We are thrilled to introduce a new feature in our newsletter that we believe will help our IR community connect on a more personal level and better understand the amazing individuals within our organization. Let us introduce you to some of our outstanding IRI staff :)
Will Smith
Senior Facilities Manager, GTMI
Q: We'd like to know more about your role within the organization, the responsibilities it entails, and the impact it has on GT.
A: As a part of the I&S team, I’m the Senior Facilities Manager for the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (GTMI) and it’s underling, the Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility (AMPF). I manage the day-to-day operation of the buildings, as it relates to sustainability, upkeep, and the comfort of the residents and visitors. Silent, friendly competition with other buildings keeps me on my toes and striving to make my/our buildings improve over time and continue to contribute to Georgia Tech’s renown status, worldwide.
Q: In a sentence, could you share some insights into your day-to-day duties, any projects you are working on, and how they contribute to our success?
A: As Senior Facilities Manager for two research-focused buildings, I enjoy interacting with the students, faculty, and staff on a daily basis. I enjoy getting my hands dirty (when necessary), speaking with and learning from our Area Maintenance staff. Sustainability, safety, and beautification are a few priorities of mine, when dealing with one building that’s 30+ years old! We’re currently working on making a more collaborative, student-friendly “commons” floor where we can accommodate more students with non-assigned workstations, a kitchen, break room, huddle spaces, etc. Not to mention the plans for the AMPF building renovation construction project which includes AI technology and a more innovative appearance and capabilities.
Q: We are interested in learning how long you have been with GT. Your experience and journey can be a source of inspiration for others.
A: I started my tenure here at Georgia Tech back in October, 2016. I’ve had an interesting, adventurous, and fulfilling 7 years here, managing building operations for both the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute and the Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility. I love my job and the relationships I’ve developed with so many people throughout campus!
Q: To make our profiles more engaging, we'd like to ask a fun question. In a sentence, if money were no object, and you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would we find you? Feel free to share a dream destination or a special place close to your heart.
A: I’m a very boring guy and am pretty worn out by my wife and 4 daughters, so I would most prefer to stay at home, in my man cave, with a beer! 😉 …but, if I have to choose and could be anywhere in the world right now (with money not an object), I’d probably be in Lisbon, Portugal or Luanda, Angola with my maternal family. I grew up in a Portuguese cultured household (where Portuguese was my first language) and would love to kick back there and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. I’d come back, though (I think)! 😉
Susan Ryan
Program & Operations Manager, BBISS
Q: We'd like to know more about your role within the organization, the responsibilities it entails, and the impact it has on GT.
A: Program & Operations Manager. BBISS has experienced new leadership and much growth and continues to add new programs and staff. So, in addition to traditional roles including event planning, travel and purchasing, facilities and operations management, human resources, faculty and staff support, etc., I am taking on responsibility for more programs, initiatives, and events. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this transformation.
Q: In a sentence, could you share some insights into your day-to-day duties, any projects you are working on, and how they contribute to our success?
A: I manage the BBISS Seminar Series and Faculty Fellows and Graduate Fellows Programs and also coordinate the Initiative Leads and Sustainability Next Seed Grant Programs from the initial calls through the review processes. After awards have been announced, I provide administrative and event support for all groups as well as other large BBISS events. I also am responsible for IRI and other Institute reports that further the Institute’s mission.
Q: We are interested in learning how long you have been with GT. Your experience and journey can be a source of inspiration for others.
A: I began my career at Georgia Tech in the School of Atmospheric Sciences in 1997 and joined BBISS in 2011. I have enjoyed being part of its growth and change over the last 26 years and being involved in the Event Coordinators’ Network, Earth Day, IRI Staff Advisory Council, Women of Georgia Tech, and other campus organizations.
Q: To make our profiles more engaging, we'd like to ask a fun question. In a sentence, if money were no object, and you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would we find you? Feel free to share a dream destination or a special place close to your heart.
A: In recent years I’ve been lucky to travel to London, Paris, Portugal, and Iceland, but I still have many places on my dream list. My grandparents immigrated from what is now Northern Macedonia, and my five sisters and I grew up experiencing the culture, food, and traditions and have passed them on to our children and grandchildren. We hope to plan a trip to connect with relatives there and visit the places we have heard so much about.
Anna Doll
Education Curator, RBI
Q: We'd like to know more about your role within the organization, the responsibilities it entails, and the impact it has on GT.
A: I am the Education Curator for the Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking which is a Part of the Renewable Bioproducts Institute. I manage the public programming for the museum ages Kindergarten- Senior Adult. The museum offers a diverse range of programming from various tours for all age groups, to workshops for college students and adults, to private bookings for all age groups, and participation in campus/community events. We offer our programming at various cost levels to build an inclusive community of participants and nurture the well-being of our community. For example, the museum is also often the first time many young students visit a college campus, and it gives them a chance to visualize their future here or at another university. Information about our programs can be found on our website www.paper.gatech.edu.
Q: In a sentence, could you share some insights into your day-to-day duties, any projects you are working on, and how they contribute to our success?
A: My day-to-day activities involve the development of programming, coordination with guest instructors, advertisement, management of bookings/registrations, execution/teaching of programs, training of student workers as well as curriculum development and development of educational resources. I also work on arts research related to cellulose nano-fibers, which is a new venture by the museum with a goal to increase our connection with the ongoing research happening at the RBI and in paper related fields. I frequently collaborate with many groups on campus such as the GT library, CEISMC, EXCEL, campus classes and also with groups and organizations off campus. One of the museum’s most popular programs is Tech’s Tactile Thursday’s developed and offered in collaboration with the Georgia Tech Library for GT students, staff and faculty. It is a once-a-month free paper arts class aimed at nurturing the well being of our students and GT community. An additional new collaboration this semester is with associate professor Francesco Fedele in the teaching of the art portion of his Art + Geometry Class.
Q: We are interested in learning how long you have been with GT. Your experience and journey can be a source of inspiration for others.
A: I have been a part of Georgia Tech now for 4 years in my role as Education Curator. I am part of a team of 3 at the museum and we work closely with each other to make the museum a success and reach our goals.
Q: To make our profiles more engaging, we'd like to ask a fun question. In a sentence, if money were no object, and you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would we find you? Feel free to share a dream destination or a special place close to your heart.
A: As far as being anywhere in the world right now, I would say somewhere warmer. I grew up in Florida and I am not a great fan of winter. Though if speaking from the point of view of travel, I am blessed to say that I just came back from a trip to Japan and I look forward to deciding where to travel for my next adventure.
Steve Woodard
Director of Research Operations, IBB
Q: We'd like to know more about your role within the organization, the responsibilities it entails, and the impact it has on GT.
A: I currently serve as the Director of Research Operations for the Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience ( IBB). As part of the research operations, I am responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic growth of our Core Facilities. The IBB Core Facilities serve as a shared resource for the bio community. Consultation, training, and technical support are available for a variety of research initiatives and users have access to over 100 pieces of lab equipment totaling over $37 million. Each year, we serve over 150 research labs.
Q: In a sentence, could you share some insights into your day-to-day duties, any projects you are working on, and how they contribute to our success?
A: On a day-to-day basis, I am responsible for securing resources and supporting my team members so that they can provide the best customer experience possible to our researchers. Currently, the team and I are working on expanding our core capabilities in areas such as advanced Bioinformatics (analyzing large sets of data that result from “omics” studies) and custom peptide synthesis. With sustainability in mind, we are part of the campus My Green Labs certificate pilot program and are working on new approaches to reduce the environmental impact of our research. I also take opportunities to support educational outreach through programs such as ENGAGES. Lifting others along the way as we make progress contributes to our success.
Q: We are interested in learning how long you have been with GT. Your experience and journey can be a source of inspiration for others.
A: I have been with Georgia Tech for 30 years. I started in the School of Biology as a Research Technician in 1993. I transferred to the School of Mechanical Engineering in 1996 where I worked as a lab manager in the Cardiovascular Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory of Dr. Robert M. Nerem. A year later, I accepted additional responsibilities as IBB's first Core Facilities Manager. When we expanded our Core Facilities to the Krone Engineered Biosystems Building in 2015, I took on the responsibilities of Assistant Director. My responsibilities included working closely with the IEN team to adopt and implement the Shared User Management Systems ( SUMS), serving as a liaison between Georgia Tech and the Georgia Cores Alliance, and executing Specialized Service Agreements between the cores and external customers through the Georgia Tech Research Corporation. This year, I was promoted to Director and the core team, and I continue to identify innovative ways to better serve our current and prospective customers.
Q: To make our profiles more engaging, we'd like to ask a fun question. In a sentence, if money were no object, and you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would we find you? Feel free to share a dream destination or a special place close to your heart.
A: If money were no object, I would find myself on a pristine, sandy beach looking out into sparkling clear blue water in Fiji with my beautiful and intelligent wife of 32 years!
