Students 2023: Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation

2023 was a transformative year for the College of Computing community. The following is an excerpt from the College's recently published annual report.

From first-year CS majors to defending Ph.D. candidates, GT Computing students are helping to advance the Institute’s reputation as a hub for research talent and entrepreneurial innovation. Students are taking on real-world challenges and getting real-world results that exemplify Georgia Tech’s spirit of service and progress.

Recognizing Ai Achievements

Apple Research named GT Computing Ph.D. student Jay Wang as a recipient of the 2023 Apple Scholars in AI/ML Ph.D. Fellowship in March. The honor recognizes Wang’s research success in making AI and ML systems more transparent and accessible. The collaboration with Apple will amplify the real-world applicability of Wang’s research. “It is a tremendous privilege to be awarded this fellowship. I am excited about collaborating with researchers at Apple,” said Wang.

Honoring Social Impact

Forbes named Azra Ismail (Ph.D. HCC 23) to its 30 Under 30 list for Social Impact in Asia. The accolade recognizes her ongoing efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among India’s disadvantaged youth. Ismail has helped more than 300,000 youths in six states become better equipped for an increasingly competitive job market through nonprofit maker spaces she co-founded. “We’re not just creating young people who are ready for the future of work, but who can become the ones who are shaping it,” said Ismail, an assistant professor at Emory University.

Taking Climate Action

More than 110 computing students acted this year to fight climate change and environmental injustice. The students are members of 10 climate action teams in Tech’s Vertically Integrated Projects program. The teams work to address climate and environmental concerns that align with sustainable development goals adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. By applying their skills and knowledge, these students contribute to real-world solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.

Empowering Victims

A GT Computing alumna and her peers developed a groundbreaking app to support victims of sexual harassment in Bangladesh. The app provides a safe platform for victims to share their experiences, access legal information, and seek help. The innovative solution empowers individuals to stand up against harassment and helps facilitate justice for victims. “I am proud to find out that I am not alone – I am one of many who want to make positive changes,” said Nova Ahmed (CS Ph.D. 10), a professor at North South University in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Earning Top Prize

A pair of roommates won Georgia Tech’s InVenture Prize competition. CS majors Jeff Mao and Tyler Ma developed a web-based platform that may help millions of online sellers save time and money. Along with $20,000, the duo earned a spot in Tech’s Startup Launch program, giving them access to entrepreneurial coaching and potential venture capital opportunities.

Alum's Game 'Slides' into Festival Award

New alumni Daniel Carr (CS 23) won the Best Student Game award at the Independent Game Festival (IGF) in San Francisco for his adventure game Slider. The game emerged from a competition in November 2021. Carr developed it further with the help of the student-run Video Game Development Club housed in the College. Carr’s game was among six finalists selected from over 600 IGF entries.

Photo by Terence Rushin/College of Computing