Congratulations to Nunn School Student Achievers

congratulationsMary Piantadosi – INTA

Mary Piantadosi has been selected as the SAB Community Service Award recipient.  This award is presented to the student who has most exemplified the ideals of Ivan Allen in taking initiative and showing leadership in her or his community service activity of choice.  Mary is involved with many community service organizations off campus including Autism Speaks, Georgia Humane Society, Atlanta Humane Society and Fulton County Animal Services.  Additionally, Mary is an active leader on campus in organizations such as Animal Welfare Association, GT Greek Week and Alpha Xi Delta to name a few.  When asked about what drew her to community service this is what Mary had to say:

I truly believe that every person has the potential to change the world, but it is up to the individual to make that decision.  For me, Georgia Tech was the place that opened my eyes.  I saw my peers and professors out there making a positive difference in their own lives and the lives of others.  It’s what motivated me to contribute and give back.  Life is what you make it, so why not make it the best that it can be.

Colby Mangels – IAML

Congratulations are in order for Colby Mangels for being selected to present at the Claremont-UC Undergraduate Research Conference on the EU.  The purpose of this conference is to enhance undergraduate training and knowledge of the European Union and US-European relations.  Colby was selected to present his paper entitled: “European Security Landscape Post-9/11”.  It pertains to the many policy changes which took place on a EU level following 9/11 in order to stem the perceived threat of radicalized terrorist groups.  In regards to his research experience at Tech, here is what he had to say:

Being able to carry out research of a nature which is both in support of, and directly relevant to my current academic focus has provided me with opportunities for an advanced level of understanding which I had never before believed to be possible within an undergraduate framework. Completing an independent research project has further facilitated my abilities to develop mental tools by which one can effectively analyze abstract policy concepts, apply them to real-world situations, and ultimately provide timely evaluations of their implications in the political, social and security-related fields. Development of these skills is central to my conception of successfully completing a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs at Georgia Tech, will undoubtedly aid in achieving my future career and academic goals. I believe that independent research should be pursued by all students possessing intense curiosity, interest in working alongside skilled faculty, and the desire for academic enlightenment in their field of study.

Alex Henke – EIA

Alex Henke has been selected as a I am Liberal Arts award recipient.  This award is presented to the student who has taken the greatest initiative to make Ivan Allen College and the Georgia Tech community at large a better place for the student body by improving the academic or social environment and exemplifying the values of Mayor Allen.  Some of the IAC activities Alex has participated in the IAC SAB as an EIA representative, and being an active volunteer in IAC social, recruiting and academic affiliated events.  Alex is also currently serving as Treasurer for the IAC SAB.  Most notably, Alex served as Chair for the 2010 Ivan Allen College Networking Night event which allowed current IAC students to network with IAC alumni and area employers.  Moreover, as a Georgia Tech Peer Leader, Alex has brought IAC faculty members and alumni to speak with Freshmen about their research and/or experiences.  In addition to serving on the IAC SAB and working as a Peer Leader for GT Housing, Alex is the Director of Alumnae Relations for Alpha Phi.  When asked about her experiences in the IAC Alex stated:

I have really enjoyed helping to promote community and growth in the Ivan Allen College undergraduate experience.  I strongly encourage other Liberal Arts majors to get more involved with the Ivan Allen College outside of the classroom because you will have new opportunities to develop both intellectually and professionally.  Also it’s a lot of fun!

Katie Lange – INTA

Katie Lange received the Award for Best Poster Presentation (IAC) at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.  The symposium is an opportunity for students to share their research with other students and faculty.  The topic of Katie’s research was on deterring bio-terrorism. While most deterrence theories focus on Cold War bipolar nuclear threats, bio-terrorism poses new dangers because of the relative ease with which the materials can be secured and the irrationality, illegality, (on behalf of the US) and non-state aspects to bio-terrorism.  With Dr Kosal, Katie posited that by emphasizing the disparities between adequate, Western public health care systems and the inadequate public health care systems often found in areas of heightened terrorist activities, the US can deter the tacit supporters (financiers, harboring nations, sympathizers, etc).  Katie used the 2003 spread of polio from Nigeria to 22 mostly-Muslim nations as an example of the way diseases spread across these areas and not into other, more developed areas.

Some of Katie’s extracurricular activities include Phi Mu Women’s Fraternity, Georgia Tech Model United Nations, Ivan Allen College Student Advisory Board, FASET, Women’s Recruitment Team, Shadow Day, Girls’ Night Out, and being a GT1000 Team Leader.

Amira Choueiki – EIA

Amira Choueiki has been selected as the SAB Leadership Award recipient.  This award is given to the student who most succeeded in achieving the goals set out by his or her student organization. The student receiving this award exemplifies positive leadership qualities such as organizational skills, the ability to inspire, and the capacity to work well with others.  Amira has exhibited her leadership skills in the various organization she has worked with on and off campus such as AIESEC, Student Foundation Board of Trustees, Undergraduate Judiciary Cabinet, Muslim Student Association, The Carter Center, Women Advancing Microfinance Atlanta, Foundation for the International Medical Relief of Children and Alpha Chi Omega.  In regards to her experience at Tech, Amira has this to say:

Georgia Tech has given me an “edge” I never anticipated.  I switched my major to Economics and International Affairs, but still have a great passion for science and technology.  Interning in DC, I realized there is such a need for people with a liberal arts education, but in conjunction with a comfortableness and understanding of the technical world.  Classes in the sciences, CS and defense technology alongside my policy and theory classes has made me the go-to person in my office for all things cybersecurity and climate change, two major issues facing our nation.  It will be the type of people that Georgia Tech helps to create – that can see multiple sides of the challenges we face, possessing the skills of a scientific problem solver within the big picture policy world – that will lead our future.

Ted Danowitz – IAML

Ted Danowitz received the Award for Best Oral Presentation (IAC) at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.  Ted’s research had to do with Nanotechnology and the Chinese Military.  Here is a brief abstract about Ted’s research:

A burgeoning field of study, Nanotechnology has diverse applications. Though many of these are commercial, several are being used by militaries; the lightweight and durable nanomaterials being produced can influence international security.  As a rapidly developing nation, China possesses potential to greatly influence the regional and international balance of power. This research delves into the status of Chinese nanotechnology research and design with relation to the modernization of the Chinese military. Is the Chinese military capable of developing revolutionary nanotechnologies for military application? After analysis of government statements and policy actions, it can be concluded that in the near future (within the next ten to fifteen years) the Chinese military will not likely develop revolutionary nanotechnology. This deduction is derived from the bureaucracy surrounding research and development funding in China as well as the status of the PLA modernization. Through further streamlining the government agencies, scientists will develop stronger motivation to create revolutionary, indigenous technology. Their current reliance on reverse engineering is too strong, and they have little competition between agencies. The military is also in the process of modernizing, and while it has developed several indigenous technologies, few are meet the quality of international standards. With several changes to the government and military structure, China may begin leading the world in nanotechnology developments, but this is not likely in the near future.

Once again congratulations to all of these students for their accomplishments as well as being fine representatives of the Sam Nunn School!