Message from Dean Jacqueline Jones Royster

My thanks go to all for your warm and gracious welcoming of me to Georgia Tech and to the Ivan Allen College. I have been able to spend quite a bit of time on campus during the past six months getting to know the extraordinary faculty, staff, and students of this remarkable institution and the ever-expanding body of work unfolding within Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. It is with great optimism and enthusiasm that I join you in this work as dean and colleague.

The liberal arts have been part of Georgia Tech since it opened its doors in 1888 with English as one of the original six subjects taught. Though there have been many iterations for our disciplines and inter-disciplines since then, we have remained constant in playing critical roles across the decades in shaping and influencing the multiple ways in which science, technology, and the liberal arts converge to deliver the highest quality of research and teaching.

During the tenure of my predecessor, Dean Sue Rosser, the Ivan Allen College in its current form gained solid footing and reached new heights in academic accomplishments. Distinctive among these accomplishments, we developed a research profile commensurate with a world-class research university and built collaborative programs at the intersections of technology and the liberal arts that, today, define the college as a leader in interdisciplinary research, scholarship, and teaching. Because of these accomplishments, I believe that the Ivan Allen College stands in the vanguard for the future. We are poised to proclaim Georgia Tech as a locus for 21st century liberal arts research, teaching, and learning, and we stand ready, willing, and able to accentuate to remarkable effect the capacity of Georgia Tech to fulfill its innovative, interdisciplinary, entrepreneurial mission as a top tier research university, dedicated to using its knowledge creation in service of public interests locally and globally.

Toward these ambitious ends, I have drafted two working documents for the IAC. One articulates a vision, mission, and strategic priorities for 2010-2011. The second lays out a basic framework for aligning the IAC with the new and exciting strategic plan for the Institute presented to the campus by President Peterson in his opening address to the campus. Together, they form a basic springboard from which the IAC will conduct its own strategic assessment and establish an agenda going forward that complements the Georgia Tech plan in a robust way.

Most certainly, an IAC strategic planning process will draw attention: to our collective strength as a driver for interdisciplinarity in research, teaching, and learning; to an ever-growing internal and external awareness of our excellence in research and scholarship; and to the depth of our commitment to providing our students—whether undergraduate or graduate—with top tier classroom and extra-classroom experiences. At the same time, the process will be directed also toward strengthening our fiscal capacity and enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness in support of the broad and dynamic array of our enterprises.

Engaging in this type of process affirms that we remain on a path that continues to embrace and grow the Allen legacy. Ivan Allen, Jr. was a leader of great vision for his city and country who demonstrated remarkable courage in the face of crisis. Our mission as the Ivan Allen College is similarly cast: to lead with a clear sense of our distinctive history at Georgia Tech and with a robust vision of the values added to the world by the liberal arts; to advance the extraordinarily innovative interdisciplinary and collaborative research and teaching that we do; and to bring our strengths in the liberal arts boldly into the present and the future as we collaborate with others to create knowledge and to prepare new generations of students.

At this point in time, we face a new horizon filled with both challenges and opportunities, and I look forward to our working together to bring honor to this great institution and to do all that we can to make the world a better place.

Dean Royster is a professor of English with interests related to rhetorical studies, women’s studies, and literacy. She holds the Ivan Allen Jr. Dean's Chair in Liberal Arts and Technology and is professor in the School of Literature, Communication and Culture.

FutureMedia Fest Interactive Mash-up Takes Place October 4-7

Registration is open for Georgia Tech’s FutureMedia Fest 2010, an interactive “mash-up” to explore and enable new paradigms in how content is created, distributed, and consumed in a converging media world.

The four-day event to be held October 4-7 will include speakers who are leaders and pioneers in their sectors from entities including Google, The Coca-Cola Company, HP, The Weather Channel Companies, The Economist, Turner Broadcasting, AT&T, IBM, Discovery Channel, GPB Media, the US State Department, Academy Award-winning animation and performance capture specialists from the movies “Avatar” and “Lord of the Rings,” plus over 20 Georgia Tech research groups.

Faculty in the School of Literature, Communication, and Culture (LCC) have been instrumental in shaping the conference. Panel participants from the school include Ian Bogost, Director of the Digital Media Graduate Studies program on the Gaming panel, Rebecca Burnett, Director of the Writing & Communications Program on Digital Media Skills, and Professor Janet Murray on Storytelling. LCC and the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs will participate in the Research Demos at TSRB on Wed, Oct 6th. 

Poetry at Tech Tribute to Henry C. Bourne October 5th

The inaugural Poetry at Tech reading of the 2010/2011 seasons features a tribute to program founder Dr. Henry C. Bourne and readings by former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins.

Poetry at Tech's opening event of the 2010/2011 season features a tribute to program founder Dr. Henry C. Bourne and readings by former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins.  The event will be held October 5 at 7:30pm in the LeCraw Auditorium.  Space is limited, so arrive early.  For more information visit www.poetry.gatech.edu

Award-Winning Science Fiction Author Goonan is LCC Visiting Professor

Critically-acclaimed science fiction author Kathleen Ann Goonan will join the School of Literature, Communication, and Culture faculty as a visiting professor for the 2010-2011 academic year. A major voice in the field of contemporary science fiction, Goonan’s presence reinforces Georgia Tech’s growing strength as a hub for cutting-edge science-fiction research.

“I am delighted to accept the School of Literature, Communication, and Culture's unique opportunity to join students in exploring the leading edge of emergent technologies as seen through the lenses of literature, public policy, engineering, science, and media," said Goonan. "Georgia Tech's confluence of emergent technologies, international presence, and gifted students will shape some of the world's most informed and influential scientists, engineers, policy-makers, and interpreters of our increasingly global culture in the decades to come, and I am honored to be a part of the Ivan Allen College's prescient initiative in this mission.”

In 1994 the New York Times designated her first novel, Queen City Jazz, a Notable Book of the Year. Since then, Goonan’s stories have been nominated for eminent science fiction prizes including the Nebula, British Science Fiction, and Arthur C. Clarke Awards. In 2008 her most recent book, In War Times, won both the John W. Campbell and American Literary Association Awards for best science fiction novel of the year, beating out stiff competition including William Gibson’s Spook Country and Michael Chabon’s The Yiddish Policeman’s Union.

Critics and scholars outside the science fiction community regularly recognize Goonan’s ability to extrapolate startling—and startlingly poetic—new futures from current science and technologies as well. In 2001, Scientific American praised her as a “shaman of the small” for her expertise in nanotechnology, and that same year she was invited to speak at the Library of Congress about “the biological century and the future of science fiction.” In 2004, Goonan delivered keynote speeches on nanotechnology and literary vision at the University of South Carolina, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the Idaho Academy of Sciences. In 2006 her essay, “Consciousness, Literature, and Science Fiction,” appeared on the Iowa Review web site, and in 2007 she was invited to join the Sigma Science Fiction Think Tank, which does futurism consulting for the U.S. Government and appropriate NGOs. Ms. Goonan will teach a variety of courses during her time at Tech including the history of science fiction and creative writing.

HTS Visiting Professor to Expand Western China’s Perspective on U.S.

From Chongqing University of Technology (CQUT) in Chongqing City, China,Yan Yang is a visiting professor in the School of History, Technology, and Society for 2010/2011. 

Chongqing City is missioned by China’s State Council to be the engine for economic, cultural, and social advancement in western China and so, explained Yang, “is a new window opened to the west.”

Yang’s lectures on American history and culture are popular with students and have led to her twice being recognized with the CQUT Favorite Teacher Award. Of her year here Yang says, “I hope to study American urbanization deeply and profoundly.” She was attracted by “the outstanding research achievements of professor [and HTS Chair] Ronald Bayor and the high reputation of Georgia Tech.”

In Atlanta for the past month, Yang says our hot weather doesn't bother her a bit.  Chongquing City is the hottest region in China with summer temperatures regularly soaring above one hundred.  

Yang holds a master’s from Sichuan International Studies University.
 

Goodman Keynotes Cyber Security Conferences

Seymour Goodman, professor in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, delivered keynote addresses at premier domestic and international cyber security conferences this summer.

Goodman delivered the opening keynote address "Emerging Strategic Technologies of the 21st Century" at the conference on "Strategic Technologies and Our Global Future" held at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy in Switzerland, April 14-16.

Goodman delivered the opening overview presentation at the Workshop on International Cooperation Toward Cyber Security hosted by the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University in Washington, May 13.

In addition, Goodman was an invited participant at three cybersecurity-related events in Washington, D.C.:  the "Workshop on Deterring Cyber Attacks: Informing Strategies and Developing Options for U.S. Policy," National Research Council, June 10-11; the "Cyber Security through a Behavioral Lens," I3P Workshop, Capitol Hill, July 22-23; and the "Workshop on the National Risk Estimate (NRE) for the Communications Sector," Homeland Infrastructure Threat and Risk Analysis Center (HITRAC, DHS), July 27.

August 17, Goodman was a speaker on the "Emerging Computing Infrastructures: Security Challenges for Cloud, Smart Grid, and Mobile Computing" panel at the Government Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (GFIRST) National Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
 

Air Force ROTC’s Andino Retires

Col. Sheri Andino has commanded the Georgia Tech Air Force ROTC department since August 2006. Andino retired in August. In a special ceremony September 2, she was honored for thirty years of commissioned service with Major General Richard N. Goddard, USAF (Retired) presenting Andino Certificates of Retirement, Appreciation, and the Legion of Merit Medal.

“My final assignment at GT has been one of the most rewarding of my career,” Andino reflected. “I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with the world-class faculty and staff at Georgia Tech and to commission as Second Lieutenants some of the very top graduates from Tech and from twelve other Atlanta-area colleges and universities. Our cadets are excelling in academics, devoting themselves to the extra hours required for officership and leadership training in AFROTC, and many are working part-time and making significant contributions in community service. I’m very proud of their dedication.”

The AFROTC faculty and cadets have garnered numerous important awards during Andino’s tenure including the 2009 AFROTC Instructor of the Year, the 2006 AFROTC Cadet Training Assistant of the Year, 2006-2010 Society of American Military Engineers Awards, and the 2007 Alvin Ferst Award.

Col Andino said, “There is long, strong, and proud history of ROTC at Georgia Tech. That history is sure to continue to flourish thanks to the resounding support of the Atlanta community and our Tech family.”

Colonel Andino was raised in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Florida and received her commission via the AFROTC program in 1980. She flew the KC-135 in-flight refueling aircraft as a navigator for over thirteen years. Andino further served as an installation commander in England and base commander in Diego Garcia, supporting operations in Afghanistan, and in Washington, D.C. During her career, she also earned two Master’s degrees.

Colonel Andino is married to Greg Straka, a longtime Atlanta resident and Georgia Power Company Claims and Litigation Specialist. Upon the graduation of their son, Sean, from St. Pius X Catholic High School, the family will move to Dade City, FL, where Andino hopes to continue teaching.

D'Unger Elected to President of Georgia Tech Academic Advising Network

Dr. Amy D’Unger, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies in the School History, Technology, and Society, is the newly elected President of the Georgia Tech Academic Advisors Network (GTAAN) for 2010 - 2011.

 GTAAN networks advisors, as well as some faculty, staff and support personnel across campus, providing access to information about campus resources and best practices in advising. As President, D’Unger oversees the Advising Certificate Program, serves as Academic Advising representative for various campus committees, and communicates advising concerns to the vice-provost’s office. D’Unger succeeds International Affair’s Stephanie Jackson as President. Also on this year’s GTAAN Executive Board are Vince Pedicino (INTA), and Katie Raczynski (LCC/CM). Elizabeth Miller (IAC/SPP) is also extremely active on the board and serves as webmaster for the organization.
 

SPP Students Speak at New Student Convocation

Georgia Tech’s New Student Convocation featured two student speakers from the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, Merry Hunter Hipp and Mike Donohue. Hipp, a sophomore majoring in Public Policy and minoring in History, Technology, and Society, presented the traditional sophomore welcome. Donohue, a double major in Public Policy and Economics & International Affairs, spoke at the Convocation in his role as Chair of the Honor Advisory Council.

Hipp was nominated for her distinguished speaking role by her mentor, and influence in choosing to attend Tech, School of Public Policy Associate Professor Richard Barke. In her speech, Merry Hunter drew from exciting memories of her own Convocation experience and provided sage advice to the new students, encouraging them to enjoy school but also to “be proud to be a Yellow Jacket”. She attributed each letter of “GO JACKETS” to a unique tradition that each new student could consider adopting, like “S is for Success” and “T is for Tech Pride.”

Donohue also sought to inspire pride in the new students, just as he “was proud to be up [on stage] belting out the fight song”. In his remarks, he said the Convocation “creates a great sense of camaraderie amongst the new students because it’s the first time they are all together and it’s going to be the only time they are all together and that’s how they start out their Georgia Tech career and it really sets them on a good path”. While Donohue encouraged new students to enjoy their time at Tech, he also advised them that being a Yellow Jacket comes with the responsibility of academic integrity. He presented the honor code to the students in a light and unique way that Tech students could truly understand…as a mathematical equation. Donohue adapted the poignant Marcus Tullius Cicero quote, "Ability without honor is useless", into “Ability equals Honor”.

As Hipp and Donohue reflected on their experience as new students participating in the Convocation, they both paused in pleasure and disbelief as they recounted all that they have accomplished since they first put on a RAT cap. Both have excelled as leaders in the classroom and in numerous student organizations, and have traveled abroad on academic-related trips. The future for these two leaders is exciting and limitless, the same notions they wished for the proud new students. The Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts also has reason to exhibit “Tech Pride” - of the three students who spoke at the New Student Convocation, two of them are our own.

Story by Lauren Langley, Master's Student, Digital Media Program

Alumni Profile — Rizwan Ladha – IAML 2007

Rizwan Ladha obtained a BS in International Affairs and Modern Languages (IAML) in 2007. Today, he is pursuing a Master's degree at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University where he focuses on nuclear security issues. Rizwan conducted research at the Project on Managing the Atom at the Harvard Kennedy School this past summer, and this fall he is a Teaching Assistant for the 2010-2011 EPIIC colloquium at Tufts University the theme of which is "Our Nuclear Age: Peril and Promise."

“I must constantly jump between technical issues and the policy world,” writes Ladha. “From my time at Tech, I took away a few key lessons that have served me well in life. First, I learned how important it is to not constrain oneself, especially early on in one's career. Because the Sam Nunn School [of International Affairs (INTA)] fits so nicely into the larger Tech community, I took advantage of those mandatory computer science and mathematics courses that seem, at first glance, to be irrelevant to the INTA curriculum. But rather than take them at face value and get through them just to fulfill a requirement, I took the time to learn more about the subject material. This approach, combined with my INTA education, provided me with the foundation I needed to take a private sector consulting job after graduation that sent me to live in India for the better half of a year working on offshoring and outsourcing issues."

"Second, I took advantage of the many benefits that come with studying in a smaller but well-established program. Many of these benefits are latent - immediate access to faculty, more intimate class sizes, etc. But to really get the most out of my INTA education, I attended every event possible - from the Cypriot ambassador to the US speaking about the possibility of Turkey's accession to the EU, to a former US Foreign Service officer sharing his thoughts on the future of the Middle East. I listened, took notes, asked good questions, and networked."

"Finally, I got the name recognition that comes as a direct result of the tireless work of the Nunn School's faculty and staff. The School recently launched a PhD program and was accepted to APSIA as a full member. This last note is extremely critical, because it lends the School an enhanced degree of visibility and credibility that I have been able to leverage time and again. Of course, Senator Nunn's 2007 op-ed with Henry Kissinger, William Perry, and George Shultz in the Wall Street Journal hasn't hurt, either!”

Ladha manages online communications for the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), and writes a nuclear-themed blog at his own site.

Photo:  Ladha, at far right, is pictured with President Obama
 

This Month's Banner Photo

 Ivan Allen College students had the opportunity to talk with Dean Jackie Royster at a special "Meet the Dean" event for students held September 9.  Pictured with Dean Royster are members of the Ivan Allen College Student Advisory Board.