The National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities/National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded $59,999 to Lauren Klein, assistant professor in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication, for the project "TOME: Interactive Topic Model and Metadata Visualization." Jacob Eisenstein in the School of Interactive Computing is co-principle investigator.
Adam Stulberg, associate professor in The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, has been awarded $117,012 by the University of Sydney for the project "Technology and Knowledge Transfer in Nuclear Proliferation Networks."
What Does Georgia Tech Think?
Selected Press for Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
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[IAC Dean Jacqueline] Royster called Atlanta a “nexus for reinvention” and said the city is the perfect place to consider how new bonds can be formed between the U.S., Europe and Africa to replace the shackles of the transatlantic slave trade triangle that operated from the late 16th to the early 19th centuries. “Things came together in a way that just said Atlanta is the place and this is the time,” Georgia Tech Dean Royster said [about Africa Atlanta 2014]. Source (by subscription): Atlanta Journal Constitution, May 30
July 14, 2013 - September 1, 2013
August 26, 2013 - August 29, 2013
September 9, 2013
4:00 pm
September 16, 2013
4:00 pm
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Allen Digital Collection Showcases a Transformational Era in Atlanta History
The 1960s was an era of socio-economic rebirth in Atlanta and that story can be effectively told by tracing the leadership and interactions of college namesake and Georgia Institute of Technology alumnus, Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr.
The newly launched Ivan Allen, Jr. Digital Collection is an ambitious project to gather archival records concerning Mayor Allen’s legacy and southern progress and to collect new material documenting these themes. The collection is intended to serve as a starting point for Allen scholars and those interested in learning about the history of social change in Atlanta.
A project team led by IAC IT Senior Manager, Steve Hodges, along with co-curators from the Georgia Tech Archives is linking resources from historic collections that reside with individuals and institutions across the city, throughout Georgia, and beyond. Resources include oral histories, newspaper articles, news film clips, photos, and cartoons that document Allen’s legacy and era. Among Georgia Tech’s assets are a collection of oral histories with major figures in modern Atlanta history conducted by Ronald Bayor, retired professor in the School of History, Technology, and Society, during the writing of his book Race and the Shaping of Twentieth Century Atlanta (UNC Press).
The project reflects the distinct mission of the college as stewards of the Allen legacy.
“This initiative is a signature part of our ongoing work to bring modern context and relevancy to Mayor Allen’s visionary urban policies and his values of social justice and ethical action,” said Jacqueline Royster, dean of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts.
Royster hopes the digital collection “will be of benefit in two specific ways: 1) to researchers who need a starting point to explore Ivan Allen Jr.’s contributions as a business leader and as Mayor of Atlanta during a critical period in the city’s urban development, and 2) to students and the public in general in raising knowledge and awareness of Mayor Allen’s leadership in the rise of Atlanta as an international city. We are happy to be working with the Library to strengthen Georgia Tech’s digital collections, as well as with partners in the Atlanta community who have an interest in Atlanta history and general questions of urban governance.”
The project also showcases the Archives’ strength in curating unique collections. Jody Thompson, head of Archives and Records Management, reflects that the “collaboration with the College is a great fit for the Library Archives. We can offer our knowledge of preserving and displaying collections, paper or virtual. We look forward to working with them.”
Readers who know of uncollected materials documenting Allen’s leadership or his relationship with Tech are encouraged to contact steve.hodges@oit.gatech.edu or the Archives at archives@library.gatech.edu.
Visit the Collection: Ivan Allen Jr. Archives
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CACP Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center Strong in FCC Report to Congress
Research by the Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (Wireless RERC) was cited more than 15 times in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) report to Congress entitled "Legal and Regulatory Framework for Next Generation 911 Services."
The FCC report addresses issues related to the legal and regulatory infrastructure needed for the transition from legacy 911 emergency response to Next Generation 911 (NG911). The Wireless RERC is referenced in regard to its research and support of NG911 deployment being governed at the state and local level and for favoring new 911 funding mechanisms. The current system is thought to be outdated and inefficient for supporting the transition to NG911. In regard to how 911 funds should be collected, Wireless RERC cited comments highlighted the importance of a fee-based approach ensuring that “non-voice-enabled services contribute their fair share to 911 funding.” The report also included an entire section of Wireless RERC recommendations on specifically increasing the role and authority of the Emergency Access Advisory Committee (EAAC), expanding the Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grant program to include technologies that advance NG911, and enhancing the Master Public Safety Advisory Point (PSAP) Registry to provide an interactive map showing each PSAP’s NG911 capability.
Housed in the Ivan Allen College School of Public Policy, the Wireless RERC partners with the Shepherd Center in its mission to research, evaluate, and develop innovative wireless technologies and products that meet the needs and improve the quality of life and community participation of people with disabilities.
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“XYZ” MODA Exhibition Celebrates Women Game Designers
The Graduate Program in Digital Media joins forces with the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) to present an interactive exhibition this summer that highlights the work of women as game designers and artists. The exhibition opens July 14 and runs through September 1.
XYZ: Alternative Voices in Game Design responds to the popular misconception that women neither play nor create video games. Every piece in the show has been wholly or partially created by women, who comprise only 10 to 15 percent of the gaming industry. The exhibition is intended to redefine viewers’ perceptions of what games are and can be by showcasing alternative games that are outside the mainstream and convey a diverse range of ideas, experiences, and emotions. “XYZ” also aims to celebrate women’s contributions to the advancement of the video game medium by highlighting their influence and accomplishments.
Co-curator of the exhibition is Celia Pearce, director of the DM Experimental Game Lab and co-founder of IndieCade, the international festival of independent games. Pearce is working with renowned game curators from around the world: Cindy Poremba, internationally recognized game artist; John Sharp of Parsons The New School for Design; Akira Thompson, a former Disney Imagineer; and Adam Rafinksi, founder of the GameLab Karlsruhe at the German art and technology center ZKM.
Read more
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Allen Prize Symposium Broadcast on CSPAN
CSPAN recorded the April 4 Ivan Allen, Jr. Prize Symposium which honored civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis. The network aired one hour and forty-eight minutes of the program on May 30. Watch here: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/WorkofR#
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Comfort takes Spanish into the community
Volunteering for nonprofits such as the Latin American Association or La Amistad. Interning with local organizations that serve Atlanta’s Latino community. These probably aren’t the activities that come to mind when you think about Spanish classes at Georgia Tech's Ivan Allen College.
Welcome to Kelly Comfort’s approach to teaching Spanish — with a service learning twist.
“Rather than learn about speakers of the language, I want my students to learn with speakers of the language,” said Comfort, associate professor of Spanish in the Ivan Allen College, School of Modern Languages. “This approach blurs the lines between serving and learning, giving and receiving, and experience and education.”
Comfort attributes her interest in service learning to teaching English as a Second Language courses as an undergraduate student.
“Doing this helped me speak Spanish fluently, but it also taught me the value of interacting and working with people from other cultures,” she said. “I learned so much beyond the walls of a classroom, and I want to provide opportunities for my students to have the same experiences.”
Since arriving at Georgia Tech in 2005, Comfort has developed or revised three courses for students that integrate learning language with community outreach. In SPAN 4150, Spanish Service Learning in the Hispanic Community, students design their own community service projects and commit to 30 volunteer hours during the semester. The course focuses on the Hispanic immigrant experience.
SPAN 4251, Hispanic Community Internship, places students in 60-hour internships with local businesses or organizations that work with the area’s Latino community. SPAN 4500, Intercultural Seminar, is a revised senior capstone course that integrates community outreach, roundtable discussions with Hispanic community leaders, and case study projects about the problems and challenges faced by the local Hispanic immigrant community.
“It’s a bit like studying abroad without ever having to leave Atlanta,” said Comfort, who received Georgia Tech’s 2013 Innovation in Co-Curricular Education and Class of 1940 W. Howard Ector Outstanding Teacher awards. “I love how this approach allows students to hone their language skills, while they learn about diversity and civic engagement.”
Read on to learn more about Comfort and her time at Ivan Allen College.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
First, I wanted to be an actress, and then I wanted to be a broadcast journalist. But as a junior in college, I decided to change majors and shifted to international studies and comparative literature. To be in comparative lit, you had to know two languages, which led me to Spanish.
How did you arrive at Georgia Tech?
This is actually the job I took right after graduate school. My parents live in Peachtree City, and I was fascinated by how the School of Modern Languages was teaching Spanish in very useful ways, so coming here just made sense.
Tell us about your research.
I focus on the intersection between Latin American and European literature from about 1880 to 1910 and have looked at topics such as the changing role of art and the artist at this time, and the interaction between aesthetics and economics.
What have you learned from your students?
Since my students have studied abroad or are from a number of Spanish-speaking countries, I’m always learning new words and phrases that are unique to specific areas.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
The International House, which is a ThinkBig Living and Learning Community (http://enrichment.gatech.edu/thinkbig). I’m a little biased because I’m the faculty director, but it’s the place on campus where I wish I could live if I were a student. The I-House is a place where students from all backgrounds — international and not — live together. It’s a place that combines my love for language, culture, and learning.
Where do you like to have lunch?
I’m a fan of Osteria Del Figo, and I always order the lasagna.
Tell us something unique about yourself.
Years ago, I swam a marathon in 16 hours, which was something that a swimming coach made me do. Recently, I did my first triathlon to get back into shape after having two kids. I really like the mental challenge that’s involved.
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Young Elected Vice-chair of European Union Studies Association for 2013-2015
Alasdair Young, associate professor in The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs has been elected vice-chair of the European Union Studies Association (EUSA) for 2013-2015.
With over one thousand members, EUSA is the premier scholarly and professional association focusing on the European Union, the ongoing integration process, and transatlantic relations. Although it is a U.S. organization, it has members from more than 40 countries in North America, all EU member states, and all continents, representing the social sciences, the humanities, business and law practitioners, news media, and governments on both sides of the Atlantic.
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Biddle Awarded NDIAS Research Fellowship
Justin Biddle, assistant professor in the School of Public Policy, has been awarded a prestigious residential fellowship at the Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Study (NDIAS) for the spring of 2014.
Residential fellows at the NDIAS are selected for projects that are creative, innovative, or align with the Institute's intellectual orientation. As a residential fellow, Dr. Biddle will be pursuing research on his proposal, "Intellectual Property Rights and the Social Control of Information: The Case of Genetically Modified Seeds."
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Hunter-Gault Joins Africa Atlanta 2014 International Advisory Board
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Charlayne Hunter-Gault, the American journalist and former foreign correspondent for National Public Radio, Public Broadcasting Service, the New York Times, and CNN, has joined the international advisory board for Africa Atlanta 2014, a city-wide year-long celebration renewing cultural and economic bonds among African, European, and American cultures in Atlanta led by Ivan Allen College Dean Jacqueline Royster in collaboration with partners from across the city. The first African-American to enroll in the University of Georgia in 1961, Hunter-Gault spoke on campus April 3 and was a participant in the April 4 Ivan Allen Prize Symposium honoring Congressman John Lewis. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed is honorary chair of Africa Atlanta 2014. Members of the Africa Atlanta 2014 International Advisory Board are Yves Abrioux, professor at University of Paris; David Kibler, cultural attaché, Consulate General of France in Atlanta; Cynthia Blandford Nash, honorary consul general in Atlanta for Liberia; Corrine Kratz, professor, Institute of African Studies and Department of Anthropology, Emory University; Emily Bourne Grigsby, attorney and arbitrator; Geneviève Verbeek, consul general of Belgium in Atlanta; Shelby Lewis, emerita professor at Clark Atlanta University; Haskell Ward, senior vice president of SEACOM; Keith Jennings, senior associate and regional director for Southern and East Africa National Democratic Institute in Washington; Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears, the Supreme Court of Georgia; Lily Diaz-Kommonen, head of research, School of Art and Design, Aalto University, Helsinki, Finland; Guido Gryseels, director, Royal Museum of Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium; and Lubungi Muniania, Tabilulu Productions, New York. The Atlanta Advisory Board Co-Chairs are Barbara Rose, New Generations Partnerships, Inc.; Buck Shamburger, Georgia Tech Athletic Association; Taz Anderson, Taz Anderson Realty, Inc.; David H. Flint, Schreeder, Wheeler & Flint, LLP; Wayne Hogan, Georgia Tech Athletic Association; Seth Hopkins, Booth Western Museum; James H. Terry, II, Georgia Tech Athletic Association; and Jimmy Trimble, Fidelity Bank. Africa Atlanta 2014 events and activities will begin on February 6 with the exhibit "Mapping Place: Africa Beyond Paper" at the Robert C. Williams Paper Museum and a complementary performance by Giwayan Mata at the Ferst Center. Check out the schedule at www.africaatlanta.org |
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IAC 2012/2013 Faculty, Student, and Staff Honors!
2012/2013 has been another year of extraordinary work and achievements by faculty, staff, and students in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts.
Read about year-end awards and a recap of awards, appointments, and achievements on the IAC website.
Congratulations to all!
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Economics and International Affairs Student Awarded Prestigious Fellowship
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Senior Economics and International Affairs student, Ayanda Francis, has been awarded the prestigious Thomas R. Pickering Undergraduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship. She is one of twenty undergraduate students chosen from throughout the country for their dedication, leadership, planning, cultural adaptability, and strong communication skills. The fellowship is administered for the U.S. Department of State by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation to develop students with academic and professional backgrounds that fulfill the skill needs of the State Department and who are dedicated to representing America’s interests abroad. “My long term goal is to go to graduate school and later do diplomacy and development work, so this fellowship is literally a dream come true. The foundation and fellowship alumni are also an amazing resource for graduate school and the future foreign service life, so I’m genuinely thrilled to have received this fellowship,” said Francis. As an award recipient, Francis will receive financial support during her senior year and first year of graduate study, will participate in one domestic and one overseas internship, and commits to three years as a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Department of State. |
Twenty-eight New Officers Commissioned in ROTC Joint Ceremony
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Parents and friends from across Atlanta witnessed as young men and women in the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) took the oath and received their commissions as officers during a joint ceremony at Georgia Tech on May 3. Fifteen Georgia Tech ROTC students were joined by those from Emory University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Morehouse College, and Southern Polytechnic State University who attended ROTC training at Georgia Tech. Six cadets were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army, three midshipmen were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Marine Corps, nine midshipmen were commissioned as Ensigns in the United States Navy, and ten cadets were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Air Force. Following the oath of office, each commissionee received the traditional First Salute. These new officers will begin careers or enter further training in various military realms including the infantry, pilot training, nuclear submarine school, surface warfare, cyberspace operations, human resources, information warfare, The Basic School, JAG, and the Corps of Engineers. The guest speaker for the program was Georgia Tech alumnus (Industrial Management, 1962) Major General Larry Taylor, USMC (Ret.) a benefactor of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. ROTC is a unit of the College and Dean Jacqueline Royster was among the attendees. Also present were Major General Richard "Buck" Marr, USAF (Ret.), Brigadier General Kenneth Roberts, USA (Ret.) who is the father of Cadet Daniel Roberts. |
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Ivan Allen College 2013 Staff Awards
IAC faculty and staff were recognized for their extraordinary professional contributions and service in advancing the mission of the college and the Institute at the annual Staff Buzz Awards Ceremony in April.
Adminstrative Services Recipients (above, right-left):
- Jade Charnigo, School of Public Policy
- Jyldyz Hughes, School of Economics
- Carol Silvers, Dean's Office
Faculty Recipients (above, right to left):
- John Krige, School of History, Technology, and Society
- Aaron Levine, School of Public Policy
- James White, Center for Advanced Communications Policy
Student Services Recipients (above, right to left):
- Leslie Jackson, School of Public Policy
- JC Reilly, School of Literature, Media, and Communication, with Richard Utz accepting the award on Reilly's behalf
Winners are selected from nominations made by IAC faculty and staff and chosen by a neutral committee comprised of GT staff from outside IAC. Winners receive a desk award and $1,000.
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LMC and HTS Students and Faculty Attend 2013 Meeting of the American Society for the History of Medicine
The Ivan Allen College had a strong presence at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the History of Medicine, held at Emory University from May 16-19, 2013. Faculty members John Krige (chair of the book exhibit subcommittee), Anne Pollock, and John Tone were involved in the planning for the past year.
The IAC sponsored the keynote opening address by William Foege, who won the Ivan Allen College Legacy Award in 2012 for his work on smallpox eradication. The IAC also supported the attendance of a number of Literature, Media, and Communication (LMC) and History, Technology, and Society (HTS) graduate students from Georgia Tech. For more information seehttp://med.emory.edu/AAHM2013/index.html
STAC majors Caroline Gwynn (STAC) and Elizabeth Wedegis (STAC) were photographed, by LMC professor Anne Pollock, with the keynote speaker Bill Foege.
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Tour the College This Summer
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I Am An Explorer! HTS Undergraduate Natalie Otterson Seizes Opportunities Every Day
I appreciate the exceptional attention given to the Liberal Arts students at GT.
While you’re a member of a large and well-respected university, you’re treated individually and can receive a specialized education from scholars in their field. The Liberal Arts Program at Tech isn’t a generic, cookie cutter program; it’s molded to each student.
As far as what attracted me to my major, I love to read and study about the past – the way certain people, events, and extraneous influences created and molded the past. I think that learning about the past is essential to learning how to better shape the future.
For me, HTS means studying my passion – history – on a well-rounded scale.
History, Technology, and Society helps us prepare for the future by understanding the past. Studying history and sociology allows for a better understanding of the evolution of societies and cultures throughout the ages. At Georgia Tech, HTS studies interpret the influence and affects of technology and science. As part of the Ivan Allen College, HTS students receive a superior education from experts in the field and individualized attention despite being part of a large university.
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Mark Your Calendars for DiGRA: DeFragging Game Studies
Registration opens June 24 for the 6th Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA) Conference which will be hosted at Georgia Tech this year by our Digital Media Graduate Studies Program on 26 through 29.
DiGRA 2013 will bring together a diverse international community of interdisciplinary researchers engaged in cutting edge research in the field of game studies. Check it out at http://dm.lmc.gatech.edu/digra2013/
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The IAC Newsletter is on hiatus until August. Have a great summer!
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