You could say that Avery Skye Zickar has Georgia Tech in her genes. Her mother, two uncles, and one brother are alumni. That affinity – and knowing that academics at Georgia Tech would be top-notch – cemented her decision to attend Tech after graduating from Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Georgia.
Avery comes from a family that highly values education. In high school, she took Advanced Placement courses for a taste of college academics. “They prepared me well for Georgia Tech by instilling a good work ethic and minimizing procrastination,” she says.
At Hillgrove High, Avery performed with the marching band and the wind symphony. She was also a horseback rider, participating in a few competitions but mostly riding recreationally. “Looking back,” she says, “I did a decent job of balancing my commitments to school, work, family, and friends.
Avery is graduating with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a minor in Biology. She tailored her academic program with the intent to continue her education in the medical field. Throughout her undergraduate years, she says, “the Institute made me feel right at home.”
What is the most important thing you learned at Georgia Tech?
Georgia Tech honed my ability to solve problems. Throughout my time at Tech, I’ve had to find solutions to problems with homework, exams, personal conflicts, and community-wide issues.
My problem-solving skills will serve me well when I enter the working world. I am confident in my ability to tackle whatever life throws at me, thanks to my time at Georgia Tech.
What are your proudest achievements at Georgia Tech?
I received a bid from Tau Beta Sigma, the National Honorary Band Service Sorority, during spring 2015. Through that organization, I participated in service projects to benefit the School of Music and the Atlanta community.
I served as teaching assistant (TA) for Introductory Biology and Organic Chemistry 2.
I worked as a student assistant in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences’ office for over two years.
I was elected president of the Band Club and served the Georgia Tech Band program during the 2017-18 school year.
I was one of five finalists for Ms. Georgia Tech. Selection was based on interviews, grade point average, campus leadership, service, and love for the Institute.
These achievements contributed to my happiness and success at Tech.
Which professors or classes made a big impact on you?
I took CHEM 1211 and 1212 with Dr. Kimberly Schurmeier, who was also my advisor. She pushed me to be the best I can be in chemistry, even though I came to Tech without a strong chemistry background. She played in key role in my success in chemistry and in college.
Dr. Michael Evans helped me with Organic Chemistry 1, a well-known “weed out” course in my major. Although he wasn’t my professor, he went out of his way to help me understand the material.
Dr. Shana Kerr was also influential. She taught one of my favorite classes – Introduction to Organismal Biology. She was also the professor for the section of Biological Principles for which I was a TA in fall 2016. She taught me how to be an effective teacher, and I still use those concepts today.
I enjoyed working with Dr. Cameron Tyson as part of the BEST Study Abroad Program, first as a student and then as one of his TAs. A great professor, he taught us the foundations of Organic Chemistry 2. He also gave me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to teach in France!
Finally, I recognize the two teachers I’ve had every semester since day one: Chris Moore and B.J. Diden, my band directors. They are extremely supportive of my own and other band members’ endeavors, always pushing us to perform to our highest levels.
These wonderful people made a big impact on my life, and I’m very grateful for them.
What is your most vivid memory of Georgia Tech?
The Georgia Tech versus University of Georgia (UGA) football game in 2014.
We stood in Sanford Stadium, surrounded by red and black, just three points from moving into overtime. Harrison Butker (now a kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs) scored a field goal from 53 yards, tying the game and putting it into overtime.
The band players were screaming; the drum majors were scrambling for us to play the fight songs. Within minutes, the Yellow Jackets intercepted the ball from UGA, and the game ended.
The stadium fell silent, except for the sliver of Tech fans, who went wild.
We ran to the buses and got out of Athens fast. It was such an unforgettable moment. I think about that game every time I look at the score on my RAT cap.
In what ways did your time at Georgia Tech transform your life?
I became a well-rounded individual, one more prepared to tackle life than the person I was in high school.
The “real world” seemed daunting. I thought it meant having to take care of myself without help from anyone. Tech taught me not only how to solve problems, but also that that we don’t have to solve problems alone. We can rely on loved ones, family, friends, coworkers, or peers for support.
I met incredible people on campus, many of whom I call my friends. Nothing seems insurmountable with them by my side. I hope to maintain these relationships for the rest of my life.
What unique learning activities did you undertake?
I participated in the BEST Study Abroad Program in summer 2016, taking Organic Chemistry 2, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Synthesis Lab. The program is eight weeks long, and courses are taught at CPE-Lyon University, in Lyon, France. I got a second summer abroad, when I returned to Lyon as a TA.
Between studying and gallivanting across Europe, I had many great experiences and learned a lot. The world extends beyond the U.S. borders; there are so many wonderful people, cultures, and histories to discover.
I learned about myself and what I can overcome – such as balancing the “study” with the “abroad,” navigating the Paris Métro system, or fumbling through several languages just to order lunch.
I came back stronger, wiser, and better.
What advice would you give to incoming undergraduate students at Georgia Tech?After my first year at Tech, I posted on Facebook what I felt summed up my experience:
“Say hello. Don't be afraid. Challenge yourself. Meet one professor. Find a passion. Pursue your passion. Make a friend. Define your values. Care about your appearance. Take a chance. Follow your heart. Fall in love. Lend a hand. Join an organization. Find your sphere of influence. Lift the fallen. Monitor your actions. Fail. Cry. A lot. Get mad. Get driven. Strive for your goals. Succeed. Give thanks. Relax. Breathe. Say goodnight, not goodbye.”
I think that says it all.
Where are you headed after graduation?
I will continue to work as an emergency medical technician (EMT) to accrue patient care hours in preparation for physician assistant (PA) school. Most PA schools require at least 1,000 hours. While I log those hours, I plan to get my Advanced EMT (AEMT) certification, which allows me to place intravenous (IV) lines and give other medications to patients.
I’d love to work in obstetrics and gynecology as a PA. Georgia Tech helped me complete all the courses needed for PA school. It also gave me important life skills to be a successful PA – problem solving, working in groups, and one-on-one interactions, which were instilled in me at Tech.
Sarthak Sharma hails from the small city of Meerut, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in India. After going to school there, he moved to the state of Assam to pursue a Bachelor of Technology degree in Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati.
As an undergraduate student, and using computational approaches, Sarthak worked on the evolution of CRISPR-Cas systems. These systems form the innate immune systems in bacteria. “It was here that I learned about molecular biology and bioinformatics,” Sarthak says.
In IIT Guwahati, Sarthak joined the robotics club, participating in various intercollegiate robotics events. He also played for the institute's football club.
In his second-year at IIT Guwahati, Sarthak came across a piece of news: Georgia Tech researchers had combined biology and machine learning to seek biology-inspired – bio-inspired – solutions to various problems.
“This single article drove me to research various courses at Georgia Tech,” Sarthak says. “I found that the bioinformatics program at Georgia Tech was flexible and highly computation-oriented. It was perfect for someone like me – interested in computer science and biology. Not only was I impressed, I was inspired to join Georgia Tech.”
Sarthak started the Master of Science program in Bioinformatics in August 2017. In early 2018, he received the J. Leland Jackson Fellowship in Bioinformatics for the outstanding master’s student in the program.
For his research, Sarthak studied the nervous system of tunicates, “our closest living invertebrate relatives,” he says. His work resulted in first use of a technique called single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the gene expression profiles of neurons in tunicates.
Sarthak has been working with Alberto Stolfi, an assistant professor in the School of Biological Sciences and a member of the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience. “Sarthak’s accomplishments speak for themselves,” Stolfi says. “He so quickly and fundamentally elevated the research in the lab in such a short time. In addition, Sarthak is a courteous, kind, and mature student. Mentoring him has been a joyous experience.”
Sarthak graduates with a Master of Science in Bioinformatics.
What is the most important thing you learned at Georgia Tech?
The most important thing I learned at Georgia Tech is management – managing multiple projects simultaneously, managing stress, managing group work, and managing time.
I was aware that Georgia Tech is a tough school. I was also certain that it would be an enriching, albeit challenging, experience.
Georgia Tech met my expectations and then some! Instructions are excellent and instructors are very approachable. They are willing to attend to your problems almost anytime. Everyone at Tech is willing to give their time to you if you are interested in learning.
What are your proudest achievements at Georgia Tech?
Within one year, I submitted a paper as first author in the peer-reviewed journal Developmental Biology, and I received the Outstanding (Master’s) Bioinformatics Student Award. I am proud of these achievements because working on publishing a paper while taking difficult courses and maintaining a GPA of 4.0 was really challenging.
Which professor(s) or class(es) made a big impact on you?
Dr. Alberto Stolfi has been my research guide and mentor ever since I came to Georgia Tech. I was the first student in his lab. He has been a perfect leader for me. He clearly stated his research goals and his expectations of me. And then he gave me utmost freedom to deliver results.
Not only has he been understanding throughout, but he has also been extremely supportive of my career choices and aspirations. If ever I hold a leadership position anywhere in life, I hope I can be half as good a leader as he has been for me.
What is your most vivid memory of Georgia Tech?
I witnessed the first snowfall of my life at Georgia Tech. I was in Dr. Stolfi's office. We were discussing some project when he abruptly pointed toward his office window. It was snowing! We quickly finished the discussion, and I left for home early.
I walked in the falling snow for more than a mile, slipping almost five times on the way. In the evening, when the entire campus was covered in snow, I got together with a few friends and made my first snowman.
It's still as clear in my memory as if it happened only yesterday. It was a special day. Although I fell ill the next day, it was all worth it!
In what ways did your time at Georgia Tech transform your life?
I have made significant contributions to various projects, developed skills that I had never even imagined, and evolved work ethics that had seemed impossible to me.
Georgia Tech drove me to push myself and get out of my comfort zone. I am a very different person today from who I was before attending Georgia Tech.
What unique learning activities did you undertake?
I took a special-problems course to do research alongside my studies. This enabled me to apply my classroom learning to real-world problems and to devise new methods and tools for answering intriguing questions.
What advice would you give to incoming graduate students at Georgia Tech?Manage your time. Otherwise, you will be in a sea of problems.
Do not take anything for granted, especially your health. At times, you'll have deadlines, exams, and presentations in a single week. Make sure you give yourself enough time and space to unwind. It’s not always be possible, but do the best you can.
Challenge yourself by taking a tough course, if you find one that interests you, without worrying about the grade. You might never get the opportunity to study those subjects again.
Where are you headed after graduation?
I will not immediately go for a Ph.D. I’m looking for a bioinformatics software engineer position.
Georgia Tech stresses ethical behavior in the workplace. These principles will guide me in making tough decisions.
Georgia Tech has equipped me with a unique combination of technical and soft skills. My experience at Georgia Tech has made me capable of handling multiple projects simultaneously and work efficiently in both collaborative and independent work settings.
Robert Schulmann is an American historian who became known for his work on Albert Einstein. He studied history, receiving his doctorate in 1973 from the University of Chicago. In the early 1990s, he was an assistant professor of history at Boston University. Later he became director of the Einstein Papers Project. He is co-editor of the book "Einstein on Politics," based on Einstein's writings.
The lecture is part of Georgia Tech's 2019 Martin Luther King Jr Celebration, Jan. 10-Feb. 2.
Schulman will discuss the interplay the interplay of politics with Albert Einstein’s concerns for human rights and the trajectory of his professional career. How did a groundbreaking physicist come to be known as a keeper of the world's conscience?
The lecture will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations, proclaimed on Dec. 19, 1948.
Event Details
We will invite admitted prospective students to attend our EXPLORE Science and Math! program. EXPLORE Science and Math! is the Georgia Tech College of Sciences program for admitted prospective students and their guests.
The program introduces prospective students to the classes and research opportunities available to them as College of Sciences scholars. Members of the College of Sciences faculty and administration will be on hand to answer questions and offer guidance on academic advising. Prospective students will also attend a Science and Math fair that will include several campus-wide organizations, as well as students currently studying in their field of interest.
Space fills up quickly; invitees should register as early as possible. Register here.
Due to the popularity of this event, we can accommodate only admitted students and their guests. We encourage others with an interest in Georgia Tech's science and mathematics degree programs to attend one of our "It's All About Science and Math" open houses.
Schedule
9:00-9:30: Arrive on campus
-
Park in Lot W21 (to be eligible for parking validation) and walk to the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons room 144; click here for directions. Refreshments will be available.
9:30: Welcome and Overview of Opportunities in the College of Sciences: Interim Dean David Collard, Assistant Dean Cameron Tyson
10:15: Research Keynote Talks by Professors (Mini-research symposium)
12:00: Lunch-Meet with professors, advisors and students from your preferred major (a free box lunch and drinks are provided for students and guests)
1:00: Science and Math Fair
- Visit with faculty academic advisors, undergraduate researchers, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, the Office of International Education, the Pre-Health Advisor/Prehealth Panel, the Office of Housing, Arts at Georgia Tech representatives, Greek Life science and math majors, Honors Program representatives, Campus recreation representatives, the Office of Career Development and Discovery (co-ops, internships, career planning), GT campus safety, and lots of student organizations.
2:40: Student Panel
- Gain new insights from students – housing, class selection, getting a research position, study abroad, and much more. You ask the questions – What do you want to know?
3:15: Closing/Departure/Visit Residence Hall Option
- Option: GT Housing representatives will offer a visit to a GT campus residence hall/dorm room from 3:15-4:00pm. Please meet outside of room Clough 152 in the atrium. The tour will involve a 10-minute walk to west campus housing.
Questions? Please contact Cameron Tyson.
Event Details
We will invite admitted prospective students to attend our EXPLORE Science and Math! program. EXPLORE Science and Math! is the Georgia Tech College of Sciences program for admitted prospective students and their guests.
The program introduces prospective students to the classes and research opportunities available to them as College of Sciences scholars. Members of the College of Sciences faculty and administration will be on hand to answer questions and offer guidance on academic advising. Prospective students will also attend a Science and Math fair that will include several campus-wide organizations, as well as students currently studying in their field of interest.
Space fills up quickly; invitees should register as early as possible. Register here.
Due to the popularity of this event, we can accommodate only admitted students and their guests. We encourage others with an interest in Georgia Tech's science and mathematics degree programs to attend one of our "It's All About Science and Math" open houses.
Schedule
9:00-9:30: Arrive on campus
-
Park in Lot W21 (to be eligible for parking validation) and walk to the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons room 144; click here for directions. Refreshments will be available.
9:30: Welcome and Overview of Opportunities in the College of Sciences: Interim Dean David Collard, Assistant Dean Cameron Tyson
10:15: Research Keynote Talks by Professors (Mini-research symposium)
12:00: Lunch-Meet with professors, advisors and students from your preferred major (a free box lunch and drinks are provided for students and guests)
1:00: Science and Math Fair
- Visit with faculty academic advisors, undergraduate researchers, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, the Office of International Education, the Pre-Health Advisor/Prehealth Panel, the Office of Housing, Arts at Georgia Tech representatives, Greek Life science and math majors, Honors Program representatives, Campus recreation representatives, the Office of Career Development and Discovery (co-ops, internships, career planning), GT campus safety, and lots of student organizations.
2:40: Student Panel
- Gain new insights from students – housing, class selection, getting a research position, study abroad, and much more. You ask the questions – What do you want to know?
3:15: Closing/Departure/Visit Residence Hall Option
- Option: GT Housing representatives will offer a visit to a GT campus residence hall/dorm room from 3:15-4:00pm. Please meet outside of room Clough 152 in the atrium. The tour will involve a 10-minute walk to west campus housing.
Questions? Please contact Cameron Tyson.
Event Details
The 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Campus Celebration begins with a tour of historical destinations in Tuskegee, Selma, and Montgomery, Alabama. Participants will explore key locations from the Civil Rights Era.
Participants will visit the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and many historic sites. This cultural immersion provides a rich, first-hand experience for up to 70 students and 30 faculty/staff members.
The tour is $130 for students and $230 for faculty/staff. The fee covers a two-night stay with breakfast, charter bus service, and tickets to selected venues.
Students Registration
Faculty/Staff Registration
Registration will continue until capacity is reached. Credit Card payments will be accepted through MarketPlace.
Event Details
"Epigenetics: From Mechanisms to Tree of Life"
Epigenetics studies the interactions of genomic DNA with its environment that regulates gene expression. Tremendous progress has been made in current research of epigenetics in various cellular processes, diseases, as well as in behavior and sociality across the tree of life.
The 2019 Suddath Symposium showcases the depth and diversity of epigenetics research. Central and emerging topics of epigenetics, from mechanisms in normal and diseases states to evolution and behavior, will be covered. The symposium is intended to spark discussion of concepts that span diverse systems and to inspire future leaders in epigenetics.
The Suddath Symposium is held annually to celebrate the life and contribution of F.L. "Bud" Suddath by discussing the latest developments in the fields of bioengineering and bioscience. The speakers include leading researchers across the world. This successful symposium has been taking place for 27 years! Each year the symposium topic changes.
Symposium Chairs: Yuhong Fan, Ph.D., and Soojin Yi, Ph.D.
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
Victor Corces, Ph.D. - Emory University
Sharon Dent, Ph.D. - University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Yuhong Fan, Ph.D. - Georgia Tech
Brendan Hunt, Ph.D. - University of Georgia
William Kelly, Ph.D. - Emory University
Ali Shilatifard, Ph.D. - Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Paula Vertino, Ph.D. - Emory University / University of Rochester
Hengbin Wang, Ph.D. - University of Alabama at Birmingham
Jerry Workman, Ph.D. - Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Soojin Yi, Ph.D. - Georgia Tech
Yi Zhang, Ph.D. - Harvard Medical School / Harvard Stem Cell Institute
Registration
Early registration $25 through Friday, January 11, 2019 - all attendees
Regular registration $35 beginning Saturday, January 12, 2019 - all attendees
For complete symposium info and registration, visit: Suddath Symposium website
The 2019 Suddath Symposium is supported by the Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience at Georgia Tech.
The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, an internationally recognized hub of multidisciplinary research at the Georgia Institute of Technology, brings engineers, scientists, and clinicians together to solve some of the world’s most complex health challenges. With 19 research centers, more than 180 faculty members, and $24 million in state-of-the-art facilities, the Petit Institute is translating scientific discoveries into game-changing solutions to solve real-world problems.
Event Details
Nicholas School of the Environment
Duke University
Event Details
Thesis Advisor:
Dr. Michael Goodisman
School of Biological Sciences
Georgia Institute of Technology
Committee Members:
Dr. Joseph R. Mendelson, III
School of Biological Sciences
Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Stephanie Braccini Slade
School of Biological Sciences
Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Jenny McGuire
School of Biological Sciences
Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Megan Lee Wilson
Department of Psychology
Georgia State University
Abstract
African elephants (Loxodonta africana) are a highly social species that typically live in large, matrilineal family groups called herds which contain a linear dominance hierarchy between the adult females. Management plans for African elephants in human care try to replicate their natural social structures by creating small herds of females but these individuals are typically unrelated except in the case of mothers and their offspring. Despite low genetic relatedness, these females still create their own dominance hierarchies within the herds. Although elephants in human care have all of their needs provided for, dominance within herds can lead to preferential access to high-value resources such as food, water, and shade structures.
The purpose of this case study was to observe how the two female African elephants at Zoo Atlanta, Tara and Kelly, interacted with each other in terms of their usage of their current exhibit space. An incident occurred during data collection that led to a week-long separation of the elephants and the results of this study were then separated into two data sets. Anecdotal evidence of Kelly being the dominant individual was confirmed by Kelly initiating all 110 observed social interactions. After the incident there was a higher frequency of social interactions between the two elephants per hour. The amount of neutral and highly agonistic behaviors rose as well. It appears Kelly was re-establishing her dominance over Tara after their lengthy separation.
Both elephants had non-random patterns of exhibit spatial use when they were together and when they were alone in the exhibit, as well as before and after the incident. Before the incident, Kelly dominated use of the two areas that had direct access to the indoor barn when both females were in the exhibit together while Tara used the remaining two areas more often. These elephants have a complex social history, which includes Kelly dominating use of the barn and resources after a change to their social structure. As the dominant individual, Kelly had preferential access to this high-value area. Kelly continued to prefer staying in the areas closest to the barn when separated from Tara. The exhibit spatial use pattern displayed by Tara when separated from Kelly was different from her pattern when they were together because she used the area closest to the barn instead of the two furthest from the barn. The patterns after the incident were similar to those from the before results except Tara used the furthest area from the barn with a higher frequency when alone in the exhibit in addition to the closest. This change may have been caused by Tara’s restricted mobility after the incident.
Before the incident, all social interactions between the elephants and those that were agonistic in nature occurred randomly throughout the outside portion of the exhibit despite both elephants having specific patterns in how they used the exhibit. After the incident there was a non-random pattern in the location of all social interactions. More occurred in the area closest to the barn than would be randomly expected, which matches Kelly’s dominating use of that area. Although the occurrence of agonistic behaviors by area changed after the incident, the pattern was still random.
Event Details
Open educational resources (OER) are free and open resources (including text, media, and other digital assets) that are useful for teaching and learning. This seminar will discuss the value of OER. Learn how Chrissy Spencer, senior academic professional in the School of Biological Sciences, and Carrie Shepler, director of first-year chemistry in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, are using OER in their classes. Matt Lisle and Rob Kadel of the Georgia Tech Center for 21st Century Universities, will also be on the panel.
Attendees can bring a brown bag lunch. Beverages, veggies and desserts will be provided.
RSVPs are required.
Event Details
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