{"693745":{"#nid":"693745","#data":{"type":"news","title":"The Institute for People and Technology Celebrates 15 Years of People-Centered Innovation","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe anniversary celebration reflected on IPaT\u0027s past, looked toward its future, and recognized those whose contributions have helped shape IPaT and its community.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EFor 15 years, Georgia Tech\u0027s Institute for People and Technology (IPaT) has connected researchers, students, and partners from across disciplines to explore a fundamental question: How can technology better serve people and communities?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn Oct. 28, the IPaT community came together to celebrate that legacy during the 15th anniversary celebration at George Tower | Scheller Tower. Colleagues, collaborators, partners, and friends gathered for an afternoon highlighting the people and ideas that have helped define IPaT.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe celebration featured a distinguished lecture, a panel discussion, the presentation of IPaT Impact Awards, and a reception.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022The 15th anniversary celebration has allowed us to pause and reflect on IPaT\u0027s many achievements,\u0022 said Michael Best, IPaT\u2019s executive director. \u0022For me, the event was a perfect example of what we call \u2018The IPaT Way,\u2019 an approach full of substance, community, and just plain fun.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E15 Years of Putting People First\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECreated in 2011, IPaT is an interdisciplinary research institute at Georgia Tech dedicated to a people-first approach to research and innovation. It connects academia with industry, government, civil society, and other partners to develop people-centered approaches to some of society\u0027s most complex challenges.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver the past 15 years, IPaT researchers and collaborators have contributed to work spanning health, aging, usability, sustainability, smart cities, and other areas. A defining part of that mission has been translating research beyond the laboratory and into people\u0027s lives through products, applications, community education, and outreach.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EToday, the interdisciplinary community includes more than 30 research faculty and more than 125 affiliated faculty, supported by programs, research infrastructure, engineering and research translation, events, and staff that connect expertise from across Georgia Tech.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022For 15 years, the Institute for People and Technology has demonstrated the power of interdisciplinary research to address society\u0027s most complex challenges,\u0022 said Julia Kubanek, Georgia Tech\u0027s vice president for interdisciplinary research. \u0022By bringing together diverse experts and partnering with communities, industry, and government, IPaT has created a model for people-centered innovation that delivers meaningful impact.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELooking Back, Looking Forward\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe anniversary program featured a distinguished lecture by Elizabeth Mynatt, dean of the Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University and the founding executive director of IPaT. Mynatt joined Northeastern in 2022 after a 23-year career at Georgia Tech, where she served as a Regents\u0027 and Distinguished Professor in the College of Computing in addition to leading IPaT.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe program also featured a panel discussion titled \u0022Looking Back, Looking Forward.\u0022 Moderated by Michael Best, the panel included Laurie Dean Baird, managing director of Ladarium Media Group; Maribeth Gandy Coleman, director of research for IPaT; Keith Edwards, professor in Georgia Tech\u0027s School of Interactive Computing and former director of the GVU Center; and Caroline Wood, executive director of Georgia Tech\u0027s Office of Corporate Engagement.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETogether, they provided an opportunity to reflect on the relationships among people, technology, and society that have been at the heart of IPaT\u0027s work while also looking ahead to new opportunities for interdisciplinary research and collaboration.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E15 Years, 15 Impact Awards\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA centerpiece of the anniversary celebration was the presentation of the 2026 IPaT Impact Awards recognizing 15 individuals whose work and support have made a lasting contribution to IPaT.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe honorees were recognized for their vision, commitment, and generosity. Collectively, their contributions represent many of the characteristics that have defined IPaT over its first 15 years, from interdisciplinary research and organizational leadership to community building, technological innovation, and partnerships.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe 2026 IPaT Impact Award recipients are:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e5b7ca645b8999c96c68b153870d323e9\u0022\u003EKeith Edwards, Professor, School of Interactive Computing.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e3795686a2f31efd1107e8b916d2bc0ba\u0022\u003ESherry Farrugia, Senior Vice President, Veranex.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e4913de39fc4acaac5b7489290b3d0014\u0022\u003EBrian Jones, Principal Research Engineer, IPaT.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e60e9b520330d2450512e6cbd828515c4\u0022\u003EDebra Lam, Founding Executive Director, Partnership for Innovation.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ef569772ebeba0d412f765204ebc3a3cf\u0022\u003ELeigh McCook, Deputy Director, IPaT, and Principal Research Associate, GTRI.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ea12dae60d129e9aa08291983f4c0ad9d\u0022\u003ECynthia Moore, Assistant Director of Business Operations, IPaT.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e8eb1df8c78f055ad5b3b76cf926e5c67\u0022\u003EJessica Pater, Senior Research Scientist, Parkview Research Center.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022eaf5e57f68484ae0c569209621c7e9034\u0022\u003ENicoleta Serban, Professor, H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e8b2560113fc3b072dfd2bbf330d28e40\u0022\u003ERichard Starr, Senior Research Scientist, IPaT.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022eacf9b098c423ec23a992ea2836ab3409\u0022\u003EFaith Sumpter, Program Manager, IPaT.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e6f1abe27194fed48f46993610c0ebe2b\u0022\u003ETim Trent, Research Technologist, IPaT.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e7e907a175c9082557755cdf5680d8de5\u0022\u003EBruce Walker, Professor, School of Psychology and School of Interactive Computing.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022edefda82da327f4a5979d33a477915711\u0022\u003ECaroline Wood, Executive Director, Office of Corporate Engagement.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e33b6a8933077b555f6ddfa519e9c42e2\u0022\u003EEllen Zegura, Fleming Chair and Professor, School of Computer Science.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ee62ce5094c9ca2ab58aa87b77207df25\u0022\u003ECraig Zimring, Founding Director, SimTigrate Design Center, and Professor Emeritus, School of Architecture.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe awards build on a tradition established by Georgia Tech\u0027s GVU Center (now merged with IPaT), whose Impact Awards recognized members of its community during major anniversary milestones in 2007, 2012, 2017, and 2022. Previous GVU Impact Awardees were not eligible for the IPaT 15th anniversary prize.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMore information about the honorees is available on the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/peopletech.gatech.edu\/impact-award-winners-2026\u0022\u003E2026 IPaT Impact Award winners page\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENew Advisory Board Announced\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAt the anniversary celebration, Best also announced the members of IPaT\u2019s newly formed\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/peopletech.gatech.edu\/advisoryboard\u0022\u003Eadvisory board\u003C\/a\u003E. Inaugural members are:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e5b269cc1cc72e25b3f3eecf0208af1f7\u0022\u003EJill Savitt \u2013 President and CEO, National Center for Civil and Human Rights.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e12efce5c21a04f900d22e4451ad73557\u0022\u003EBarbara Smith \u2013 Vice President, Peace Programs, The Carter Center.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e941f9ebc5810841e6aabe6401512b3db\u0022\u003EPhil Breedlove \u2013 Distinguished Professor of the Practice and CETS Senior Fellow, U.S. Air Force (retired).\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ede97d256e01e3cc76cd037e8e69ab172\u0022\u003EBruce McEvoy \u2013 Director of Regenerative Design, Perkins and Will.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ed6cf94f3f7bdc17fb5c092d01a4895fd\u0022\u003EDonnie Beamer \u2013 Chief Technology Officer, City of Atlanta.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e25f5db73b92958db7974132ed7c5f249\u0022\u003ERobert Kinyanjui \u2013 Research Partnerships Manager, John Deere.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e2b2e01123898dd245af6b3507c351927\u0022\u003EAlison Cernich \u2013 Director, Shriners Children\u2019s Research Institute.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ea050aeaaccf33bdf4977e4a05cbedf45\u0022\u003ELaura Moody \u2013 CMO and Co-Founder, Purpose Possible.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022e6609715cd3a86d9508a7987f92c5bd0f\u0022\u003EKevin Perry \u2013 Head of Industry, International Growth Agency Team, Google.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli data-list-item-id=\u0022ed85ccc79d7837aae437b6d38fcc5216c\u0022\u003EMohammed K. Ali, M.D.\u0026nbsp; \u2013 Co-Director, Emory Global Diabetes Research Center, and the William H. Foege Distinguished Professor of Global Health at Emory University. Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the Emory School of Medicine.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe Next 15 Years\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe milestone also offered an opportunity to consider what comes next.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Since its inception, IPaT\u0027s focus on people-centered technology has only grown in relevance and reach,\u0022 Best said. \u0022Looking ahead to the next 15 years, ensuring that people and their passions sit at the very center of technical innovation will be more vital than ever.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat emphasis on people has remained a thread connecting IPaT\u0027s research, partnerships, and community throughout its first decade and a half. It is also central to its vision of an inclusive, equitable, and just future supported by people-centered technologies.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs Georgia Tech researchers confront emerging challenges and opportunities, IPaT\u0027s interdisciplinary model provides a way to bring technical expertise together with the experiences, needs, and aspirations of people and communities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead to the next generation of discoveries and collaborations that will improve lives, strengthen communities, and help shape a better tomorrow,\u0022 Kubanek said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe 15th anniversary offered a moment to recognize how far IPaT has come, celebrate the people who helped build its community, and look toward what it can accomplish in the years ahead. And as IPaT begins its next chapter, the principle that has helped guide its work remains unchanged: Meaningful technological innovation starts with people.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/96938041@N06\/albums\/72177720336394811\u0022\u003Epicture album\u003C\/a\u003E of IPaT\u2019s 15th anniversary celebration.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe anniversary celebration reflected on IPaT\u0027s past, looked toward its future, and recognized those whose contributions have helped shape IPaT and its community.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The anniversary celebration reflected on IPaT\u0027s past, looked toward its future, and recognized those whose contributions have helped shape IPaT and its community."}],"uid":"27513","created_gmt":"2026-11-03 20:41:59","changed_gmt":"2026-11-03 20:45:30","author":"Walter Rich","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-11-03T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-11-03T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"681646":{"id":"681646","type":"image","title":"IPaT 15th crowd","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIPaT 15th anniversary invitees listening to Beth Mynatt\u0027s 2026 distinguished alum talk at George Tower Scheller Tower event space\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1793738248","gmt_created":"2026-11-03 20:37:28","changed":"1793738395","gmt_changed":"2026-11-03 20:39:55","alt":"IPaT 15th anniversary invitees listening to Beth Mynatt\u0027s 2026 distinguished alum talk at George Tower Scheller Tower event space","file":{"fid":"266078","name":"crowd-copy.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/11\/03\/crowd-copy.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/11\/03\/crowd-copy.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2840255,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/11\/03\/crowd-copy.jpg?itok=nUhZB1Su"}},"681645":{"id":"681645","type":"image","title":"2026 IPaT Impact Award Winners","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIPaT\u0027s award winners pictured left-to-right: Keith Edwards, Amelia Farrugia (granddaughter Ameila accepted on behalf of Sherry Farrugia who could not attend), Brian Jones, Debra Lam, Leigh McCook, Cynthia Moore, Jessica Pater, Nicoleta Serban, Richard Starr, Faith Sumpter, Tim Trent, Caroline Wood, Ellen Zegura, and Craig Zimring. Not pictured is Bruce Walker who could not attend.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1793737815","gmt_created":"2026-11-03 20:30:15","changed":"1793738233","gmt_changed":"2026-11-03 20:37:13","alt":"2026 IPaT Impact Award Winners","file":{"fid":"266077","name":"Impact-group-v3-smallerFILESIZE.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/11\/03\/Impact-group-v3-smallerFILESIZE.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/11\/03\/Impact-group-v3-smallerFILESIZE.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1240866,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/11\/03\/Impact-group-v3-smallerFILESIZE.jpg?itok=SeDB4n6A"}}},"media_ids":["681646","681645"],"groups":[{"id":"69599","name":"IPaT"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"188084","name":"go-ipat"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWalter Rich\u003Cbr\u003EResearch Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}