Georgia Tech faculty affiliated with the Institute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society (INNS) were recognized this awards season for excellence spanning research, teaching, mentoring, and interdisciplinary engagement.

Presented across multiple institutes, colleges, and campus programs, these honors celebrate faculty whose work advances discovery, education, and societal impact at Georgia Tech and beyond.

“INNS is built around the idea that solving complex challenges requires excellence across disciplines and domains,” said Christopher Rozell, INNS executive director and professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “These awardees exemplify that vision through their leadership in research, teaching, and service. We are proud to recognize the contributions our affiliates are making across campus.”

Considered among Georgia Tech’s most competitive internal honors, these awards rely on peer‑driven selection processes that highlight innovation, mentorship, and measurable impact. This year’s recipients include faculty recognized for strengthening major research initiatives, advancing undergraduate education, and fostering interdisciplinary scholarship.

Another form of Institute recognition are tenure promotions. INNS is pleased to celebrate several faculty awarded tenure this spring, reflecting their sustained contributions to research, teaching, and leadership at Georgia Tech.

INNS Affiliated Award Recipients

Outstanding Achievement in Research Program Impact Award

Justin Biddle
Associate Professor, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts

Recognizes a faculty‑ and staff‑led research team whose innovative program has significantly expanded Georgia Tech’s research portfolio, demonstrating measurable impact, broad influence, and meaningful engagement with external partners across academic, industry, and community sectors.

Undergraduate Educator Award

Tiffiny Hughes‑Troutman
Professor of the Practice, School of Psychology, College of Sciences

Honors excellence in undergraduate education and impactful teaching practices that support student learning and engagement.

Excellence in Teaching Recognition: Annual CIOS Award

Katharine McCann
Director of Undergraduate Research in Neuroscience, Undergraduate Degree Program in Neuroscience, College of Sciences

Recognized for excellence in teaching NEUR 4803: Special Topics – Neuroscience of Addiction, highlighting innovative and engaging approaches to neuroscience education.

Junior Faculty Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Award

Farzaneh Najafi
Assistant Professor, School of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences

Honors exceptional mentorship of undergraduate researchers and a strong commitment to fostering student‑driven scholarship and research engagement.

Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advisor – Faculty Advisor

Haley Steele
Director of Communication, Undergraduate Degree Program in Neuroscience, College of Sciences

Recognizes excellence in undergraduate advising through dedicated student support, clear communication, and program leadership within the neuroscience major.

Class of 1934 Outstanding Interdisciplinary Activities Award

Jennifer Singh
Associate Chair and Associate Professor, School of History and Sociology, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts

Honors leadership in interdisciplinary teaching, research, and service that bridges disciplinary boundaries and advances cross‑cutting scholarship.

Click to view other award recipients for institute research awards, excellence in teaching awards, and faculty and staff awards.

Newly Tenured or Promoted INNS Faculty Affiliates

Promoted to Professor

Patrick T. McGrath, School of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences

Awarded Tenure

• Hannah Choi, School of Mathematics, College of Sciences
• Christopher MacLellan, School of Interactive Computing, College of Computing
• Leandro Miletto Tonetto, School of Industrial Design, College of Design
• Hongchen Wu, School of Modern Languages, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts

Click to view all newly promoted faculty.