When senior biology major John Petronis enters Jianzhou He, Ph.D.’s lab at 91ɬ��’s College of Science and Mathematics, he sets his bag down, puts on his headphones and gets to work analyzing water samples. 

“Most of what I research is focused on the communities we live in,” Petronis said. “So a lot of the samples I monitor come from Tybee Island and the Savannah River.”

Petronis uses a Shimadzu particle size analyzer to identify and analyze what He calls emerging contaminants, specifically microplastics.

“Globally, we produce hundreds of millions of metric tons of plastics every year, and only about 9% get recycled,” explained He. “Microplastics are less than five millimeters, but the impact they’re having on the world right now is immeasurable, and it’s growing by the day.”

As these materials break down, they enter local waterways, rivers, marshland and drinking water, said He. They can be toxic, harming marine wildlife, disrupting food chains and affecting the ecosystem they occupy, making them a major environmental concern.

“There are currently no regulations or standards that monitor the amount of microplastics in our environment,” He said. “So there’s no record of how they behave in a coastal area like ours.”

Studying these chemicals in a more diverse ecosystem helps Petronis and He develop a thorough assessment of the risks they pose and propose practical solutions to reduce their presence. They use advanced technology provided through the Shimadzu Partnership for Academics, Research, and Quality of Life (SPARQ) program to support their research. The SPARQ partnership gives students like Petronis a chance to work with the latest in industry-standard equipment.  

“This research wouldn’t be possible without the tools from Shimadzu,” said He. “My students could not complete their work otherwise.” 

Equipment like the particle size analyzer helps them identify these chemicals on a granular level. They also want to see how environmental (UV) exposure changes them over time, so Petronis uses the sunlight simulator machine to produce results in minutes instead of the 3,000 hours it would otherwise take. But Petronis, a full-time student with a full-time job, doesn’t mind putting in the time. 

“I want to have a deeper understanding of how we exist in our world,” he explained. “The environmental science aspect…I mean, that’s the equivalent to cleaning your room. I look at the Earth and think, ‘I want to clean this place up. I want to take care of what’s been given to us,’ and this research opportunity has done just that.”

The Academic Success Center (ASC) at 91ɬ�� has earned an international recertification by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) for the tutoring services it offers students. 

The ASC received the recertification as a Level 1 International Tutor Training Program (ITTPC). To earn the recertification, the tutoring services team successfully completed CRLA’s peer review process and demonstrated its tutor training program meets the established standards for tutor selection, training, direct service and program evaluation.  

“CRLA certification reflects our University’s commitment to excellence in student support by ensuring tutors receive consistent, rigorous and research-informed training,” said Lydia Reynolds, tutoring coordinator at the ASC. “It transforms tutoring into a meaningful professional development opportunity while ensuring students receive support from well-prepared tutors equipped to meet diverse learning needs. Ultimately, CRLA certification strengthens the quality, credibility and impact of our tutoring program and supports a broader culture of student success.”

CRLA’s International Tutor Training Program Certification is a nationally and internationally recognized certification that promotes high-quality tutor training and academic support programs. For more than 30 years, CRLA has been a leader in learning assistance, reading and academic support, serving professionals and programs dedicated to student success.

For more information about CRLA and ITTPC, visit . 

Georgia Southern’s Waters College of Health Professions (WCHP) received approval from the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) to move forward with a new Master of Medical Science (MMSc) in Physician Assistant Studies degree program. The new program, approved by the USG’s governing and managing authority on Aug. 13, will add to the college’s 38 diverse health professions degrees and certificates offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

“The addition of a program in physician assistant studies further solidifies Georgia Southern’s leadership in preparing dedicated health care professionals who will serve our communities,” said Waters College of Health Professions Dean Scott Gordon, Ph.D., FACSM. “As Georgia faces a critical deficit in primary care providers, we are committed to improving health outcomes and fostering long-term economic stability in our region and state.”

In Georgia, an estimated 14 counties currently lack family medicine physicians, and eight counties have no physicians at all. Georgia Southern’s physician assistant (PA) program will strengthen the workforce pipeline by creating a pathway for students to receive high-level clinical training in the region, recruiting from the very communities with the greatest need. The program’s focus on evidence-based practice and quality improvement will also prepare graduates to contribute to the health care system’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Physician assistant employment in Georgia is projected to grow by 32% over a 10-year span through 2032, with approximately 430 annual job openings. Current annual production of PA graduates in Georgia meets only about 80% of estimated employment demand. The program will help bridge the projected deficit over the next decade by producing 35 to 40 highly skilled physician assistants annually.

The program’s economic impact will be multifaceted. Graduates will transition into high-demand clinical roles with significant earning potential, serving as vital catalysts for local economic growth. By increasing access to primary and preventive care, the program will help reduce costly emergency department utilization and address chronic disease management—factors that improve population health while reducing overall health care expenditures.

“Georgia Southern’s long-standing leadership in health professions education is rooted in a fundamental belief that a theory-to-practice model based on an optimal mix of classroom-based didactic education and hands-on clinical phase, blending scientific theory with direct patient care focused on the population we serve, creates long term impact,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D. “The new PA program represents a strategic alignment of our educational expertise with our deepest responsibility to prepare graduates who not only demonstrate clinical excellence, but possess the steadfast dedication to serve communities across our region and state.”

Based at the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, the MMSc program is a 27-month, 112-credit-hour curriculum that balances 14 months of didactic learning with 13 months of supervised clinical practice. Pending final approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, the program expects to begin recruiting its inaugural cohort within the next two years.

The program’s curriculum integrates rigorous, evidence-based education with a focus on hands-on service in underserved areas, extending benefits directly to the most vulnerable populations in the region. Students will be provided multiple optional community service-learning experiences in medically underserved areas and have the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations at Federally Qualified Health Centers and community health clinics across counties in South Georgia that provide direct exposure to underserved populations. The region’s strong military presence also allows students to engage with veterans, active-duty service members and their families.

Additionally, the program’s emphasis on patient-centered care across all supervised clinical practice experiences will ensure that graduates are equipped to serve numerous distinct populations with sensitivity and responsiveness to individual patient needs and community health priorities. This approach will ensure that students receive hands-on experience in the specific settings where they are most needed, increasing the likelihood that graduates will choose to practice in underserved communities upon certification.

The Waters College of Health Professions’ demonstrated excellence in cross-disciplinary collaboration, interprofessional education and activities, faculty-led research partnerships and experiential learning creates an ideal foundation for this initiative. The PA program complements the institution’s existing nurse practitioner program, currently the largest occupation in the region, creating a comprehensive advanced practice provider pipeline. Together, these programs position WCHP as the regional leader in addressing critical health care workforce shortages across coastal and South Georgia. 

WCHP is Georgia Southern’s largest college with more than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students working toward degrees in the clinical sciences, health sciences and kinesiology, and nursing. The college confers approximately 950 undergraduate and graduate degrees each year. 

“This is a strategic investment in the economic and physical health of South Georgia,” Gordon added. “By leveraging our existing simulation facilities and strengths in the health sciences and deep partnerships across the region, we are maximizing the impact of University resources.”

John Banter, Ed.D. has been selected to serve as assistant vice president for Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership Development, and Engagement (OELDE), effective August 1.

“John listens before he decides,” said Dominique Quarles, Ph.D., associate vice president for Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership Development and Engagement. “Colleagues across campus trust him, and he follows through without being asked twice. Those instincts are what set him apart, and they are why I have full confidence in his ability to lead in this capacity.”

Banter has built a strong record of measurable and meaningful work since joining the OELDE team as director of the Office of Organizational Effectiveness. He served as strategic planning administrator in the development of the University Strategic Plan, Soaring Beyond 2030, and has since led the centralized data collection process for the institutional key performance indicators tied to that plan. 

He also developed and launched the Leadership Development Institute for Emerging Leaders. He co-leads the University Strategic Engagement and Alignment Committee, ensuring the university’s strategic priorities translate into coordinated action across campus.

“I am excited to serve in this role and to partner with colleagues across the university as we develop leaders, strengthen engagement and take purposeful action to advance Georgia Southern’s mission and vision,” said Banter

Banter will work alongside Quarles to help align leadership development, institutional engagement, and organizational effectiveness work with the University’s mission and strategic plan and will assume administrative oversight of the Office of Institutional Engagement and the Office of Student Engagement and Support. 

That also includes strengthening the leadership and professional development ecosystem, including the Leadership Development Institutes and the employee e-learning platform, while building out systems to track data and results. 

Banter brings 20 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education to his new role. 

STATESBORO, GA — Forbes Magazine has named 91ɬ�� as one of . 

Forbes has released the names of employers across the United States committed to providing pay equity, career development opportunities, parental leave, work-life balance, childcare and eldercare benefits, and proper assessment and management of incidents related to sexual misconduct and discrimination. 

Georgia Southern was one of two universities from Georgia to be named within the list, ranking  #138 out of 700 employers across the country. According to research from , women account for more than half of the workforce today, a stark contrast to the 1990s, when men held about 7 million more jobs than women.

In partnership with , more than 176,000 women working for companies employing at least 1,000 people throughout the U.S. were surveyed, and results from the last three years were considered in the findings. Statista also accounted for the percentage of women in executive and board positions within the research.  

For the ninth consecutive year, Forbes recognizes standout employers making strides to improve pay equity and providing employees opportunities to advance in their careers, and achieve the highest levels of success within leadership positions. 

91ɬ��, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 with a Carnegie Community Engagement classification, offers approximately 149 different degree programs serving nearly 31,600 students through 11 colleges on four campuses in Savannah, Hinesville, Statesboro, Swainsboro and online instruction. Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern is a leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty and a focus on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to soar beyond and take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit .

STATESBORO, GA — For the 2026-27 academic year, has named 91ɬ�� a College of Distinction for Eagle Nation’s commitment to serving undergraduate students and championing the leaders of the future. 

These merits signify a school’s adherence to what Colleges of Distinction calls its Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. In addition, Eagle Nation was also named a 2026-2027 Military Support, Business, Education, and Nursing College of Distinction.

“Today’s students are navigating a college landscape shaped by rising costs, rapid technological change, and real uncertainty about the future of work,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “What they need from higher education isn’t just a credential, but preparation for the world ahead. 91ɬ�� delivers that through the kind of intentional, high-impact education that equips students for whatever comes next.”

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their remarkable contributions to higher education. Colleges of Distinction was founded on the premise that a college is the experience it provides, not its place for numerical rankings alone. Georgia Southern’s inclusion reflects its commitment to actionable, qualitative values. 

From undergraduate research and collaborative coursework to immersive service-learning and mentored internships, Georgia Southern students are active participants in their own education.

“No two students arrive on campus with the same goals, background, or definition of success,” Schritter added. “The institutions we recognize understand that. Georgia Southern has built an environment where students are supported and challenged in ways that translate into real academic, professional, and personal outcomes.”

91ɬ�� Golden 91ɬ�� Athletics has completed its head coaching staff ahead of the program’s inaugural NAIA season, announcing the addition of Justin Tucek as head men’s basketball coach and Dustin Wager as the new men’s and women’s cross country programs’ first head coach.

Additionally, the Golden 91ɬ�� have finalized the administrative staff with the hiring of Justin Gray as assistant athletic director for administration and communication, and Jonathan Clasen as compliance director.

The appointments finalize a leadership group that will help the Golden 91ɬ�� reach new heights in intercollegiate competition and continue the growth of athletics on the East Georgia Campus.

“Completing our head coaching staff is an important milestone as we continue elevating Golden 91ɬ�� Athletics,” said Athletic Director Joe Heikkinen. “With the addition of outstanding new head coaches, new full-time assistant coaches, a compliance director who is widely respected across the NAIA as an expert in the field, and our new Assistant AD for Administration and Communication, we have strengthened every level of our department. This group gives us the leadership, experience and vision needed to serve our student-athletes at a high level as we begin this new chapter. Our goal is clear: to build Golden 91ɬ�� Athletics into a premier NAIA program.”

In addition to the two new coaching appointments, four head coaches will return, bringing with them a tradition of success established during the Bobcats era and helping guide the transition into a new chapter as the Golden 91ɬ��. Their experience and continuity provide a strong foundation as Golden 91ɬ�� Athletics prepares to compete in its first year as an NAIA member institution. 

Cross Country

As the first head coach in program history, Wager will be tasked with building the Golden 91ɬ��’ men’s and women’s cross country programs from the ground up, including recruiting the inaugural student-athletes and establishing the foundation for long-term success. 

Wager said he is eager to begin building the program and recruiting student-athletes to the East Georgia Campus.

“I’m honored for the opportunity to lead the Golden 91ɬ�� Cross Country program,” said Wager. “I’m excited to invest in our student-athletes and build a program that reflects hard work, accountability and pride. I look forward to building strong relationships on campus and throughout the community.”

He previously served as an assistant coach for cross country and track and field at Nicholls State University, where he worked closely with student-athletes in training development, recruiting, travel coordination and team operations.

A former student-athlete at Nicholls State, Wager has developed a strong foundation in athlete mentorship and program development while pursuing graduate studies in higher education administration.

“We are excited to welcome Dustin to the Golden 91ɬ�� family,” said Athletic Director Joe Heikkinen. “Dustin brings tremendous energy, enthusiasm and a genuine passion for helping student-athletes grow both competitively and personally. We believe he will do an outstanding job building our men’s and women’s cross country program and creating a strong culture for the future.”

Wager has already begun recruiting efforts and preparations for the upcoming cross country season.

Men’s Basketball

Tucek brings an impressive background of collegiate coaching experience and success at multiple NCAA programs, including Southern Arkansas University, Emporia State University and Northwestern State University.

Most recently, Tucek served as assistant men’s basketball coach at Southern Arkansas University, where he played a key role in player development, recruiting, scouting, community outreach, travel coordination and academic support. He also helped lead one of the nation’s top community service programs in NCAA Division II basketball.

Prior to Southern Arkansas, Tucek spent three seasons at Emporia State University, where he helped guide the program to multiple 20-win seasons, a school-record 23-win campaign, and an NCAA Division II Tournament appearance that included the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament victory.

Throughout his career, Tucek has built a reputation as a high-energy coach with a strong focus on player development, recruiting, academics and relationship-building.

“We are thrilled to welcome Justin to the Golden 91ɬ��,” said Heikkinen. “Justin is an outstanding young coach who brings tremendous passion, work ethic and leadership to our department. His experience, energy and vision for building a competitive culture make him a tremendous fit for our program. We are excited about the future of Golden 91ɬ�� Basketball under his leadership.”

Tucek expressed excitement about the opportunity to lead the program.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the Georgia Southern Golden 91ɬ�� men’s basketball program,” said Tucek. “This is a special opportunity to build something meaningful both on and off the court. I’m excited to connect with our student-athletes, campus community and supporters as we build a culture centered around accountability, development and competitiveness.”

Women’s Basketball

John Hines will lead the Golden 91ɬ�� women’s basketball team in the NAIA. With more than 20 years of playing and coaching experience, he most recently served as the former East Georgia State College (EGSC) head coach in the 2025-26 season, assistant women’s basketball coach during the 2024–25 season, assistant men’s basketball coach from 2010–14 and again from 2021–23, and coached the Middle Georgia Tarheels AAU program from 2015–2021. He has also coached at both Swainsboro High School and West Laurens High School.

While at EGSC, Hines supported basketball programs through recruiting, scouting, training, scheduling and program operations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sports and health Sciences from American Military University and a master’s degree in sports management administration from Liberty University.

Softball

Matthew Gillespie will lead the Golden 91ɬ�� softball team in the NAIA. Gillespie joined the coaching staff at the former EGSC in 2025 with more than a decade of coaching experience. He has managed nationally competitive travel softball teams, highlighted by winning the 2021 Alliance National Championship. His coaching philosophy centers on player development, competitive excellence and character building, preparing athletes to succeed both on and off the field.

Gillespie and his family are deeply connected to the sport. His daughter plays softball at 91ɬ��, and his son plays for the Golden 91ɬ�� at the East Georgia Campus.

Beyond coaching, Gillespie has held senior leadership roles in finance and program management, including a role as vice president of finance. He holds a bachelor’s in accounting from Georgia Gwinnett College and is currently pursuing a master’s in sport management from 91ɬ��.

Baseball

Jason Mock will lead the Golden 91ɬ�� baseball program after serving as head coach of the baseball team at EGSC since 2023. An Effingham County native, Mock previously served as an assistant coach and pitching coordinator for the Bobcats before being elevated to head coach. A member of the Effingham County High School Hall of Fame, Mock played collegiately at Brewton-Parker.

During his four seasons at EGSC, Mock led the Bobcats to 102 wins overall. His best season came in 2023-24, when he hoisted a 32-24 record and one of the best offenses in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Mock holds an Associate of Arts from EGSC and is currently completing his bachelor’s in organizational leadership at 91ɬ��.

eSports

Ashley Woods will lead the Golden 91ɬ�� eSports program after serving as head coach at EGSC since 2023. Woods also serves as Director of Information Technology at 91ɬ��’s East Georgia Campus. Under Woods’ leadership, the program has experienced significant growth and national success, highlighted by three straight seasons with a national championship. 

The first came in the game Super Smash Bros. Ultimate NJCAAE Tier 3 in the Spring season of 2025. Following that up, the program took home the national championship in Rocket League 3v3 NJCAAE Tier 3 in back-to-back seasons (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026). In addition, the program boasts five national runner-up finishes in NJCAAE Tier 3 and three third-place finishes in the same tier.

Assistant Athletic Director, Administration and Communication

As assistant athletic director for administration and communication, Justin Gray will bring his extensive experience in sports media, communications and athletics operations to help support the continued growth of Golden 91ɬ�� Athletics. He joins Georgia Southern from Augusta University, where he gained experience across multiple areas of athletics, including serving as sports editor for the student newspaper, The Bellringer, social media coordinator for the men’s basketball team, technical writer and play-by-play broadcaster.

Beyond his work at Augusta University, Gray has served as a sports writer for publications including The Forest Blade and The Augusta Press and worked in operations for CBS Sports during the 88th and 89th Masters tournaments. A graduate of East Georgia State College, where he earned an Associate of Arts, and Augusta University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in communication, Gray is focused on connecting Golden 91ɬ�� Athletics with the East Georgia Campus and surrounding community while creating opportunities for fans and supporters to engage with the program.

Compliance Director

Jonathan Clasen started his college coaching career as a volunteer assistant men’s basketball coach in 2008 at Hope International University (HIU) in Fullerton, California, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in human development in 2006. During his time as a volunteer assistant coach, Clasen earned his master’s in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University Irvine in 2011. Clasen worked his way up to part-time assistant coach, and then to a full-time assistant coach and compliance officer in the HIU athletics department. The HIU men’s basketball program had its greatest season in 2014-15, when it won its regular season and its conference tournament before advancing to the Fab Four in the NAIA National Tournament. After the 2019-20 season, Clasen decided to focus his college athletics career on compliance (athletic eligibility) and event management. The 2026-27 season will be Clasen’s 14th season of NAIA compliance and event management.

“I am excited for the opportunity to move my family to Georgia this summer and be a part of the first-ever NAIA season for 91ɬ�� East Georgia Campus,” Clasen said. “I look forward to working with the coaches and athletes to keep everyone on track with NAIA eligibility and produce athletic events that create a big college feel for a small college community.”

Some students come to college determined to earn their degree. Spring graduate Jaylee Kilgo was determined to leave a legacy.

Arriving on 91ɬ��’s campus, Kilgo already loved storytelling. Michael Van Wagenen, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of History, showed her how a degree in history could help her preserve and share stories in a meaningful way.

“Dr. Van Wagenen showed me all the things I could do with a history degree,” she said. “I had already been thinking about changing my major, and I felt like it was a sign. He helped me get an internship and really changed the direction of my education.”

Through her program, she received hands-on experience in research, preservation and interpretation of historical artifacts. Kilgo was especially drawn to projects featuring the stories of influential women at Georgia Southern. Her drive to uncover and share overlooked stories served as a defining part of her collegiate experience, leading her to work on projects including Georgia Brown Watson, the and a World War II memorial.

“One of my favorite things has been preserving the history of Georgia Southern,” she said. “I want students years from now to still have the opportunity to learn about the people and stories that helped shape this institution.”

Kilgo took her passion for history further by studying abroad at Georgia Southern’s Learning Center in Wexford, Ireland.

“Ireland was unlike anything I had ever experienced,” she said. “That was the first time I’d been abroad. The architecture is just absolutely beautiful in Ireland, and being able to walk to class while also walking in the middle of a town was really cool and unique to experience.”

While in Wexford, Kilgo attended classes and took educational excursions throughout Ireland. The unique structure allowed her to connect classroom lessons directly to real-world applications.

“Being able to learn about something in the classroom and then go see it for yourself was incredible,” she said. “Learning hands-on from the native Irish communities and experiencing their history, culture and landscapes was extraordinary.”

Kilgo never expected her college path to include so many opportunities for leadership, research and service, but she seized each one that came her way. From studying abroad in Ireland to serving as a Southern Ambassador, earning a role as Panhellenic president and preserving University history through archival projects with , she met every chance with open arms.

“I’ve lived every single day to the fullest that I could,” she said. “I have no regrets about my time here at Georgia Southern.”

Her engagement, including work with the , helped her appreciate just how special the Georgia Southern community really is. It was that bond to the Georgia Southern community that became the foundation for her experience.

She credits faculty members Howard Keeley, Ph.D., Brian Feltman, Ph.D., William (Bill) Allison, Ph.D., and Shana Bridges, Ph.D., as well as her advisors and staff members Daniel McBurney and Megan Bowen, and the teams within Special Collections and Fraternity and Sorority Life, as key to her success. From helping her navigate graduate school applications to supporting her research ideas or simply assuring her that she is doing amazing things, these mentors were crucial to her.

“There were plenty of times I would walk into someone’s office and just need guidance,” she said. “The people at Georgia Southern are always willing to help.”

When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Kilgo doesn’t point to titles or accomplishments, but to her impact.

“I want to leave behind a legacy of someone warm and kind, but also made a difference in the people around her,” she said. “Having the opportunity to continue to have an impact on the institution through preserving Georgia Southern history and that potentially being a learning outcome for someone years down the road, that’s what I want to leave a legacy of.”

Having crossed the stage at commencement, Kilgo leaves not only with a history degree and a communication studies minor, but also with a collection of memories. As she prepares for graduate school in Tennessee, she believes it is time to carry the impact of Eagle Nation beyond her home state of Georgia.

“My impact has already been made here,” she said. “Now it is time for me to go do that somewhere else.”

As for future students searching for their place on campus, her advice is simple.

“Just do it,” she said. “Get involved. Talk to people. Don’t be afraid to try something new. You only have a few years here, and before you know it, you’ll be graduating. Make every opportunity count.”

The Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing (AEPCEC) at 91ɬ�� hosted its annual Student Research Symposium showcasing the next generation of technological and engineering advancements. 

The 2026 symposium featured academic talent and innovative research, highlighting presentations from over 300 undergraduate and graduate students. More than 130 interactive technical posters were presented spanning research topics in cutting-edge computing, advanced infrastructure, robotics, smart energy, artificial intelligence and engineering innovation.  

The event drew participation from approximately 40 industry partner companies who actively engaged with the presented research, underscoring the symposium’s growing role as a bridge between student research, workforce development and industry needs. 

“This event is an essential launchpad for our students to step out of the classroom and showcase their innovative work with real-world applications,” said Reinhold Gerbsch, DSc, director of industrial relations for the college. “Presenting research across fields like robotics, civil engineering and artificial intelligence teaches students how to articulate complex concepts with clarity to industry professionals.” 

The symposium also featured an on-site career fair, giving students the opportunity to connect with major industry employers, including Gulfstream Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Thomas & Hutton and more. 

“Having companies on-site creates a dynamic professional network where industry leaders are not simply judging the students’ work, they are there to mentor, advise and hire,” Gerbsch explained. “Their involvement ensures our students understand what the engineering and computing sectors are looking for in new hires and how their research connects to emerging industry needs.”  

Team and individual awards were presented to undergraduate and graduate students. These included:

UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS

AEPCEC Top Eagle Award 

Olaudo Victor-Ofoegbu, Jalen Mordica, Iniuobong Unah

Crider Foods – Manufacturing, Robotics & Automation Award

Elizabeth McGlone, Sebastian Oviedo, Ariana Story, Anish Goyal

Gulfstream Business Technology Computer Science Award 

Nicholas Hubbard

Gulfstream Business Technology Information Technology Award 

Michael Woodcock

Gulfstream Completions Engineering – Electrical and Computer Engineering Award

Tamera Gilmore, Jack Jones, Perrin Freeman, Bryan Bosely

Gulfstream Innovation, Engineering & Flight Excellence Award

Caleb Lewis, Jack Giles, Elsie Lappin

Rolls-Royce Power Systems Mechanical Engineering Award

Milton Tomas Santizo

Thomas & Hutton Civil Engineering and Construction Award  

Rosemarie Gante, Ariful Islam Shuvo, Peya Sharif, Yocelin Ramos-Perez, Natalia Alanis, Isabella Funes

AEPCEC- Computing Award 

Alejandro Girón, Thi Tran, Nicholas-Paul Webster, Casey Morgan 

GRADUATE AWARDS

AEPCEC Top Eagle Award 

John Havenar

Crider Foods – Manufacturing, Robotics & Automation Award

Emmanuella Ogun,Yong Ann Voeurn

Gulfstream Business Technology Computer Science Award 

Mary Dufie Afrane

Gulfstream Business Technology Information Technology Award 

Temitope Elijah

Gulfstream Completions Engineering – Electrical and Computer Engineering Award

Jonas Chen

Gulfstream Innovation, Engineering & Flight Excellence Award

Chowdhury Irtiza

Rolls-Royce Power Systems Mechanical Engineering Award

Melinawo Vowotor

Thomas & Hutton Civil Engineering and Construction Award  

Md. Moshiur Rahman Tushar

AEPCEC- Computing Award 

Deborah Osahor

Industry and community partners interested in engaging with Georgia Southern engineering and computing students are invited to participate in future Student Research Symposium events through judging, sponsorship, career fair participation, technical mentorship and research collaboration opportunities.

For more information about participating in the Student Research Symposium and to view all of the 2026 award finalists, please visit: /colleges/engineering-computing/research/undergraduate-research/symposium. 

91ɬ�� is once again setting the standard for excellence at the National Model United Nations Conference in New York, receiving outstanding delegation distinction for the 15th year in a row. 

“Our success is due to the quality of our students,” said Barry Balleck, Ph.D., team advisor and professor of politics and international studies. “They have a passion for Model UN and they believe in the diplomatic process. They have not been jaded to believe that diplomacy is weakness and that international cooperation is passé.”

Georgia Southern has one of the longest-running Model United Nations programs in the country, beginning in 1972. Balleck says that the team’s wins this year have just reinforced what he’s known since he started leading the program 30 years ago. 

“Our students can match up to students from any university anywhere in the world,” Balleck said. “The difference between our students and others is that they have a passion for Model UN and for the standard of excellence that we have set in this program. We emphasize every year that our students are not just representing themselves in any particular year; they are representing the legacy of the Model UN established by 91ɬ��.”

The weight of that responsibility is heavy, but Balleck says it’s a crucial tool in preparing students for their future. 

“Our students learn research, writing and critical thinking skills that help them in whatever profession they choose,” he explained. “I have students who are teachers, diplomats, doctors, lawyers, government officials, peace corps volunteers, lobbyists — the list goes on and on.” 

Those skills helped the Georgia Southern team stand out at the conference this year, bringing home multiple awards in categories like Outstanding Distinction for Position Paper Writing and Outstanding Delegate Distinction in Committee. Balleck says the group is already preparing for next year.  

“Our delegation will be conducting three middle and high school conferences next academic year,” he said. “These conferences will bring nearly 1,200 students to 91ɬ��. Then we’ll attend the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference next year in New York City at the end of March 2027.”

That will mark Balleck’s 31st year with the organization. After all this time, he still says that Model UN is the best academic tool he’s ever been associated with. 

“It teaches students advanced methods in public speaking, research, technical writing and diplomacy,” he said. “In my opinion, the experiential components of Model UN are unmatched by any other experience.”

Winners include:

OUTSTANDING DELEGATION

• Becerra, Ruby
• Benyehudah, Ellie
• Busboom, Emma
• Chavvakula, Varshita
• Collins, Logan — Assistant Advisor
• Dykes, Kierstin
• Franco, Jaelly
• Gibbs, Amiyah
• Hill, Xenovia
• Mason, Natassia
• Millan Merchan, Jorge
• Moore, Chloe
• Norman, Malachi
• Pagelsen, Logan
• Roberts, Lily
• Rumsey, Ava
• Sherrill, Jacob
• Taylor-Williams, Ariana — Head Delegate
• Wheeler, Jaden
• Williams, Emma
• Balleck, Barry — Advisor

OUTSTANDING POSITION PAPER WRITING 

General Assembly Third Committee (GA3)

• Chavvakula, Varshita
• Pagelsen, Logan

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

• Dykes, Kiersten
• Hill, Xenovia

Human Rights Committee (HRC)

• Williams, Emma
• Roberts, Lily

OUTSTANDING DELEGATES IN COMMITTEE

General Assembly First Committee (GA1)

• Millan Merchan, Jorge
• Franco, Jaelly

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

• Dykes, Kiersten
• Hill, Xenovia

Human Rights Committee (HRC)

• Williams, Emma
• Roberts, Lily

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

• Becerra, Ruby
• Mason, Nattassia

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

• Benyehudah, Ellie
• Moore, Chloe