Campus Highlights: Summer 2025
AT&T and Georgia Tech Launch Boot Camp-to-Internship Pipeline
Thanks to a new venture with AT&T, the College of Computing is piloting a new summer experience for undergraduate students that blends academic instruction with industry engagement.
This is the first time the College has offered a boot camp-to-internship model to provide students with a seamless path from classroom learning to real-world application. The new program consists of a four-week boot camp followed by an eight-week internship at AT&T. Led by Nimisha Roy of the School of Computing Instruction, the boot camp prepares students to contribute meaningfully in the workplace by combining technical rigor with project-based learning.
“Outside of hands-on training and real-world experience for the students, it’s a job placement,” said Stephanie Stare, director of technology at AT&T. “The idea is to extend offers to those who are a good fit
at the end of the summer and have them join full time next year.”
To support students in the College of Computing, contact Jason Zwang, senior director of Development, College of Computing, at jason.zwang@cc.gatech.edu.
Painting a Target on Cancer to Make Therapy More Effective
Georgia Tech biomedical engineers have created a treatment that could one day unlock a universal strategy for treating some of the hardest-to-treat cancers — like those in the brain, breast, and colon — by teaching the immune system to see what it usually misses.
In lab tests, the therapy didn’t damage healthy tissues, and it stopped cancer from returning. While still in early stages of development, the treatment builds on well-established technologies, giving it a clearer, quicker path to clinical trials and patient care.
The technique developed by Gabe Kwong, Robert A. Milton Chair and associate professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, is a one-two punch. First, it flags tumor cells. Then specially enhanced T cells from the patient’s own immune system recognize and eliminate
the disease.
Marking tumors this way offers a potential path to treating cancers without the targets that drugs typically go after, giving options to patients who often don’t have many.
To support innovative faculty research in the College of Engineering, contact David Zaksheske, executive director of Development, at davez@coe.gatech.edu.
Mapping Heat. Protecting People
Extreme heat is one of the deadliest climate risks — and not all communities experience it equally. At Georgia Tech, Professor Rounaq Basu is leading the NO-HEAT initiative to change that. Originally developed during his time at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and now expanded through the College of Design’s Center for Urban Resilience and Analytics, the project uses high-resolution, street-level temperature data to identify which areas of Atlanta face the highest heat exposure. By combining this data with environmental and socioeconomic indicators, the team is uncovering disparities that disproportionately affect historically marginalized neighborhoods. The goal is to give planners and public health officials the information they need to target heat mitigation strategies — like shade, cooling centers, and infrastructure — where they are needed most. It is a powerful example of how Georgia Tech
research supports community resilience and climate equity.
To make a gift to fund innovative research in the College of Design, contact Kelly Smith, director of Development, College of Design, at kelly.smith@design.gatech.edu.
Morris Receives Mellon Foundation Award
Susana Morris, associate professor and associate chair in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication, has received a six-figure grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support the Earthseed project she oversees. The funds will be used to broaden discussions and create solutions to climate change’s impact on Black communities.
Through the use of Afrofuturist curriculum, medicinal community gardens, podcasts, films, research symposia, and scholarship, Morris and her colleagues seek to address the significance of climate change in Black communities in the South and Midwest.
Earthseed is an Afrofuturist digital humanities research project that incorporates Black media studies, digital media, and science fiction studies. It began in 2022 as a digital media hub of Afrofuturist literature organized by Morris and her students.
To make a gift to fund research in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication, contact Lauren Kennedy, director of Development in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, at lauren.kennedy@dev.gatech.edu.
First Harry and Anna Teasley Professor Named
The College of Sciences named Jenny McGuire as the first recipient of the Harry and Anna Teasley Professorship in Ecology. The newly endowed faculty position supports research and teaching that meaningfully advances the understanding and responsible stewardship of species and community dynamics amid evolving ecological interactions driven by global environmental change.
McGuire, an associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, was selected for her pioneering ecological research and exceptional teaching efforts.
“Jenny’s creative and fundamental research in spatial and community ecology is helping to position Georgia Tech as a leader in biodiversity and ecosystem conservation,”
says Todd Streelman, professor and chair of the School of Biological Sciences. “Her appointment continues a trend in the School to award research endowments to our most promising early- and mid-career scientists and highlights the strong support and generosity of alumni such as
the Teasley family.”.
To make a gift in support of promising faculty, contact Dan Warren, director of Development for the College of Sciences, at dan.warren@cos.gatech.edu.
Gift to Support Faculty and New Dean Named
The College is pleased to share that it has received its first gift from the Bill Kent Family Foundation to fund faculty support. This three-year fund will allow faculty across Georgia Tech to experiment with AI. This will help empower educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate AI tools into their teaching practices — and help to transform higher education at Georgia Tech. The effort will be led by the College’s Center for 21st Century Universities.
The College also welcomed Bill Gaudelli as their inaugural dean, effective Aug. 1. Gaudelli brings more than 35 years of experience as an educator, researcher, and academic administrator to this role. An internationally recognized scholar on global citizenship education and teacher development, he has authored more than 85 scholarly works, including several books on the topic of teaching and learning through a global lens.
Philanthropy will expand the College of Lifetime Learning’s educational offerings, support life-changing research, and drive societal impact. To make a gift to the Dean’s Excellence Fund in the College of Lifetime Learning, contact Ashley Coogan, assistant vice president for Unit Development, at ashley.coogan@dev.gatech.edu.
Three New Interdisciplinary Minors Launched
The Scheller College of Business is expanding opportunities for students with three interdisciplinary minors that bring fresh energy and sharpened career focus.
Undergraduates can now pursue a Fintech minor, which integrates finance, computing, and data science to prepare students for careers at the leading edge of financial services. This minor builds on resources available through the new Center for Finance and Technology, established through a generous gift from Mike and Jenny Messner.
The Business of Sports and Entertainment minor, also for undergraduates, combines management, marketing, and analytics to equip students for dynamic roles in athletics, media, and global events.
At the graduate level, the Real Estate Development and Finance minor offers students a rigorous blend of finance, urban planning, and strategy.
Each of these minors strengthens the connection between academic knowledge and career preparation. Students graduate with both the analytical rigor and the practical insights employers value, ready to make their mark across a variety of industries.
To enhance academic programs within the Scheller College of Business, contact Duante Stanton, senior director of Development, Scheller College of Business, at duante.stanton@scheller.gatech.edu.
Alpert Named Vice President and Director of Athletics
Ryan Alpert, a seasoned collegiate athletics executive and one of the nation’s most
respected leaders in revenue generation and athletic operations, was named vice president and director of athletics at Georgia Tech on July 8. Alpert comes to The Flats from
the University of Tennessee, where he served as senior deputy athletics director and chief
revenue officer.
At Tennessee, Alpert oversaw business and finance, development, marketing, ticketing,
capital projects, sponsorships, and more — collectively helping Tennessee Athletics increase its annual revenue by over $100 million since 2022. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the department generated a record $228 million in operating revenue and raised nearly $140 million through the Tennessee Fund. He also served as the lead on the Neyland Entertainment
District, a transformative public-private partnership that is revitalizing Knoxville’s riverfront and enhancing the game day experience around Neyland Stadium.
To learn more or to make a gift to Full Steam Ahead, the athletics initiative that is transforming athletic facilities, elevating the gameday experience, and providing resources to compete at the highest level, contact Robby Poteat, executive associate athletics director for Development, at rpoteat@athletics.gatech.edu.
Keeping Profile Information Current
To maintain and update current contact information for Georgia Tech alumni and donors, the Georgia Tech Foundation has developed a constituent profile update form. This form allows alumni and donors to provide their updated contact details, so Georgia Tech can share relevant and informative updates about campus happenings, alumni achievements, and the progress of Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech. By keeping their contact information current, alumni and donors can stay connected and engaged with the Georgia Tech community. Access the Georgia Tech Donor Portal at https://myportal.gtf.gatech.edu/edit-profile/login.
Sharp Reappointed
Following a comprehensive administrative review, Leslie Sharp has been reappointed to a second five-year term as dean of Libraries at Georgia Tech, effective July 1. This decision follows a review process, which includes feedback from faculty, staff, students, and external library colleagues and an evaluation of Sharp’s performance and accomplishments during her term. Sharp, who has served as dean of Libraries since 2020, has played a pivotal role in advancing Georgia Tech’s mission of supporting research, teaching, and learning across the Institute. Her leadership has guided the Library’s focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and expanded services, saving students, faculty, and staff more than $2.12 million in 2024 through course reserves, interlibrary loan, Gadgets equipment lending, locker rentals, and room reservations. Sharp’s work has ensured that the Library is one of the most desirable places on campus to study, work, and collaborate.
To support Dean Leslie Sharp’s vision for the Library, contact Heather Howarth, director of Development for the Library, at heather.howarth@library.gatech.edu.
Two New Interdisciplinary Research Institutes Launch
Georgia Tech has launched two new Interdisciplinary Research Institutes (IRIs) — one focused on neuroscience, the other on space. These areas are both rich in potential research discoveries and applications. The Space Research Institute (SRI) is the hub for all things space-related at Tech, connecting Schools, Colleges, labs, and partners to lead space innovation in Georgia and beyond. Through collaboration with business, government, philanthropy, and academia, the SRI will help keep Georgia Tech — and the state
of Georgia — at the forefront of space exploration and technology.
The Institute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society (INNS) is a dynamic center for brain-related research —from biology and behavior to medical breakthroughs and ethical questions. INNS will explore human intelligence, movement, neurotechnology, and the future of brain-connected systems.
Even as federal research budgets face uncertainty, Georgia Tech is investing strategically in areas with high potential for impact and diverse funding sources.
Together, the IRIs drive innovation across campus, the nation, and around the world. Donor support will help accelerate discoveries that improve lives and shape the future.
To fund research that advances innovation and technology in sectors of strategic importance, contact Meagan Burton-Krieger, executive director of Campaign Operations and chief of staff, at meagan.burton-krieger@dev.gatech.edu.
Reflections From a “Super Senior” Administrator Luoluo Hong
After four years at Georgia Tech, I’ve entered my “super senior” year. Reflecting on this time, one lesson stands out: Our students continually teach and inspire us. Each generation challenges the status quo, brings fresh perspectives, and reminds us why the work of supporting their success is so vital.
Students today demonstrate extraordinary resilience, navigating rigorous academics with grit while persevering through global uncertainty with courage. Their creativity, compassion, and drive hold us accountable and fuel our purpose. To ensure they can thrive, we must not only celebrate their achievements but also invest in the structures, resources, and experiences that sustain them. I have witnessed countless moments of transformation, each one made possible by the people and programs surrounding our Yellow Jackets. This is why the Student Engagement and Well-Being Fund for Holistic Student Success is so critical: It provides the flexibility to meet emerging needs and strengthen the initiatives that help students flourish intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
As I look back on my own “super senior” year, I’m reminded that the heart of Georgia Tech lies in its people. With strategic support, we can make certain every student has the opportunity not only to excel academically, but to grow as leaders, innovators, and engaged members of our community.
To support the Student Engagement and Well-Being Fund for Holistic Student Success, contact Emily Wong, director of Development, at emily.wong@dev.gatech.edu.
Give to the 79th Roll Call
Georgia Tech continues to evolve while remaining true to its mission: developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. Thanks to your support, the Institute has earned top national and global recognition:
- Georgia Tech was named the best value public college by The Princeton Review for the third consecutive year.
- Forbes recognized Georgia Tech among the top 10 “new Ivies” for a second year in a row.
- U.S. News & World Report ranked Georgia Tech among the top 10 public universities in the country for 2025.
- The National Science Foundation has ranked Georgia Tech’s research enterprise No. 1 in the U.S. among institutions without a medical school for four years in a row.
- Roll Call gifts from Georgia Tech alumni and friends help fuel this continued excellence. Help shape Georgia Tech’s future with your gift to the 79th Roll Call today.
Click here to make your gift to Roll Call.