The Foley Scholar Awards recognize the achievements of top graduate students whose vision and research are shaping the future of how people interact with and value technology. Previous finalists have originated from the College of Engineering, College of Computer Science, College of Design, and the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts.

Winners and finalists for the 2025 Foley Scholar Awards were celebrated at Georgia Tech's hotel and convention center on November 5, 2025. The event was hosted by the Institute for People and Technology (IPaT) with its executive director, Michael Best, serving as the master of ceremonies as each finalist was recognized for their innovative research. 

Many winners of this scholarship have moved into faculty positions or became industry leaders in their research areas. 

"Both the winners and the finalists represent the brightest minds that Georgia Tech has to offer," said Michael Best. "Our finalist candidate pool is always composed of truly outstanding researchers. Selecting the winners is never easy," said Best.

James Foley, professor emeritus and computing pioneer in graphics and human-computer interaction for whom the awards are named, once again delivered inspiring and valuable insight at the conclusion of the evening's festivities celebrating the achievements of all finalists.
 

Congratulations to the 2025 Foley Scholar winners who are:

Joon Kim, M.S. student in human-computer interaction was awarded $1,000.

Rachel Lowy, Ph.D. student in human-computer interaction was awarded $5,000.

Niharika Mathur, Ph.D student in human-centered computing was awarded $5,000.

Mohsin Yousufi, Ph.D student in human centered computing was awarded $5,000.

The finalists in the master's category were Umme Ammara, Jo Chung, Joon Kim, and Christine Taylor.

The finalists in the Ph.D. category were Grace Barkhuff, Rachel Lowy, Niharika Mathur, Shravika Mittal, Michelle Reckner, Mohsin Yousufi, Yilun Zha, and Qiao Zhang.

A short description of each finalists' unique research along with their Georgia Tech faculty advisor is listed below:

Umme Ammara is a master's student in human computer interaction advised by Michael Best and Carrie Bruce. Her research vision is using human-centered design to improve healthcare systems in underserved settings.

Jo Chung is a master's student in computer science advised by Betsy DiSalvo. Her research vision is to design interactive systems that empower users through meaningful engagement and equitable access.

Joon Kim is a master's student in human computer interaction advised by Ashok Goel. His research vision is closely aligned with IPaT’s mission and values. He believes in the power of interdisciplinary research to support teachers and students, especially for those who are marginalized and underrepresented.

Christine Taylor is a master's student in human computer interaction advised by Maribeth Coleman. Her core research vision is to design meaningful, human-centered technologies that address high-stakes problems in collaboration with the communities they serve. For example, one of her current research projects focuses on designing an AI predictive tool to detect patient deterioration at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta.

Grace Barkhuff is a Ph.D. student in human-centered computing advised by Ellen Zegura. Her research vision centers around computing education and ethics. For example, her current research seeks to understand how instructors can ethically use GenAI in the higher education classroom.

Rachel Lowy is a Ph.D. student in human-centered computing advised by Jennifer Kim. Her research focuses on building accessible technologies that foster learning, agency, and inclusion for people with disabilities and neurodivergent people, whose cognitive and learning profiles differ from those of the broader population, through strengths-based understandings of their skillsets.

Niharika Mathur is a Ph.D. student in human-centered computing advised by Sonia Chernova and Elizabeth Mynatt. Her research vision involve building human-centered AI systems that not just perform reliably, but also explain themselves in user-aligned ways.

Shravika Mittal is a Ph.D. student in computer science advised by Munmun De Choudhury. Her research goal is to help create a safe, inclusive, and responsible online information ecosystem, one that empowers vulnerable groups with equitable knowledge, the freedom to communicate their struggles openly, and a supportive community.

Michelle Reckner is a Ph.D. student in civil engineering advised by Iris Tien. Her research vision is to develop the most effective decision-making methodologies possible utilizing available data to determine whether to repair old infrastructure or construct new infrastructure while considering the types of infrastructure that will most benefit a community. 

Mohsin Yousufi is a Ph.D. student in digital media advised by Yanni Loukissas. His research vision is to investigate and build creative technologies that address systemic epistemic injustices and reinvigorate democratic civic engagement.

Yilun Zha is a Ph.D. student in architecture advised by Hui Cai. His research addresses food challenges by developing and applying geospatial computational methods to investigate how the design of the built environment and emerging technologies influence dietary behaviors and contribute to diet-related diseases.

Qiao Zhang is a Ph.D. student in computer science advised by Christopher MacLellan. Her research involves designing and investigating human-AI teaming studies—identifying suitable tasks, agent types, and natural paths for alignment and adaptation.

A collection of photos from the November 5, 2025, Foley Scholar awards dinner are available here.