Recognizing the 2026 College of Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

The College of Sciences hosted its second Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration honoring eight alumni who embody the Institute’s motto of Progress and Service.

“Throughout their inspiring careers, these eight alumni have demonstrated the values of excellence, innovation, integrity, and service that define our College of Sciences community,” said Susan Lozier, dean of the College of Sciences and Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair.

The semi-formal event kicked off the College of Sciences’ Homecoming festivities, bringing together the honorees and their guests, along with College of Sciences students, faculty, alumni, and members of the Advisory Board and Young Alumni Board.

Georgia Tech Provost Raheem Beyah welcomed everyone and congratulated the honorees:

“Each of you took what you gained here and used it to create opportunities, solve problems, serve others, and make a difference in your professions and communities. That speaks directly to our mission to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.”

The Impact Award

Jeffrey Leddy, B.S. Physics 1978, received the Impact Award, the College of Sciences’ highest recognition, given to alumni whose extraordinary engagement, leadership, and generosity are shaping the future of the College. A successful telecommunications and satellite technology leader, Leddy is a long-time member of the College of Sciences Advisory Board.

During his introduction, Dean Susan Lozier thanked him for this board service and for the seven Leddy Family endowments he and his wife, Pamela, created to offer meaningful opportunities for students and faculty. 

Several student recipients of the Leddy Family Scholarship attended.

“The Leddy Family Scholarship means hope,” said Ian Morgan, a second-year math major. “My scholarship is extremely motivating. Knowing they are investing in me makes me want to be the best I can be.”

In his acceptance speech, Leddy said it was an honor to help students committed to going the extra mile.

The Distinguished Young Scientist Excellence Award

Austin Hope, B.S. Psychology 2014, received the Distinguished Young Scientist Excellence Award. Hope has served on the College of Sciences Young Alumni Board, regularly attends career and networking panels, and recently joined the College of Sciences Advisory Board. In her introduction, Dean Lozier called him one of the College of Sciences’ most active volunteers. “Whenever Georgia Tech asks, Austin says yes,” said Lozier.

In his acceptance speech, Hope said Georgia Tech saved him and he especially appreciated the faculty and staff who “said yes when it didn’t make sense to do so,” enabling him to “find his groove as a student and leader.” Currently a people leader at Google, Hope ended his remarks by thanking the College of Sciences for the “opportunity to serve.”            

Distinguished Alumni Awards

School of Biological Sciences

Fred Levin, M.D., B.S. Applied Biology 1972, a prominent physician who operates two endoscopy centers, was honored for his contributions to medicine in southeast Atlanta and his philanthropy at Georgia Tech. In his speech, he named challenges at Tech that helped form his work ethic, including mandatory drown proofing and a 1,130-page organic chemistry textbook.

He said he gives back because he appreciates the strong educational foundation he received at Georgia Tech.

School of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Belma Erdogan-Haug , Ph.D. Chemistry 2003, is a strategic business and innovation leader, accomplished inventor, and thought leader. Currently the head of Global Application Engineering and Digital Transformation of the Industrials Business Unit at Henkel Corporation, she has served on the College of Sciences Advisory Board since 2020. Erdogan-Haug said Georgia Tech played an important role in shaping her as a scientist and leader and spoke about her passion for mentoring women students in STEM.

School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Tia Williams , B.S. Earth and Atmospheric Sciences 1996, is an executive leader at Microsoft’s Azure Data and early-stage venture investor. She is the vice chair of the College of Sciences Advisory Board and a board member of the new AI4Sciences Center.  In her speech, she called her time at Georgia Tech “magical” and said she is most thankful for the “unique privilege of learning computer science in the context of the science she loves, earth and atmospheric sciences.”

School of Mathematics

Clemmie Whatley, Ph.D., M.S. Applied Mathematics 1973, was the first African American woman to graduate from Georgia Tech. A corporate leader turned educator, nonprofit founder, and author, she said the challenges she faced at Tech helped build her tenacity and character.

“Clemmie has used her talent and experience in mathematics to lift people up,” said School of Mathematics Chair Michael Wolf in his introduction.

Whatley thanked her family, teachers, and friends and recognized Grace Hammond, who shares the distinction of being the first African American woman to graduate from Georgia Tech. The two trailblazers have remained friends over the years.

School of Physics

Gilbert “Gil” Amelio, Ph.D., Physics 1965, M.S. Physics 1967, Ph.D. Physics 1969, is an internationally recognized tech leader, who served as the CEO and chairman of Apple Computer; the president, CEO, and chairman of National Semiconductor; and the president of Rockwell Communication Systems. His son, Anthony Amelio, Industrial Management 1987, accepted the award on his behalf and spoke of his father’s love for Tech and the College of Sciences.

School of Psychological and Brain Sciences

Tara Stoinski, Ph.D., Ph.D. Psychology 2000, is the president, CEO, and chief scientific officer of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. An internationally recognized conservationist, she leads global efforts to study and protect mountain gorillas and the ecosystems they call home. When accepting the award, Stoinkski recalled that while other universities relied on mice and rats for psychological research, Georgia Tech’s partnership with Zoo Atlanta, allowed her to study lions, tigers, lemurs, elephants, and gorillas.

Honoring Dean Lozier

The evening concluded with a floral presentation to Lozier, who is stepping down as dean after seven years leading the College of Sciences. John Sutherland, the 2025 College of Sciences’ Impact Award winner, whose endowment established the Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair held by Lozier, praised her transformational tenure and thanked her for the impact she made on the College.

“We will really miss you,” he said.

In his remarks, Provost Beyah also recognized Lozier’s leadership, concluding:

“You leave the College of Sciences stronger than you found it.”

To view images from the event, visit 2026 Distinguished Alumni photos.