Solar Racing Team Sets Records at Prestigious National Competitions
The Georgia Tech Solar Racing team is celebrating an exceptional season after competing in both the Formula Sun Grand Prix and the Electrek American Solar Challenge. The team’s SR-4 Aurora vehicle claimed first place in the Grand Prix’s multi-occupant category at Minnesota’s Brainerd International Raceway with an impressive score of 95.8 out of 100. The 655-kilogram vehicle, powered by a custom 14-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and 1.2-kilowatt solar array, demonstrated exceptional handling, endurance, and efficiency throughout the competition.
Perhaps even more impressively, Georgia Tech’s Solar Racing team set an all-time American Solar Challenge record by being the only team to successfully complete the grueling 1,600-mile journey from Minneapolis to Amarillo, Texas with four occupants. Outgoing team president Sam Woolsey credited the team’s reliability to countless testing sessions during preparation, noting that every failure became a valuable learning opportunity. With over 150 active members primarily from mechanical and electrical engineering programs, the team is already planning their next challenge—launching a single-occupant vehicle for next year’s competition.
Professional Development Opportunities for Faculty and Staff
Georgia Tech is offering a “Leading at Tech: Public Speaking” workshop on November 12, 2026, designed to equip leaders with essential communication skills. This interactive course will cover message crafting, vocal delivery, body language, and techniques for managing nervousness—critical skills for anyone addressing teams, presenting to stakeholders, or speaking at professional events. The two-hour online session runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is open to faculty and staff members interested in strengthening their leadership presence.
Upcoming Training and Development Programs
As the semester approaches, Georgia Tech’s Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning is offering several valuable training opportunities for faculty and instructional staff. The DesignPLUS Sidebar Training on August 18 will guide instructors through creating and transforming Canvas course content with accessibility features built in. Additionally, a Turnitin Feedback Studio webinar on August 19 at 8:30 a.m. will help faculty maximize their use of plagiarism detection and formative assessment tools.
For those interested in advanced course design, Perusall Academy’s Innovate 1 session on August 26 focuses on student grouping, collaborative assignments, and analytics. The College of Lifetime Learning is also hosting an info session on August 13 for advisors and students interested in credit-bearing courses in Project Management and Learning Science.
Honoring Georgia Tech’s Dedicated Retirees
The Institute’s annual Retirement Celebration will take place on October 15, 2026, at 4 p.m. in the Biltmore Ballrooms. This special event honors faculty and staff members who retired between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Professional attire is encouraged as the Georgia Tech community gathers to celebrate the contributions of these dedicated members of our Institute family.
Stay Connected with Georgia Tech News
From groundbreaking student achievements in renewable energy technology to professional development opportunities that strengthen our faculty and staff, Georgia Tech continues to excel across all areas of the Institute. Whether you’re interested in learning more about our student competitions, professional growth, or upcoming campus events, there’s something for everyone in the Georgia Tech community. We invite you to explore these opportunities and share your thoughts in the comments below—what Georgia Tech achievement has inspired you today?
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