Georgia Southern College of Graduate Studies

09/15/2026

Defeating Disease, One Pixel at a Time! 🔬

Salim Sazzed, Ph.D., an assistant professor in Computer Science has been awarded a $568,000 NIH grant to advance how we study major illnesses like cancer, heart disease and neurological disorders.

By using cutting-edge AI, Dr. Sazzed and his student research team are building automated software to map the intricate networks inside human cells, specifically actin filaments, with unprecedented accuracy.

While manual cell mapping can take hundreds of hours, Sazzed's upcoming AI tools will fast-track cellular data analysis, giving global researchers the vital insights needed to discover future medical treatments.

His new research builds directly on his incredible past work funded by the NSF, where he used deep learning to crack the code on complex protein structures. Dr. Sazzed represents the next generation of top-tier scientists bridging the gap between computer science and structural biology.

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4h9JcTZ

09/14/2026

Georgia Southern graduate student Elsie Lappin continues to reach new heights! 🦅✨

Elsie recently represented Georgia Southern and the LANDTIE Research Lab at the USG Board of Regents meeting in August.

As a finalist in the USG Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition, she presented Echo Oracle, an AI-assisted evaluation platform designed to improve infrastructure safety.

As she prepares to graduate this semester and transition into doctoral study, we couldn't be prouder of her hard work, dedication, and academic success. Thank you to the Board of Regents and the USG for providing a platform to celebrate the next generation of innovators!

09/11/2026

Graduate research in action! 🎓🔬

Massive congratulations to Manufacturing Engineering graduate student Chowdhury Md. Irtiza on earning a 2026 ASNT Foundation Student Travel Grant!

Beyond his impressive work in the LANDTIE Lab, focusing on advanced testing methods for welded, cast and additively manufactured components, Irtiza actively serves as Education Outreach Chair for the ASNT Coastal Section and as a member of the ASNT Research Council.

We love seeing our grad students lead, innovate and make their mark on the national NDT community! 🦅✨

09/04/2026

Two months into her role, Dean Jennifer Schroeder is leading with a bold, collaborative vision to transform the graduate student experience. 🦅

She is fiercely dedicated to amplifying graduate student voices, breaking down silos and making sure their unique perspectives are fully championed in university-wide conversations.

To turn this advocacy into action, her primary focus centers on removing unnecessary barriers to degree completion and streamlining the overall student journey by providing clear, upfront support.

Dive deeper into her strategic goals and insights in the latest edition of the Georgia Southern Magazine: https://bit.ly/3VemB0X

09/03/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Averitt Award winners! 🎓

Representing the highest honor within the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies, these outstanding graduate students are being recognized for their extraordinary contributions and excellence:

Excellence in Graduate Instruction: Marisa Kortright (MS Psychology)

Excellence in Graduate Service: Andrew Ashley (MS Kinesiology)

Excellence in Graduate Research, Master's: Henna Gavem (MS Biology)

Excellence in Graduate Research, Doctoral: Joana Tome (DPH Public Health)

Join us in celebrating their hard work, dedication, and incredible impact! 👏

Read more about these outstanding graduate students in the Georgia Southern Magazine: https://bit.ly/4gI2wHC

09/02/2026

Celebrating the legacy of our namesake, Dr. Jack N. Averitt! 🎓

We are incredibly proud of our Averitt Oral History graduate assistant, Janely Lopez, who recently presented her historical research to the Bulloch County Historical Society. Her project, “More Than a Teachers College: Dr. Jack N. Averitt's Influence on GSU,” dives deep into over 20 personal scrapbooks chronicling his incredible life and impact.

Dr. Averitt shaped the very foundation of graduate studies at Georgia Southern, becoming the Dean of the Graduate School in 1969 and guiding the launch of the university's first-ever Master’s degree program. From his international leadership with the Rotary Summer Language Institute to his lifelong devotion to education, his vision inspires everything we do today. 🦅

Read the full feature on Lopez's research and Dr. Averitt's enduring legacy here: https://bit.ly/4gMVz8k

Jack Averitt joined the faculty at then Georgia Southern Teachers College in 1949. He was part of the transition to Georgia Southern College in 1959 and remained a professor emeritus of History following his retirement from Georgia Southern in 1979, and later dean emeritus of the Jack N. Averitt Col...

08/14/2026

Georgia Southern University has officially announced its 2026 40 Under 40 class, honoring young alumni who are driving excellence in their professions, communities and fields of study.

The Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies is thrilled to celebrate our own exceptional graduate degree alumni who have been recognized for their advanced leadership, research and innovation.

Graduate Eagle: 🦅
Ibrahim Waziri, Jr. (M.S., IT)

Double Eagles: 🦅🦅
Justin Bradley (MBA ‘12)
Rebekah Daniel (M.M., Conducting ‘16)
Kevin Hughes (MBA‘21)
Rebecca King (MHA‘17)
Jenny Laminack (M.S., Biology ‘13)
Kiara McCrary (MBA ‘21)
Caleb Rogers (M.Ed., Higher Ed. ‘17)
Harley Smith (MPA ‘23)
Macey Terrell (MPA ‘17)
Jessica Vanner (MBA ‘10)
Dontavious Waller (MPA ‘20)

Triple Eagles: 🦅🦅🦅
April Harvey (MAT, Social Science Education '10; Ed.S., Leadership '15)
Blair Seth Walker (MBA '12; Ed.D., Educational Leadership ‘25)

Congratulations to this year’s 40 Under 40! Click here to see the full list of honorees GeorgiaSouthern.edu/40under40

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08/07/2026

Ready to lead the next generation of healthcare? Your journey begins today. 🦅

At the Waters College of Health Professions, passion meets purpose. Our innovative programs focus on excellence, community impact and forward-thinking leadership to prepare graduates for a rapidly evolving industry.

Explore our graduate program options: https://bit.ly/4fHz0CC

08/06/2026

Hey, Eagles! 🦅

Can you believe fall semester is only two weeks away? We can't wait to see all our grad students!

Be sure and check out our student resource's page for quick access to everything you need to thrive as a graduate student, from academic resources and program information to helpful services and important policies: https://bit.ly/4z6Lxas

See you soon! 🍎

08/05/2026

Big goals lead to bigger opportunities. 🦅

Brandon Long leveled up his master’s degree into a Doctor of Education at Georgia Southern. Press play to hear how he breaks down the program to find success through research and growth.

Your story has the power to inspire someone else to take the leap. Share yours with !

Tap the link to apply: georgiasouthern.edu/gradapply



[Video Description: Brandon Long shares how his Doctor of Education journey at Georgia Southern has helped shape his growth as a scholar and professional. Hear how opportunity, mentorship, and determination have defined his graduate experience.]