James T. Stroud has been named an Early Career Fellow by the Ecological Society of America.

He joins the ranks of nine newly appointed ESA Fellows and ten 2024-2028 ESA Early Career Fellows, elected for "advancing the science of ecology and showing promise for continuing contributions" and recently confirmed by the organization's Governing Board.

Stroud, an Elizabeth Smithgall Watts Early Career Assistant Professor in the School of Biological Sciences, is an integrative evolutionary ecologist who investigates how ecological and evolutionary processes may underlie patterns of biological diversity at the macro-scale.

He primarily studies lizards and his research is highly multidisciplinary, combining field studies with macro-ecological and evolutionary comparative analyses. Stroud’s current interests are particularly focused on measuring natural selection in the wild, often taking advantage of non-native lizards as natural experiments in ecology and evolution.

Earlier this month, Stroud presented his recent work at the inaugural College of Sciences Frontiers in Science: Climate Action Conference and Symposium, joining more than 20 faculty experts and 100 stakeholders from across all six colleges at Georgia Tech to discuss climate change, challenges, and solutions.

Stroud joined the Georgia Tech faculty in August 2023. He earned a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from Florida International University.

"I am thrilled to recognize the exceptional contributions of our newly selected Fellows and Early Career Fellows,” says ESA President Shahid Naeem. “Their groundbreaking research, unwavering commitment to mentoring and teaching and advocacy for sound science in management and policy decisions have not only advanced ecological science but also inspired positive change within our community and beyond. We celebrate their achievements and eagerly anticipate the profound impacts they will continue to make in their careers."

ESA will formally acknowledge and celebrate its new Fellows for their exceptional achievements during a ceremony at ESA’s 2024 Annual Meeting in Long Beach, California.

About ESA Fellowships

ESA established its Fellows program in 2012 with the goal of honoring its members and supporting their competitiveness and advancement to leadership positions in the Society, at their institutions, and in broader society. Past ESA Fellows and Early Career Fellows are listed on the ESA Fellows page.

About ESA

The Ecological Society of America, founded in 1915, is the world’s largest community of professional ecologists and a trusted source of ecological knowledge, committed to advancing the understanding of life on Earth. The 8,000 member Society publishes six journals and a membership bulletin and broadly shares ecological information through policy, media outreach, and education initiatives. The Society’s Annual Meeting attracts 4,000 attendees and features the most recent advances in ecological science. Visit the ESA website at https://www.esa.org.

The following members of the Tech community were honored at the 2024 Faculty and Staff Honors Luncheon on Friday, April 26.

Georgia Tech Chapter Sigma Xi Awards

Best Faculty Paper Award

Christopher Rozell
Julian T. Hightower Chair and Professor
Electrical and Computing Engineering

Sankaraleengam Alagapan
Research Scientist II
Electrical and Computing Engineering

Shu Jia
Associate Professor
Biomedical Engineering

Young Faculty Award

Juan-Pablo Correa-Baena
Assistant Professor
Materials Science and Engineering

Yue Chen
Assistant Professor
Biomedical Engineering 

Sustained Research Award

Facundo Fernandez
Regents’ and Vasser-Wooley Professor
Chemistry and Biochemistry

Institute Research Awards

Outstanding Achievement in Research Enterprise Enhancement

Anton Bryksin
Regents’ Professor 
Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences 

Outstanding Achievement in Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Research

Mary Frank Fox
Dean’s Distinguished Professor
Public Policy 

Outstanding Achievement in Early Career Research Award

Lindsey Rose Bullinger
Assistant Professor
Public Policy 

Outstanding Achievement in Research Innovation Award

Emmanouil (Manos) M. Tentzeris
Ed and Pat Joy Chair in Antennas
Electrical and Computer Engineering 

Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Advisor Award

Moinuddin Qureshi
Professor
Computer Science 

Outstanding Faculty Research Author Award

Feryal Özel
Chair and Professor
Physics 

Outstanding Achievement in Research Engagement and Outreach Award

Shreyes N. Melkote
Professor
Mechanical Engineering 

Outstanding Achievement in Research Program Development Award

UNCAGE-ME

Ryan P. Lively
Professor
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Krista Walton
Associate Vice President for Research Operations and Infrastructure
Research

David Sholl
Professor
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Leslie Schlag
Grants Administrator Lead
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Christopher W. Jones
Professor and John F. Brock III School Chair
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Rochelle Moses
Program and Operations Manager
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 

Outstanding Achievement in Research Program Impact Award

Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory

Dimitri Mavris
Regents' Professor and Director
Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory

Michelle R. Kirby
Senior Research Engineer
Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory

Elena Garcia
Advanced Methods Division Chief
Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory

Olivia J. Pinon Fischer
Principal Research Engineer
Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory 

ANAK Awards

Outstanding Faculty ANAK Award

Jacqueline Garner
Senior Lecturer
Scheller College of Business 

Outstanding Staff ANAK Award

Carolina Amero
Senior Director – Auxiliary Services
Campus Services

Staff Performance Awards

Acting With Ethics First Award

Library Finance

Verstell Agee
Financial Analyst
Library 

Cheryl Parker
Financial Manager II
Library

Embracing All Voices Award

Monica Jackson
Employer Connections Coordinator
Career Center

One Giant Leap Award

Brent O’Guin
Tech Strategist and Architect Senior
OIT – Enterprise App and Data 

One Small Step Award

Andrew James George
Public Services Associate II
Library 

Naima Barton
Assistant Director of Administrative Operations
Office of the Provost 

Leadership in Action Award

Brittany McCormick
Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
Scheller College of Business

Monifa Skelton-Wells
Academic Program Manager
Mechanical Engineering

Excellence Award

Michelle Powell
Director
Strategic Consulting  

Capstone Design Expo

Nichelle Compton
Event Coordinator II
Mechanical Engineering

Andrea Dominguez
Program Support Coordinator
Mechanical Engineering

Amit S. Jariwala
Senior Academic Professional
Mechanical Engineering

Cary Ogletree
Building and Delivery Service Manager
Mechanical Engineering

Ashley Ritchie
Communications Manager
Mechanical Engineering

Spirit of Georgia Tech Award

Peter Lee
Creative Services Manager
Scheller College of Business

Laxminarayanan Krishnan
Laboratory Manager I
Bioengineering and Biosciences

Sherree King
Store Clerk III
Housing and Residence Life

Center for Teaching and Learning Awards

Junior Faculty Teaching Award

Anirban Mazumdar
Assistant Professor
Mechanical Engineering

Daniel Molzahn
Assistant Professor
Electrical and Computer Engineering

Curriculum Innovation Awards

Francesco Fedele
Associate Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering 

Geoffrey G. Eichholz Faculty Teaching Award

Christopher Stanzione
Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies
Psychology

Mary Hudachek-Buswell
Associate Chair and Senior Lecturer
Computing Instruction

Innovation and Excellence in Laboratory Instruction Award

Anh Le
Academic Professional 
Chemistry and Biochemistry

Innovation in Co-Curricular Education Award

Carla Gerona
Associate Professor
History and Sociology 

GTDC

Lawrence Rubin
Co-Director of GTDC and Associate Professor
International Affairs

Zachary Taylor
Co-Director of GTDC and Associate Professor
Public Policy

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award

Colin Harrison
Senior Academic Professional
Biological Sciences

Teaching Excellence Award in Online Teaching

A.J. Medford
Associate Professor
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Undergraduate Educator Award

Michael Evans
Senior Academic Professional 
Chemistry and Biochemistry 

Education Partnership Award

Saad Bhamla
Assistant Professor
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Janet Standeven
Assistant Professor
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Elio Challita
Postdoctoral Researcher
Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University 

International Initiatives Award

Steven A. Denning Faculty Award for Global Engagement

Shuichi Takayama
Price Gilbert Jr. Chair
Biomedical Engineering 

Faculty Honors Committee Awards

Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Award

Junior Faculty

Saad Bhamla
Assistant Professor
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 

Senior Faculty

Ravi Kane
Garry Betty/ V Foundation Chair and GRA Eminent Scholar
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 

Class of 1934 Outstanding Service Award

Susan Margulies
Professor
Biomedical Engineering

Outstanding Professional Education

Shalu Suri
Co-Director of NSF Cell Manufacturing Technologies ERC Engineering Workforce Development
Biomedical Engineering

Class of 1934 Outstanding Interdisciplinary Activities Award

Bruce Walker
Professor
Psychology 

Class of 1940 W. Roane Beard Outstanding Teacher Award

Daniel Molzahn
Assistant Professor
Electrical and Computer Engineering 

Class of 1940 W. Howard Ector Outstanding Teacher Award

Faisal M. Alamgir
Professor 
Materials Science and Engineering 

Class of 1934 Distinguished Professor Award

Dimitri Mavris
Regents' Professor, Boeing Professor of Advanced Aerospace Systems Analysis, and Langley Distinguished Professor in Advanced Aerospace Systems Architecture
Aerospace Engineering

Georgia Institute of Technology and the Trammell Crow Company are transforming Atlanta’s booming skyline with the launch of the first phase of Science Square, a pioneering mixed-use development dedicated to biological sciences and medical research and the technology to advance those fields. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for April 25. 

“The opening of Science Square’s first phase represents one of the most exciting developments to come to Atlanta in recent years,” said Ángel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. “The greatest advances in innovation often emerge from dense technological ecosystems, and Science Square provides our city with its first biomedical research district, which will help innovators develop and scale their ideas into marketable solutions.” 

Science Square’s first phase includes Science Square Labs, a 13-story purpose-built tower with state-of-the-art infrastructure to accommodate wet and dry labs and clean room space. To promote overall energy efficiency as well as sustainability, the complex houses a massive 38,000-square-foot solar panel. The solar panel system is in addition to an energy recovery system that extracts energy from the building’s exhaust air and returns it to the building’s HVAC system, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Electrochromic windows, which tint during the day to block ultraviolet rays and steady the temperature while also controlling the environment — key in research labs — are also featured throughout the building.   

Equipped with technologically advanced amenities and infrastructure, Science Square Labs serves as a nexus for groundbreaking research, enabling collaboration between academia, industry, and startup ventures. Portal Innovations, a company specializing in life sciences venture development, is among the first tenants to establish operations at Science Square, as Atlanta takes center stage as the country’s top city for research and development employment growth. 

The opening of the complex’s first phase, just south of Georgia Tech’s campus and totaling 18 acres, also features retail space and The Grace Residences developed by High Street Residential, TCC's residential subsidiary. The 280-unit multifamily tower, already welcoming tenants, is named in honor of renowned Atlanta leader and Georgia State Representative Grace Towns Hamilton who spent many years championing this community.

Beyond its scientific endeavors, Science Square embodies Georgia Tech’s commitment to uplifting the local community. By collaborating with organizations like Westside Works, Science Square aims to empower residents through targeted workforce development initiatives and economic opportunities.  

“This mixed-use development adds immense value to Atlanta’s west side and will lead the development of pioneering medical advances with the power to improve and save lives,” President Cabrera added.  

For the past 10 years, the National Institutes of Health have led an unprecedented effort to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain. The aptly named BRAIN (Brain Research Through Advancing Neurotechnologies) Initiative has led to remarkable technological advancements, insights into the structure and function of the brain, and budding therapies. 

Recently, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Professor Chris Rozell traveled to Washington, D.C. to share the impact of his BRAIN Initiative research with U.S. Congressional offices — and offer insights on how critical this program is to society. The briefing took on a particular urgency because BRAIN Initiative funding was cut over 40% this year, and future funding appears to be in jeopardy in the current federal budget climate. 

“The millions of patients suffering with intractable neurologic disorders and mental illness deserve a moonshot to develop new solutions for their conditions,” said Rozell, who also holds the Julian T. Hightower Chair in ECE and serves on the executive committee for Georgia Tech’s Neuro Next Initiative. “You can't get to the moon with a paper plane, and you can’t get there without a map. The BRAIN Initiative is a vital program because it's one of the few places that brings together interdisciplinary teams that include the scientists who have been building maps of brain circuits and the engineers who have been building rockets to understand and intervene with those circuits. 

“I'm proud to have had the chance to represent not only our own research, but the incredible community here at Georgia Tech and around the country working to understand many different aspects of the brain, developing new neurotechnologies, and advancing therapies for neurologic disorders.” 

Interdisciplinary impacts 

“The main message we presented to Congress is that the interdisciplinary combination of rigorous science and technical innovation can have enormous societal impact over the next few decades,” said Rozell. 

A stark example of that impact was published in Nature this past fall. In this research, Rozell and his collaborators at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Emory University School of Medicine identified the first known biomarker of disease recovery with deep brain stimulation in treatment-resistant depression. 

“The fact that an engineer can advance clinical therapies is a testament to the new era we're in,” says Rozell, “where disciplinary boundaries are fading, and technological innovation accelerates our scientific and translational breakthroughs.” 

This research served as a focal point of the congressional briefing, where Rozell presented with BRAIN Initiative Director John J. Ngai, clinical collaborators, and a family whose lives have been transformed by this work.  

“Events like last week are dream come true,” shared Jon Nelson, who was treated with deep brain stimulation as part of the study and presented with Rozell in D.C. After living through 10 years of debilitating, treatment-resistant depression, Nelson says “remission of depression still doesn't feel real. It's been a year and a half, and I still am in awe every single day. 

“The fact that I have come out of this study and found that the disease is purely an electrical deficiency in my brain has fueled me to completely pulverize the stigma of mental illness,” Nelson explained. “When you have an opportunity to go speak to Congress — that’s about as great of a platform as you can get for that. Being able to put a face to what the BRAIN Initiative funding can do for people was just amazing.” 

When meeting with local representatives, Rozell also relayed his work as co-executive leader of the Neuro Next Initiative, a budding Interdisciplinary Research Institute at Georgia Tech. 

“I was thrilled to highlight that Georgia Tech is leading the charge with the Neuro Next Initiative, which will evolve into a full Interdisciplinary Research Institute in 2025,” said Rozell. “Georgia Tech has the ingredients to become a leading center for modern technology-driven interdisciplinary brain research and workforce development. 

“This visit was a reminder to me that research funding is not guaranteed and it’s important to keep communicating the critical value that research plays in advancing our understanding, training our workforce, fueling our economy, and ultimately making a better tomorrow for society.” 

Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer diagnosis for U.S. women, and the second-leading cause of female cancer deaths. In recent years, breast cancer treatments have improved significantly, thanks to targeted gene therapy and immunotherapy. However, for the small group of patients diagnosed with the most aggressive basal-like type of breast cancer, such approaches are less successful.

Recently, scientists in the Georgia Tech Integrated Cancer Research Center (ICRC) have found that this particular breast cancer displays a unique interactive gene network structure. Using a type of mathematics called “graph theory,” which models relationships between a pair of objects, the researchers computationally detected changes in gene-gene interactions as this breast cancer occurs and develops.

“The discovery of novel gene networks associated with basal-like breast cancers has helped us identify potential new gene targets to treat this very aggressive type of breast cancer,” said John McDonald, ICRC founding director, professor emeritus in the School of Biological Sciences, and the study’s corresponding author. “We would not have discovered these possible treatments through analyses of gene expression alone.”

While causing just 10-20% of breast cancer diagnoses, basal-like breast cancer is much more aggressive than other subtypes — and if not identified early, when it can be treated by surgery and/or radiation therapy, effective anti-cancer drug treatment can be challenging. The basal-like subtype does not respond to traditional hormonal therapies.

One theory as to why, advocated by many cancer researchers, is that individual genes do not function autonomously; as such, changes in how genes interact with one another in cancer may be as important as the cancer-driving genes themselves.

“The components of any complex system, like the human genome, are certainly important,” said McDonald. “The way in which these independent components interact with one another is also critical.”

For this study, the researchers analyzed three major subtypes of breast cancer, with particular emphasis on the most aggressive basal-like subtype. The researchers found that gene-gene interactive networks are quite different in the aggressive basal-like subtype, compared to the more prevalent luminal A and luminal B subtypes.

Many of the genes comprising these unique networks were found to be involved in functions not previously associated with breast cancer. Stephen Housley, a neurobiology researcher in the School of Biological Sciences and a co-author on the paper, noted that “an unexpected and intriguing result from our study is that neural processes appear to play a prominent role in distinguishing the highly aggressive basal-like tumors from the less aggressive luminal A and luminal B subtypes.”

In total, the researchers examined more than 300 million pairs of genes, comparing healthy women to those with breast cancer. Study co-author Zainab Ashard, a computational biologist who recently worked in McDonald’s lab, explained, “Differences in the gene network structure between healthy individuals and breast cancer patients allowed us to identify changes in patterns of gene-gene interactions within breast cancer development.”[s1] 

The team’s results are detailed in a new paper, “Changes in Gene Network Interactions in Breast Cancer Onset and Development,” which appeared in the April 2024 issue of GEN Biotechnology. Based on the results of this study and their previously published analyses of eight other types of cancer, the researchers believe they have established the usefulness of network analysis in identifying potential new candidates for the diagnosis of and targeted gene therapy treatment for breast and other types of cancers.

In addition to McDonald, Housley, and Ashard, Kara Keun Lee, a former bioinformatics Ph.D. student who worked in McDonald’s lab, is also a co-author on the paper.

The results shown here are in whole or in part based on data generated by the TCGA Research Network. The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) Project was supported by the Common Fund of the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health, and by NCI, NHGRI, NHLBI, NIDA, NIMH, and NINDS.

This research was supported by the Mark Light Integrated Cancer Research Center Student Fellowship, the Deborah Nash Endowment Fund, Northside Hospital (Atlanta), and the Ovarian Cancer Institute (Atlanta).

Citation: “Changes in Gene Network Interactions in Breast Cancer Onset and Development,” Zainab Arshad, Stephen N. Housley, Kara Keun Lee, and John F. McDonald, GEN Biotechnology, April 2024,
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/genbio.2024.0002

Breanna Shi, a student in the bioinformatics Ph.D. program, discovered the importance of student-led support groups early on in her graduate education journey. Since then, she has taken on a variety of mentorship roles, including co-organizing the 2024 Women Computational Biology Cohort with fellow Ph.D. bioinformatics student Zoey Yang. 

Before the Women Computational Biology cohort, I felt a strong desire to have more community with my fellow graduate students,” said Shi. “The program has done so much to help women like Zoey and myself derive a sense of community in our work, and we want to be a part of seeing this community help the next generation of female scientists.

Shi and Yang share the importance of developing women-centered communities and provide their insight into developing a community. 

Provide a safe space for discussion. 

“Pursuing a graduate degree is difficult,” said Yang. “Pursuing a graduate degree as a woman is particularly hard. Women are often given specific expectations by our society. Pursuing advanced degrees may often be seen as ‘too ambitious’ or ‘unnecessary’ for women.” 

In the cohort, Yang had the opportunity to meet other women scientists every month to discuss their experience in doing computational biology research. 

“As women in male-dominated research areas, our experience and struggles are unique.”

The cohort provided a safe space to talk about different aspects of their prospective career, mental health, and life in general. 

“We understand each other, and we support each other with constructive advice,” said Yang. 

Meet with Like-Minded Peers of Diverse Perspectives.

According to Shi, the women in their cohort help each other navigate the academic environment, empowering them to tackle the challenges they will inevitably face in a Ph.D. program. 

 “I feel that women are better able to reach their goals through this program because of the diversity of perspective and experience levels that this program allows Ph.D. students to encounter,” said Shi. “Each woman in my cohort contributes a different perspective on her graduate experience, which collectively serves all new women graduate students to walk forward in her Ph.D. confident and prepared for the challenges she will conquer in her Ph.D.”

Walk away from meetings with a plan of action. 

At the beginning of Shi’s third year, she was distressed. The idea for her thesis was not working, and she did not have any other ideas. 

“I spoke to some of the women from my program that were able to help me feel more confident defending my ideas with my advisor,” said Shi. “At my next meeting, I was able to come to a consensus about a new direction to take my thesis. I brought this idea to my faculty mentor, and she helped to make a plan for my proposal and my first publication.” 

Combat feelings of isolation.

For Shi, there were many times in the beginning of her Ph.D. when she felt isolated. She wondered if the challenges she was experiencing were normal. 

Avery Davis Bell, postdoctoral scholar in the School of Biological Sciences, launched the Women Computational Biology Cohort with Professor Lynn Kamerlin to provide graduate women and gender minorities with a faculty mentor and to host events aimed at empowering these students. 

“Conversations with Avery and other women in my cohort have completely changed my perspective on graduate school,” said Shi. 

The advice given during their meetups have been invaluable to Shi’s growth and success as a Ph.D. student. 

 “Avery has been a huge advocate for me during this program,” said Shi. “She is always ready to give advice, support my ideas, and help me to grow as a female leader. She has actively shown me time and time again her passion for empowering the next generation of female scientists. I feel lucky to learn from her experience as I try to give back the experience I was given." 

Launching Your Own Community. 

Shi gives the following tips for starting your own community: 

• Start with something simple. “Go get a cup of coffee with someone new in your department,” said Shi. “Find out what graduate students in your department need and find people who are willing to get the work done. It takes a good team to build a community.” 
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. “Your department is likely more than willing to help you start a new graduate community,” said Shi. “This will help you identify the people who are passionate about your ideas. 
• Do the work to maintain your community. “The best strategy that you can have to create a supportive community is to realize that community building is an active role, not a passive role,” said Shi. 

The 2024 Women Computational Biology Cohort will be accepting applications this summer. Applications are open to all women and gender minority Ph.D. students who research computational biology regardless of major. Faculty willing to serve as mentors and women interested in the program should email Breanna Shi. 

This Earth Month more than 100 campus and community stakeholders gathered near the Georgia Tech EcoCommons for the 2024 Frontiers in Science: Climate Action Conference and Symposium.

On April 18, the College of Sciences hosted more than 20 speakers and panelists from across the Institute and Atlanta community presenting groundbreaking research and discussing innovations and ideas in climate change, challenges, and solutions. 

Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera (M.S. PSY 1993, Ph.D. PSY 1995) kicked off the morning sessions by highlighting the Institute’s new Climate Action Plan, which outlines the pathway to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Cabrera’s remarks focused on Georgia Tech’s role on the frontlines of research and education informing how we respond to climate challenges — and noted that the Institute’s work must extend beyond our laboratories and classrooms.

“It is essential that we not only do the science, but that we also tell that science to the world,” Cabrera says.

Interdisciplinary inquiry

This year, Frontiers in Science featured an array of climate research and initiatives led by the College of Sciences, fellow colleges across Georgia Tech, and the wider Atlanta community.

Following a three-year hiatus of the Frontiers series, the 2024 edition re-envisioned the signature annual event as a research conference and symposium to convene campus experts — and to incubate seed grant proposals to support the work of early career faculty.

Frontiers previously hosted Nobel laureates and invited thought leaders for individual talks across the College’s six schools, and celebrated milestones like the International Year of the Periodic Table of the Chemical Elements.

“This year, we wanted to showcase what we are doing right here in the College of Sciences and throughout the Institute,” says Susan Lozier, dean of the College of Sciences, Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair and professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. “Our faculty are at the forefront of broadening our knowledgebase and uncovering solutions in areas critical to the planet and our well-being. We wanted to uplift that work and see what sort of connections could be made.”

Connections and collaboration were key themes of the day as faculty, staff, students, and alumni participants representing all six Georgia Tech colleges shared research results and ongoing work and discussed collaborative ideas for horizons ahead.

“Scientists alone cannot [create accurate models],” noted Annalisa Bracco, professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and associate chair for Research, who shared her own research alongside Lozier, who presented a version of her 2024 TED Talk on ocean overturning. “Engineers alone cannot do it. We need social scientists, policy makers, communicators.”

The importance of an interdisciplinary approach was reinforced by the Strategic Energy Institute at Georgia Tech (SEI) and Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems (BBISS), which announced an interdisciplinary seed grant funding opportunity for assistant professors with ideas for new climate solutions.

Frontiers in focus

Across three themed sessions, faculty and leadership from the Colleges of Sciences, Engineering, and Design spearheaded talks on the ocean and cryosphere, biodiversity, carbon cycling, coastal wetlands, biofuels production, and beyond.

Panels on climate challenges across community, technological, and policy initiatives were hosted by Georgia Tech Vice President for Interdisciplinary Research and Professor in the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry Julia Kubanek.

Following a networking lunch with climate table topics, Georgia Tech Executive Vice President for Research and Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Chaouki T. Abdallah (M.S. ECE 1982, Ph.D. ECE 1988) kicked off the afternoon sessions — which also announced the scholarship recipients of a student video competition and featured videos with a pair of alumnae working in meteorology, climate research, and policy.

Afternoon highlights also included discussions on the Georgia Tech Climate Action Plan and Sustainability Next initiative, led by Jennifer Chirico (B.S. MGMT 1997, Ph.D. PUBP 2011), associate vice president of Sustainability for Georgia Tech Infrastructure and Sustainability, and Jennifer Leavey (B.S. CHEM 1995), assistant dean for Faculty Mentoring in the College of Sciences and interim assistant director for Interdisciplinary Education in the Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems.

Although many of the presentations provided a stern outlook of the state of our ecosystems, the conference concluded with a sense of hope. This optimism was grounded in the range of opportunities that exist to address climate challenges — thanks, in part, to the body of knowledge and solutions being tested and explored by Georgia Tech researchers.

At the end of the day, Katie Griffin, a first year undergraduate student in Environmental Science, read Amanda Gorman’s poem Earthrise and provided this reminder:

All of us bring light to exciting solutions never tried before
For it is our hope that implores us, at our uncompromising core,
To keep rising up for an earth more than worth fighting for.

Experience the event in pictures with the College of Sciences’ Flickr account, and discover the highlights through the day’s live tweets on College of Sciences’ X account.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded 61 Georgia Tech students with Graduate Research Fellowships (GRF). The fellowships, valued at $159,000 each, include funding for three years of graduate study and tuition.

This year’s winners represent areas of study ranging from aerospace engineering to ocean sciences. The purpose of the GRF initiative, the oldest of NSF’s programs, is to develop experts who will contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in science and engineering. Their awards total more than $9.5 million in funding, the most Georgia Tech has ever had in the program.

This year’s recipients are: