This month, nineteen Georgia Tech faculty and researchers were honored by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) with 2026 Regents’ Awards. These distinctions, awards, and reappointments recognize excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the USG. 

The recipients were approved during the University System of Georgia’s 2026 awards cycle, recognizing individuals whose sustained contributions have made a significant impact on their fields, their students, and the broader research and education community. 

This cohort includes faculty who represent all six schools across the College of Sciences.

2026 Regents’ Award Recipients and First Renewals 

College of Sciences

• Randall Engle, School of Psychology (Regents’ Professor) 

• Thomas Orlando, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and School of Physics (Regents’ Professor Renewal) 
   
• Rafael L. Bras, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (Regents’ Professor Renewal) 
  (Joint with College of Engineering)

• Santosh Vempala, School of Computer Science with courtesy appointments in Mathematics and Industrial and Systems Engineering (Regents’ Professor) 
  (Joint with College of Computing and College of Engineering)