Economic Development and Policy

Scientists Pinpoint Hazards for Engineered Stone Fabrication Shop Workers

admin — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 18:23:41 +0000

Scientists Pinpoint Hazards for Engineered Stone Fabrication Shop Workers admin Mon, 07/28/2025 - 14:23

You've probably seen fabricated stone countertops on an HGTV remodeling show — and you might even have them in your own home.

The durable, affordable, and highly customizable product debuted in Italy in the 1970s and continues to grow in popularity. Between 2010 and 2018, U.S. imports of engineered stone slabs increased by 800%. One report predicted that global demand will increase 5.4% each year, to reach 97 million square meters by 2028.

Sometimes referred to as manufactured stone or quartz (which is, confusingly, also the name of one of its main components), to the untrained eye, the material looks no different from natural stone. One of its biggest advantages is that it can be made to resemble marble, granite, or nearly any other stone.

Beneath the material’s familiar smooth surface, however, lie safety risks for engineered stone workers.

Research conducted by a team of Georgia Tech scientists demonstrates that everyone in a fabrication shop is at risk, not just the workers cutting and fashioning the material.

The group included members of the Enterprise Innovation Institute’s Safety, Health, and Environmental Services (SHES) program: Jenny Houlroyd, Hilarie Warren, Brandon J. Philpot, and Sean Castillo. Together with Jhy-Charm Soo of Georgia Southern University, they recently published their findings in Oxford Academic.

The study divided engineered stone workers into four risk groups and charted their relative exposure to the material’s chief hazard: respirable crystalline silica.

A “Toxic Product”

Engineered stone differs notably from its natural counterpart, both in composition and in danger to worker health.

A stone slab cut from the ground, such as granite or marble, comprises several different minerals and typically has a concentration of 40% or less of mineral crystalline silica — usually quartz, which is the most abundant form of crystalline silica.

Engineered stone, however, can contain more than 90% silica. Slabs are produced when silica is crushed, combined with synthetic resins, and compressed using heat or pressure.

During fabrication, these slabs are cut and shaped by powered hand tools. The resulting dust contains tiny particles of respirable crystalline silica. Once inhaled, some of the particulate may stay in the lungs and cause an inflammatory response.

While crystalline silica is released from both natural and engineered slabs during fabrication, the engineered slabs’ significantly higher percentage of silica poses a much greater risk to human health.

A growing body of research indicates that breathing engineered stone dust leads to lung inflammation and can cause acute silicosis, an untreatable lung disease.

“I would classify engineered stone as a really toxic product,” said Houlroyd, manager of occupational health services at SHES. “When you have something that’s high-risk, you have to prepare for systems to fail and have backup measures.”

Committed to Safety

Over six years, the SHES research group collected air-sampling data, making 17 visits to 11 Georgia stone fabrication shops. The shops had all requested air-sampling services offered by SHES.

“The companies agree that by working with us, they commit to correcting the hazards and reducing exposures, as much as is feasible,” Houlroyd noted.

Because most kitchen and bathroom countertop fabrication shops are small employers, workers often complete a variety of tasks, resulting in a range of exposure factors.

The research team recommended that all manufactured stone fabrication workers wear respirators, such as an N95 mask. For employees who are the most exposed, they recommended a respirator with a powered air-purifying element or supplied air.

But personal protective equipment (PPE) alone does not ensure safe conditions.

“Most of the workers in this industry are relying on respirators as their primary source of protection, and they need a lot more to protect them,” explained Houlroyd. “PPE is the last line of defense, and safety needs to be addressed from all angles.”

Part of that multifaceted strategy includes repeated monitoring of air quality and equipment. It’s also crucial for employers to make sure that exposure risks are understood by all workers — not just employees, but also contract and day laborers, as well as those working for cash.

More Than Just a Job

As members of SHES, the Georgia Tech research team members are first and foremost health and safety consultants, with expertise spanning industrial hygiene, environmental compliance, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

For Houlroyd, worker safety is not just a professional calling; it’s also a personal mission.

“My dad got sick with brain cancer from exposure to contaminants on the job, and he died four years ago,” she said.

“Though he didn’t work in the manufactured stone industry, his story is representative of many people who go to work each day to feed their family, are not aware of workplace hazards, and then find themselves sick.”

The public can play a part in worker safety, too.

“Consumers have a choice and can educate themselves about what type of countertop materials they choose to have installed — like how we look at food labels for nutritional information,” said Warren, who oversees the OSHA Training Institute Education Center at Georgia Tech.

“We should be aware of the risk to workers, as well as how the installation process in our homes should be properly managed to prevent dust contamination,” she added.

A Zero-Risk Solution

In 2024, Australia eliminated the risks associated with engineered stone fabrication. Despite having enacted stronger regulations in 2019, the country continued to see a rise in silicosis cases resulting from exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

Australia’s solution? Enacting a ban on the import and fabrication of the material until its safe manufacture can be demonstrated.

In their report, the Georgia Tech group recommends that the U.S. do the same. As Houlroyd put it, “I would love to see our country find a safer substitution and take this dangerous product off the market.”

____________________

Title: “Respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica exposures among workers at stone countertop fabrication shops in Georgia from 2017 through 2023”

Conflict of interest: Jenny Houlroyd has served as an expert witness in silicosis legal cases unrelated to this research. All other authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding: The U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as part of the OSHA 21(d) Consultation Program grant.

DOI: https://academic.oup.com/annweh/advance-article/doi/10.1093/annweh/wxaf014/8116008?utm_source=advanceaccess&utm_campaign=annweh&utm_medium=email

Summary sentence

Engineered stone has been in use for homes since the 1970s but creates serious health hazards for workers who produce them.

Summary

Australia enacted a ban on the import and fabrication of manufactured stone slabs because of health hazard concerns. Researchers from Georgia Tech and Georgia Southern University recommend the U.S. do the same.

Dateline

Mon, 07/28/2025 - 12:00

eve.tolpa@innovate.gatech.edu

Contact

Eve Tolpa
eve.tolpa@innovate.gatech.edu

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engineered stone

silicosis

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worker safety

Georgia Southern University

Safety Health and Environmental Services

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Business and Economic Development

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Business

Economic Development and Policy

Manufacturing

Research

Mercury ID

683317

Source updated

Mon, 07/28/2025 - 14:22

Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership at Georgia Tech Celebrates 65 Years of Service

admin — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 22:43:40 +0000

Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership at Georgia Tech Celebrates 65 Years of Service admin Thu, 07/24/2025 - 18:43

The Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a program of the Enterprise Innovation Institute at Georgia Tech, received recognition by Gov. Brian P. Kemp at the Georgia State Capitol for 65 years of service to the manufacturing industry.

The commendation acknowledged GaMEP for leveraging its world-renowned expertise and resources to advance manufacturing and economic prosperity across the state, supporting an industry that adds $82 billion to the economy and employs 425,000 residents, according to the National Association of Manufacturers.

This impact reflects decades of intentional growth and support for the industry. By 1960, more than 4,500 manufacturers had planted roots across Georgia — the result of strategic efforts by state leaders, with economic development assistance from Georgia Tech, to industrialize the economy. But growth brought new challenges. Manufacturers needed technical support to stay competitive. In response, the Georgia General Assembly voted to establish the Georgia Tech Industrial Extension Service (now known as the GaMEP). This created statewide field offices that provide a direct link between industry and innovation, delivering on-site technical expertise to help manufacturers thrive.

“Our role is to support those manufacturers so together we can help grow the state’s economy — and we’ve been really successful at that,” said Tim Israel, GaMEP director and EI2 associate vice president for corporate engagement/firm-based programs. “In 2024, Georgia experienced a significant return on its investment with the GaMEP generating an impressive $294 for every state dollar allocated to manufacturing projects. This remarkable outcome highlights the critical importance of the state’s strategic investments in strengthening Georgia’s manufacturing sector.”

Over the past decade alone, the GaMEP has provided assistance and education to more than 3,900 manufacturers across 144 counties, helping them create or retain 14,500 jobs, invest $1 billion in capital improvements, realize $3.5 billion in sales, and save nearly $450 million in costs. The GaMEP primarily serves small- to medium-sized manufacturers with 75% employing less than 250 workers. Its top-served industries include fabricated metal products, food, machinery, and chemical and transportation equipment manufacturing.

“When Georgia manufacturers become more productive and profitable, they hire more people, pay better wages, and stabilize local economies, especially in rural and underserved areas of the state,” said David Bridges, EI2 vice president. “This also creates pathways for career advancement for frontline workers who might not have had previous opportunities.”

Today, GaMEP’s reach spans 10 regions across the state, each led by a dedicated region manager who lives and works locally, offering manufacturers direct, knowledgeable connections to its expert team, valuable resources, and diverse partners.

“The GaMEP has been a trusted collaborator and valued partner in strengthening manufacturing across Georgia,” said Lloyd Avram, Georgia Association of Manufacturers CEO and president. “Together, we’ve supported thousands of manufacturers statewide — helping them embrace innovation, improve operations, and remain competitive. We appreciate their extensive expertise and shared dedication to advancing the industry, and we look forward to continuing our work together to ensure Georgia remains one of the best states for manufacturing.”

GaMEP’s impact and success by region, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development regions:

Coastal Region

Counties: Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, and Screven.
Manufacturers served: 269.
Jobs created/retained: 283.
Capital improvement investment: $23,171,292.
Costs saved: $1,645,061.
Sales realized: $13,965,000.
Success story: Roger Wood Foods.

East Region

Counties: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, and Wilkes.
Manufacturers served: 169.
Jobs created/retained: 3,899.
Capital improvement investment: $127,754,280.
Costs saved: $14,771,582.
Sales realized: $975,465,000.
Success story: Nutritional Resources.

East Central Region

Counties: Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton.
Manufacturers served: 209.
Jobs created/retained: 621.
Capital improvement investment: $19,703,035.
Costs saved: $2,535,494.
Sales realized: $29,486,000.
Success stories: Creature Comforts Brewing Company and Poly Tech Industries.

Metro Atlanta Region

Counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale.
Manufacturers served: 1,601.
Jobs created/retained: 2,928.
Capital improvement investment: $235,763,480.
Costs saved: $112,083,262.
Sales realized: $844,679,890.
Success stories: Compass Technology Group, Construction Specialties, and Highland Forge.

Middle Region

Counties: Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach, Pulaski, Putnam, Twiggs, and Wilkinson.
Manufacturers served: 170.
Jobs created/retained: 972.
Capital improvement investment: $121,814,846.
Costs saved: $8,810,950.
Sales realized: $300,213,400.
Success story: Unified Defense.

Northeast Region

Counties: Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White.
Manufacturers served: 280.
Jobs created/retained: 1,029.
Capital improvement investment: $88,443,395.
Costs saved: $63,999,228.
Sales realized: $259,453,900.
Success story: Freudenberg Sealing Technologies.

Northwest Region

Counties: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield.
Manufacturers served: 387.
Jobs created/retained: 1,090.
Capital improvement investment: $ $92,948,931.
Costs saved: $141,460,651.
Sales realized: $326,366,408.
Success story: Trenton Pressing.

South Region

Counties: Appling, Bleckley, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, Wheeler, and Wilcox.
Manufacturers served: 176.
Jobs created/retained: 969.
Capital improvement investment: $219,300,221.
Costs saved: $6,596,254.
Sales realized: $39,632,275.
Success story: Healthy Pet.

Southeast Region

Counties: Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Turner, and Ware.
Manufacturers served: 166.
Jobs created/retained: 281.
Capital improvement investment: $20,684,800.
Costs saved: $3,098,700.
Sales realized: $77,724,500.
Success stories: CJB Industries and South Georgia Pecan.

Southwest Region

Counties: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, and Worth.
Manufacturers served: 130.
Jobs created/retained: 130.
Capital improvement investment: $12,266,730.
Costs saved: $1,682,790.
Sales realized: $5,002,020.
Success story: Sweet Grass Dairy.

West Region

Counties: Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Harris, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, and Webster.
Manufacturers served: 111.
Jobs created/retained: 713.
Capital improvement investment: $37,948,131.
Costs saved: $3,197,600.
Sales realized: $69,588,348.
Success story: Oneda Corporation.

West Central Region

Counties: Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, and Upson.
Manufacturers served: 234.
Jobs created/retained: 1,658.
Capital improvement investment: $90,750,763.
Costs saved: $89,931,074.
Sales realized: $615,900,002.
Success stories: Complete Truck Bodies and Mountville Mills.

For more information about GaMEP’s impact, including impact by county, visit gamep.org/statewide-impact.

About the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership
The Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a program of the Enterprise Innovation Institute at Georgia Tech, serves manufacturers by offering solution-based assistance that promotes top-line growth and reduces bottom-line cost. The GaMEP, a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership, has advanced manufacturing and economic prosperity in Georgia since 1960. For more information, visit gamep.org and like/follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Summary sentence

Gov. Brian Kemp recognizes GaMEP history and impact serving manufacturers in Georgia.

Summary

The commendation celebrates GaMEP’s commitment to supporting manufacturers across the state through educational opportunities and technical assistance.

Dateline

Thu, 07/24/2025 - 12:00

peralte@gatech.edu

Contact

Péralte Paul
peralte@gatech.edu
404.316.1210

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Keywords

Enterprise Innovation Institute

Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership

GaMEP

go-researchnews

News room topics

Business and Economic Development

Categories

Business

Economic Development and Policy

Manufacturing

State Impact

Workforce Development

Mercury ID

683266

Source updated

Thu, 07/24/2025 - 18:42

Georgia Tech, Emory Expand Research at Science Square

admin — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:39:41 +0000

Georgia Tech, Emory Expand Research at Science Square admin Wed, 06/18/2025 - 15:39

Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University are taking medical and biomedical research to the next level by moving seven cutting-edge labs into Science Square, the Southeast’s premier life sciences district. This expansion is more than just growth in square footage; it marks a major push to establish Atlanta as a Top 5 technology hub in the U.S.

“Science Square Labs marks a pivotal step forward for Georgia Tech and for Atlanta’s growing life sciences ecosystem. We’re not only accelerating our research and innovation — we’re building powerful momentum across the region,” said Ángel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. “Our labs moving to this space will attract top talent and drive medical innovation. The move sets the stage for transformative discoveries, and we hope others will join us to continue Atlanta’s evolution into a global hub for medical breakthroughs.”

This move comes as Georgia Tech saw a 46% increase in research awards from 2018 to 2024, evidence of the Institute’s fast-growing impact. By adding these labs, Atlanta strengthens its position on the national stage for advanced tech and life sciences innovation.

Why It Matters

Saving lives: From early cancer detection and more innovative immune therapies to healing damaged tissues and managing chronic diseases, the research that will be conducted at Science Square tackles health issues millions face.
Fueling a tech hub: By combining research powerhouses like Georgia Tech and Emory with next-gen laboratory facilities, Atlanta is building the brainpower and resources to compete with national tech centers.
Economic growth: Science Square is helping attract top researchers, startups, and funding — bringing jobs, investment, and opportunities to Georgia. Most recently, Duracell announced they are moving their research and development headquarters to Science Square.

Research for Real Life

The new labs at Science Square will support teams tackling life-changing challenges:

Gabe Kwong, Robert A. Milton Chair, College of Engineering, is developing a two-step cancer defense: tagging tumor cells with a synthetic “flag,” then supercharging T cells (the body’s infection-fighting white blood cells) to track down and destroy them. Early lab tests show the technique works against breast, brain, and colon cancers — and prevents regrowth.
Tara Deans and her team are teaching cells new jobs — when to grow, which type of cell to become, or how to release medicine. Their goal is to design smart cells that can sense what’s happening in the body and act as “living therapies,” delivering treatment exactly where, when, and at the level needed.
Alex Vlahos is developing ways to reprogram cells to understand and treat diseases. His team makes new protein tools that help cells sense their environment, communicate with each other, and respond to problems — repairing tissues, fighting cancer, or calming an overactive immune system.
Ed Botchwey co-directs the Regenerative Engineering and Medicine Center, a collaboration between Georgia Tech, Emory University, and the University of Georgia. His team develops advanced biomaterials that work with the body’s immune system, combined with specialized methods, to produce therapeutic cells and their beneficial byproducts. They focus on innovative regenerative treatments for conditions like sickle-cell disease complications, severe muscle injuries, and injuries affecting the mouth, face, and skull.
John Blazeck designs new ways to help the immune system fight disease. His team engineers cells and proteins to better target cancer, improve immune therapies, and develop next-generation treatments.
Corey Wilson, Love Family Professorship, College of Engineering, is building custom-made biological systems from scratch. By mixing protein engineering with genetic tinkering, his team is creating powerful new tools for science and medicine that help us understand how proteins and genes work.
Alyssa Panitch, professor and chair in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, designs innovative materials that help tissues heal better and scar less — whether skin, blood vessels, or even joints. Her team’s biomaterials promote healing on both the inside and outside of cells, guiding the body’s natural repair process.

More About Science Square Labs

Science Square Labs, which opened in 2024, offers more than 368,000 square feet of premium lab and innovation space across 13 floors. Strategically located across from Georgia Tech’s North Avenue Research Area, the building is designed to bring together academic institutions, startups, and industry leaders.

As part of the continued expansion, Georgia Tech announces a major new lease at Science Square. Jon Mayeske of Cushman and Wakefield represented Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures, an affiliate organization of Georgia Tech, which signed a 10-year lease beginning February 15, 2026, for a 36,364 square-foot space on the sixth floor of Science Square Labs. This cutting-edge life sciences facility includes modern lab spaces, offices, and amenity areas designed to foster collaboration among researchers.

Trammell Crow is the master developer of the Science Square District, programmed for over 2.1 million square feet of labs, offices, and residential and retail spaces in multiple phases.

Summary sentence

Georgia Tech and Emory University are advancing Atlanta’s position as a top U.S. tech hub by relocating seven pioneering biomedical research labs to Science Square, a premier life sciences district driving innovation, talent, and economic growth.

Summary

Georgia Tech and Emory University are accelerating Atlanta’s emergence as a national leader in life sciences and technology by relocating seven advanced biomedical research labs to Science Square, a state-of-the-art innovation district.

Dateline

Wed, 06/18/2025 - 12:00

media@gatech.edu

Contact

Siobhan Rodriguez
Senior Media Relations Representative
Institute Communications

Keywords

Georgia Institute of Technology

Emory University

Science Square Labs

Atlanta tech hub

Life sciences innovation

biomedical research

Medical breakthroughs

research and development

Advanced laboratory facilities

Georgia Tech Research

Top 5 technology hub

Southeast life sciences district

Research awards growth

Immune therapies

Cancer detection research

Regenerative Medicine

Synthetic Biology

Smart cells

Protein engineering

Chronic disease management

Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures

Economic development Georgia

Tech talent attraction

innovation ecosystem

Startup incubation

public-private partnerships

research commercialization

Lab space expansion

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Business and Economic Development

Campus and Community

Health and Medicine

Science and Technology

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Economic Development and Policy

Institute and Campus

Mercury ID

682819

Source updated

Wed, 06/18/2025 - 15:38

Georgia Tech Relaunches The Biltmore as Strategic Hub for Entrepreneurship in Tech Square

admin — Wed, 28 May 2025 14:14:41 +0000

Georgia Tech Relaunches The Biltmore as Strategic Hub for Entrepreneurship in Tech Square admin Wed, 05/28/2025 - 10:14

Georgia Tech is reimagining The Biltmore as the latest engine of innovation in Tech Square, launching a bold new chapter for one of Atlanta’s most historic landmarks. As part of an ambitious effort to make Atlanta a top-five U.S. tech hub, Georgia Tech is transforming The Biltmore into a vibrant center for launching, scaling, and accelerating startups in the heart of Midtown.

“This is more than a building — it’s a launchpad for Atlanta’s future,” said Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera. “At The Biltmore, we’re not just reinvigorating a landmark, we are creating space for more startups, more opportunity, and more innovation that moves Atlanta forward.”

Built in 1924 and marking its centennial last year, The Biltmore has long stood as a symbol of Atlanta’s growth, once serving as a central point for the city’s business and social life. Now, it begins its next century as a future-looking hub for entrepreneurship, where founders, researchers, investors, and industry leaders can collaborate to launch world-changing ventures.

“As home to the South’s first radio station, this over 100-year-old lasting Atlanta landmark has its own tech history,” said Commissioner Pat Wilson from the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “It’s fitting that our Tech Square neighbor will now play a role as a springboard to the innovative companies and ideas that will take us into the future.”

Tech Square: A National Innovation District

Previously acquired by the Georgia Tech Foundation, The Biltmore sits in the heart of Tech Square, a 2.5-million-square-foot innovation district that is home to:

More than 35 corporate innovation centers — including R&D labs, innovation hubs, regional tech headquarters, and corporate labs, making Tech Square one of the densest concentrations of corporate innovation activity in the country.

More than 30 Georgia Tech labs and programs, including the Advanced Technology Development Center and Venture Lab.

Two new towers that will open in 2026, expanding space for Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business and the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

The award-winning Coda building, which integrates high-performance computing, research, and startups under one roof.

“Atlanta is becoming the startup capital of the South, and this next chapter for The Biltmore strengthens our momentum,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “We are bringing together the people, places, and resources to accelerate Atlanta’s growth as a world-class tech and innovation ecosystem.”

The Biltmore @ Tech Square: What's Inside

The revitalized Biltmore will house over 100,000 square feet of key pillars of Georgia Tech’s innovation ecosystem:

CREATE-X Headquarters – Georgia Tech’s flagship student startup accelerator boasting more than 600 startups already launched, a combined valuation exceeding $2.4 billion, and plans to launch 1,000 startups annually.

Quadrant-i – Turning Georgia Tech research into real-world startups by supporting inventors with guidance on finding customers, building teams, and bringing ideas to market.

Office of Technology Licensing – Helping companies around the world commercialize revolutionary research developed at Georgia Tech and accelerating the global impact of Georgia Tech innovations through strategic technology transfer.

VentureLab – Offering comprehensive entrepreneurial and commercialization training. VentureLab is home of the Southeast hub for the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (I-Corps).

Startup Scaling Platform – Providing space, mentorship, programming, and funding to help scale early-stage startups from their first customer to their first 100 customers.

Corporate Engagement Office – Bringing startups and strategic industry partners together.

Venture Investment Hub – Hosting local and national venture capital firms alongside Georgia Tech and scores of locally founded startups.

Additional Strategic Partners – Supporting organizations and corporate innovations centers.

Together, these assets position Tech Square — and now, Atlanta — as one of the most nationally competitive ecosystems for entrepreneurship, research commercialization, and venture acceleration.

“We’re honored to have been engaged by the Foundation to help bring Georgia Tech’s vision to life,” said David Tyndall, an original co-developer of Tech Square and CEO of Collaborative Real Estate, which will oversee The Biltmore’s redevelopment. “The Biltmore is the centerpiece of Tech Square, and now it will become an international crown jewel of innovation. This will be a place where founders build, investors engage, and the future takes shape.”

Experience Tech Square in Action

Get a firsthand look at Tech Square during ATL Tech Week and the Tech Square Tech Hop on June 11, with an afternoon of startup showcases, networking, and cutting-edge technology on display.
Learn more at atl.tech and lu.ma/yxkiso65.

Summary sentence

Georgia Tech is transforming the iconic Biltmore into a dynamic hub of innovation in Tech Square, marking an exciting new chapter for one of Atlanta’s most historic landmarks.

Summary

As part of an ambitious effort to make Atlanta a top-five U.S. tech hub, Georgia Tech is transforming The Biltmore into a vibrant center for launching, scaling, and accelerating startups in the heart of Midtown.

Dateline

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 12:00

media@gatech.edu

Contact

Georgia Tech Media Relations

Associated importer

News room topics

Business and Economic Development

Categories

Building Construction

City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth

Economic Development and Policy

Institute and Campus

Mercury ID

682560

Source updated

Wed, 05/28/2025 - 10:14

Thesis on Human-Centered AI Earns Honors from International Computing Organization

dgivens8 — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:30:41 +0000

Thesis on Human-Centered AI Earns Honors from International Computing Organization dgivens8 Tue, 04/22/2025 - 10:30

A Georgia Tech alum’s dissertation introduced ways to make artificial intelligence (AI) more accessible, interpretable, and accountable. Although it’s been a year since his doctoral defense, Zijie (Jay) Wang’s (Ph.D. ML-CSE 2024) work continues to resonate with researchers.

Wang is a recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Dissertation Award from the Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (ACM SIGCHI). The award recognizes Wang for his lifelong work on democratizing human-centered AI.

“Throughout my Ph.D. and industry internships, I observed a gap in existing research: there is a strong need for practical tools for applying human-centered approaches when designing AI systems,” said Wang, now a safety researcher at OpenAI.

“My work not only helps people understand AI and guide its behavior but also provides user-friendly tools that fit into existing workflows.”

Wang’s dissertation presented techniques in visual explanation and interactive guidance to align AI models with user knowledge and values. The work culminated from years of research, fellowship support, and internships.

Wang’s most influential projects formed the core of his dissertation. These included:

CNN Explainer: an open-source tool developed for deep-learning beginners. Since its release in July 2020, more than 436,000 global visitors have used the tool.
DiffusionDB: a first-of-its-kind large-scale dataset that lays a foundation to help people better understand generative AI. This work could lead to new research in detecting deepfakes and designing human-AI interaction tools to help people more easily use these models.
GAM Changer: an interface that empowers users in healthcare, finance, or other domains to edit ML models to include knowledge and values specific to their domain, which improves reliability.
GAM Coach: an interactive ML tool that could help people who have been rejected for a loan by automatically letting an applicant know what is needed for them to receive loan approval.
Farsight: a tool that alerts developers when they write prompts in large language models that could be harmful and misused.

“I feel extremely honored and lucky to receive this award, and I am deeply grateful to many who have supported me along the way, including Polo, mentors, collaborators, and friends,” said Wang, who was advised by School of Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) Professor Polo Chau.

“This recognition also inspired me to continue striving to design and develop easy-to-use tools that help everyone to easily interact with AI systems.”

Like Wang, Chau advised Georgia Tech alumnus Fred Hohman (Ph.D. CSE 2020). Hohman won the ACM SIGCHI Outstanding Dissertation Award in 2022.

Chau’s group synthesizes machine learning (ML) and visualization techniques into scalable, interactive, and trustworthy tools. These tools increase understanding and interaction with large-scale data and ML models.

Chau is the associate director of corporate relations for the Machine Learning Center at Georgia Tech. Wang called the School of CSE his home unit while a student in the ML program under Chau.

Wang is one of five recipients of this year’s award to be presented at the 2025 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI 2025). The conference occurs April 25-May 1 in Yokohama, Japan.

SIGCHI is the world’s largest association of human-computer interaction professionals and practitioners. The group sponsors or co-sponsors 26 conferences, including CHI.

Wang’s outstanding dissertation award is the latest recognition of a career decorated with achievement.

Months after graduating from Georgia Tech, Forbes named Wang to its 30 Under 30 in Science for 2025 for his dissertation. Wang was one of 15 Yellow Jackets included in nine different 30 Under 30 lists and the only Georgia Tech-affiliated individual on the 30 Under 30 in Science list.

While a Georgia Tech student, Wang earned recognition from big names in business and technology. He received the Apple Scholars in AI/ML Ph.D. Fellowship in 2023 and was in the 2022 cohort of the J.P. Morgan AI Ph.D. Fellowships Program.

Along with the CHI award, Wang’s dissertation earned him awards this year at banquets across campus. The Georgia Tech chapter of Sigma Xi presented Wang with the Best Ph.D. Thesis Award. He also received the College of Computing’s Outstanding Dissertation Award.

“Georgia Tech attracts many great minds, and I’m glad that some, like Jay, chose to join our group,” Chau said. “It has been a joy to work alongside them and witness the many wonderful things they have accomplished, and with many more to come in their careers.”

Summary sentence

Zijie (Jay) Wang (Ph.D. ML-CSE 2024) is a recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Dissertation Award from the Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (ACM SIGCHI).

Summary

Dateline

Thu, 04/17/2025 - 12:00

Contact

Bryant Wine, Communications Officer
bryant.wine@cc.gatech.edu

Keywords

College of Computing

School of Computational Science and Engineering

artificial intelligence (AI)

Georgia Tech News Center

Daily Digest

Research Horizons

go-researchnews

go-ai

Categories

Computer Science/Information Technology and Security

Congressional Testimony

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Mercury ID

681961

Source updated

Tue, 04/22/2025 - 10:29

Faculty, Students Pilot AI Crisis Simulation

admin — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 18:04:50 +0000

Faculty, Students Pilot AI Crisis Simulation admin Thu, 04/17/2025 - 14:04

Researchers from Georgia Tech and the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) recently piloted an in-depth crisis simulation exploring the national security implications of advanced artificial intelligence. Designed by the AI Safety Initiative in collaboration with Model UN at Georgia Tech, the immersive half-day workshop challenged faculty to respond to a series of escalating threats — including a potential biological attack, cyberattacks, and rising global tensions.

Participants represented major governments, corporations, and organizations — including OpenAI and Google DeepMind — and were inundated with simulated press releases and intelligence reports describing the rapid evolution of AI technologies. Their task: to debate and coordinate policy responses in real time.

In one scenario, a preliminary World Health Organization report revealed AI-enabled pathogens spreading across Central Asia. The player representing China quickly moved to close borders and reimpose pandemic-era lockdowns, a move that caused global confusion and economic instability.

“There’s just no way I could have predicted that response,” said Parv Mahajan, the director of the simulation. “But that kind of extreme response tells us so much about how unprepared countries might react.”

Divjot Kaur, who constructed the simulated documents participants received throughout the workshop, agreed. “This valuable information can shed light on the research and work we must put in,” she said.

Some players took advantage of the chaos. The simulation concluded with a discussion about how profit motives might distort information access and accelerate a potential AI arms race.

What stood out most to participants was the range of ideas that emerged during the crisis. “It was great to see the perspectives of diverse disciplines on the future of AI,” said Amaar Alidina, an undergraduate researcher. “Debate provided meaningful insight on topics we wouldn't even have thought of,” Kaur said.

Looking ahead, the AI Safety Initiative hopes to expand the simulation through collaborations with labs and departments across campus.

“The future of our work will depend, in some way or another, on AI," said Mahajan. "And the best way to understand the future is to try and experience it.”

Summary sentence

Researchers explore national security risks posed by advanced AI through a high-stakes strategic exercise.

Summary

In a simulation from Georgia Tech and GTRI, participants navigated escalating global crises — including AI-enabled biothreats and cyberattacks — to assess how different actors might respond to emerging AI risks.

Dateline

Mon, 04/07/2025 - 12:00

Contact

AI Safety Initiative
board@aisi.dev

Georgia Tech Model UN
gatechmun@gmail.com

Associated importer

Keywords

AI Safety

artificial intelligence (AI)

Georgia Tech Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts; school of public policy

News room topics

Campus and Community

Categories

Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics

Computer Science/Information Technology and Security

Economic Development and Policy

Military Technology

Policy, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts

Research

Student and Faculty

Mercury ID

681671

Source updated

Thu, 04/17/2025 - 14:04

Liquid Cooling Technology Developed at Georgia Tech Awarded U.S. Patent, Company Raising Capital to Scale

admin — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:25:41 +0000

Liquid Cooling Technology Developed at Georgia Tech Awarded U.S. Patent, Company Raising Capital to Scale admin Wed, 04/16/2025 - 12:25

What’s the hottest thing in electronics and high-performance computing? In a word, it’s “cool.”

To be more precise, it’s a liquid cooling system developed at Georgia Tech for electronics aimed at solving a long-standing problem: overheating.

Developed by Daniel Lorenzini, a 2019 Tech graduate who earned his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, the cooling system uses microfluidic channels — tiny, intricate pathways for liquids — that are embedded within the chip packaging.

He worked with VentureLab, a Tech program in the Office of Commercialization, to spin his research into a startup company, EMCOOL, headquartered in Norcross.

“Our solution directly addresses the heat at the source of the silicon chip and therefore makes it faster,” Lorenzini said. “Our design has our system sitting directly on the silicon chips that generate the most heat. Using the fluids in the micro-pin fins, it carries the heat that’s produced away from the chip.”

That cooling solution is directly integrated into the electronic components, making it significantly more efficient than conventional cooling methods, because it enhances the heat dissipation process.

The result is a much lower risk of overheating and reduced power consumption, he said.

Lorenzini, who researched and refined the technology in the lab of Yogendra Joshi at the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, was awarded a patent for the technology in September 2024.

Now, EMCOOL, which has five empoloyees, is actively pursuing venture capital funding to scale its technology and address the escalating thermal management challenges posed by AI processors in modern data centers.

The system uses a cooling block with tiny, pin-like fins on one side and a special thermal interface material on the other. There's also a junction attached to the block, with ports for the fluid to flow in and out. The cooling fluid moves through the micro-pin fins and helps to carry away the heat.

Since the ports are designed to match the shape of the fins, it ensures that the fluid flows efficiently and the heat is dissipated as effectively as possible at chip-scale.

As electronic devices — from high-performance personal computers to data centers used for artificial intelligence processing — become more powerful, they generate more heat. This excess heat can damage components or cause the device to underperform.

Traditional cooling methods, which include fans or heat sinks, often struggle to keep pace with the increasing demands of the newer model electronics. Lorenzini’s microfluidic system addresses the challenge of overheating with his patented, more effective, compact, and integrated cooling solution.

With the guidance of Jonathan Goldman, director of Quadrant-i in Tech’s Office of Commercialization, Lorenzini secured grant funding through the National Science Foundation and the Georgia Research Alliance to further the research and build design prototypes.

“We immediately had the sense there was commercial potential here,” Goldman said. “Thermal management, or getting rid of heat, is a ubiquitous problem in the computer industry, so when we saw what Daniel was doing, we immediately began to engage with him to understand what the commercial potential was.”

Indeed, the initial focus for the technology was the $159 billion global electronic gaming market. Gamers need a lot of computing power, which generates a lot of heat, causing lag.

But beyond gaming systems, the company, which manufactures custom cooling blocks and kits at its Norcross facility, is eyeing more sectors, which also suffer from overheating, Goldman said.

The technology addresses similar overheating electronics challenges in high-performance computing, telecommunications, and energy systems.

“This work propels us forward in pushing the boundaries of what traditional cooling technologies can achieve because by harnessing the power of microfluidics, EMCOOL's systems offer a compact and energy-efficient way to manage heat,” Goldman said. “This has the potential to revolutionize industries reliant on high-performance computing, where heat management is a constant challenge.”

Summary sentence

EMCOOL's technology solves overheating in electronics.

Summary

With support from Georgia Tech’s Office of Commercialization, VentureLab, NSF, and GRA, EmCool now manufactures custom cooling solutions in Norcross, GA for gaming, high-performance computing, and more.

Dateline

Wed, 04/16/2025 - 12:00

peralte@gatech.edu

Contact

Péralte C. Paul
peralte@gatech.edu
404.316.1210

Associated importer

Keywords

go-researchnews

Office of Commercialization

venturelab

Jonathan Goldman

Daniel Lorenzini

EMCOOL

liquid cooling technology

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Science and Technology

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Business

Economic Development and Policy

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681839

Source updated

Wed, 04/16/2025 - 12:24

SHES Collaborates with University of California San Francisco to Assess Pork and Poultry Worker Safety

admin — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:45:41 +0000

SHES Collaborates with University of California San Francisco to Assess Pork and Poultry Worker Safety admin Wed, 04/16/2025 - 10:45

ATLANTA and SAN FRANCISCO — When University of California San Francisco (UCSF) officials were contracted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct research on line speeds at pork and poultry processing facilities, they knew exactly who to ask for additional support: researchers from the Safety, Health, and Environmental Services (SHES) division at Georgia Tech.

A program housed in Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute, SHES offers occupational safety, health, and environmental (OSHA) consulting and training services to manufacturers across the country and has worked extensively examining food-processing workers’ exposure to chemicals.

UCSF needed a partner with specific scientific expertise regarding employee exposure to a chemical used to limit bacterial growth during pork processing. SHES’ prior working relationship with UCSF also proved beneficial. In 2021, SHES industrial hygienist Brandon Philpot was the primary investigator (PI) for a collaborative project with a group from the UC system to develop safety training for workers fabricating engineered stone countertops.

“UC San Francisco’s School of Medicine was so impressed with our team's work, they came back to us for this much larger project,” said Jenny Houlroyd, Ph.D., manager of occupational health services at SHES. “We're trying to build meaningful relationships and leverage expertise across institutions.”

Study Parameters

The study was initiated when the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service division contracted with third-party experts to investigate whether increases in poultry and swine evisceration line speeds affected worker safety.

A secondary aspect of the study looked at the potential for an increase in worker exposure to peracetic acid (a food-safe chemical applied to surfaces in certain food-processing applications) when processing line speeds are increased.

“The study’s designers believed that ergonomics was the driving factor in worker safety, but they were unsure if by slaughtering and processing more animals per day, workers were also applying more peracetic acid,” said Houlroyd. “This is what the SHES team was asked to measure.”

In addition to tapping Georgia Tech’s expertise in industrial hygiene, UCSF brought in several other schools in the University of California system, primarily UC Berkeley, to assist with research.

Scope of SHES’ Role

“Our work with UC started in July 2024 and was completed in January 2025,” said Houlroyd, who served as the project’s PI and UC liaison.

Conducting the field research were SHES industrial hygienists Philpot, Sean Castillo, and Bob Hendry, as well as SHES OSHA Training Institute Education Center manager Hilarie Warren. The group traveled to six pork processing plants across the U.S. over 11 weeks.

Although the preferred method for industrial hygiene and worker exposure is to chart direct exposure to the workers themselves, the study did not allow employees to wear chemical monitors on the processing line for safety reasons.

“Our on-site sampling included putting on a variety of wearable monitors on ourselves,” Hendry said. “We’d then go to the various work areas in the plant where peracetic acid was used, stand next to the workers, and take readings.”

Each SHES team member upheld consistent sampling standards, but they were stationed at different sites. As a result, Castillo said, “It was up to us to use professional judgment to evaluate where the areas of concern were. We had to make sure we were very organized so that if I was at one site one week and Bob came out the next week, we could replicate our data almost one-to-one.”

Importance of Worker Interviews

The USDA study received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, which is needed if researchers interact with human subjects. Houlroyd noted that because the USDA study was considered formal research, IRB approval was necessary.

Although conducting worker interviews was not a requirement of their participation, the SHES team set up a special room where they interviewed employees on ergonomic issues and musculoskeletal disorders.

“We were able to take the load off from our collaborators and, in doing so, speed up their process so that they could finish their research earlier,” said Castillo.

Philpot stressed the importance of worker interviews to the study. “The process was good for collecting background information on what the employees were going through, day in and day out, to see if there’s anything that we could do to help their situation.”

By putting workers at ease, he and his teammates were able to gain their trust and listen to their concerns. “They could actually see that we cared about what's going on,” Philpot said.

According to Houlroyd, “One of the reasons the UC group loved Brandon and Sean and Bob so much is that we've had so much experience doing interviews, we were quick to jump into that role and help them. Our team knows that there is dignity in all labor, so we approach workers with respect. We meet the workers where they are, and we speak to them not as an academic, but human to human.”

Study Results

Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su reported that the USDA study found that faster line speeds did result in an increased risk of injuries, but that this risk “could be mitigated with other controls, specifically having more workers on the line and having effective ergonomic plans.”

The results of the peracetic acid research conducted by SHES, however, were inconclusive. “Was there more exposure at the faster line speed?” asked Houlroyd. “We found one plant where it was true, but it wasn't consistently true at all the plants, so it was determined that there should be more research.”

Regardless, she welcomed the chance to strengthen collaborative ties with the UC system and celebrated the meticulous and compassionate work conducted by SHES.

“I am so grateful for this team for traveling to remote locations in our country and spending 11 weeks in slaughterhouses,” said Houlroyd. “I had no doubt that we could do it, and we did it well.”

Summary sentence

The group traveled to six pork processing plants over 11 weeks.

Summary

The project was designed to optimize worker safety.

Dateline

Wed, 04/16/2025 - 12:00

etolpa3@gatech.edu

Contact

Eve Tolpa
etolpa3@gatech.edu

Associated importer

Keywords

Hilarie Warren

Safety Health and Environmental Services

food safety

Enterprise Innovation Institute

economic development

UC San Francisco

go-researchnews

News room topics

Business and Economic Development

Categories

Business

Economic Development and Policy

Research

Mercury ID

681833

Source updated

Wed, 04/16/2025 - 10:45

Duracell's $56 Million Investment in Atlanta: A Boost for Georgia Tech and Innovation

admin — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:57:41 +0000

Duracell's $56 Million Investment in Atlanta: A Boost for Georgia Tech and Innovation admin Fri, 02/21/2025 - 16:57

In a significant development for Atlanta’s innovation landscape, Duracell Inc., a leading U.S. battery manufacturer, has announced a $56 million investment to establish its new R&D global headquarters at Georgia Tech’s Science Square, a research innovation district adjacent to the university. This move is set to create 110 high-paying jobs and further solidify Atlanta's reputation as a hub for technological advancement.

A Strategic Move to Atlanta
Duracell's decision to relocate its R&D facility from Bethel, Connecticut, to Atlanta, Georgia, underscores the strategic advantages offered by Georgia Tech and Atlanta’s booming innovation ecosystem. The new hub is scheduled to open in Summer 2026.

“This collaboration is a testament to our ongoing efforts to bridge academia and industry, fostering an environment where innovative ideas can thrive and lead to groundbreaking advancements," said Ángel Cabrera, Georgia Tech president.

Economic and Technological Impact
The investment is expected to have a substantial economic impact on the region. With average salaries projected at $120,000, the creation of 110 jobs will provide valuable opportunities for local talent. Duracell's presence will also enhance the battery research, development, and manufacturing activities already thriving in Georgia.

“Georgia has set itself apart as a leader in attracting innovative companies with our research institutions, world-class logistics network, and pro-business environment,” said Gov. Brian Kemp in a press release.

A Long-Standing Relationship With Georgia
Duracell's relationship with Georgia dates back to 1980, with the company running a manufacturing facility in LaGrange and a distribution plant in Fairburn that began operation in 2000.

“We’re excited about the opportunities the move to Atlanta will bring,” said Liben Hailu, chief technology officer at Duracell. “This move is a significant milestone for Duracell, as we continue to drive innovation in battery technology for many years to come."

Science Square: A Hub for Innovation
Science Square, developed in partnership with commercial real estate firm Trammell Crow Co., is a premier destination for life sciences and technology companies. Spanning 18 acres, the multiphase development features more than 1.8 million square feet of lab and office space, along with apartments and retail space. Its first phase opened last year, and Duracell's new hub will occupy a substantial portion of the building.

Summary sentence

New R&D headquarters at Science Square to drive innovation and create 110 high-paying Jobs in Atlanta.

Summary

Duracell Inc. is investing $56 million to establish its new global R&D headquarters at Georgia Tech’s Science Square, creating 110 high-paying jobs and reinforcing Atlanta’s position as a technology hub. The move from Bethel, Connecticut, highlights Atlanta’s strategic advantages, including its strong innovation ecosystem and collaboration between academia and industry. This investment will boost Georgia’s economy, strengthen its battery research sector, and expand Duracell’s long-standing presence in the state.

Dateline

Fri, 02/21/2025 - 12:00

aisles3@gatech.edu

Contact

Ayana Isles
Senior Media Relations Representative

Associated importer

Keywords

Duracell

science square

economic growth

News room topics

Business and Economic Development

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Economic Development and Policy

Research

Mercury ID

680690

Source updated

Fri, 02/21/2025 - 16:57

Georgia Tech's Computer Science Initiative Expands Opportunities for Rural Students

admin — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 13:57:51 +0000

Georgia Tech's Computer Science Initiative Expands Opportunities for Rural Students admin Tue, 01/28/2025 - 08:57

In Georgia, where rural communities often face barriers to accessing advanced education in science and technology, Georgia Tech is leading a transformative effort to bridge the gap. The Rural Computer Science Initiative, designed by the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) and the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC), is redefining computer science education for underserved school districts.

The program, inspired by Georgia state representative Todd Jones, connects Georgia Tech faculty and students with rural schools to co-teach engaging computer science lessons while supporting local teachers in developing the skills needed to independently teach these subjects. As Rep. Jones explains, “At the end of the day, your birthplace should not determine the type of education you receive here in our state.”

Empowering Teachers and Students

Through a combination of remote teaching and in-class collaboration, the program is already active in 40 school districts, with plans to expand in 2025. The program's co-teaching model enables rural teachers to upskill while offering students dynamic, hands-on learning opportunities. Shiona Drummer, a participating computer science teacher in Twiggs County noted, “It's been really good to me because I did not have a background in computer science. Being a part of the program has influenced my teaching in that I know I have colleagues I can call on.”

For students, the program unlocks new possibilities.

"It's been fun. It's something new,” shared a Twiggs County student. “You get to just express yourself,” she continued. “Most classes, you just sit there, pretty much just bored. This class, you get to interact with things, and it’s just more fun.”

These reactions reflect the initiative's broader goals: to inspire students, foster their confidence, and connect their education to real-world challenges. Lizanne DeStefano, CEISMC’s executive director, emphasizes this point: “The way that we've designed the Rural CS Initiative is that the student work is embedded in real-life problems, particularly those that affect our rural communities.”

Preparing for the Future Workforce

Beyond classroom learning, the program is helping shape Georgia’s future workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Rep. Jones highlights the initiative's broader implications: “We’ve given [students] that opportunity and that springboard to be able to do things they possibly may never have had the opportunity to do. It provides a greater educated workforce — one that brings us into 2030, 2040, and 2050 with the advent of AI, autonomous vehicles, and other technological advancements.”

The initiative is also tackling one of the pain points for rural communities: the belief that young people must leave their hometowns to find well-paying, high-value jobs. DeStefano explains, “We’re using this as a way to show how students can remain in their communities, contribute to them with a computer science degree or knowledge, and still be an important cog in the global workforce.”

How the Initiative Works

The professional development aspect of the Rural Computer Science Initiative helps ensure that the teachers can sustain the program’s impact long after Georgia Tech’s involvement.

Leigh McCook, who leads the initiative at GTRI, outlined the process: “We first meet with the teachers, providing professional development to walk through the modules and show them how they should get involved in the classroom. Then we co-teach the first week and guide problem-based learning in the second week to assess student comprehension.”

Ensuring that cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and robotics are paired with a problem-based learning approach, is how Georgia Tech is properly equipping rural students with 21st-century skills.

“Knowledge is power,” said Rise’ Jenkins, principal at Twiggs County High School. “Once you show students what’s available to them and the access they have, they just readily embrace the idea of learning.”

An initiative that moves beyond education into more of a transformation, this program aims to prepare students for careers in emerging fields while ensuring Georgia remains competitive in the global economy. CEISMC’s DeStefano notes, “We’re not thinking about filling jobs today; we’re thinking about filling jobs for the next decade.”

Summary sentence

Georgia Tech’s Rural Computer Science Initiative empowers rural teachers and students in Georgia through co-taught computer science courses, preparing them for tech careers and supporting Georgia’s future workforce.

Summary

With 40 schools systems throughout Georgia participating so far, Georgia Tech’s Rural Computer Science Initiative bridges the educational divide for underserved communities across the state by connecting Georgia Tech faculty and students with rural school systems to co-teach dynamic computer science courses, empowering teachers with new skills and inspiring students to pursue tech careers while addressing workforce needs for Georgia's future economy.

Dateline

Wed, 01/22/2025 - 12:00

Blair.Meeks@gatech.edu

Contact

Blair Meeks
Institute Communications
Georgia Tech

Associated importer

Keywords

STEM education

CEISMC

GTRI

economic development

rural economic development

News room topics

Business and Economic Development

Categories

Computer Science/Information Technology and Security

Economic Development and Policy

Education

Mercury ID

679831

Source updated

Tue, 01/28/2025 - 08:57

Economic Development and Policy

Scientists Pinpoint Hazards for Engineered Stone Fabrication Shop Workers

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Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership at Georgia Tech Celebrates 65 Years of Service

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Georgia Tech, Emory Expand Research at Science Square

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Research for Real Life

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Georgia Tech Relaunches The Biltmore as Strategic Hub for Entrepreneurship in Tech Square

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Thesis on Human-Centered AI Earns Honors from International Computing Organization

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Faculty, Students Pilot AI Crisis Simulation

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Liquid Cooling Technology Developed at Georgia Tech Awarded U.S. Patent, Company Raising Capital to Scale

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SHES Collaborates with University of California San Francisco to Assess Pork and Poultry Worker Safety

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Duracell's $56 Million Investment in Atlanta: A Boost for Georgia Tech and Innovation

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Georgia Tech's Computer Science Initiative Expands Opportunities for Rural Students

Empowering Teachers and Students

Preparing for the Future Workforce

How the Initiative Works

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