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Georgia Tech Launches Navigate360 to Enhance Advising and Student Success

On June 1, 2025, Georgia Tech launched Navigate360, a new digital platform designed to support academic advising, streamline student success efforts, and strengthen collaboration across campus. Built by EAB, Navigate360 will serve as the Institute’s primary student success management system, bringing together advisors, faculty, and support staff in service of a more connected and proactive student experience.

Students studying on the Clough rooftop.

On June 1, 2025, Georgia Tech launched Navigate360, a new digital platform designed to support academic advising, streamline student success efforts, and strengthen collaboration across campus. Built by EAB, Navigate360 will serve as the Institute’s primary student success management system, bringing together advisors, faculty, and support staff in service of a more connected and proactive student experience. 

The launch represents a major milestone in Georgia Tech’s ongoing efforts to improve the undergraduate experience by enhancing the tools, processes, and partnerships that support students from orientation through graduation. 

“Navigate360 helps us support advising at Georgia Tech in a way that honors what makes each unit unique, while uniting us in our shared goal of supporting students,” said Lorett Swank, executive director of Academic Success and Advising (ASA) in the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success (OUESS). “We’re equipping people, improving processes, and using technology to create a more accessible and coordinated experience across campus.” 

Why Navigate360? 

Georgia Tech selected Navigate360 after a multi-year review of student success platforms and began implementation with a successful pilot in the Scheller College of Business during Spring 2025.  

The platform streamlines appointment scheduling, improves communication through reminders and messaging, and helps students easily connect with advisors and resources. Advisors and staff describe it as user-friendly and efficient, allowing more time to focus on student support. 

What’s Changing on June 1? 

Beginning June 1, all Georgia Tech students will have access to Navigate360 and are encouraged to download the Navigate360 mobile app for the best experience. This date also marks the retirement of Salesforce Advisor Link—undergraduate students will no longer use Advisor Link to view advisor availability or schedule appointments. Instead, Navigate360 will serve as the central hub for those interactions. 

Incoming first-year and transfer students will be introduced to the platform through a new Canvas course launching this summer, designed to support advising, registration, and onboarding activities during FASET. Returning students will find Navigate360 information and FAQs on the ASA website, with a full communication campaign rolling out ahead of the fall semester. 

Supporting Advisors and the Georgia Tech Community 

Georgia Tech’s advising ecosystem is broad and varied, reflecting the Institute’s decentralized structure. One of the key goals of Navigate360 is to improve—not standardize—this range of advising practices, making it easier for colleges, schools, and units to collaborate while still honoring their unique approaches. 

“Navigate360 gives us the tools to create a more holistic, student-centered environment,” said Ellen Riley, ASA’s director of advising operations and engagement. “It supports proactive outreach, integrated care, and real-time insights so advisors can spend less time navigating systems and more time engaging with students.” 

The platform also benefits the broader Georgia Tech community. Departments such as the Registrar’s Office, Office of Information Technology, Procurement and Business Services, and Digital Learning have played essential roles in its implementation, reflecting the Institute’s commitment to cross-campus collaboration in support of student success. 

What’s Next? 

The Navigate360 rollout will continue through the 2025–26 academic year. In July 2025, Georgia Tech will begin onboarding tutoring partners into the platform, followed by expanded communications to continuing students in the fall and a pilot program in the College of Engineering that integrates Canvas with Navigate360 features. 

By Spring 2026, additional tools will go live—including “journeys” to guide students through key milestones, “hand raise” functionality for requesting support, and faculty alerts to help surface concerns early. 

Together, these features represent a powerful shift toward proactive, integrated student support that keeps students at the center of the advising experience. 

Learn More 

Advisors, students, and families can learn more about Navigate360 and upcoming training and support resources at success.gatech.edu. All enrolled students are encouraged to download the app to get started. 

Vicki Birchfield’s Appointment Extended as Executive Director of First-Year Semester Abroad

It is our pleasure to announce that Dr. Vicki Birchfield’s appointment as executive director of the First-Year Semester Abroad (FYSA) program has been extended for a five-year term, through 2030. The FYSA program, which she helped design and launch in 2021, is a joint initiative between the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success (OUESS) and the Office of International Education (OIE).

Dr. Vicki Birchfield headshot

It is our pleasure to announce that Dr. Vicki Birchfield’s appointment as executive director of the First-Year Semester Abroad (FYSA) program has been extended for a five-year term, through 2030. The FYSA program, which she helped design and launch in 2021, is a joint initiative between the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success (OUESS) and the Office of International Education (OIE).

Dr. Birchfield is a professor in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech, co-director of the Center for European and Transatlantic Studies and director of the study abroad program on the European Union and Transatlantic Relations. She received a DES from the Graduate Institute of International Studies from the University of Geneva, Switzerland (1993) and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Georgia (2000). Her research and teaching specializations are European politics, the European Union, comparative politics, and international political economy.

In her role as executive director of FYSA, Dr. Birchfield will continue to provide overall leadership and supervision of the FYSA program including both the Oxford and Georgia Tech-Europe (GTE) tracks as well as the Global@ Home component. She will collaborate with campus stakeholders and supervise the FYSA Program and Operations Manager to ensure that the strategic direction and vision of the program align with Georgia Tech’s vision for global student engagement.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Birchfield on her well-deserved continued appointment.

Dr. Sybrina Atwaters Appointed to Executive Director, Office of Student Achievement

We are pleased to share that Dr. Sybrina Atwaters has been appointed as Executive Director of the Office of Student Achievement. Sybrina is a three-time graduate from Georgia Tech, receiving her B.S. in electrical engineering and master’s and Ph.D. in sociology of technology and science.

Dr. Sybrina Atwaters

 

We are pleased to share that Dr. Sybrina Atwaters has been appointed as Executive Director of the Office of Student Achievement.

Sybrina is a three-time graduate from Georgia Tech, receiving her B.S. in electrical engineering and master’s and Ph.D. in sociology of technology and science. She also earned master’s degrees from Emory University in Theological Studies and Georgia State University in instructional technology. She has over nine years of experience in industry and over 15 years of experience in higher education. Her industry experience includes serving on the RF wireless design team for AT&T wireless (formerly Bellsouth Mobility) during the 1996 Olympic games and was responsible for much of the cellular design infrastructure along the Georgia Tech 75/85 corridor and east Atlanta. Her academic research interests combine sociology and engineering, and she has collaborated with the National Academies, Iowa State University, the Fund for Theological Education, and the Association of Theological Schools. She has presented her work at both national and international conferences and has been published by Spring International and John Hopkins University Press. She has taught courses at Emory University, Morehouse, and Georgia Tech.

As Executive Director of OSA, Sybrina will serve as a member of the OUESS senior leadership team. She will lead the OSA team in alignment with its core mission to provide student success programs to increase the retention and graduation rates and post-baccalaureate success of students and to enhance student achievement across the matriculation cycle. She will develop strong collaborative partnerships with fellow OUESS units as well as our colleges and other administrative units (such as Enrollment Management, Student Engagement and Well-Being, and International Initiatives). Finally, she will continue to hold a courtesy faculty appointment in Georgia Tech’s School of History and Sociology (HSOC).

Please join us in congratulating Sybrina on this new appointment!

Co-op and Internship Honors Luncheon Celebrates Award-Winning Students and Employers

The 2025 Co-op and Internship Honors Luncheon, held on April 15, highlighted the outstanding experiential learning achievements of Georgia Tech students, as well as companies that have provided exceptional internship and co-op programs. Thank you to our co-op and internship employers, campus partners, faculty, staff, and administrators for supporting Georgia Tech students.

2025 Co-op and Internship Honors Luncheon

The 2025 Co-op and Internship Honors Luncheon, held on April 15, highlighted the outstanding experiential learning achievements of Georgia Tech students, as well as companies that have provided exceptional internship and co-op programs.

Thank you to our co-op and internship employers, campus partners, faculty, staff, and administrators for supporting Georgia Tech students.

2025 Award and Scholarship Recipients

2025 Co-op Employer of the Year: Johnson & Johnson MedTech

As a leader in medical technology, Johnson & Johnson MedTech is dedicated to developing smarter, less invasive, and more personalized healthcare solutions—impacting patients worldwide. But beyond their groundbreaking work, what truly sets them apart is their commitment to their co-op students.

Joe T. LaBoon Award (Outstanding Co-op Student): Luke Rendel, Mechanical Engineering

During his three semesters at Chick-fil-A, Luke embraced every challenge with curiosity, adaptability, and a hands-on mindset. Whether tackling open-ended design problems, presenting to executives, or stepping in to support his team, Luke combined technical excellence with professionalism and storytelling.

J.E. McDaniel Award (Highest GPA, Co-op Student): Matthew Joseph Ellis, Computer Science

With a 4.0 in computer science and four co-op terms at Itential, Matt’s work is already shaping the future of automated 5G networks. Matt was praised for his ability to learn complex systems under tight deadlines, improving existing code with precision, and delivering projects that align with company strategy.

2025 Internship Program Employer of the Year: Amazon Web Services

AWS is a global leader in cloud computing, empowering businesses to innovate and scale—and their internship program reflects that same commitment to growth. AWS provides interns with real ownership, cutting-edge projects, and an incredibly supportive network—from mentors to managers. Interns aren’t just observers; they’re valued team members, given the tools and trust to make an impact.

Student Intern of the Year: Ekta Mistry, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Ekta Mistry’s internship at United Airlines was impactful and transformative for her team. From building a Statistical Analysis Tool that saves hours of manual work to creating a Resource Center that streamlines operations, Ekta’s work directly elevated her team’s efficiency and standardization. But beyond her deliverables, it was her professionalism, agility, and confidence that left a lasting impression.

Wohlford Scholarship Recipients 

The James G. Wohlford Co-op Scholarship was created to aid co-op students to finance their last year at Georgia Tech, when they no longer receive income from their co-op positions. The scholarship offers up to $5000 to its recipients.   

  • Anuj Adulla, Computer Science 
  • Mia Crider, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering 
  • Lincoln Crowe, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering 
  • Nia Cosby, Industrial & Systems Engineering 
  • Alexandria Dolan, Mechanical Engineering 
  • Olivia Hillhouse, Business Administration 
  • Edris Shahem, Computer Science 
  • Savannah Taylor, Biomedical Engineering 

L-R: Anuj Adulla, Mia Crider, Nia Cosby, Olivia Hillhouse, Savannah Taylor, and Iteeah Pounds. 

McKenney’s Scholarship Recipient: Anasztazya Arellano, Mechanical Engineering 

The McKenney’s Scholarship is provided to a Mechanical Engineering student who has completed their co-op with the company. Anasztazya’s co-op experience not only deepened her technical and organizational skills but also gave her a hands-on look at the intersection of business and operations. 

Co-op Designation Recipients: 

2025 Co-op Designation Recipients

Georgia Tech Alumnus Mahdi Al-Husseini Awarded Prestigious Knight-Hennessy Scholarship

Mahdi Al-Husseini, a distinguished Georgia Tech graduate (BME ’18, PP ’18, MS CS ’20) and U.S. Army captain, has been selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University. This prestigious fellowship, which supports exceptional students from around the world, will provide Mahdi with funding and leadership development opportunities as he continues his groundbreaking research in aeronautics and astronautics.

Madhi Al-Husseini

Mahdi Al-Husseini, a distinguished Georgia Tech graduate (BME ’18, PP ’18, MS CS ’20) and U.S. Army captain, has been selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University. This prestigious fellowship, which supports exceptional students from around the world, will provide Mahdi with funding and leadership development opportunities as he continues his groundbreaking research in aeronautics and astronautics.

Currently pursuing a PhD at Stanford, Mahdi has built an impressive career at the intersection of biomedical engineering, public policy, computer science, and aerospace research. His work focuses on optimizing medical evacuation systems, applying artificial intelligence to life-saving rescue operations, and improving battlefield evacuation protocols.

Born in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and of Palestinian and Egyptian heritage, Mahdi was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, spending summers in his father’s hometown in Qatanna, Jerusalem. His global perspective has inspired him to leverage engineering for humanitarian impact. As an aeromedical evacuation officer and HH-60M Black Hawk pilot-in-command, he has logged over 800 flight hours across more than 20 aircraft models, contributing to military operations that save lives in high-risk environments.

Mahdi’s commitment to innovation is evident in his extensive research portfolio and technological contributions. He has authored numerous first-author publications in prestigious journals and conferences, including the Journal of Aerospace Information Systems and the Army War College’s Parameters. His work focuses on developing AI-driven methods to optimize evacuation routes and deploy medical aircraft more effectively, revolutionizing emergency response in military and civilian sectors.

Beyond academia, Mahdi is a licensed professional engineer, registered patent agent, and prolific inventor with over 30 patents and patent applications. His contributions have been widely recognized, with several of his patented technologies acquired by both the military and industry. Notably, he received the Major General Greene Innovation Award for developing a helicopter hoist stabilization system designed to improve medical evacuation missions. He also earned the XVIII Airborne Corps Dragon Lair Award for his work on an AI-powered aircraft maneuver training tool.

Mahdi’s military unit, Lightning DUSTOFF, was honored with the Airbus Robert M. Leich Army Aviation Award for its groundbreaking application of artificial intelligence in medical aircraft dispatch. Under his leadership, the unit pioneered a military exercise that used AI to coordinate medical evacuations between distant islands and moving watercraft, marking a historic advancement in rescue logistics.

As a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, Mahdi will gain access to a global network of scholars and innovators, further empowering his mission to revolutionize aerospace medicine and rescue operations. He will complete his PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Stanford School of Engineering and will also pursue an MBA at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. His selection highlights his exceptional achievements, dedication to service, and commitment to shaping the future of flight and emergency medical response. This marks Mahdi’s second prestigious fellowship this year, after receiving the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans earlier this Spring. 

For more information about the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, contact Georgia Tech’s Prestigious Fellowships Advising, at prestigiousfellowships@gatech.edu.  

Four Years in a Row: Georgia Tech Hallac Scholarship Finalists All Receive BlackRock Internship Offers

For the fourth year in a row, ten BlackRock Hallac Scholarship finalists from Georgia Tech were extended internship offers to work at BlackRock in summer 2026. BlackRock is the nation’s largest public asset management firm, and internships in this organization are difficult to come by.

Tech Tower on Georgia Tech's campus set against a blue sky.

For the fourth year in a row, ten BlackRock Hallac Scholarship finalists from Georgia Tech were extended internship offers to work at BlackRock in summer 2026. BlackRock is the nation’s largest public asset management firm, and internships in this organization are difficult to come by.  

The BlackRock Hallac Scholarship, a legacy to the late Charles S. Hallac, provides a full-ride scholarship to two exceptional Georgia Tech students of reduced means each year. 

The Georgia Tech Career Center offers coaching for the first-year students who apply for the scholarship to help prepare them to meet with high-level executives in the firm. Students who are granted interviews are not only interviewing for the scholarship, but also for the possibility of interning. 

Electrical engineering major and BlackRock summer 2026 intern Oreoluwa Moradeyo.

“My experience with the Georgia Tech Career Center has been outstanding,” said Luis Sanchez, an aerospace engineering major also selected for the 2026 internship. “They genuinely cared about my development and helped me feel more confident and prepared as I navigated the interview process.”  

When asked what advice they would give to students considering applying to the scholarship, Luis offered, “Prepare thoroughly, be genuine, and trust that your story and experiences are valuable.”  

“Definitely do it!” Oreoluwa added. “An entity like BlackRock can be a bit daunting, but this opportunity represents BlackRock’s commitment to empowering people who love to learn. As long as you are a devoted learner, you are good enough.” 

If you are interested in applying for the BlackRock Hallac Scholarship, you can review more information provided by Georgia Tech Financial Aid here. Georgia Tech students seeking an internship, co-op, or any job opportunity are encouraged to engage the Career Center through their online resources, workshops, and one-on-one advising. Visit career.gatech.edu for more information. 

“Each year, the Career Center guides students who apply to the BlackRock Hallac Scholarship through six to seven weeks of preparation activities to ensure they have the tools and skillsets needed to represent themselves well during the interviews,” said Laura Garcia, Director of Undergraduate Career Education in the Georgia Tech Career Center. “These activities include resume writing, interviewing, etiquette prep, and more.”  

“Without the Georgia Tech Career Center, I don’t think I would have been as prepared or confident,” said Oreoluwa Moradeyo, an electrical engineering major selected for the 2026 internship. “Being selected for this experience ensures that I am in the best position to grow.” 

Aerospace engineering major and BlackRock summer 2026 intern, Luis Sanchez.

Celebrating OUESS’s Student Advisory Board Graduates

The Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success (OUESS) celebrates our OUESS Student Advisory Board Spring 2025 graduates. These individuals engaged in forward thinking discussions each month and contributed to a number of topics to support student success. Their insights have helped shape current or future programs, services, policies, and other academic initiatives.

Georgia Tech Spring 2025 Bachelors Graduation Ceremony

 

The Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success (OUESS) celebrates our OUESS Student Advisory Board Spring 2025 graduates. These individuals engaged in forward thinking discussions each month and contributed to a number of topics to support student success. Their insights have helped shape current or future programs, services, policies, and other academic initiatives.  

Shivani Virani, from Dacula, Georgia, graduated with her Bachelor of Science in neuroscience and minors in sports, society, and technology and health and medical sciences. Shivani most notably served as the Undergraduate Student Government Association (SGA) President this past year and voiced the opinion of an incredibly wide student body. Along with her service on SGA, she has played on the Georgia Tech Women’s Lacrosse team all four years and was a FASET leader in 2023. Following her graduation and four years of service to Georgia Tech, she is heading up north to pursue her doctorate of podiatric medicine at Temple University with plans to become a podiatrist. “Learning about the inter-workings of academics on campus and being able to give input to better the student experience for all was my favorite part of being on the Student Advisory Board,” Shivani shared. “I’d like to thank Dr. Steven Girardot for his leadership in OUESS along with Hunter Richardson for being a great chair for the advisory board.”

Sriya Surapaneni, B.S. Biomedical Engineering

Kayla Kirnon, from St. Thomas, Barbados, graduated with her Bachelor of Science in computer science. Kayla most notably served as the Undergraduate SGA Vice President of Student Life this past year, where she advocated for the needs and interests of a varied portfolio of students. She also is known for her involvements with the international student community, and more specifically as a repeat executive board member for the Caribbean Students’ Association. “I enjoyed hearing directly from administrators and staff about the challenges they were facing and how we as students and student leaders can support,” Kayla said. “I would like to sincerely thank all of the OUESS staff, as well as the other students who served on the board, for making it such a fruitful experience.”

Logan Roach, B.S. Business Administration

Shivani Virani, B.S. Neuroscience

Sriya Surapaneni, from Denver, Colorado, graduated with her Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering and a minor in computer science. Sriya served as Vice President of Finance for the GT Society of Women Engineers and as a head teaching assistant for BMED 3100: Systems Physiology for the past two years, supporting and voicing the opinions of students in both roles. Following her graduation, she is heading to Boston to pursue her Master of Medical Science in biomedical informatics at Harvard Medical School. “It was rewarding to get to interact with various faculty and staff in different sectors of campus life and share a student’s perspective with them,” Sriya said. “I appreciate OUESS and the rest of the Student Advisory Board for their support this past year.”

Kayla Kirnon, B.S. Computer Science

Logan Roach, from Starkville, Mississippi, graduated with his Bachelor of Science in business administration, concentrating in finance, from the Scheller College of Business as the Bergmark Family Dean’s Scholar with minors in financial technology and computer science. This past year, Logan served as President of the Scheller Business Ambassadors (SBA), leading an amazing group of dedicated students to welcome new and prospective families to the college. Logan was also recognized as one of Poets&Quants’ 2025 Best & Brightest Business Majors and received the John R. Battle Award for Student Excellence last month. Following graduation, Logan is headed up to New York City to work for CIBC as a commodities sales and trading analyst. “Throughout my time on the board I enjoyed working alongside my fellow representatives on the Student Advisory Board as well as dedicated administration and faculty who displayed an unwavering commitment to improving the student experience,” Logan said. “With this collaboration, I’m excited for the future of my Georgia Tech family.” 

The Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success thanks Shivani Virani, Sriya Surapaneni, Kayla Kirnon, and Logan Roach for their service on the OUESS Student Advisory Board and wishes them the best of luck as they pursue their future endeavors.

Albert Acheampong Joins OUESS as Academic Program Manager I

We are pleased to announce that Albert Acheampong has joined Academic Success and Advising as Academic Program Manager I for Pre-Health Advising. Albert will provide support and guidance to undergraduates, graduates, and alumni pursuing careers in medicine. His contributions and role will be integral to the ongoing programing, event planning, and development of resources aimed to support the Georgia Tech pre-health community.

Albert Acheampong

 

We are pleased to announce that Albert Acheampong has joined Academic Success and Advising as Academic Program Manager I for Pre-Health Advising. Albert will provide support and guidance to undergraduates, graduates, and alumni pursuing careers in medicine. His contributions and role will be integral to the ongoing programing, event planning, and development of resources aimed to support the Georgia Tech pre-health community.  

Albert earned his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Augusta University and his master’s degree in Applied Exercise and Health Sciences with a focus in Sports Management from Kennesaw State University. He began his career in higher education as an Assistant Academic Counselor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, supporting student-athletes in balancing academic and athletic goals. Since then, Albert has served in various advising roles, including Student Success Advisor at South College Atlanta and most recently as an Academic Advisor at Life University.

Albert is passionate about helping students navigate academic challenges, creating academic plans, and developing their professional skills. He has advised students pursuing a variety of health-related majors, including pre-chiropractic, biology, exercise science, pre-physician assistant, and pre-nursing. His experience includes both traditional and non-traditional student populations, enabling him to provide personalized support tailored to each student’s academic and professional aspirations in the health professions.

An avid Dallas Cowboys fan, Albert enjoys cheering on his team. In his spare time, he stays active through exercise and loves traveling with his wife, exploring new places together.

Please join us in welcoming Albert to ASA and OUESS!

Georgia Tech Undergraduates Selected to Study Abroad in Germany

Eight Georgia Tech students were recognized for their exceptional achievements and have been awarded the opportunity to conduct summer research in Germany through the DAAD Rise Fellowship and the TUM Prep Fellowship. 

Student on her laptop on Skiles Walkway

 

Eight Georgia Tech students were recognized for their exceptional achievements and have been awarded the opportunity to conduct summer research in Germany through the DAAD Rise Fellowship and the TUM Prep Fellowship.

DAAD Rise Fellowship

The DAAD Rise Fellowship is an esteemed program that offers undergraduate students the chance to work with research groups at top German universities and research institutions. This fellowship is designed to foster international research collaborations and provide students with hands-on research experience. Our four Georgia Tech recipients have been chosen for their academic excellence and their enthusiasm for engaging in cutting-edge research in Germany.

Lincoln Crowe, CE and BME 2026

Jackson Stahl 

 

Jackson Stahl is passionate about advancing nuclear-powered rocket engines for cismartian and deep space missions. This summer, he will research a novel method of trapping pair-plasmas via a levitating dipole trap at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, aiming to improve fusion device efficiency. Working in Bavaria will provide Jackson with valuable insight into European research. He encourages aspiring researchers to explore Georgia Tech’s labs early, as professors are eager to support students in discovering their research interests.

 

Lincoln Crowe

Lincoln Crowe aims to advance alternative energy sources and sustainable energy storage technology. This summer, he will research sulfur-based catholytes for alkali-metal batteries at the University of Humboldt, contributing to the development of more sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. His experience working alongside PhD students will deepen his understanding of sodium-ion battery projects at Georgia Tech and prepare him for his goal of earning a PhD in Chemical or Materials Engineering. Lincoln, a recipient of the Elbert Ward Jones Jr. and James G. Wohlford scholarships, encourages students to embrace exploration, knowing there’s plenty of time to find the right path beyond college.

Jackson Stahl, ME 2027

TUM Prep Fellowship

The TUM Prep Fellowship is a unique program that allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). This fellowship supports students in developing their skills and knowledge through internships and research projects. Our four Georgia Tech winners have demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, and they are poised to make significant contributions during their time at TUM.

Anisa Murray, ME 2027

Murtaza Nomani 

 

Murtaza’s primary goal through his research is to make electric energy abundant and affordable. He became interested in TUM Prep as a way to combine his interest in research with his love of German language and culture. He hopes that this experience will help him make connections with researchers in the field and potentially start a career in Germany. He advises all new students to “apply for anything and everything” and “be open to any type of experience.” 

Beatrix Lidl, BS Mathematics 2027

Mina Dryden 

 

Mina Dryden, pursuing a BS in Mathematics and Economics (expected 2027), is set to broaden her academic horizons through TUM Prep. Her research will explore the global political economy of critical raw materials, aiming to address supply chain shortages and promote sustainable recovery efforts. Additionally, she will analyze public perceptions of technological advancements in health and medicine. This experience will contribute to her long-term goal of becoming a researcher in economic policy at the national or international level. She advises incoming students to seize every opportunity, persevere through challenges, and prioritize their future selves.

Anisa Murray

Anisa aims to enable large-scale sustainable living through intentional design of our built environment. Anisa applied to the TUM Prep program to gain interdisciplinary research experience and expand her cultural fluency. Her project, “Heritage for a Sustainable Future,” explores how traditional sustainable building techniques can inspire modern architecture to address climate change and flexible housing needs. Through this research, she hopes to gain exposure to the intersection of engineering, architecture, and environmental science.

Murtaza Nomani, BS ME 2024; MS 2025

Beatrix Lidl

Beatrix, a recipient of the GT College of Sciences Dean’s Scholarship, hopes to use mathematics to improve the world. She will spend her summer developing machine learning algorithms to solve vehicle routing problems. She looks forward to being in Munich, where her family is from, and improving her German language skills. Beatrix encourages new students to make use of the many people available to help by going to office hours, talking to TAs, and asking advisors questions. 

Mina Dryden, BS Math and Economics 2027

Additional Information

 

If you are interested in the DAAD Rise or TUM Prep Fellowship, please contact Prestigious Fellowship Advisor, Georgia Brunner, at fellowshipsadvising@gatech.edu or the Global Research & Internship Program (GRIP) in the Office of International Education (OIE) – Amanda Tysor (amanda.tysor@oie.gatech.edu) or Jonathan Rivera Perez (jrivera@oie.gatech.edu). Prestigious Fellowships and the Office of International Education host events throughout the fall and spring semesters to promote prestigious international opportunities through the GRIP Engagement Series – find out more at grip.oie.gatech.edu. 

Georgia Tech Reaches New Milestones in Enrollment, Graduation, and Retention Rates

As Georgia Tech advances its ambitious Big Bet No. 2 — to double the annual number of degrees granted and expand access to lifelong learning — the Institute has achieved record numbers in both enrollment and degree completion. This past academic year, Georgia Tech conferred 12,000 degrees, a major step toward its goal of 15,000 annual graduates by 2030. By prioritizing both enrollment and degree attainment, Georgia Tech ensures that its graduates are prepared to drive economic growth and community impact across Georgia and beyond. 

Increased Enrollment Reflects Institute Commitment to Expanding Access 

The Fall 2024 cohort includes 3,838 first-time, full-time students and 1,376 transfer students. These incoming students join a total of 51,433 degree-seeking individuals, 18,785 of whom are undergraduates. The top five majors among current undergraduate students are Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, Aerospace Engineering, and Industrial Engineering with 83% of undergraduates pursuing STEM majors.

Of the undergraduate student population, 61% are in-state students, 3,421 are Pell Grant recipients, and 1,562 identify as first-generation college students, reinforcing the Institute’s commitment to offering high-quality education to a diverse student body.   

Graduation and Retention Rates Far Exceed National Averages 

For the Fall 2020 first-year cohort, the four-year graduation rate reached an all-time high of 70%, up from 66% for the previous cohort. Over the past decade, this rate has increased by more than 24 percentage points, far surpassing the national average of 64% for public four-year institutions. Additionally, students in the Fall 2018 cohort achieved a six-year graduation rate of 94%, marking another milestone and underscoring the Institute’s success in supporting students to degree completion. 

Retention rates for first-year students are also a point of pride for Georgia Tech. The first-to-second-year retention rate for the Fall 2023 freshman cohort remains at 98%, well above the national average of 76% for four-year institutions. This consistently high retention rate highlights the effectiveness of the support systems in place for incoming students. 

“Since we launched our Complete College Georgia plan in 2011, we have made strategic investments to ensure that all students have the support and resources they need to succeed,” said Steven Girardot, vice provost for undergraduate education. “I am excited to see how this has translated into these strong outcomes and look forward to the continued impact of new initiatives coming in the year ahead.” 

The Institute’s robust engagement with high-impact practices (HIPs) such as co-ops, internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, community-based learning, and innovation projects help students connect classroom learning with hands-on experiences, deepening their professional and academic development. Expanded academic success resources including a variety of tutoring programs, academic coaching, and improved advising technologies further contribute to enhancing student success. 

Georgia Tech’s ongoing success in retention and graduation metrics speaks to the Institute’s comprehensive approach to undergraduate education, ensuring that students not only begin but also complete their degrees, prepared for success beyond the classroom. 

For more information about Complete College Georgia and Georgia Tech’s completion and retention initiatives, visit Complete College Georgia.