Computing School Gives Thanks for Year Stuffed with Community, Connectedness, and Caffeine

Students, faculty, and staff from Georgia Tech’s School of Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) broke bread on Nov. 12 for a Thanksgiving lunch. The meal brought the School community together for companionship and reflection as the 2024 Fall Semester enters its final weeks.

“I am thankful for all my colleagues and our students for their dedication to their work and their support of each other and our community,” said Haesun Park, Regents’ Professor and Chair of the School of CSE.

“I hope that you will take time over the break to recharge and feel joyful about what you have accomplished.”

Image

Though students are busy with classes, homework, and preparing for final exams, many recalled and acknowledged the people across Georgia Tech who enabled their success.

“I’m thankful for Assistant Professor Spencer Bryngelson and Professor Rich Vuduc for fostering positive lab environments,” said Ph.D. student Max Hawkins.

“Planned social events, regular lab meetings, and hackathons filled with food and caffeine provided plenty of opportunities for students to bond, both in celebration and Fortran suffering.”

“I am super grateful to my advisor, Assistant Professor Srijan Kumar, for his unwavering support, insightful guidance, and encouragement throughout my research journey,” said Ph.D. student Yiqiao (Ahren) Jin.

“I am also thankful for all my lab mates and fellow students for our academic collaboration and discussions.”

The beginning is often the most challenging stage of the graduate school journey. Arjun Bansal and other new students say the community eases the challenges of this part of a graduate degree program.

“I am thankful for all the support and help my fellow students and professors have provided me in acclimating to graduate school, helping me learn necessary skills and identifying gaps in my knowledge.”

Staff employees are hidden figures whose discreet work ensures smooth daily operations of instruction and research. During the Thanksgiving celebration, these quiet heroes also received well-deserved praise for supporting students and faculty.

“I am thankful for Arlene Washington-Capers’s assistance at the beginning of this semester, which made my transition to Georgia Tech very smooth,” said Assistant Professor Qi Tang, one of two new School of CSE faculty members.

“I also greatly appreciate Della Phinisee’s support with helping me put together several proposals this semester.”

Hawkins said, “I am thankful for Iris and Mary's administrative and behind-the-scenes work. They’re always helpful when I contact them.”

Image

Ph.D. student Ben Hoover extended his gratitude to College of Computing staff, who provide guidance, support, and several resources to help ensure student success.

“I am thankful for Will Powell, who keeps all of our servers alive and works odd hours handling crises when they occur,” Hoover said. “I couldn’t imagine the computation of my research being in better hands.”

School of CSE Assistant Director of Financial Operations Holy Rush spoke on behalf of staff on how mutual support in the School instills a culture of value and success.

“I am incredibly thankful for Professor Polo Chau, who goes above and beyond for students, staff, and faculty,” Rush said. 

“His dedication, kindness, and acknowledgement of our hard work creates a supportive work environment. Thank you, Polo, for all you do!”

Thankful reflections help maintain bonds within the School of CSE, even for people who formally departed Georgia Tech and could not attend the lunch. 

Alumnus Ziyi (Francis) Yin (Ph.D. CSE 2024) recalled memories from Georgia Tech that affirmed how his graduate experience resulted in community, not just a degree.

“I am thankful for everyone in CSE that made my Ph.D. journey so delightful. I particularly enjoyed moments when I had lunch with peers, played chess during coffee hours, learned new research fields during seminars, and discussed innovative ideas with group members,” Yin said. 

“Thank you to all students, Graduate Student Association leaders, and staff and faculty members for making this all happen every day in the School of CSE.”

Image