Two alumni of the Georgia Tech School of Psychological and Brain Sciences (PBS), Tara Stoinski (Ph.D. Psychology 2000) and Austin Hope (B.S. Psychology 2014), were recognized at the Georgia Tech College of Sciences' second annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration on October 22, 2026, in Atlanta.
Stoinski, president, CEO, and chief scientific officer of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, received the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award representing PBS. Hope, a people partner and strategic advisor at Google, received the 2026 Distinguished Young Scientist Excellence Award in recognition of his professional accomplishments, leadership, and service to Georgia Tech.
Together, their achievements highlight the diverse ways that psychological science contributes to society, from understanding and protecting endangered species to developing effective leaders and organizations.
Tara Stoinski: Advancing Conservation Through Behavioral Science
Stoinski has devoted more than three decades to studying and protecting gorillas. As president, CEO, and chief scientific officer of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, she leads conservation, research, and education initiatives in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
An accomplished scientist with more than 170 publications, Stoinski has advanced understanding of gorilla behavior, social relationships, and conservation. Her research demonstrates how studying animal behavior can inform conservation strategies and support efforts to protect threatened species and their habitats.
Under her leadership, the Fossey Fund opened the Ellen DeGeneres Campus in Rwanda in 2022, establishing a center for scientific research, conservation education, and training. The campus provides opportunities for emerging scientists, particularly those from Africa, while fostering international research collaborations, including connections with Georgia Tech.
Stoinski credits her doctoral training and mentorship by the late Terry Maple, a former Georgia Tech professor and director of Zoo Atlanta, with helping establish the foundation for her scientific career.
“The rigor and curiosity that Georgia Tech cultivated in me set the course for my career. Today, I’m honored to carry that tradition forward by providing opportunities to early-career scientists in Africa and beyond. It’s one of the most meaningful parts of my work, because the future of conservation depends on the people we train now,” said Stoinski.
Her career reflects the importance of connecting rigorous behavioral research with conservation practice, scientific leadership, and investment in the next generation of researchers.
Austin Hope: Applying Psychological Science to Organizational Leadership
Hope has built a career at the intersection of psychology, organizational effectiveness, and business leadership, applying insights into human behavior to help organizations develop talent, strengthen leadership, and improve performance.
As a people partner at Google, Hope serves as an executive coach and strategic advisor to senior leaders across Global Security and Resilience Services and the chief economist's team. His work encompasses talent management, leadership effectiveness, organizational design, and workplace culture.
Previously, Hope spent seven years on Google's Executive Compensation team, following earlier experience as an executive compensation consultant at Mercer.
Hope also maintains strong ties to his alma mater. He serves on the College of Sciences Advisory Board and the PBS Alumni Council and delivered the keynote address at the College's Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony. Through these roles, he continues to support the institution and the development of future generations of Georgia Tech graduates.
“Georgia Tech instilled the rigor and perspective that guide my career, but its greatest impact was showing me the power of invested mentors who widen your aperture. Today, giving back is about paying that forward, helping the next generation of leaders find clarity, build conviction, and realize their potential,” said Hope.
His career illustrates the value of psychological science in contemporary organizations, where understanding motivation, decision-making, leadership, and group dynamics can inform how people work together and organizations succeed.
Celebrating the Breadth and Impact of Psychological Science
“Tara and Austin exemplify the extraordinary breadth and societal relevance of psychological science,” said Tansu Celikel, professor and chair of the Georgia Tech School of Psychological and Brain Sciences. “Their achievements remind us that understanding the brain and behavior is not confined to a single discipline or profession. Whether advancing the conservation of endangered species or strengthening leadership in complex organizations, they demonstrate how scientific curiosity, rigorous training, and a commitment to service can translate into meaningful impact. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and grateful for the inspiration they provide to our students and the entire PBS community.”
Although Stoinski and Hope have pursued markedly different professional paths, their achievements share a common foundation: applying knowledge of behavior to address meaningful challenges and creating opportunities for others.
Their careers also exemplify Georgia Tech's commitment to Progress and Service, combining professional excellence with mentorship, leadership, and engagement with the broader community.
The College of Sciences recognized eight alumni through its 2026 awards program, celebrating achievements across scientific disciplines.
For PBS, the recognition of Stoinski and Hope underscores both the School's longstanding contributions to psychological science and its continuing commitment to preparing graduates for careers that span research, industry, conservation, and public service.
Their accomplishments offer a compelling example to current and prospective students of the many directions a Georgia Tech psychology education can lead—and the impact graduates can have along the way.
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