \u2018rules of the road in the sky\u2019 to manage air traffic around existing airports.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAtlanta could offer a unique advantage. \u201cThe runways at Hartsfield-Jackson run east to west, while most of the metro population centers are north and south,\u201d Garrow noted. \u201cThat natural separation could make it easier to integrate vertical takeoff and landing operations.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.scheller.gatech.edu\/directory\/faculty\/oettl\/index.html\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlex Oettl\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, professor in the Scheller College of Business, cautions that AAM\u2019s benefits could concentrate in major hubs without inclusive planning. \u201cImproved connectivity will raise productivity in \u2018superstar cities,\u2019 but we\u2019ll need new strategies if we want to ensure smaller communities aren\u2019t left behind,\u201d he said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChina\u2019s Head Start and What It Means for the U.S.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOettl notes that China has surged ahead in AAM thanks to coordinated government action, flexible regulations, and significant infrastructure investment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn contrast, the U.S. and Europe face more stringent certification requirements,\u201d Oettl said. \u201cThat slows deployment but ideally ensures stronger safety standards. It\u2019s a tradeoff between innovation speed and risk management.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECities and companies that move first into AAM could shape standards and attract investment \u2014 but they also shoulder more risk. \u201cThere\u2019s a danger of technological lock-in or stranded assets if early systems don\u2019t scale or demand falls short,\u201d Oettl said. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen parallels before, like the scooter boom that left cities with thousands of idle vehicles.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELooking Ahead: The Urban Sky\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor now, AAM remains on the horizon \u2014 visible but not yet within reach. Coordinated efforts between government, industry, and academia will determine how quickly it moves from prototype to daily reality.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cGeorgia has been proactive in attracting aviation manufacturing,\u201d Garrow said. \u201cCoupled with our state\u2019s infrastructure and Georgia Tech\u2019s research ecosystem, we\u2019re well positioned to lead.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe added, \u201cIn aviation, we like to say we crawl, we walk, we run. These technologies are coming, but safely integrating them into our skies will take time, teamwork, and trust.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA new wave of aviation innovation is taking off as advanced air mobility (AAM) , electric air taxis and short-range aircraft, promises to revolutionize urban transportation with faster, cleaner, and quieter travel. Researchers at Georgia Tech are at the forefront, developing the safety, infrastructure, and policy frameworks needed to make AAM a reality. Advances in battery technology, automation, and lightweight materials are driving progress, but certification and public trust remain key hurdles. Experts like Laurie Garrow, Marilyn Smith, and Alex Oettl emphasize collaboration across government, industry, and academia to ensure equitable access and safe integration into U.S. airspace. With its robust research ecosystem and aviation industry, Georgia is poised to become a national leader in sustainable air mobility.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"As global competitors pull ahead, Georgia Tech experts urge focus on safety and infrastructure for advanced air mobility. "}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2025-10-17 12:45:50","changed_gmt":"2025-10-21 19:37:05","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-17T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-17T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678376":{"id":"678376","type":"image","title":"Air Taxi","body":null,"created":"1760706174","gmt_created":"2025-10-17 13:02:54","changed":"1760706626","gmt_changed":"2025-10-17 13:10:26","alt":"AI image of air taxis in futuristic setting","file":{"fid":"262394","name":"AdobeStock_1255716250.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/17\/AdobeStock_1255716250.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/17\/AdobeStock_1255716250.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3334360,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/17\/AdobeStock_1255716250.jpeg?itok=FvD00L-e"}}},"media_ids":["678376"],"related_links":[{"url":"entity:node\/685137","title":"Georgia Tech Opens New Aircraft Prototyping Laboratory"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"142","name":"City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth"}],"keywords":[{"id":"179801","name":"urban air mobility"},{"id":"194827","name":"advanced air mobility"},{"id":"194828","name":"flying taxis"},{"id":"194774","name":"air taxis"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"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":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:aisles3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESenior Media Relations Representative\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685712":{"#nid":"685712","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Low Frequency Radio Lab Trio Go to Alaska for Atmospheric Research","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EHome to some of the best geophysical research facilities in the country, Alaska is a premier destination for scientific exploration. It\u2019s become a popular destination for Georgia Tech students and researchers, especially those in Professor \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/directory\/morris-b-cohen\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMorris Cohen\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/lf.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELow Frequency Radio Lab\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E (ECE) Ph.D. students Gus Richter, Malhar Tamhane, and Felipe Sandoval are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/news\/2024\/02\/ece-phd-candidate-returning-alaska-continue-transformative-atmospheric-research\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ethe latest to make the trip to the \u201cLast Frontier\u201d\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E as they work to push the boundaries of atmospheric research. The trio participated in the 2025 Polar Aeronomy and Radio Science (PARS) summer school program\u0026nbsp;held in August at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/10\/low-frequency-radio-lab-trio-go-alaska-atmospheric-research\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERead the full story on the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u0027s website.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPh.D. students Gus Richter, Malhar Tamhane, and Felipe Sandoval took part in the Polar Aeronomy and Radio Science program, taking advantage of the unique geography and equipment to work on their Ph.D. research.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Ph.D. students Gus Richter, Malhar Tamhane, and Felipe Sandoval took part in the Polar Aeronomy and Radio Science program, taking advantage of the unique geography and equipment to work on their Ph.D. research."}],"uid":"36558","created_gmt":"2025-10-14 17:00:32","changed_gmt":"2025-10-21 11:43:16","author":"zwiniecki3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-14T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-14T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678353":{"id":"678353","type":"image","title":"IMG_6404.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1760461409","gmt_created":"2025-10-14 17:03:29","changed":"1760461409","gmt_changed":"2025-10-14 17:03:29","alt":"HAARP in Alaska","file":{"fid":"262371","name":"IMG_6404.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/14\/IMG_6404.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/14\/IMG_6404.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":5907323,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/14\/IMG_6404.jpeg?itok=76NybpGp"}}},"media_ids":["678353"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/10\/low-frequency-radio-lab-trio-go-alaska-atmospheric-research","title":"Read the Full Story"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660370","name":"Space"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"8862","name":"Student Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193657","name":"Space Research Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EZachary Winiecki\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["zwiniecki3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685843":{"#nid":"685843","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Renato Monteiro Named 2025 John von Neumann Theory Prize Recipient","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/users\/renato-monteiro\u0022\u003ERenato Monteiro\u003C\/a\u003E, the Coca-Cola Chair and Professor in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isye.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EH. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE)\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech, has been awarded the \u003Cstrong\u003E2025\u0026nbsp;John von Neumann Theory Prize\u003C\/strong\u003E, one of the highest honors in the fields of operations research and management sciences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMonteiro has been a leading figure in continuous optimization for decades, recognized for combining deep theoretical advances with practical algorithm design that has shaped modern optimization. His pioneering work includes foundational contributions to interior-point methods, the influential\u0026nbsp;Monteiro\u2013Zhang framework for semidefinite programming, and the\u0026nbsp;Burer\u2013Monteiro method, which made it possible to tackle massive optimization problems across areas such as machine learning, data science, and engineering.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe John von Neumann Theory Prize, awarded annually by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.informs.org\/Recognizing-Excellence\/INFORMS-Prizes\/John-von-Neumann-Theory-Prize\u0022\u003EINFORMS,\u003C\/a\u003E honors a scholar (or scholars in the case of joint work) whose body of research represents fundamental, sustained contributions to theory. Prize criteria include significance, innovation, depth, and scientific excellence, with emphasis on work that has stood the test of time. Named for the legendary mathematician\u0026nbsp;John von Neumann, the prize commemorates his extraordinary contributions to mathematics, computing, and applied science. Von Neumann\u2019s work on the stored program concept and the IAS computer laid the foundation for modern computing architecture. He also played a pivotal role in advancing computational methods for solving some of the most complex scientific and engineering challenges of his time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cDr. Monteiro\u2019s work exemplifies the spirit of the John von Neumann Theory Prize,\u201d INFORMS noted in its announcement. \u201cHis contributions combine mathematical depth with wide-reaching impact, influencing generations of researchers and practitioners.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMonteiro will receive the award, which includes a $5,000 honorarium, a medallion, and a citation, during the\u0026nbsp;INFORMS Annual Meeting award ceremony in Atlanta on Sunday, October 26, 2025.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERenato Monteiro, the Coca-Cola Chair and Professor in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) at Georgia Tech, has been awarded the 2025\u0026nbsp;John von Neumann Theory Prize, one of the highest honors in the fields of operations research and management sciences.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Named for the legendary mathematician\u00a0John von Neumann, the prize commemorates his extraordinary contributions to mathematics, computing, and applied science."}],"uid":"36736","created_gmt":"2025-10-20 15:11:57","changed_gmt":"2025-10-20 17:42:29","author":"ebrown386","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-20T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-20T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678387":{"id":"678387","type":"image","title":"Renato Monteiro","body":null,"created":"1760973124","gmt_created":"2025-10-20 15:12:04","changed":"1760973124","gmt_changed":"2025-10-20 15:12:04","alt":"Renato Monteiro","file":{"fid":"262407","name":"Floating-Faculty-Headshots.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/20\/Floating-Faculty-Headshots.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/20\/Floating-Faculty-Headshots.png","mime":"image\/png","size":413330,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/20\/Floating-Faculty-Headshots.png?itok=TMlpd0GX"}}},"media_ids":["678387"],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"180027","name":". ISyE"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EErin Brown, Communications Manager II\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685781":{"#nid":"685781","#data":{"type":"news","title":"EAS Faculty Named to Endowed Positions","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe College of Sciences has named four faculty members \u2014 Isaiah Bolden, Jennifer Glass, Alex Robel, and Yuanzhi Tang \u2014 from the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E (EAS) to newly endowed positions. The awards recognize their leadership in climate, sustainability, and environmental sciences.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThese endowments are allowing stellar early and mid-career faculty to amplify their educational and research activities,\u201d says EAS Chair\u003Cstrong\u003E Jean Lynch-Stieglitz.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u201cWe are grateful to reward their achievements and ensure they can continue to contribute at a high level to the ongoing growth of Georgia Tech\u2019s new Environmental Science B.S. program and the School\u2019s research profile in climate and sustainability.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJean \u201cChris\u201d Purvis Early Career Award: Isaiah Bolden\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EEAS Assistant Professor\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/people\/bolden-isaiah\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EIsaiah Bolden\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u2019s research focuses on\u0026nbsp;providing foundational data needed for climate and sustainability science in vulnerable coastal environments.\u0026nbsp;He and his team in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/co3gt\/\u0022\u003EChemical Oceanography \u2013 Observations and Outreach Lab\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;study chemical fingerprints preserved in coastal waters, corals, and shells to provide early warning indicators and mitigation strategies to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI am most excited by the award\u2019s ability to provide the flexible, sustained support necessary to bridge the gap between academic discovery and community impact,\u201d he says. \u201cWith this endowment, I can pursue high-risk, high-reward research questions and\u003Cem\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003Ededicate resources to long-term, community-based projects. It directly empowers my drive to put science to work as a tool for environmental policymaking and cultural preservation.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBolden plans to direct the funds to support marine science curricula for coastal Georgia middle and high school students, paid undergraduate internships, specialized sample analyses, and travel logistics.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENew research:\u003C\/strong\u003E Bolden\u2019s\u0026nbsp;group is actively\u0026nbsp;pioneering the use of coastal Georgia oyster shells as\u0026nbsp;novel natural archives of environmental change.\u0026nbsp;Similar to tropical corals, the oyster shells provide high-resolution data on local water quality, pollution, and climate shifts. This work is intended to dovetail with Bolden\u2019s coastal community-based partnerships, including the\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003ELadies and Lads in Lab Coats\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;program, which provides students with STEM exposure and enables them to collect and analyze data that documents their region\u2019s environmental history.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJean \u201cChris\u201d Purvis Professorship: Jennifer Glass\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEAS \u003C\/strong\u003EProfessor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/people\/glass-jennifer\u0022\u003EJennifer Glass\u003C\/a\u003E drives new research at the intersection of environmental microbiology and climate science.\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.jenniferglass.com\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;The Glass Lab\u003C\/a\u003E investigates microorganisms that produce and consume greenhouse gases \u2014 focusing on the chemical-level mechanisms behind how these gases are created and destroyed \u2014 with the ultimate aim of harnessing biological processes to address some of the urgent environmental challenges facing humanity. One major focus of her research is the vast reserves of methane hydrate found beneath the continental margin seafloor, representing the largest natural gas resource on Earth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI\u2019m incredibly thankful to the donor and the Institute,\u201d says Glass, who is also the\u0026nbsp;EAS associate chair for Undergraduate Affairs.\u0026nbsp;\u201cThis support arrives at a critical time for environmental science and allows me to pursue new opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe\u0026nbsp;plans to use the funds to attend key conferences, build new collaborations, and support student engagement in upcoming initiatives.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENew research\u003C\/strong\u003E: The Glass Lab is exploring environmentally friendly ways to extract and recycle rare earth elements \u2014 critical minerals used in batteries and electric vehicles. By studying marine microbes, which are less understood than their soil counterparts, the team aims to develop green biotechnology alternatives to current mining practices.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJean \u201cChris\u201d Purvis Early Career Award: Alex Robel\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EEAS Associate Professor and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/rising-tide\u0022\u003ERising Tide\u003C\/a\u003E Director\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/people\/robel-alexander\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlex Robel\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;combines physics, applied mathematics, and ocean sciences to understand how climate changes are impacting Earth\u2019s largest ice sheets and glaciers. His research lab, the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iceclimate.eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGT Ice and Climate Group\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;focuses on developing computational models of ice sheet melt to\u0026nbsp;predict future sea level rise. In partnership with coastal communities, they leverage those predictions to help make city streets more resilient to flooding.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThis award helps me pursue more opportunities to engage closely with community partners, using climate information to make concrete improvements in their infrastructure,\u201d explains Robel.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESpecific plans for the funds include\u0026nbsp;enhancing pilot projects in coastal resilience, including the Community Hubs for Optimizing Resilience (CHORUS) initiative. Using building-scale flood models, CHORUS will help communities select potential infrastructure interventions to mitigate future flooding that threatens valued community assets.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENew research\u003C\/strong\u003E:\u0026nbsp;Robel is launching a project to use machine learning methods to improve the representation of small-scale processes in ice sheet computational models. These methods will help his group blend an understanding of how ice flows and fractures, based on basic physical principles, with real-world measurements of crevasse formation on ice sheets.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Power Professorship: Yuanzhi Tang\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EEAS Professor\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/people\/tang-yuanzhi\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EYuanzhi Tang\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is the founding director of the\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sites.gatech.edu\/cems\/\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;Center for Critical Mineral Solutions\u003C\/a\u003E and associate director, Strategic Partnerships and Engagement for the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/sustainability\u0022\u003EBrook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems\u003C\/a\u003E. Her research integrates geochemistry, environmental engineering, and sustainability science to advance a circular economy for critical minerals, from resource discovery and recovery to recycling and reuse.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/tang.eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EThe Tang Research Group\u003C\/a\u003E investigates the fundamental chemical, geological, and biological processes that control the transformation and mobility of critical elements across natural and engineered environments. Her work directly informs the development of low-impact extraction technologies and sustainable supply chains essential for clean energy transition.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe Georgia Power Professorship provides support for building partnerships across academia and industry partners to accelerate innovation in critical minerals,\u201d says Tang. \u201cIt enables us to link fundamental geochemical and geological science with real-world applications that strengthen both energy security and environmental stewardship.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETang plans to use the funds to expand student participation and interdisciplinary collaborations with academic and industry partners \u2014 positioning Georgia and the broader Southeast as a leader in sustainable mineral innovation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENew research:\u003C\/strong\u003E Tang\u2019s research team is developing sustainable methods for the extraction and separation of critical minerals from alternative and waste resources. By coupling molecular-scale characterization with rational engineering design, her team aims to transform waste byproducts into valuable sources of critical elements while minimizing environmental impacts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout the Purvis Endowment\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Jean \u201cChris\u201d Purvis Endowed Awards are supported by the generosity of the late J. Chris Purvis, M.D. (Applied Biology 1969), a psychiatrist and neurologist who specialized in juvenile and adolescent behavioral psychiatry.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbout the Georgia Power Professorship\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Georgia Power Professorship was established through the generosity of Georgia Power, which funds several endowed professorships at Georgia Tech to support faculty in fields like energy, science, sustainability, and engineering.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECongratulations to Isaiah Bolden, Jennifer Glass, Alex Robel, and Yuanzhi Tang on their new endowed faculty professorships.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Congratulations to Isaiah Bolden, Jennifer Glass, Alex Robel, and Yuanzhi Tang on their new endowed faculty professorships."}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2025-10-17 15:07:37","changed_gmt":"2025-10-20 14:49:37","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-17T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-17T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678380":{"id":"678380","type":"image","title":"Isaiah Bolden","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIsaiah Bolden\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1760713677","gmt_created":"2025-10-17 15:07:57","changed":"1760713677","gmt_changed":"2025-10-17 15:07:57","alt":"Smiling man sitting outside","file":{"fid":"262400","name":"BoldenDSC_4281.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/17\/BoldenDSC_4281.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/17\/BoldenDSC_4281.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3529425,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/17\/BoldenDSC_4281.jpeg?itok=VPu18m4a"}},"678381":{"id":"678381","type":"image","title":"Jennifer Glass","body":"\u003Cp\u003EJennifer Glass\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1760713760","gmt_created":"2025-10-17 15:09:20","changed":"1760713760","gmt_changed":"2025-10-17 15:09:20","alt":"Smiling woman","file":{"fid":"262401","name":"Glass_headshot.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/17\/Glass_headshot.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/17\/Glass_headshot.png","mime":"image\/png","size":2379440,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/17\/Glass_headshot.png?itok=Ic6b4vnF"}},"678382":{"id":"678382","type":"image","title":"Alex Robel","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAlex Robel\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1760714254","gmt_created":"2025-10-17 15:17:34","changed":"1760714254","gmt_changed":"2025-10-17 15:17:34","alt":"Smiling man","file":{"fid":"262402","name":"Robel_Headshot2024.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/17\/Robel_Headshot2024.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/17\/Robel_Headshot2024.png","mime":"image\/png","size":8019146,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/17\/Robel_Headshot2024.png?itok=N9P6s20N"}},"678383":{"id":"678383","type":"image","title":"Yuanzhi Tang","body":"\u003Cp\u003EYuanzhi Tang\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1760715340","gmt_created":"2025-10-17 15:35:40","changed":"1760715340","gmt_changed":"2025-10-17 15:35:40","alt":"Smiling woman","file":{"fid":"262403","name":"Tang.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/17\/Tang.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/17\/Tang.png","mime":"image\/png","size":895476,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/17\/Tang.png?itok=q2FLoLcO"}}},"media_ids":["678380","678381","678382","678383"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/feature\/fixing-flooding","title":"Fixing Flooding for the Southeast\u2019s Future"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/georgia-tech-offers-new-astrobiology-minor","title":"Georgia Tech Offers New Astrobiology Minor"},{"url":"https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/how-us-can-mine-its-own-critical-minerals-without-digging-new-holes","title":"How the US Can Mine Its Own Critical Minerals \u2014 Without Digging New Holes"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_KFaEis5WqQ","title":"A Day in the Life: Isaiah Bolden, Georgia Tech Oceanographer"}],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"364801","name":"School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)"}],"categories":[{"id":"194607","name":"Batteries"},{"id":"144","name":"Energy"},{"id":"154","name":"Environment"},{"id":"150","name":"Physics and Physical Sciences"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"192249","name":"cos-community"},{"id":"192254","name":"cos-climate"},{"id":"192250","name":"cos-microbial"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39531","name":"Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure"},{"id":"194566","name":"Sustainable Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELaura S. Smith, writer\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["laura.smith@cos.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685798":{"#nid":"685798","#data":{"type":"news","title":"This Eighth Grader Is Shaping the Future of Wearable Robotics","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ECase Neel, 13, is a busy kid who loves coding and robotics, captains his school\u2019s quiz bowl team, and lives with his family on a farm northwest of Atlanta.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHe also has cerebral palsy \u2014 and for the past four years, he has played a key role in improving one of the most exciting medical devices at Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMy role here is as a participant in exoskeleton research studies,\u201d Case explained. \u201cWhen I come in, researchers hook me up to sensors that monitor my gait when I\u2019m walking in the device, and then they get a whole lot of data based off that.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/node\/44098\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERead more \u00bb\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"How a middle schooler with cerebral palsy became a vital contributor to Georgia Tech\u2019s cutting-edge robotic exoskeleton research \u2014 offering data, feedback, and a passion for innovation."}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EHow a middle schooler with cerebral palsy became a vital contributor to Georgia Tech\u2019s cutting-edge robotic exoskeleton research \u2014 offering data, feedback, and a passion for innovation.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Like many people with cerebral palsy, Case walks with impaired knee movement. Georgia Tech\u2019s pediatric knee exoskeleton is designed to help children and adolescents walk with increased stability and mobility. Case\u2019s data enables the researchers to analyze"}],"uid":"27255","created_gmt":"2025-10-17 19:17:01","changed_gmt":"2025-10-17 19:19:56","author":"Josie Giles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678385":{"id":"678385","type":"image","title":"26-R10410-P29-006_EDITED.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003EKinsey Herrin, principal research scientist in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, leads exoskeleton and prosthetic studies and fosters meaningful connections with the participant community.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1760728650","gmt_created":"2025-10-17 19:17:30","changed":"1760728650","gmt_changed":"2025-10-17 19:17:30","alt":"Person wearing a floral-patterned shirt interacting with a group of people indoors; one individual is dressed in a bright yellow button-up shirt.","file":{"fid":"262405","name":"26-R10410-P29-006_EDITED.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/17\/26-R10410-P29-006_EDITED.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/17\/26-R10410-P29-006_EDITED.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":9249881,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/17\/26-R10410-P29-006_EDITED.jpg?itok=xAcj4WUS"}}},"media_ids":["678385"],"groups":[{"id":"66220","name":"Neuro"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"152","name":"Robotics"}],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193656","name":"Neuro Next Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685734":{"#nid":"685734","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Cancer Atlas Offers a Roadmap to Detecting Tumors Earlier Than Ever","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2023\/09\/50m-cancer-moonshot-grant-will-build-atlas-earlier-cancer-detection\u0022\u003EWhen a Georgia Tech-led project received a contract award\u003C\/a\u003E from the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arpa-h.gov\/\u0022\u003EAdvanced Research Projects Agency for Health\u003C\/a\u003E (ARPA-H), it was for a bold idea with aggressive metrics. And it wasn\u2019t guaranteed money. The team, led by biomedical engineer \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bme.gatech.edu\/bme\/faculty\/Gabe-A.-Kwong\u0022\u003EGabe Kwong\u003C\/a\u003E, had to deliver on its vision. Doing so could transform cancer screening and care, leading to one-size-fits-all tests that detect multiple cancers before they\u2019re visible on CT or PET scans.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s a big goal, but that\u2019s the point of ARPA-H. The agency funds staggeringly difficult healthcare innovation ideas that require major investment to succeed.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETwo years into the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/arpa-h.gov\/explore-funding\/awardees#:~:text=Cancer%20and%20Organ-,Degradome,-Atlas%20to%20Unlock\u0022\u003E$49.5 million project\u003C\/a\u003E, Kwong and the team from Georgia Tech, Columbia University, and Mount Sinai Health System has crossed a critical threshold.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThey\u2019ve built the first tool able to measure enzyme activity around cancer tumors and healthy cells. And they\u2019ve deployed it to understand the unique signatures for tumors from 14 different kinds of cancer.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat data is powering the first version of a cancer \u201catlas.\u201d Like a geographical atlas, it will offer directions to each kind of tumor, allowing scientists to design sensors that follow the map and detect cancer tumors when they\u2019re still small.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIf I want to deliver a sensor to a particular region inside the body, right now, there\u0027s no way of directing it. We give it systemically, and it basically infuses all tissues all the time,\u201d said Kwong, Robert A. Milton Professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering. \u201cWhat\u0027s powerful is that we\u2019re now defining tissue sites with a specific molecular \u2018barcode.\u2019 Then if a sensor is given systemically, it should only turn on when the barcode matches the local tissue.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/coe.gatech.edu\/news\/2025\/10\/cancer-atlas-offers-roadmap-detecting-tumors-earlier-ever\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERead more about the project on the College of Engineering website.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETwo years into a $49.5 million cancer-mapping project, researchers are opening the door to new kinds of tests that could alert doctors to multiple kinds of cancer when they\u2019re most treatable.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Two years into a $49.5 million cancer-mapping project, researchers are opening the door to new kinds of tests that could alert doctors to multiple kinds of cancer when they\u2019re most treatable."}],"uid":"27446","created_gmt":"2025-10-16 13:48:30","changed_gmt":"2025-10-16 17:52:17","author":"Joshua Stewart","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-16T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-16T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678362":{"id":"678362","type":"image","title":"Kwong-ARPA-H-roadmap-illustration-t.jpg","body":"\u003Cp\u003E(Illustration: Sarah Collins)\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1760622526","gmt_created":"2025-10-16 13:48:46","changed":"1760622526","gmt_changed":"2025-10-16 13:48:46","alt":"Illustration of cancer cells along a road with location markers next to each cell to represent the cancer \u0022atlas\u0022 Gabe Kwong and his collaborators are building.","file":{"fid":"262380","name":"Kwong-ARPA-H-roadmap-illustration-t.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/16\/Kwong-ARPA-H-roadmap-illustration-t.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/16\/Kwong-ARPA-H-roadmap-illustration-t.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":453049,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/16\/Kwong-ARPA-H-roadmap-illustration-t.jpg?itok=lNQ0pgUe"}}},"media_ids":["678362"],"groups":[{"id":"660369","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"138","name":"Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics"},{"id":"140","name":"Cancer Research"},{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"108041","name":"Gabe Kwong"},{"id":"193109","name":"arpa-h"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"},{"id":"187423","name":"go-bio"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39441","name":"Bioengineering and Bioscience"},{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"}],"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:jstewart@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EJoshua Stewart\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ECollege of Engineering\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["jstewart@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}},"685736":{"#nid":"685736","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Researchers More Accurately Estimate Economic Impacts of Climate Change","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EPoorer countries tend to grow faster than richer ones. But this tendency, called convergence, is often overlooked when forecasting the economic impacts of climate change.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.eneco.2025.108705\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022(opens in a new window)\u0022\u003EA new study\u003C\/a\u003E from Georgia Tech\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022(opens in a new window)\u0022\u003EJimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy\u003C\/a\u003E finds that incorporating convergence into empirical (data and observation-based) climate models drastically reduces estimated global income loss and inequality from climate change by 2100.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cVery few, if any, explicitly include this convergence effect,\u201d said \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/spp.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/tony-harding\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022(opens in a new window)\u0022\u003EAnthony Harding,\u003C\/a\u003E an assistant professor in the Carter School and author on the paper. \u201cBut it makes a huge difference.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMain Findings\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe study was published in \u003Cem\u003EEnergy Economics\u003C\/em\u003E by Harding and co-authors Juan Moreno-Cruz, Martin Quaas, Wilfried Rickels, and Sjak Smulders.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe researchers find that empirical models ignoring convergence can calculate average global income losses of up to 19% by the end of the century in one study, while allowing for convergence reduces these losses to around 8.5%.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally, including convergence spreads the damage more evenly across all countries, resulting in more moderate estimated increases in global income inequality \u2014 around 8% by 2100 rather than the up to 118% increase that another empirical model suggested. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFinally, accounting for convergence also predicts economic impacts from climate change that are more in line with what we expect: the more temperatures increase, the more economic damage is done. Without convergence, empirical models can predict exponential benefits for \u201cwinning\u201d countries (such as large northern nations like Canada and Russia) that eventually outpace the losses to losing countries (which can only go to zero), causing it to look like climate change has a net economic benefit in the long run (it doesn\u2019t). \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis model consistently pushes countries back together in a way, so you don\u2019t get that counterintuitive result,\u201d Harding said. \u201cIncluding convergence moderates the effects of climate change relative to models without convergence, but they are still large and require immediate action to address.\u201d\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy Isn\u2019t Convergence Always Accounted For?\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EConvergence is an economic theory, while empirical models are based on observable past data.\u202fThis data is the only way we can forecast future trends, such as the economic impacts of climate change, but using the data alone is not enough. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWhen we use data to estimate a historical relationship between temperature and economic growth, we find evidence of convergence, but it doesn\u2019t directly affect that estimated climate-economy relationship\u201d Harding explained. \u201cSo, if you\u2019re building a model about what predicts the relationship between temperature and economic growth, you wouldn\u2019t think to include convergence because it doesn\u2019t show up as meaningful in that backward-looking model.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, it matters when projecting the effects of climate change in the future because convergence changes the persistence of climate change impacts. When temperatures increase, economic growth slows. But when growth slows, convergence offsets that, increasing growth and recovering some of those economic losses. Without convergence, those economic losses are never recovered.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen Harding and his colleagues incorporate convergence into the empirical model, they obtain results that are much closer to those from the more widely used theory-based integrated assessment models, thus calibrating the empirical model and pinpointing the discrepancy between the two.\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPolicy Impacts\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHarding and his team are working on a second paper using this model to calculate the value of carbon sequestration. Right now, there are many different ways to predict the economic costs and benefits of capturing and storing carbon out of the air. The results range from a negative economic benefit up to a thousand dollars per ton of carbon, Harding said, which is a \u201cmassive, massive spread.\u201d \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut having an accurate number is critical for policymakers determining the economic value of conservation efforts like forest protection and reforestation efforts, which naturally sequester carbon. As organizations and governments choose and build these models, Harding\u2019s work shows how important considering convergence is.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u201cDistribution of climate damages in convergence-consistent growth projections\u201d was published in \u003C\/em\u003EEnergy Economics.\u003Cem\u003E It is available at \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.eneco.2025.108705\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022(opens in a new window)\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.eneco.2025.108705\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EA new study from Georgia Tech\u2019s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy finds that incorporating convergence into empirical (data and observation-based) climate models drastically reduces estimated global income loss and inequality from climate change by 2100.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A new study from Georgia Tech\u2019s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy finds that incorporating convergence into empirical climate models drastically reduces estimated global income loss and inequality from climate change by 2100. "}],"uid":"35766","created_gmt":"2025-10-16 14:20:01","changed_gmt":"2025-10-16 14:22:10","author":"dminardi3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-16T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-16T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678363":{"id":"678363","type":"image","title":"MERCURY.jpg","body":null,"created":"1760624455","gmt_created":"2025-10-16 14:20:55","changed":"1760624455","gmt_changed":"2025-10-16 14:20:55","alt":"Aerial view of flooding in neighborhood","file":{"fid":"262381","name":"MERCURY.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/16\/MERCURY.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/16\/MERCURY.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2077730,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/16\/MERCURY.jpg?itok=pJfEljcc"}}},"media_ids":["678363"],"groups":[{"id":"1281","name":"Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts"},{"id":"1289","name":"School of Public Policy"}],"categories":[{"id":"154","name":"Environment"}],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:dminardi3@gatech.edu\u0022\u003EDi Minardi\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["dminardi3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}