The College of Sciences launched its Young Alumni Board (CoSYAB) this fall. This volunteer-based leadership group is tasked with deepening the relationship between recent Yellow Jacket graduates and the College. Specifically, CoSYAB will partner with the existing External Advisory Board and Friends of the Sciences to engage the College of Sciences community and support its strategic plan.
“With over 16,000 living College alumni, it is no small feat to regularly connect and engage with our community,” says Leslie Roberts, director of Alumni Relations at the College of Sciences. “It is exciting that the College has a new group of alumni leaders targeting our most recent graduates. The Board will help us expand our efforts to connect our current students with professional opportunities and link our alumni with initiatives that support the growth of the College.”
The inaugural Young Alumni Board consists of 13 members who obtained an undergraduate degree from the College within the last 20 years or a master’s or Ph.D. degree from the College within the last 10 years.
“The first cohort was chosen from a list of alumni who have previously engaged with the College or the Georgia Tech Alumni Association. Moving forward, there will be a nomination process,” explains Roberts. Among the board requirements, members must provide at least $300 in annual philanthropic contributions to the Dean’s Excellence Fund and participate in regular meetings. The members will serve a three-year term.
Building community through philanthropy and service
CoSYAB members bring a range of academic experiences and professional perspectives — united by two goals: to build a dynamic community of College of Sciences alumni and to help create a bridge between current students and recent graduates. Service is another key element of the Board’s mission.
“Joining the Young Alumni Board was a chance to give back to a community that deeply invested in me during my time at Georgia Tech,” says Austin Hope (B.S. PSY 2014), who serves as a people partner at Google. “I'm looking forward to mentoring students and recent graduates, especially those eager to explore how a science background can open doors to diverse and rewarding careers.”
Piper Rackley (B.S. BIO 2022, M.S. BIO 2023), who serves as a startup technology analyst, agrees: “Giving back is important because the College of Sciences played a significant role in my academic and personal growth during both of my degrees. Staying connected allows me to contribute to the same supportive environment that helped shape me.”
According to Roberts, the Board will prioritize opportunities for philanthropic engagement and professional development, as well as events during which alumni can connect with current students, faculty, and each other.
Yusuf Uddin (B.S. BIO 2012, Ph.D. BIO 2018), Head of Talent at KdT Ventures, joined CoSYAB to network with fellow alumni and bring his perspective to conversations about the future of the Institute. “Georgia Tech has a strong brand and is very well known for engineering, but if we want to strengthen the sciences, it’s important for College of Sciences alumni to share their experiences, build a community, and connect with the next generation,” he adds.
Likewise, for Kristel Topping (Ph.D. Applied Physiology 2021), principal UX researcher at Home Depot, the Board is an opportunity to support the mission and impact of Georgia Tech: “It is important to connect and give back to the Institute and our students, to empower the next generation of engineers and scientists to take their talent beyond Georgia Tech's walls in order to drive innovation, make meaningful contributions to their communities, and leverage the immense potential they have to create lasting and positive change across the globe.”
2024 College of Sciences Young Alumni Board
Sathya “Sat” Balachander
Ph.D. Biology 2018
Riana Burney
B.S. Biochemistry 2015
Stephen Crooke
Ph.D. Chemistry 2018
Ralph Cullen
B.S. Psychology 2008; M.S. Psychology 2011
Alison Graab
B.S. Earth and Atmospheric Sciences 2008
Austin Hope
B.S. Psychology 2014
Hannah Liu
M.S Bioinformatics 2017
Anita Mohammed
B.S. Psychology 2012
Piper Rackley
B.S. Biology 2022; M.S. Biology 2023
Kristel Topping
Ph.D. Applied Physiology 2021
Yusuf Uddin
B.S. Biology 2012; Ph.D. Biology 2018
Megen Wittling
B.S. Biology 2018
Ashley Zuniga
B.S. Biochemistry 2014
Related Media
Members of the College of Sciences Young Alumni Board. (Sid Suratia)
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Lindsay C. Vidal
Assistant Director of Communications
