Soaring: September 2024

The Eagle Eye with Dr. Weindorf

I am incredibly proud to share a significant milestone in Georgia Southern University’s pursuit of academic excellence: we have reached a record $43 million in total research expenditures.

This achievement is not just a figure; it represents the tireless efforts, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to knowledge exhibited by our faculty, students, and staff.

These funds are the lifeblood of the groundbreaking research happening across our campuses, allowing our scholars to push the boundaries of their fields and tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing society today.

One of the key factors driving this success is our strategic partnership with Hanover Research, which has proven instrumental in enhancing our grants development efforts. By leveraging multiple research queues through Hanover, we are equipping our faculty with the resources needed to compete for prestigious grants. This collaboration has not only improved our ability to secure essential funding but has also freed our researchers to focus on what they do best—innovating and making discoveries—while receiving critical support in identifying and applying for the right grants.

These investments reflect our institutional commitment to building a robust research infrastructure. As we celebrate this remarkable accomplishment, we look forward to nurturing a culture of discovery and innovation that will lead to even greater success in the future. Our researchers are shaping the future, and this funding is a direct reflection of their dedication and creativity.

In this edition of Elevating Excellence, I am thrilled to highlight the inaugural class of our Presidential Research Fellows. These outstanding scholars represent the next generation of innovators at Georgia Southern, whose work exemplifies the high-caliber research and academic achievement we strive to cultivate. Their success is a testament to our university’s commitment to fostering student growth and research excellence. Together, we are not only advancing knowledge but also making a meaningful impact on our communities and the world at large.

SOAR BEYOND

Georgia Southern's Business Innovation Group gets a BIG Addition

Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) at the Innovation Incubator (I2) in downtown Statesboro is getting ready to open its newly renovated space, adding office suites and more than 14,000 square feet of new space to BIG’s footprint.

The reimagined space located at 64 East Main Street will serve as a local community gathering hub for economic growth, small business incubation and innovation. BIG has strategically partnered with the city of Statesboro and the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority (DSDA) to reengineer the space, providing a “mini-civic hub” for a fraction of the cost to taxpayers.

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OUR EAGLES FLY

Kyle Jorgensen: Leading the Charge for Cleaner Water

Kyle Jorgensen’s journey to becoming one of Georgia Southern University’s first Presidential Research Fellows is a testament to resilience, passion, and an unwavering dedication to environmental science.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, and raised in Georgia, Jorgensen faced his share of challenges during his early academic career. He eventually found a home at Georgia Southern, where he earned his B.S. in Chemistry in May 2020, setting the stage for his future success.

After graduation, like many recent grads, Jorgensen was unsure of his next steps. Eventually, he found himself back in Statesboro, pursuing a Master’s in Applied Sciences under the mentorship of Rocio Perez, Ph.D.

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Fatemeh Naeijian: Pioneering Research in Water Conservation

Curiosity has always driven Fatemeh Naeijian to explore the world around her.

Growing up in Iran, her fascination with nature and resource management led her to pursue formal education at Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. There, she first explored the critical intersection of engineering and sustainability. Naeijian’s path began with a Bachelor’s in Paper Industry Engineering, followed by a Master’s in Pulp and Paper Industry Engineering, both earned in Iran.

Yet, her ambitions stretched far beyond her home country’s borders.

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Get in touch! Contact the editor of Elevating Excellence by emailing Mary Dillard.