Four College of Sciences alumni have been selected as members of the 2024 class of 40 under 40. Launched by the Georgia Tech Alumni Association in 2020, this program "highlights the work of Yellow Jackets around the globe whose innovative spirits inspire us all." 

“With hundreds of Jackets nominated, this was an especially competitive year,” says Leslie Roberts, director of alumni relations at the College of Sciences. “I am proud of the work that College of Sciences alumni have contributed towards improving the human condition, and I am excited to join in honoring these four individuals.”

From advancing investments in infrastructure to improving outcomes in individuals with mobility impairments, learn how these four Sciences alumni are championing innovation. 

Kinsey Herrin, M.S. PO 2010 

Senior Research Scientist | Georgia Institute of Technology

Kinsey Herrin is a senior research scientist in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and the director of the Human Interface Design Development and Engineering lab. Her research focuses on advancing state-of-the-art assistive and rehab technology and studying the associated outcomes in individuals with mobility impairments. She is passionate about advancing technology and clinical care to improve mobility and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. She completed her residency training in orthotics at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and prosthetics at the University of Michigan and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists. 

Favorite Tech Memory: The slide at the Georgia Tech pool was one of my favorite things to do with friends after triathlon training at the gym!

Hannah (Hatchell) Liu, M.S. BI 2017 

Senior Manager, Data Analysis | Natera

Hannah (Hatchell) Liu is a graduate of Georgia Tech’s master’s program in Bioinformatics and has an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from Pomona College. She began her career in molecular diagnostics at the genetic testing company Invitae as a clinical informatics scientist and subsequently as a people leader in the Dry Lab Operations group. Her time at Invitae cultivated her passion for supporting the accessibility and affordability of genetic information for everyone to improve health outcomes. She is excited to continue working toward this mission as she starts a new role in Natera’s Data Science group as a senior manager. 

Favorite Tech Memory: The relieved and accomplished feeling after I gave my master’s capstone presentation to Professor Soojin Yi and her lab.

Ariel Marshall, Ph.D. CHEM 2014 

Chief of Staff, Office of the Under Secretary for Science and Innovation | U.S. Department of Energy

Ariel Marshall is the chief of staff to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Under Secretary for Science and Innovation. Before assuming this role, Marshall served as the legislative director for Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire. During Marshall’s nearly nine-year tenure on Capitol Hill, she helped to advance several impactful government policies and led efforts to secure historic investments in energy, water, and broadband infrastructure as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Central Arkansas and a doctorate degree in Chemistry from Georgia Tech. 

Favorite Tech Memory: I will always treasure the time I spent working with Professor Joseph Perry and the friends I made while at Tech.

Emily Weigel, BIO 2010 

Senior Academic Professional | Georgia Institute of Technology

Emily Weigel is a nationally recognized educator and senior academic professional (teaching and advising faculty) in the School of Biological Sciences at Georgia Tech. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Georgia Tech and obtained dual doctorates in Zoology and in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior from Michigan State University. Dr. Weigel’s research revolves around what wild animals do around Atlanta and the world, and in understanding how student backgrounds, values, and responses to teaching methods impact their academic performance. Outside of Tech, she enjoys playing soccer, watching Netflix, and promoting STEM in the community. 

Favorite Tech Memory: Convincing 10 other I-House residents to jam with me for an extra-credit cover of Wonderwall dedicated to biologist Barbara McClintock.

Learn more about the 2024 class on the Georgia Tech Alumni Association’s website or by exploring this interactive honoree dashboard.

Nine early-career professors will pursue cutting-edge climate mitigation research during the upcoming year as part of the Seed Grant Challenge for Climate Solutions created by the Strategic Energy Institute (SEI) and the Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems (BBISS). 

Launched in April during the Frontiers in Science: Climate Action Conference and Symposium, the Challenge “provides seed funding for climate mitigation and adaptation research led by ambitious early-career faculty eager to work across disciplines,” explains Beril Toktay, Regents’ Professor and interim executive director of BBISS. 

One goal of the Challenge is to facilitate research collaboration across the Institute. “Transitioning to a sustainable, clean energy system requires concerted collaboration across diverse disciplines,” says Tim Lieuwen, Regents’ Professor, David S. Lewis, Jr. Chair, and executive director of SEI. “Initiatives like this are instrumental in paving the way for such groundbreaking interdisciplinary work.” 

The four selected proposals include researchers from five different schools and two centers, and will investigate biodiversity, coral reef resilience, lithium-ion battery recycling, and coastal resilience. “I am pleased with the range of proposals submitted by our assistant professors,” adds Susan Lozier, dean of the College of Sciences and Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair and professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. “Each proposal represents an opportunity to combine expertise from across the Institute to deepen our understanding of climate challenges and uncover possible solutions.”

Each of the following projects will receive a $15,000 seed grant to be used during the 2025 fiscal year:

Climate Solutions in the Most Biodiverse Regions on Earth: Testing Whether Warming Temperatures have set in Motion an “Escalator to Survival” in Tropical Rainforests

• Benjamin Freeman, assistant professor in the School of Biological Sciences
• James Stroud, assistant professor in the School of Biological Sciences
• Saad Bhamla, assistant professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Amirali Aghazadeh, assistant professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering

The research team seeks to test the “escalator to survival” concept, which theorizes that lowland tropical species will only be able to persist in the face of rising temperatures if they are able to shift their ranges to nearby foothills and mountains, where temperatures remain cooler. 

Macro- and Microscale Drivers of Coral Reef Resilience in a Changing Climate

• Isaiah W. Bolden, assistant professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
• Lauren Speare, assistant professor in the School of Biological Sciences and the Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection

The research team will develop transformative tools to evaluate reef health and resilience; detect impending compositional changes; determine the capacity for reef regeneration; and elevate mitigation strategies that preserve reef diversity and ecosystem services.

A Workforce and Community-Engaged Team Building Approach for Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling in the U.S. Southeast: Addressing Social and Ecological Implications 

• Joe F. Bozeman III, assistant professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the School of Public Policy
• Jennifer Hirsch, senior director of the Center for Sustainable Communities Research and Education

This project will build a transdisciplinary team to determine how to effectively unite community stakeholders, industry, social scientists, and engineers when applying for external grants to equitably establish a U.S. southeastern hub for EV-battery lithium recycling.

Building Coastal Resilience: Science-based Adaptive Solutions to Mitigate Hurricane-Induced Compound Flooding in the Southeast U.S.

• Ali Sarhadi, assistant professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

This project will quantify the risks associated with hurricane-induced compound flooding in a warming climate by developing physics-based hydrodynamic and AI models. The project aims to promote geographic equity in climate resilience and develop science-based, cost-effective adaptation strategies through active community engagement in Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida.

Principal Academic Professionals Linda Green from the School of Biological Sciences and Mary Peek from the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry have been awarded Innovation Incubator grants from the Institute's Transformative Teaching and Learning (TTL) initiative. The grants support the development, implementation, and evaluation of transformative teaching projects in undergraduate courses and focus on CUREs (course-based undergraduate research experiences). 

They are part of the second round of TTL grants awarded to Georgia Tech faculty—and the first to go to faculty from the College of Sciences. Peek's initiative in the Biochemistry Laboratory II class will enable students to engage in hands-on research, while Green's Urban Ecology students will focus on studying the impact of green infrastructure in urban settings.

“The projects proposed by these College of Science faculty will bring the real world into—and beyond the traditional classroom,” says Kate Williams, QEP faculty co-director for the Office of Undergraduate Education and a senior academic professional for the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) who leads faculty-facing efforts for the TTL initiative. “We congratulate Peek and Green who earned these grants, but the real winners are the students who will benefit from these exciting experiential education programs.”

Mary Peek: Next Level Biochemical Education, Learning through Mini-CUREs 

In Peek’s CHEM 4582 – Biochemistry Laboratory II class, students will design and conduct experiments to support research projects spearheaded by Biochemistry faculty.

“As a career educator, I am always looking for ways to transform and improve both teaching and learning,” says Peek. “With this grant, I am especially excited to empower my students to stop thinking of themselves as students —and start thinking of themselves as scientists.”

Biochemistry Laboratory II students will begin the semester doing planned experiments to learn the basics of working in a laboratory and then conduct their own research, proposing an experimental design to investigate the established problems presented by faculty. Biochemistry professors and their designated liaisons will serve as “clients” for the student teams. 

“We hope to transform student learning by establishing a real-world research scenario where students take more ownership of their contributions, defend their work, and gain an appreciation for how challenging scientific discovery can be,” says Peek. “If the students generate quality data that has merit and addresses the problem effectively, they even have the potential to get their work published.” 

Throughout the semester, there will be frequent opportunities to consult and collaborate with research faculty, teaching assistants, and other students in the class. The course culminates in seminar-style presentations of students’ work. 

“My goal is for the Biochemistry Teaching Laboratory Mini-CUREs to inspire more critical and creative thinking, motivating students to integrate their knowledge and skills, collaborate more effectively, and become life-long learners,” sums up Peek.

Linda Green: Testing the Impact of Green Infrastructure in Urban Ecology 

Green will use the award to add an experiential component to her BIOS 4803: Urban Ecology class.

“This grant provides an opportunity to immerse students in the outdoors and provide valuable hands-on research to supplement their classroom experience,” says Green.

Students in the class will explore interactions between nature and people in city settings, investigating the impact of nature on the supply of healthy air, water, and food, as well as the human impact of climate change, pollution, and habitat alteration on urban biodiversity. 

“Nature exists within the gray infrastructure of buildings and roads,” says Green. “I’m excited to see where the students take their research—to not just find connections between nature and city life—but then share that knowledge with others.” 

Students will be challenged to develop a project around an element of green infrastructure, then document its effectiveness in improving the community.

“For their final projects, I’m envisioning a website where student findings will be highlighted in museum-style infographics to communicate the science to a public audience,” says Green.

The Office of Undergraduate Education is pleased to announce our 2024 Academic Success and Advising (ASA) Award recipients. ASA awards recognize the outstanding contributions of faculty and staff who have gone above and beyond to support our undergraduate students and improve retention, progression, and graduation. 

Since 2004, Georgia Tech has formally recognized excellence in academic advising, an integral part of the academic culture at the Institute, ensuring a holistic experience for students. Champions in this work, one staff advisor and one faculty advisor, are honored, highlighting best practices and core values in advising. 

New this year, the Office of Undergraduate Education launched the Complete College Georgia (CCG) Champion Award. CCG is the University System of Georgia’s statewide student success initiative to improve access to higher education and degree obtainment across the state. The CCG Champion Award recognizes one staff or faculty member who has made critical contributions to undergraduate student success, advancing the primary goals of CCG to improve the experience for Georgia Tech’s highest priority students while promoting our institutional values. 

Members of ASA visited each awardee’s office for a surprise presentation throughout May and June. Meet the remarkable 2024 ASA award recipients! 

Christina M. Ragan, School of Biological Sciences 

Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advisor (Faculty Advisor) 

Christina Ragan is an academic professional based in the School of Biological Sciences and works with the students, faculty, and staff in the Neuroscience undergraduate degree program.  Christina's commitment to the wellbeing of students while also conducting research and teaching multiple courses each semester, makes her a shining example of a faculty member's role in academic advising at Georgia Tech. One of her advisees writes: 

She is a phenomenal advisor, who exudes compassion and understanding with every conversation she has. Not only does she stay positive and engaged in building trusting relationships while motivating her students, but she also takes the time to get a holistic understanding of her advisees. Dr. Ragan will always ask stimulating questions pertaining to different parts of student life at GA Tech, outside of academic advising, which has personally made me extremely fond of her.

Kristi Mehaffey, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering

Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advisor (Primary Role) 

Kristi Mehaffey, a Georga Tech alum, is an Advising Manager with the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. Kristi’s dedication to the undergraduate students in Mechanical Engineering, her unwavering commitment to the growth and development of her advising team, and her service to the practice of academic advising has made her a key figure in retaining, empowering, and enriching the experiences of not only students within ME, but all Tech students. One of her advisees writes: 

Kristi Mehaffey has truly been a guiding light for me. She goes above and beyond, working long hours and putting everything aside to help students like me. Whenever I faced a challenge, she met it head-on, always finding the best path forward for each of us. During one of the toughest moments I have faced, Kristi stepped into my life. She did not just offer to listen, but she was a constant source of support, helping me navigate the overwhelming emotions of grief. When I was struggling the most, lost in emotions, she kept my head up and made sure I didn’t lose sight of my academic goals, while also encouraging me. 

Ashton Tomlin, Office of Special Scholarships 

Complete College Georgia (CCG) Champion Award 

OUE’s inaugural CCG Champion is Ashton Tomlin, Senior Assistant Director in the Office of Special Scholarships. Ashton joined the Special Scholarships team in 2022, demonstrating her commitment to expanding access to students traditionally underrepresented in higher education by connecting financial aid and holistic student support. She has developed a support program for Tech Promise Scholars, ensuring student needs are fully understood. Ashton is praised by colleagues and students alike for her ability to connect with students and her tireless work to find the resources they need to succeed. Chaffee Viets, Director of the Office of Special Scholarships, shared: 

Not only has she created almost from scratch the non-financial elements of the Tech Promise Scholars Program, but she has empowered and served Stamps President’s Scholars, Gold Scholars, students in Outdoor Recreation Georgia Tech (through a partnership we have with them), and various others, some of each of these being from economically challenged backgrounds. Without her being here, there are several students who may well have failed out of classes or left the Institute. 

 The CCG Champion selection committee also recognizes the significant contributions of all award finalists: 

• Frances Buser, Academic Advising Manager, H. Milton School of Industrial and System Engineering 
• Laura Garcia, Director of Undergraduate Career Education, Georgia Tech Career Center 
• Tristen Jones Hooker, Educational Outreach Manager, School of Materials Science and Engineering 

Congratulations to all our ASA award recipients for 2024! You exemplify Georgia Tech’s values to amplify impact, expand access, and make students our top priority. 

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and the Office of Academic Effectiveness (OAE) are thrilled to announce the Spring 2024 Course Instructor Opinion Survey (CIOS) Honor Roll. Faculty members at Georgia Tech who made the Spring 2024 Honor Roll have been overwhelmingly praised for their excellent teaching methods and dedication to student success.

The faculty recognized this semester represent all six colleges and the Language Institute. Each Honor Roll recipient receives a certificate from the Center for Teaching and Learning recognizing their accomplishment as well as an invitation to the next Celebrating Teaching Day held in March 2025.

See the full list of Spring 2024 CIOS Honor Roll recipients from across the Institute.

College of Sciences – Small Classes

• Austin Christian, recognized for MATH 4803: Special Topics: Low-Dimensional Geometry

• Christina Athanasouli, recognized for MATH 1553: Intro to Linear Algebra

• Christina Ragan, recognized for NEUR 4001: Neuro Research Project

• Christopher Jankowski, recognized for MATH 1553: Intro to Linear Algebra

• Colin Harrison, recognized for BIOS 1108L: Organismal Biology Lab

• Corrine Yap, recognized for MATH 4032: Combinatorial Analysis

• David Hu, recognized for BIOS 4590: Research Project Lab

• Eric Schumacher, recognized for NEUR 4001: Neuro Research Project

• Gregory Sawicki, recognized for APPH 6232: Locomotion Neuromechanic

• James Roberts, recognized for PSYC 6020: Statistical Analysis II

• James Wray, recognized for EAS 6370: Physics of Planets

• Jennifer Hom, recognized for MATH 4108: Abstract Algebra II

• Lewis Wheaton, recognized for APPH 6400: Human Neuroanatomy

• Mary Holder, recognized for NEUR 4400: Neuroendocrinology

• Ratan Murty, recognized for PSYC 3803: Special Topics

• Robert Richards, recognized for BIOS 4460: Comm Biologicl Research

• Samantha Wilson, recognized for EAS 4803: Special Topics: EAS & Policy

• Zach Walsh, recognized for MATH 2603: Intro Discrete Math

   

College of Sciences – Large Classes

• Adam Decker, recognized for BIOS 3753: Human Anatomy

• Christopher Wiese, recognized for PSYC 2220: Industrial/Organiz Psy

• Dimitrios Psaltis, recognized for PHYS 3201: Classical Mechanics I

• Eric Shen, recognized for CHEM 1315: Survey of Org Chm for Engr

• Gonensin Bozdag, recognized for BIOS 3600: Evolutionary Biology

• Jesse McDaniel, recognized for CHEM 3411: Physical Chemistry I

• Joseph Sadighi, recognized for CHEM 1211K: Chemical Principles I

• Katharine McCann, recognized for NEUR 2001: Neuro-Principles

• Mark Himmelstein, recognized for PSYC 2020: Psychological Statistics

• Matthew Nusnbaum, recognized for NEUR 2001: Neuro-Principles

• Mioy Huynh, recognized for CHEM 1211K: Chemical Principles I

• Mirjana Brockett, recognized for BIOS 4651: Bioethics

• Pamela Pollet, recognized for CHEM 2311: Organic Chemistry I

• Scott Moffat, recognized for PSYC 4740: Neuroethics

• Stephanie Stern, recognized for PSYC 2103: Human Development

• Tiffiny Hughes-Troutman, recognized for PSYC 3009: Health Psychology

• Timothy Cope, recognized for NEUR 3002: Systems Neuroscience

• William Ratcliff, recognized for BIOS 4550: Origin of Complex Life

• William Stern, recognized for PSYC 2210: Social Psychology

273 academic and research faculty members from across the Institute received promotions during the spring semester. We are thankful for their contributions and honored to celebrate their accomplishments.

Academic Faculty

Faculty members newly awarded tenure are indicated with an asterisk (*). 

Promoted to Professor

• Manos Antonakakis, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
• Duen Horng "Polo" Chau, School of Computational Science and Engineering, College of Computing
• Deven Desai, Scheller College of Business
• Shatakshee Dhongde, School of Economics, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
• Betsy DiSalvo, School of Interactive Computing, College of Computing
• Michael Gamble, School of Architecture, College of Design
• Ada Gavrilovska, School of Computer Science, College of Computing
• Brian German, Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering
• Rudolph Gleason, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering & The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Stuart Goldberg, School of Modern Languages, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
• Julie Ju-Youn Kim, School of Architecture, College of Design
• Gordon Kingsley, School of Public Policy, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
• Seung Woo Lee, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Mingfeng Lin, Scheller College of Business
• Peter Loutzenhiser, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Kyoko Masuda, School of Modern Languages, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
• Pamela Peralta-Yahya, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences & the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering
• Thomas Ploetz, School of Interactive Computing, College of Computing
• William Ratcliff, School of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences
• Amit Reddi, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences
• Robert Rosenberger, School of Public Policy, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
• Christopher Saldana, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Gregory Sawicki, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering & School of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences
• Aaron Stebner, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering
• Yuanzhi Tang, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, College of Sciences
• Shannon Yee, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering

Promoted to Associate Professor

• Joy Arulraj, School of Computer Science, College of Computing*
• Saad Bhamla, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering*
• Alex Blumenthal, School of Mathematics, College of Sciences*
• Lindsey Bullinger, School of Public Policy, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts*
• Andre Calmon, Scheller College of Business*
• Yue Chen, The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering*
• Lily Cheung, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering*
• Juan-Pablo Correa-Baena, School of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering*
• Claudio Di Leo, Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering*
• Alberto Fuentes, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts & the School of City and Regional Planning, College of Design*
• Neha Garg, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences*
• Nima Ghalichechian, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering*
• Matthew Gombolay, School of Interactive Computing, College of Computing*
• Roberto Gonzalez, School of Economics, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts*
• Zsolt Kira, School of Interactive Computing, College of Computing*
• Gongjie Li, School of Physics, College of Sciences*
• Brooks Lindsey, The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering*
• Nian Liu, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering*
• Jorge Macedo Escudero, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering*
• Jesse McDaniel, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences*
• Seumalu Elora Lee Raymond, School of City and Regional Planning, College of Design*
• Alexander Robel, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, College of Sciences*
• D. Zeb Rocklin, School of Physics, College of Sciences*
• Kathy Rupar-Wang, Scheller College of Business*
• Alberto Stolfi, School of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences*
• Anne Sullivan, School of Literature, Media, and Communication, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts*
• Daniel Weagley, Scheller College of Business*
• Eunhwa Yang, School of Building Construction, College of Design*
• Tuo Zhao, H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering*

Awarded Tenure (visit our Celebrating Tenure page for more information)*

• Josiah Hester, School of Interactive Computing, College of Computing*
• Yongtaek Kim, School of Modern Languages, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts*
• Yingyan (Celine) Lin, School of Computer Science, College of Computing*
• Ameet Pinto, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering*

Promoted to Principal Academic Professional

• Mirjana Milosevic Brockett, School of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences
• Morag Burke, School of Mathematics, College of Sciences
• Amy D'Unger, Honors Program, Office of the Provost
• Andy Frazee, School of Literature, Media, and Communication, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
• Linda Green, School of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences
• Amit Jariwala, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Shana Kerr, School of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences
• JC Reilly, School of Literature, Media, and Communication, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
• Jacqueline Mohalley Snedeker, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering
• John Thornton, School of Literature, Media, and Communication, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts

Promoted to Principal Lecturer

• Timothy Halloran, Scheller College of Business
• Arnold Rubinoff, Scheller College of Business
• Michael Smith, Scheller College of Business

Promoted to Senior Academic Professional

• Travis Denton, School of Literature, Media, and Communication, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
• Mirla Gonzalez, School of Modern Languages, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
• Rebecca Hull, Center for Teaching and Learning
• Tuba Ketenci, H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering
• Tammy McCoy, Center for Teaching and Learning

Promoted to Senior Lecturer

• Rodrigo Carvalho, Language Institute, Divison of Lifetime Learning
• Seung-Eun Chang, School of Modern Languages, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
• Todd Fernandez, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Timothy Martin, Scheller College of Business
• Kendall Nelson, Language Institute, Division of Lifetime Learning
• Maysam Nezafati, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Stephanie Reikes, School of Mathematics, College of Sciences
• David Smith, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering

Promoted to Librarian IV

• Jay Forrest, Georgia Tech Library, Office of the Provost

Promoted to Librarian II

• Catherine Manci, Georgia Tech Library

Research Faculty

Promoted to Principal Research Scientist

• Laura Burkhart, Information and Communications Laboratory, GTRI
• Michael Chang, Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems
• Greg Eisenhauer, School of Computer Science, College of Computing
• Aaron Holdaway, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Yongtao Hu, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering
• Clayton Hutto, Applied Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Izudin Ibrahimbegovic, Applied Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Bryan Massey, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Adam Meier, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• James Merrill, Advanced Concepts Laboratory, GTRI
• Satya Moorthy, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Anna Osterholm, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences
• Stephen Stanislav, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Kelly Stevens, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Yan Wang, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Jeffrey Young, School of Computer Science, College of Computing

Promoted to Principal Research Associate

• Dana Stocks-Douglas, Information and Communications Laboratory, GTRI

Promoted to Principal Research Engineer

• Katherine Bowland, Advanced Concepts Laboratory, GTRI
• Devin Brown, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology
• Theeradetch Detchprohm, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
• Rebecca Douglas, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• William Engler, Advanced Concepts Laboratory, GTRI
• Evan Goldberg, Global Center for Medical Innovation
• Angshuman Guin, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering
• Charles Hunter, Advanced Concepts Laboratory, GTRI
• Vernecia Meredith, Advanced Concepts Laboratory, GTRI
• Brian Mulvaney, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Christopher Olinde, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Timothy Palmer, Applied Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Nicholas Payne, Applied Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Jeremy Reed, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Santiago Balestrini Robinson, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Mark Ross, Applied Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Scott Silence, Applied Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Jared Walker, Aerospace, Transportation, and Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Joshua Walker, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Kim Wood, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI

Promoted to Principal Extension Professional

• Michael Barker, Enterprise Innovation Institute
• Leigh Hopkins, Enterprise Innovation Institute
• Greg King, Institute Relations, Office of the President

Promoted to Senior Research Scientist

• Shelby Allen, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Robert Barbier, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• G. Ozan Bozdag, School of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences
• Eric Coulter, Partnership for an Advanced Computing Environment, OIT
• Soumen Das, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences
• Spencer Fallek, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Travis Hint, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Benjamin Joffe, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Brant Jones, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences
• Theresa Kessler, Applied Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Muslimah Laforce, Center for Advanced Communications Policy, School of Public Policy
• Eric Lorimer, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Brian McMahon, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Anna Miettinen, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Zhanna Nepiyushchikh, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Phillip Odom, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Jinho Park, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Deepa Phanish, Partnership for an Advanced Computing Environment, OIT
• Chandler Price, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Daniel Richardson, Advanced Concepts Laboratory, GTRI
• Taylor Shapero, Advanced Concepts Laboratory, GTRI
• Shaye Storm, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Christopher Tomaszewski, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Jeffrey Valdez, Partnership for an Advanced Computing Environment, OIT
• Michael Weiner, Partnership for an Advanced Computing Environment, OIT
• Joel Wilhite, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI

Promoted to Senior Research Associate

• Landon Bailie, Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Alison Christensen, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Charlotte Cline, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Kandi Horton, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Jayma Koval, Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing, Division of Lifetime Learning
• Gairy Spiers, Information Systems Department, GTRI
• Rebecca Terns, Office of Research Development
• Christopher Winter, Applied Systems Laboratory, GTRI

Promoted to Senior Research Engineer

• Nicholas Austin, Applied Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Ketan Bhardwaj, College of Computing
• Marsal Bruna, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Jason Corman, Aerospace Systems Design Lab, College of Engineering
• Darryl Dickey, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Dante Dimenichi, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Scott Duncan, Aerospace Systems Design Lab, College of Engineering
• Alexander Forbes, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Evan Harrison, Aerospace Systems Design Lab, College of Engineering
• Remington Harrison, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Matthew Jackson, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Zhiyang Jin, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
• Paul Jo, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Jonathan Kosty, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Jung-Ho Lewe, Aerospace Systems Design Lab, College of Engineering
• Thomas Mark, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Alexia Payan, Aerospace Systems Design Lab, College of Engineering
• Christopher Peterson, Advanced Concepts Laboratory, GTRI
• Jessica Pippard, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Anil Babu Poda, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
• Kyle Post, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Robert Pritchard, Advanced Concepts Laboratory, GTRI
• Gina Putman, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Bradford Robertson, Aerospace Systems Design Lab, College of Engineering
• Timothy Schreiber, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Parker Singletary, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Charles Sutlief, Advanced Concepts Laboratory, GTRI
• Maxwell Tannenbaum, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Evan Traffenstedt, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Chuang-Sheng Yang, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering

Promoted to Senior Research Technologist

• John Sledge, High Assurance Computing, GTRI

Promoted to Senior Extension Professional

• Dana Atkinson, Enterprise Innovation Institute
• Samuel Darwin, Enterprise Innovation Institute
• Alan Durham, Enterprise Innovation Institute
• Kelley Hundt, Enterprise Innovation Institute
• Harold Solomon, Office of the Vice President of Commercialization
• Brandy Stanfield-Nagel, Enterprise Innovation Institute

Promoted to Research Scientist II

• Yokhanan Beck, Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Julius Blash, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Virgil Breeden, Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Paramita Chatterjee, Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience
• Md Fazle Chowdhury, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Joshua Freeman, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Deion Hall, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Austin Himschoot, Information and Communications Laboratory, GTRI
• Joshua Kassab, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Baran Kayim, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Eric Martin, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Emily Maw, Applied Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Pradyumna Mukunda, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Endrit Muqolli, Applied Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Vrinda Nandan, Institute for Data Engineering and Science
• Jacob Nelson, Applied Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Matthew O'Brien, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Frank Olszewski, Information and Communications Laboratory, GTRI
• Ryan Parker, High Assurance Computing, GTRI
• Robert Plante, Applied Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Hasan Qadri, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Erin Ross, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Caitlin Ryan, Applied Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Justin Ryerse, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Harshvardhan Sikka, Institute for Data Engineering and Science
• Joel Stansbury, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• William Syre, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI

Promoted to Research Associate II

• Evan Alvarez, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Phoebe Chiem, Information and Communications Laboratory, GTRI
• Jason Clarke, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Michael Curtis, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Shawn Guffey, Information and Cybersecurity Department, GTRI
• Traci Johnson, Contract Support Office, GTRI
• Robert Labuda, Research Security, GTRI
• Ana Rusch, College of Computing
• Dexter Stacy, Research Security, GTRI

Promoted to Research Engineer II

• Matthew Arceri, Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Ameya Behere, Aerospace Systems Design Lab, College of Engineering
• Bryan Bledsoe, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Salah Eddine Boulfelfel, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering
• Walker Byrnes, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Jacob Campbell, Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Ryan Decker, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Hanjun Fang, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering
• Taylor Fields, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Joshua Gardner, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Matthew Hannah, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Otis Horton, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Michael Jeffries, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Christopher Keel, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Alexander Kernan, Advanced Concepts Laboratory, GTRI
• Jakob Krzyston, Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Elijah Lubanski, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Austin May, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Stephen Piper, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Jacob Pirino, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Michael Roberts, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Jennifer Sharpe, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Brian Solar, Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory, GTRI
• Gregory Stein, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Andy Stevens, Information and Communications Laboratory, GTRI
• Jacob Stickney, Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• William Stuckey, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Richard Vaughan, Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Kevin Whitmore, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
• Elise Young, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI

Promoted to Research Technologist II

• Kacey Bedingfield, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Douglas Curtis, Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research, GTRI
• Adi Kremo, High Assurance Computing, GTRI
• Sterling Peet, School of Computer Science, College of Computing
• Megan Shuttlesworth, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI
• Paul Weinrich, Electronic Systems Laboratory, GTRI

Promoted to Extension Professional II

• A. Jamal Lewis, Enterprise Innovation Institute
• Olivia Pitts, Enterprise Innovation Institute

Asthma impacts more than 40 million Americans, and 10% of the world’s population. However, current anti-inflammatory treatments only partially control the disease’s symptoms. Now, Liang Han, an associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences, has been awarded a $2.47M grant by the National Institute of Health to study the role our nervous system plays in asthma — and the potential for new treatments. The grant will fund five years of research, with work beginning this spring.

“Asthma is typically considered an allergic inflammatory disease,” Han says, “and so the majority of research has previously focused on immune responses. But there is emerging evidence that the nervous system plays a critical role in the disease.”

Han highlights that our lungs are full of sensory nerves, which help monitor their internal state, and play an important role in regulating our breathing patterns and respiratory system. Vagal sensory neurons help send information from the lungs to the brain. Recent data collected by Yanyan Xing, a former postdoctoral researcher in the Han lab and now a scientist at Empress Therapeutics, suggested that blocking a group of vagal sensory neurons stopped the development of asthma symptoms in mice.

“Since these sensory neurons are responsible for responses like coughing, bronchoconstriction, and mucus secretion, all of which are asthma symptoms, we want to investigate whether blocking these neurons can help inhibit asthma in humans,” Han says. “If so, this might prove a promising treatment avenue for asthma.” 

The nervous system connection

In her lab at Georgia Tech, Han’s research team investigates the role the nervous system plays in creating and behavioral responses, and how that contributes to chronic diseases.  “We want to understand how the nervous system receives, transmits, and interprets various stimuli to induce physiological and behavioral responses,” she explains.

This year, Han also received a $550k grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate the neural circuit controlling itch sensation. The research has the potential to uncover new treatments for sensory conditions like chronic itch.

This fall, the College of Sciences will debut three new minors, a new Ph.D. program, and a new “4+1” B.S./M.S. degree program. 

The announcement follows curriculum updates for the 2023-24 academic year, including the launch of the Minor in the Science of Mental Health and Well-Being in the School of Psychology and the creation of three new bachelor of science degrees in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. 

“We are excited to announce these additions to the College’s portfolio of academic opportunities for our students,” says David M. Collard, senior associate dean in the College of Sciences and professor in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry. “The updates reflect our College’s growth and respond to our students’ interest in pursuing advanced study.”

The additions for the 2024-2025 academic year include: 

“4+1” B.S./M.S. Degree Program

The College offers several options for undergraduate students to earn both a bachelor of science degree and a master of science degree as a part of a “4+1” program. Students may apply to the B.S./M.S Degree Program after being at Georgia Tech for about one year. This allows them to tailor their undergraduate and graduate academic requirements to complete both degrees in a timely manner. 

Computation and Cognition Minor 

The Minor in Computation and Cognition is a highly interdisciplinary program that combines advanced computational training with the study of human cognition. Students will learn about the computational mechanisms underlying human cognition and use computational methods to better understand human cognition. Established by the School of Psychology in collaboration with the College of Computing and with support from the Schools of Physics and Mathematics, the minor is open to all students starting this fall.

There are several new courses in the School of Psychology supporting this minor, including PSYC 4690 (Sensation and Perception: A Computational Perspective) and PSYC/PHYS 4745 (Physics of Cognition). These two classes are offered as special topics this fall but will have permanent course numbers in Spring 2025. More new courses in computation and cognition are planned for the next year and beyond.  

Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Ph.D. Program, Neuroscience Minor

The new Ph.D. and minor offerings build on the recently launched Neuro Next Initiative in Research and the Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, respectively. 

The new Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Ph.D. Program is a joint effort across the Colleges of Science, Computing and Engineering. It is focused on educating students to advance the field of neuroscience through an interdisciplinary approach, with scientists and engineers of diverse backgrounds — ultimately integrating neuroscience research and technological development to study all levels of nervous system function. The program expects to enroll its first graduate students in Fall 2025.

Approved by the Board of Regents in 2017, the interdisciplinary B.S. in Neuroscience degree enrolled more than 400 undergraduate students in 2022, and has been the fastest growing undergraduate major at Georgia Tech. The Minor in Neuroscience is set to become available during the 2024-25 academic year.  

Quantum Sciences and Technology Minor

In response to the explosion of research, development, investment, and hiring in quantum information science taking place across academia, national labs, and private industry, the School of Physics is now hosting a new Minor in Quantum Sciences and Technology. 

Available starting this fall, the program is open to all students, regardless of major, who are interested in learning more about quantum information theory, applications of quantum information to measurement, quantum materials, quantum computation, quantum algorithms, quantum communication, or any other quantum science related topics. The coursework includes basic training in quantum mechanics and quantum information, and a choice of quantum-related electives in physics, math, chemistry, computer science, and electrical engineering. 

The minor was established by the School of Physics in partnership with the School of Mathematics and the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry in addition to the Colleges of Computing and Engineering.