Innovation, Rankings, and Yellow Jacket Excellence

Georgia Tech Alumnus Biking 7,500 Miles Across Los Angeles

Talk about putting your Georgia Tech education to work! Marc Papakyriakou, a mechanical engineering Ph.D. graduate from 2021, is undertaking an ambitious project to bike every public street in Los Angeles — a journey totaling more than 7,500 miles. What started as a passion discovered through the Georgia Tech Triathlon Club has evolved into “The Project,” a mathematical expedition that combines engineering principles with pure curiosity.

Papakyriakou is using graph theory and distance formulas to optimize his route, essentially treating the sprawling city streets as a mathematical problem to solve. At nearly 85% complete, he’s discovered that real-world factors like road closures and construction require constant adaptation — much like the problem-solving mindset his Ph.D. has cultivated. Beyond the numbers, Papakyriakou approaches each neighborhood with scholarly rigor, researching its history, origins, and role within the city. He’s even connected with fellow Yellow Jacket Craig Durkin, who created the Wandrer.earth app he uses to track his progress. Through this journey, Papakyriakou hopes to inspire positive changes in LA’s bike infrastructure and safety culture.

Georgia Tech Achieves No. 3 Ranking in National Free Speech Survey

Georgia Tech continues to strengthen its reputation as a campus committed to intellectual freedom and open discourse. The Institute rose to No. 3 in the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s (FIRE) 2027 College Free Speech Rankings, based on survey responses from 275 Georgia Tech students. The rankings assess free speech perceptions across 12 different measures, and Georgia Tech also maintained its prestigious Green Light designation, indicating the Institute has no policies that seriously threaten free speech.

President Ángel Cabrera emphasized during his September 3 Institute Address that fostering freedom of expression remains central to Georgia Tech’s mission. The Institute’s strong performance in categories like “administrative support” and “political tolerance” demonstrates that students trust campus leadership to defend free speech and feel their peers will engage respectfully across ideological lines. The newly established Michael E. Tennenbaum Family Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership further underscores this commitment to preparing graduates who are not just career-ready, but equipped to be thoughtful leaders capable of civil dialogue and understanding diverse perspectives.

Education Assistance Programs Now Open for Faculty and Staff Applications

Georgia Tech’s Administrative Services Center is highlighting opportunities for eligible full-time faculty and staff to apply for tuition assistance through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Staff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Program (STRAP). These programs support professional development and help Institute employees achieve their educational goals through tuition waivers and reimbursements.

The application period for spring semester runs from October 15 to November 15. To help navigate the process, the Administrative Services Center is hosting informational sessions on Tuesday, September 22 (10–11 a.m.) and Thursday, September 24 (11 a.m.–noon). These sessions will cover how to apply for TAP or STRAP and how managers can approve applications. This investment in employee growth reflects Georgia Tech’s commitment to fostering excellence and innovation throughout the entire Institute community.

What’s Next?

Whether it’s reimagining urban exploration through mathematics, championing intellectual freedom, or supporting continuous learning among our faculty and staff, Georgia Tech continues to exemplify the values that make our community exceptional. We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on these stories or your own Georgia Tech experiences in the comments below. Go Jackets!