A national initiative held February 23–27, the event highlighted research spanning cybersecurity, aerospace engineering, robotics, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. The program virtually brought engineers into classrooms statewide, who offered online learning experiences centered on inquiry, problem solving, and design. 

“This is a great collaborative effort between the College of Engineering, the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (GTMI), and the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI),” said Sean Mulvanity, program lead at STEM@GTRI. “We provided students from across the state the opportunity to interact with leaders in a variety of engineering fields.” 

Each day featured a different engineer discussing the real-world challenges driving their work. Cybersecurity professor Saman Zonouz began the week with a talk on protecting critical digital systems that power modern life. Aerospace engineer professor Adam Steinberg followed with insights into developing faster, cleaner engines for next-generation supersonic aircraft. Juergen Rauleder, also an aerospace engineer professor, then introduced students to aerodynamics research conducted in Georgia Tech's wind tunnel — one of the largest in the United States. 

Later sessions expanded the conversation across disciplines. Civil and environmental engineering professor Lauren Stewart discussed designing buildings and infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme loads, while mechanical engineer professor Aaron Stebner closed the week with his talk, “3D Printing Titanium: Realizing the Superhero Powers of Ironman,” exploring advances in additive manufacturing. 

“These talks show engineering isn’t just theory,” said Steven Ferguson, GTMI principal research scientist. “Students are hearing directly about the kinds of problems people are working on right now.” 

One session featured Aparna Srinidhi Jagannathan, a third-year biomedical engineering student and undergraduate researcher at Georgia Tech, who spoke about her research in the Exoskeleton and Prosthetic Intelligent Controls (EPIC) Lab. Jagannathan is developing a wearable biofeedback system designed to help patients with gait disorders improve balance and coordination while walking.   

“One of the things I value about being an engineer is the ability to turn abstract ideas and theories into tangible devices and technologies through research and design,” Jagannathan said. “Engineers Week empowers students with the knowledge that they, too, can meaningfully contribute to engineering. It reminds them that they can lead projects that benefit the communities around them.” 

Engineers Week at Georgia Tech was presented by the College of Engineering, the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute, and the Georgia Tech Research Institute.