Dr. Emily Weigel (Biology ‘10), now a senior academic professional in the Georgia Tech School of Biological Sciences, was part of the inaugural graduating class of the Georgia Tech Honors Program. Even as a student, Weigel stood out as a trailblazer, and she has continued to champion the program ideals of “Progress and Service.”
Weigel often reflects on the formative impact of her Honors Program coursework. Classes such as The Psychology of Creativity, where she conducted a study on the relationship between adoption and creativity, helped shape her path toward biological sciences and teaching. Even courses and interactions outside her major broadened her perspective and provided meaningful support, such as mentorship from HP faculty like Dr. Nick Hud and Dr. Greg Nobles.
When discussing the Honors Program, Weigel highlights the influence those early students had on campus. Through the Challenge Fund, Honors students launched initiatives ranging from GT Trailblazers, a student organization that encourages outdoor recreation and environmental service projects, to personal passion projects, like creating “rentable bike programs decades before they were cool.” One of the most significant efforts she participated in was publishing the first edition of The Tower, Georgia Tech’s student-run undergraduate research journal showcasing academic excellence across campus via publication. She also speaks fondly of the community she found within the program and the lasting connections it fostered.
During her time as a student, Weigel contributed to major developments at Georgia Tech. She completed the newly established International Plan while spending 18 months studying and interning abroad in Germany. She also joined the inaugural Georgia Tech women’s rugby team after an impromptu recruitment on the Burger Bowl (now Couch Park). Continuing her legacy of firsts, she was part of the first G. Wayne Clough Tech Promise cohort.
Today, Weigel is a leader in higher education. As an instructor in the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), she plays a pivotal role in preparing future educators by teaching introductory pedagogy courses for new undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants in the School of Biological Sciences. Her dedication earned her a place on the Georgia Tech 2024 40 Under 40 list. And when she’s not teaching or advising, you can often find her enjoying a cup of Kaldi’s Coffee