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40 Under 40

Meet The Class of 2025

The Alumni Association is proud to celebrate this exceptional class of Jackets whose bold achievements are shaping the world, from Brandi Brown, Bio 13, who is harnessing mushroom biotechnology to address global challenges, to Anish Bhatt, IE 10, the named inventor of Apple Pay Cash, to Sona Shah, ChBE 11, who leads a company delivering lifesaving medical devices to newborns in low-resource communities, to Michael Moreland, IA 07, who leads Africa’s largest healthcare distribution network. These alumni are doing the impossible and building brilliant legacies.
$altText Olivia Maria Amyette, CS 20

Olivia Maria Amyette, CS 20

Founder/CEO | Infinite Energy Advisors, Solar Knowledge Institute

Olivia Amyette is revolutionizing renewable energy. As founder and CEO of Infinite Energy Advisors and the Solar Knowledge Institute, she delivers solar installations across the Southeast and trains the next generation through Georgia’s premier Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship solar program. After launching her company at 20, she quickly grew it past $1 million in annual revenue, earning the “Best of Georgia 2025” award, and a spot in the Women Presidents’ Organization. Amyette also serves on multiple sustainability boards and was featured in a 2025 clean energy documentary. When she’s not advancing solar equity, she enjoys game development and time with family.

Favorite Tech Memory: Within the Grand Challenges classroom being a facilitator for over 20 student research projects each semester.
$altText Allison Bernard, CE 09

Allison Bernard, CE 09

Project Development Director | NextEra Energy Resources

Allison Bernard is a seasoned project management leader with 16 years of experience driving mission-critical projects, leading cross-functional teams, and spearheading culture transformation in S&P 500 companies. Her leadership has been instrumental in streamlining operations and fostering innovation in the energy industry. She currently works as a project development director at NextEra Energy Resources, the world’s largest renewable energy company in solar, wind, and battery. Through her expertise in project development and strategic execution, Bernard contributes to a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Favorite Tech Memory:
Creating lasting friendships, expanding cultural appreciation abroad, and building a global network rooted in the shared Georgia Tech journey.
$altText Parminder Bhatia, MS CSE 15

Parminder Bhatia, MS CSE 15

Chief AI Officer | GE HealthCare

Parminder Bhatia leads AI integration across smart devices, the patient journey, and hospital operations at GE HealthCare. Under his leadership, the organization has achieved the highest number of FDA-authorized AI-enabled medical devices for three consecutive years, with over 85 approvals. He also serves on the company’s Responsible AI Committee. Previously, at Amazon, he contributed to the development of machine learning and generative AI products. His recognitions include Modern Healthcare’s 40 Under 40, IIT Ropar’s Emerging Alumni Award, AIM AI 100, AI Magazine’s Top 10 CAIOs, Constellation Research’s AI 150, and AIM’s Rising Star in AI Award.

Favorite Tech Memory: Late-night coding marathons, inspiring professors, campus walks, research breakthroughs, and friendships that turned into lifelong collaborations and global impact.
$altText Anish Bhatt, IE 10

Anish Bhatt, IE 10

VP Product | Jeeves

Anish Bhatt is a product innovator transforming global finance and commerce. As a product leader at Jeeves, he helped secure the company’s Series C funding and scaled its cross-border platform to over $100 million in gross monthly volume, empowering thousands of businesses with access to capital and modern expense management tools across North America, Central America, South America, the U.K., and Europe. He is the named inventor of Apple Pay Cash, now used by millions. Previously, Bhatt held executive product leadership roles at Assist and Conversocial where he drove strategic growth and helped lead both SaaS companies to successful acquisitions. He lives in California with his wife, Preet, their son, Jivan, and dog, Lincoln.

Favorite Tech Memory: Without a doubt, being in the student section during the Calvin Johnson era. Go Jackets!
$altText Kyle Blond, AE 12

Kyle Blond, AE 12

Senior Research Engineer and Branch Head | Georgia Tech Research Institute
Logistics Company Commander | U.S. Marine Corps Reserve

Kyle Blond is a senior research engineer at Georgia Tech Research Institute. In this role, he is an engineering research manager specializing in systems engineering, digital product support, and operations management/research. Blond is also a United States Marine Corps reserve officer assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 45 and the Marine Innovation Unit. He holds a Doctorate of Systems Engineering from Colorado State University, a Master of Science in systems engineering from Naval Postgraduate School, and a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech, and lives in Atlanta with his spouse, three children, and dog.

Favorite Tech Memory: Attending my graduation and commissioning ceremony on the same weekend. It was exhausting and amazing to celebrate with family and friends!
$altText Brandi Brown, Bio 13

Brandi Brown, Bio 13

Founder/CEO | Gulf Spore

Brandi Brown is making waves in the mushroom industry. Upon graduating from Georgia Tech, she commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. After serving her country, she earned a PhD in bioengineering, which focused on developing bioplastics from microbes. Recognizing the beauty and potential of fungi, she founded Gulf Spore, a mushroom biotech company dedicated to solving many of humanity’s greatest challenges, such as food waste. Gulf Spore was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research grant by the National Science Foundation.

Favorite Tech Memory: One of my favorite memories was getting to perform Honor Guard at the GT football game as a rifle bearer!
$altText Usayd Casewit, MS PP 17

Usayd Casewit, MS PP 17

Team Facilities Officer | FIFA

While earning his master’s in public policy at Georgia Tech, Usayd Casewit worked with President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough to help launch the Global Change Program. After graduation, he joined the World Bank, advancing strategic investment operations, analytical and advisory services in decarbonization, carbon pricing, renewable energy, and hydropower. In 2022, he took a role at the U.S. National Academy of Sciences to lead international sustainability collaborations, mobilizing experts and networks across the United States and globally to address critical sustainability issues. In 2023, he transitioned into sport, joining the International Paralympic Committee to lead the coordination of global Para sport development programs, including a role at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, empowering individuals with disabilities through sport and promoting social inclusion while challenging societal perceptions. He now works with FIFA on the Club World Cup 2025. Casewit currently lives in Germany and is proficient in English, Arabic, French, Spanish, and is learning German.

Favorite Tech Memory:
Launching the Global Change Program with President Clough and witnessing Atlanta United’s electric matches at Bobby Dodd—unforgettable energy and purpose.
$altText Kevin Cone, ME 10

Kevin Cone, ME 10

Assistant Athletic Director, Student-Athlete Development | Georgia Tech

Kevin Cone serves as assistant athletic director for Student-Athlete Development at Georgia Tech, where he leads the Total Person Program and oversees the Georgia Tech Letterwinners Club. A former Yellow Jacket and NFL/CFL wide receiver, Cone is dedicated to developing student-athletes as leaders on and off the field. He also serves as co-athletic chair of the Black Alumni Organization and liaison for the Student-Athlete Advisory Board. Cone holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech, an MBA from Georgia State University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate of business administration to explore how innovation, leadership, and purpose can redefine the future of business.

Favorite Tech Memory: Seeing my Dad’s name (Ronny Cone) the first time I walked into the football team locker room.
$altText Shannon Evanchec, EnvE 16

Shannon Evanchec, EnvE 16

CEO | TruePani

Shannon Evanchec is an environmental engineer and entrepreneur dedicated to improving drinking water quality. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from Georgia Tech in 2016 and an MBA from the University of Tennessee in 2021. As co-founder and CEO of TruePani Inc., Evanchec leads initiatives to eliminate lead from drinking water in schools and communities nationwide. Her work has impacted communities across 22 states and has garnered recognition, including the InVenture Prize People’s Choice Award and inclusion in Knoxville’s “40 Under 40” list.

Favorite Tech Memory: Watching Georgia Tech football win the Orange Bowl in Miami on New Year’s Eve.
$altText Ronnie Foreman, AE 14

Ronnie Foreman, AE 14

Senior Manager, Commercial Sales | Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX)

Ronnie Foreman is a senior manager for Commercial Sales at SpaceX, where she has worked on the company’s innovative small satellite Rideshare Program for the past five years. Foreman is a regular launch webcast host, providing live coverage of satellite and astronaut missions. She began her career at NASA Goddard, researching satellite constellations as part of her graduate thesis. After earning two master’s degrees from MIT, she joined Virgin Orbit as a payload integration engineer, supporting the development of the first air-launched liquid-fueled rocket. As a parabolic flight coach for ZeroG, Foreman has accumulated more than 80 minutes in microgravity.

Favorite Tech Memory: Road tripping down to see the final launch of Space Shuttle Endeavor with friends and my now-husband, David!
$altText Victoria Fritz, Bio 17

Victoria Fritz, Bio 17

Founder/CEO | BabyBumps

Dr. Victoria Fritz is a physician turned entrepreneur. After graduating from Georgia Tech, Fritz went to medical school at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill and matched into cardiothoracic surgery (heart and lung surgery) for residency. After a major medical diagnosis forced her to leave her career in heart surgery, she launched BabyBumps, a company focused on the fertility space with a mission to elevate the value of women in surrogacy.

Favorite Tech Memory: I met my husband when we were students at Tech! He is now my most important business partner.
$altText Caroline Gwynn Monagle, STC 14

Caroline Gwynn Monagle, STC 14

Vice President, Strategic Initiatives | R1 RCM

Caroline Monagle is a healthcare executive with extensive experience leading strategy, corporate development, and enterprise transformation. She is currently the vice president of Strategic Initiatives at R1 RCM, where she helps lead the company’s AI Lab, which is focused on transforming healthcare by building AI-powered automation. Before this, she spent five years at McKinsey & Company in the Healthcare practice leading provider performance improvement initiatives. She is passionate about using technology to make healthcare more efficient, equitable, and human-centered. Monagle currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, toddler, and dog.

Favorite Tech Memory: Late-night study sessions with my roommates (and best friends), surrounded by piles of snacks and taking dance breaks.
$altText Mitchell Hanson, Neur 20

Mitchell Hanson, Neur 20

MD/MPH Student | Medical College of Georgia

Mitchell Hanson is a Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health candidate at the Medical College of Georgia with interests in public health, dermatology, and fitness. He has presented at national and international conferences, published in high-impact journals including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Alzheimer’s Association, and appeared on TEDx and AMA national platforms. He has managed nearly $50,000 in grant funding for community health initiatives and completed his MPH internship in Vietnam researching vascular anomalies and laser technologies. As the current president of his institution’s Gold Humanism Honor Society chapter, Hanson aims to reshape medicine through medical media, artistic expression, and a reimagined identity of physicianship. He was inducted into the AMA Leadership Development Institute 2025–2026 Health Administration and Management Cohort.

Favorite Tech Memory: The Biomolecular Engineering, Science, and Technology (BEST) Study Abroad Program in Lyon. I made lifelong friends there, including one whose wedding I just officiated for!
$altText Joe Harms, MS MP 15, PhD NE 18

Joe Harms, MS MP 15, PhD NE 18

Assistant Professor / Medical Physicist | Washington University in St. Louis

Joe Harms is a board-certified medical physicist and assistant professor of Radiation Oncology at Washington University. He received his master’s and doctorate in medical physics from Georgia Tech, followed by a residency at Emory University. Harms’ research focuses on technological innovation to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients receiving radiation. His clinical expertise includes adaptive and proton therapies, techniques which focus on reducing the side effects typical of radiation. Outside of work, Harms spends his time raising two wonderful children with his wife, Kelsey. A former collegiate basketball player, he also likes to stay active by hiking, running, and cycling.

Favorite Tech Memory: Sitting in on Bill Leahy’s CS2110 lectures. His teaching style was one of a kind, and he made learning about computing architectures truly entertaining.
$altText Samuel Harris, CE 12, MS CE 14

Samuel Harris, CE 12, MS CE 14

Assistant State Traffic Engineer | Georgia Department of Transportation

Sam Harris is the assistant state traffic engineer for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and a licensed professional engineer in Georgia. He has worked in signal operations, traffic simulation modeling, and safety analysis, and previously served as state safety engineering manager, leading GDOT’s HSIP efforts. In his current role, he oversees the Operational Improvement Program, Permitting, Safety Program, RAID Program, TMC project delivery, and safety data management. He also co-leads GDOT’s Data Purchase Program. Harris is the 2024 ITE Young Member of the Year, immediate past president of Georgia ITE, and secretary of the ITE Safety Council.

Favorite Tech Memory: Bringing my daughters to campus and sharing Georgia Tech traditions passed down from my grandfather, class of 1957.
$altText Adam Hasham, MS CS 24

Adam Hasham, MS CS 24

Lead AI/ML Engineer | Vizient

Adam Hasham harnesses cutting-edge AI to transform healthcare as a lead artificial intelligence/machine learning engineer at Vizient. He architects and deploys advanced AI models impacting healthcare systems and supply chains on a national scale. Drawing on experience at AI startups including TripleBlind (privacy-preserving AI) and Imubit (AI industrial optimization), Hasham brings practical, cutting-edge experience to complex challenges. He enjoys blending technical excellence with strategic vision to drive meaningful, scalable change in critical sectors. Hasham is also a United Way Emerging Leader dedicated to making a difference in his community.

Favorite Tech Memory: Rocko’s infamous Graduate Algorithms TA sessions and his “special” beverage.
$altText Robert Herbert, PhD ME 22

Robert Herbert, PhD ME 22

Assistant Professor | Louisiana State University

Robert Herbert is an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Louisiana State University. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University and his PhD in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech, followed by postdoctoral studies at Carnegie Mellon University. His group studies the design and manufacturing of soft electronics and robotics for a variety of applications, including implantables, wearables, extreme environments, and space missions. Among other topics, Herbert’s group leads the development of vascular electronic systems to improve the monitoring and treatment of vascular diseases.

Favorite Tech Memory: Getting lunch from the Bento Bus food truck almost every time it was on campus.
$altText David Hern, Mgt 08, MBA 12

David Hern, Mgt 08, MBA 12

CEO | Sofer Advisors, LLC

David Hern is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Sofer Advisors, LLC and The Val Guy, LLC, which specialize in valuation and advisory services. Hern’s companies have been recipient of multiple awards, including Inc. 5000, the NACVA’s 40 Under 40, Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 under 40, and Georgia Titan 100. He enjoys helping business owners tell their unique story through the numbers. Outside of work, Hern is deeply involved in community work, notably as a foster parent and board member for the Georgia Tech men’s lacrosse team, the Atlanta Estate Planning Council, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Favorite Tech Memory: Watching Calvin Johnson torch Clemson in Death Valley in 2004 with my girlfriend, who later became my wife.
$altText Kaitlyn Johnson, IA 14

Kaitlyn Johnson, IA 14

Deputy Director, Strategic Initiatives Group | U.S. Space Force

Kaitlyn Johnson is the deputy director of the Chief of Space Operations’ Strategic Initiatives Group for the U.S. Space Force. In this role, she advises on Space Force strategic messaging, institutional policies, change management, organizational development, and space strategy. Before this, Johnson was a deputy director and fellow of the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. There, she specialized in topics such as space security, military space systems, and commercial and civil space policy. She is widely published on national security space reorganization, space threats, commercial space, escalation and deterrence dynamics, and cislunar activities.

Favorite Tech Memory: European Union study abroad with my best friend!
$altText Ankit Kaushik, BME 14, MS ECE 22

Ankit Kaushik, BME 14, MS ECE 22

Senior Technical Product Manager | Smarsh

Ankit Kaushik, an AI operator and investor with 10+ years’ experience, leads AI-powered compliance solutions at Smarsh as senior product manager. Part-time, at Illuminate Ventures, he invests in AI enterprise SaaS and advises portfolio startups on product strategy. Formerly at Google, he integrated DeepMind AI into consumer products and built AI/VC partnerships. Kaushik is an OpenAI Forum member, pursuing a Wharton MBA, and a Georgia Tech dual-degree graduate in biomedical and computer engineering.

Favorite Tech Memory: Studying abroad in Denmark for one semester as an exchange student at the Technical University of Denmark.
$altText Gokul Kumar, MS ECE 10, PhD ECE 15

Gokul Kumar, MS ECE 10, PhD ECE 15

Senior Director | Micron

Gokul Kumar is a global semiconductor leader with over 15 years of experience in creating memory products for mobile and cloud computing. As senior director at Micron, he leads a large and diverse team to advance next generational packaging technologies. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor and industry advisor, mentoring future semiconductor talent through education and international collaborations. A prolific inventor with nine patents and 24 publications, he holds a master’s and doctorate degree in electrical and computer engineering from Georgia Tech.

Favorite Tech Memory:
Delivering a TEDx talk at LeCraw Auditorium about my journey in technology through my passion for music as a classical violinist.
$altText David Leber, ChBE 14, MS CS 21

David Leber, ChBE 14, MS CS 21

Vice President of Data Science | Preston Ventures

As a vice president of Data Science at Preston Ventures, David Leber spearheads the development of predictive modeling solutions. His team processes data on the senior population and leverages innovative machine learning approaches to derive insights about mortality and morbidity trends. His research aims to simplify how medical records can be used in predictive modeling, making it possible for intersectional data to be harnessed fully. While at Tech, Leber was president of Georgia Tech Mock Trial, served as a computer science TA, and was usually holding space for his now-wife, Ronnie, in Swarm every Saturday.

Favorite Tech Memory: Dancing the Budweiser Bob in the North Ave. Quad during Finals Week.
$altText Jung Hyun Lee, MS BC 18, PhD BC 22

Jung Hyun Lee, MS BC 18, PhD BC 22

Assistant Professor | SUNY Farmingdale State College

Jung Hyun Lee is an incoming assistant professor at SUNY Farmingdale State College. Previously, she was an assistant professor of Construction Management at Roger Williams University. A proud Georgia Tech alumna, her work bridges academia and industry through research in construction contracts, emerging technologies, and workforce development. She coaches award-winning student competition teams, mentors undergraduate researchers, and leads K–12 outreach using virtual reality to promote construction careers. A certified Associate Design-Build Institute of America professional, Lee actively serves in national professional organizations and advises student clubs focused on interdisciplinary collaboration. She is dedicated to empowering the next generation of construction leaders through innovation, mentorship, and real-world engagement.

Favorite Tech Memory:
Feeding a stray cat named George and relaxing with him under the sun behind the Caddell Building was unforgettable.
$altText Nick Austin Lee, MS CS 17

Nick Austin Lee, MS CS 17

Lead Product Manager for Unstructured Data | Disney Experiences

Nick Lee is the lead product manager for Unstructured Data at Disney Experiences, where he drives data strategy and integrations across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. Previously, he worked at Databricks and Labelbox, helping Fortune 500 companies solve complex business problems with data and AI. He is an inventor on a Labelbox patent filing, has discussed AI on national news, and presented at the Data + AI Summit in San Francisco. Outside of work, Lee writes science fiction and is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association. He earned his master’s in computer science from Georgia Tech.

Favorite Tech Memory: I loved Professor Thrun’s self-driving car class! Whenever a self-driving car passes by, I remember Georgia Tech.
$altText PJ Lynn, BME 08

PJ Lynn, BME 08

Medical Director | Atrium Health

Dr. PJ Lynn is the medical director of Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center in Centre, Alabama. A Georgia Tech and University of Florida graduate, he is a recognized physician leader and advocate for provider well-being, community service, and rural healthcare access. He serves as president of the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance, medical director of the Free Clinic of Rome, and regional Epic EMR leader for Atrium Health. A dedicated educator, he is on the faculty at Augusta University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Nova Southeastern. Lynn treasures life with his wife, Lindsey, and their four children: Peter, Betsy, Bruce, and John Parker.

Favorite Tech Memory:
The Calvin Johnson one-handed catch against N.C. State on Nov. 6, 2004.
$altText Meagan Clem Martz, IAML 08, MS IA 11

Meagan Clem Martz, IAML 08, MS IA 11

Senior Associate Director, Lead—International Leadership Giving | The Carter Center

Meagan (Clem) Martz leads the International Leadership Giving team at The Carter Center. Her Georgia Tech education included international affairs and scientific coursework and multiple study abroad experiences, which prepared her to establish and manage multimillion-dollar relationships to support the center’s global health and peace programs. Martz represents the center in meetings with heads of state, diplomats, royalty, and donors around the world to fund the work of her colleagues and carry on the Carters’ legacy of “Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, and Building Hope.”

Favorite Tech Memory: On freshmen move-in day, I met my lifelong best friend, Jill, next door on the third floor of Fitten dormitory.
$altText Akanksha Menon, MS ME 15, PhD ME 18

Akanksha Menon, MS ME 15, PhD ME 18

Assistant Professor | Georgia Tech

Akanksha Menon is an assistant professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech, where she directs the Water – Energy Research Lab. Her research interests lie at the intersection of thermal science/engineering and functional materials, with the overarching goal of developing sustainable technologies for clean water and clean energy. Menon is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award, the ACS Doctoral Young Investigator Award, and three Department of Energy (DOE) grants on thermal energy storage. Menon was awarded the 2023 ASME Pi Tau Sigma Gold Medal, the 2025 ASTFE Early Career Researcher Award, and she was featured by DOE in their Women @ Energy initiative.

Favorite Tech Memory: Two core memories are publishing my first journal paper and pulling off a very successful Energy Expo event with speakers from around the country!
$altText Michael Moreland, IA 07

Michael Moreland, IA 07

CEO | Field Intelligence, Inc.

Michael Moreland is the co-founder and CEO of Field Intelligence, Africa’s largest healthcare distribution network, improving access to care through technology, distribution, and financing. Moreland previously co-founded SEEDR, developing vaccine cold-chain solutions for global scale. He has formerly led innovation initiatives at the frontlines with the Centers for Disease Control, fighting polio, Ebola, and other infectious diseases in Africa and worked with McKinsey, UNICEF, MSF, and others on health system policy and strategy. He is committed to advancing access to care through innovation and also serves on the board of directors for Living Goods.

Favorite Tech Memory: Definitely not stealing any letter Ts from any signs on campus. And Ludacris 2005 was pretty great.
$altText Shay Natarajan, ME 09, MS ME 12

Shay Natarajan, ME 09, MS ME 12

Partner | Mobility Impact Partners

Shweta “Shay” Natarajan is a partner at Mobility Impact Partners (MIP), a PE firm that invests across mobility, energy, financial services, and AI domains. Natarajan leads the collaboration with MIP’s large corporate coalition and is responsible for generating high-conviction investment theses leading to substantial investments. Prior to MIP, she was in senior positions at Caterpillar and McKinsey. Natarajan started her career at Apple, with prior short stints at Lutron Electronics, 3M, and Honeywell. She is a member of the advisory board at the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech. She also received the 2024 Council of Outstanding Young Engineering Alumni Award from Georgia Tech.

Favorite Tech Memory:
My graduate experience at Georgia Tech! I had a great advisor, made a lot of friends, loved my graduate research and met my husband! I really had a great time.
$altText Krystal Persaud, ID 10

Krystal Persaud, ID 10

Design Innovation Lead | Spin Master Inc.
Inventor | Grouphug Solar

Krystal Persaud is an award-winning inventor and design entrepreneur. At 24, she became a founding member of littleBits, an educational toy company that raised $77 million and partnered with Disney to create the Toy of the Year–winning Droid Inventor Kit. After littleBits was acquired, she launched Grouphug Solar, invented the patented Window Solar Charger, and won a $150K investment from Mark Cuban on Shark Tank. Now design innovation lead at global toy giant Spin Master—known for Paw Patrol, Kinetic Sand, Rubik’s Cube, and Etch A Sketch—she invents toys enjoyed by millions worldwide. Her work has been featured on the Today Show, Dwell, Buzzfeed, and The Wall Street Journal.

Favorite Tech Memory:
Late nights in the design studio fueled by coffee and creativity.
$altText Eric Pierce, PhD BME 18

Eric Pierce, PhD BME 18

Director, Engineering | Edwards Lifesciences

Eric Pierce is an R&D director at Edwards Lifesciences, where he leads product testing for next-generation heart valve technologies. His work has spanned transcatheter and surgical platforms, and he has helped commercialize numerous best-in-class products, estimated to have reached over 100,000 patients. A former Peace Corps volunteer teacher and a committed mentor, Pierce brings a systems-level mindset to both engineering and leadership. He has authored over 30 publications, holds multiple patents, and serves enthusiastically on the ISO committee shaping international standards for heart valve devices. He lives in Southern California with his wife and two young daughters.

Favorite Tech Memory:
My PhD recruiting dinner, when I serendipitously overheard that GT has a heart valve lab. That moment changed my life!
$altText Tanay Rajore, IE 14

Tanay Rajore, IE 14

Director | PwC

Tanay Rajore is a director in PwC Consulting’s Tech Strategy practice, where he leads PwC’s digital product management and launch specialty, advising global clients on bringing new platforms and products to market. A Georgia Tech alum from a family of doctors in India, he was the first in his family to pursue engineering, and later, the first to hold a leadership role in corporate America. He serves as PwC’s Georgia Tech Recruiting Champion and works to strengthen the firm’s strategic partnership with the Institute. Passionate about mentorship, equity, and empowering first-generation college students, Rajore blends technical expertise with people-first leadership to drive impact at scale.

Favorite Tech Memory: My experiences across Georgia Tech’s Study Abroad, Work Abroad, and Co-Op programs, where I grew through global exposure, work, and exploration.
$altText Liz Raman-Grubbs, BA 17

Liz Raman-Grubbs, BA 17

Founder | Supply Chain Gals

Liz Raman-Grubbs is a Forbes’ 30 Under 30 leader, transforming global retail and supply chains. She leads Amazon’s 3P musical instruments strategy, previously drove $1B growth at Nike, and led digital transformation at The Home Depot. At MIT, she earned a full-tuition AWESOME scholarship, built Uber Freight’s sustainability strategy, and won Patagonia’s case competition. Raman-Grubbs founded Supply Chain Gals, a nonprofit community of 20K+ women, and mentors 170K+ early career professionals via @ItsLizRaman. A proud Georgia Tech alumna, she’s redefining leadership with purpose, innovation, and impact, empowering the next generation of women in business.

Favorite Tech Memory:
When Nicholas Selby shared at my Freshman Convocation, “If you want to change the world, you’re at Georgia Tech. You can do that.”
$altText Anthony Rojas, Chem 14

Anthony Rojas, Chem 14

Senior Academic Professional | Georgia Tech

Anthony J. Rojas is a senior academic professional in chemistry at Georgia Tech. He earned his PhD from MIT and his bachelor’s from Georgia Tech, both in chemistry. His research spans peptide therapeutics, transition metal catalysis, and inclusive chemistry education, with over a dozen peer-reviewed publications. A passionate educator, he’s received multiple teaching awards and led funded projects from NIH, NSF, and ACS. Rojas is committed to mentorship and outreach. He integrates lightboard technology and active learning to enhance student engagement and success in the chemistry classroom.

Favorite Tech Memory: Meeting my people, including my future wife!
$altText Nicole Seekely, Arch 07

Nicole Seekely, Arch 07

Senior Project Architect | Perkins&Will

Nicole Seekely, AIA, is a senior project architect and senior associate at Perkins&Will in Atlanta. She leads transformative urban infill projects across the Southeast, integrating design excellence with preservation, sustainability, and community advocacy. A co-founder of AIA Georgia’s Equity in Architecture initiative, Seekely is a champion for inclusion within the profession. Her leadership in practice, advocacy, and civic engagement earned her AIA National’s prestigious Young Architect Award. Her work reflects a core belief: that purposeful, community-rooted design can create more inclusive, resilient cities—and that architecture should serve the people and places it touches.

Favorite Tech Memory:
Studying abroad with the Georgia Tech Paris program.
$altText Sona Shah, ChBE 11

Sona Shah, ChBE 11

CEO | Neopenda

Sona Shah is a healthtech visionary and co-founder of Neopenda, delivering innovative medical devices for newborns in low-resource settings. With a Georgia Tech bachelor’s in chemical engineering and a master’s in biomedical engineering from Columbia University, she began her career in pharma before founding Neopenda. She has raised over $6 million from VCs and grants, including Fortune 500 companies Vodafone and Cisco. Shah is a UN Women speaker, White House invitee, and a fellow of Techstars, Global Good Fund, and Miller Center. She is passionate about equitable healthcare and scaling impact in emerging markets.

Favorite Tech Memory: Studying abroad at Georgia Tech Lorraine—traveling to 12 countries, taking rigorous chemical engineering courses, and practicing French—was unforgettable.
$altText J. Danielle Sharpe, HTS 14

J. Danielle Sharpe, HTS 14

Epidemiologist | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

J. Danielle Sharpe is an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), responding to domestic and international epidemics and driving high-impact research on health equity and social determinants of health. As a CDC Epidemic Intelligence officer, Sharpe strengthened global HIV programs across sub-Saharan Africa through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sharpe directed the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index program, spearheading national response efforts to equitably deploy health resources to underserved communities. Sharpe holds a doctorate degree in Epidemiology from Emory University and a bachelor’s in history, technology, and society from Georgia Tech.

Favorite Tech Memory: Immersing myself in Georgia Tech’s sports scene, from reporting on sports for the Technique to working for the Athletic Association.
$altText Alexandra Slack, MS PP 22

Alexandra Slack, MS PP 22

President & COO | National Education Equity Lab

Alexandra Slack is the president and chief operating officer of the National Education Equity Lab, a nonprofit that is democratizing access to higher education by bringing college courses from top institutions to scholars at lower-income high schools nationwide. In just five years, the Ed Equity Lab has reached over 40,000 scholars from 32 states and will serve one million scholars in the next decade. A former DeKalb County teacher and strategy consultant, she helped launch the Ed Equity Lab and now leads its daily operations and strategic growth.

Favorite Tech Memory: Late nights collaborating with my classmates on econ problem sets—it was during the pandemic, so “fun” had a different meaning.
$altText Christopher R. Valenta, MS ECE 10, PhD ECE 14

Christopher R. Valenta, MS ECE 10, PhD ECE 14

Principal Research Engineer | Georgia Tech

Christopher R. Valenta is a principal research engineer and adjunct professor at Georgia Tech. He serves as the associate division head of the Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems Division at the Georgia Tech Research Institute, where his research spans the intersection of electromagnetics, optics, and signal processing. Valenta is a senior member of the IEEE and SPIE, member of Optica and DEPS, a 2020 SPIE Rising Researcher, and winner of the 2014 IEEE Microwave Magazine Best Paper Award.

Favorite Tech Memory: Late-night research parties on the fifth floor of Van Leer.
$altText Adam C. Weiss, AE 10, IA 10

Adam C. Weiss, AE 10, IA 10

Counsel, House Subcommittee on Aviation | U.S. House of Representatives

Adam Weiss is counsel for the Subcommittee on Aviation in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he advises Congress; conducts oversight of the FAA, NTSB, and aviation industry; and was part of the team that drafted the 2024 FAA Reauthorization. He is also a lieutenant, junior grade in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Before Capitol Hill, Weiss was an engineer at Boeing: Phantom Works, where he worked on prototype spacecraft such as the Starliner. Weiss has a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering and a bachelor’s in international affairs from Georgia Tech; a J.D. from The George Washington University, and is pursuing a master’s in defense strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

Favorite Tech Memory: Touring with the Glee Club through the U.K., before flying to Brussels for my study abroad in the EU.

Interactive chart is courtesy of Joshua Preston (College of Computing, Office of Communications).


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