Congratulations to GTRI researcher Megan Birch on achieving another milestone as an early-career researcher!

Megan has been named a 2024 Finalist for Women in Technology’s (WIT) “Woman of the Year – Young Professional” Award.

WIT will announce the winners of its 2024 Women of the Year Awards in S.T.E.A.M at their annual gala, to be held at the Georgia Aquarium on Oct. 24.

"I am honored to be recognized as a finalist for Women in Technology's 'Woman of the Year – Young Professional' award," said Megan enthusiastically. "As a woman in technology, I am proud to represent the growing diversity in our field and hope to inspire others to pursue their passions in STEAM. Thank you to WIT for this incredible honor, and to GTRI for supporting my journey."

Megan is a Research Scientist in EOSL. Since joining GTRI in late 2019, Megan has been very accomplished. She has received multiple honors, including two GTRI Star Awards and the GTRI 2024 Distinguished Researcher Award.  Her project, Moving Object Detection in Airglow Layers (MODAL), earned an FY2021 Hives Starter Award.

"Being part of the GTRI community has given me countless opportunities to lead exciting projects in optical sensor systems, space situational awareness, and atmospheric measurements, all while growing alongside talented colleagues who share a passion for innovation," said Megan.

She holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Astrophysics from the University of Minnesota and recently earned her Master’s degree in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy from Georgia State University.

Women in Technology (WIT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the underrepresentation and challenges women and girls face in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math). WIT empowers women and girls to excel from the classroom to the boardroom by providing education, exposure, and experience.