TCSG selected for National Science Foundation grants

May 22, 2023 | The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) is proud to announce its selection as the workforce partner for three U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engine grants in Georgia. These grants represent significant milestones in advancing cutting-edge research and innovation in key sectors, and TCSG is honored to be at the forefront of these transformative initiatives.

Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) logo

“These NSF Regional Innovation Engine grants underscore the Technical College System of Georgia’s commitment to driving innovation and economic growth within the state,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “As the chosen workforce partner for these transformative projects, we are excited to play a vital role in shaping the future of agriculture, healthcare, and cybersecurity. TCSG’s extensive network of colleges is uniquely positioned to deliver industry-relevant training and prepare a skilled workforce that will contribute to the success of these initiatives.”

The first grant, awarded to support the  Next Generation Agriculture project , marks a groundbreaking collaboration under the academic leadership of the University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University. This joint effort aims to propel Georgia farmers towards the “Ag 4.0” revolution. By leveraging the latest advancements in technology and data analytics, the project seeks to revolutionize agricultural practices and equip farmers with the tools they need to thrive in the modern era. By leveraging its extensive network of technical colleges and industry connections, TCSG will provide targeted workforce training and support services tailored to the specific needs of farmers in the region. Through this collaboration, TCSG will contribute to the overall success of NextGA by equipping farmers with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the evolving landscape of agriculture.

The second grant, titled  Advancing Health Equity and Diagnostic Technologies (GA) Development,  will focus on creating an innovative ecosystem to advance health equity throughout the southeast. This project, which includes Georgia Tech, Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, University of Georgia, and the Center for Global Health Innovation, aims to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility. TCSG’s role as the workforce partner will be instrumental in training a skilled healthcare workforce equipped to leverage these innovative technologies for the betterment of the region’s population.

The third grant, titled  Advancing Cybersecurity Technologies in the Central Savannah River Area,  solidifies Augusta Technical College’s position as the workforce partner. This initiative, being led by Augusta University, recognizes the critical need to bolster cybersecurity measures in an increasingly digitized world. Augusta Technical College will spearhead efforts to develop and implement cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. The college’s expertise and dedication to producing highly skilled cybersecurity professionals will be pivotal in fortifying the region’s defenses against cyber threats.

Through its involvement as the workforce partner, TCSG will leverage its vast resources and expertise to support these initiatives, ensuring the availability of a highly skilled workforce that meets the evolving demands of each sector. By aligning education with industry needs, TCSG will help drive economic development, innovation, and job creation across Georgia.

To learn more about the NSF Engines Development Awards, visit their  website here.

For more information about the Technical College System of Georgia, please visit  www.TCSG.edu

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Georgia Life Sciences Selects Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy Student as the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Winner

By Sheran Brown • April 10, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences Selects Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy Student as the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Winner Sandy Springs & Rockmart Teens Take Top Honors in Statewide Science Competition Atlanta, GA (April 4, 2025) – Georgia Life Sciences today named Bhavya Alapati , a junior at Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy, as the winner of the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Challenge, the premier competition for high school students that recognizes outstanding research and innovation in the biotechnology field. Eleven students from across Georgia competed for this year’s title and cash prize. Bhavya’s project investigated a novel method of identifying strokes using a device she created called SpectroStroke, a small-scale spectrophotometer, to detect homocysteine, an amino acid product that is associated with stroke. Bhavya identified the ability of homocysteine to be detected using Ellman’s reagent, which reacts with the free sulfhydryl group on the molecule to produce a yellow color. Bhavya created a wearable patch that contains the Ellman’s reagent. Then, she designed the SpectroStroke to be able to detect the color change when the patch is exposed to elevated levels of homocysteine. Bhavya’s SpectroStroke can detect normal levels of homocysteine up to extremely high levels seen in those experiencing a stroke. The ability to detect a stroke earlier would reduce damage and long-term effects of the condition. A future iteration of the SpectroStroke would include real-time monitoring capabilities to help track changing homocysteine levels. "Supporting and celebrating outstanding research and innovation in biotechnology is vital for the future of science and medicine. The Georgia BioGENEius Challenge not only encourages the brightest young minds to explore their potential but also nurtures the next generation of leaders who will drive groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology,” said Georgia Life Sciences President and CEO Maria Thacker-Goethe. “By recognizing and empowering these students, we are helping to shape a future where innovation thrives and the possibilities for improving lives are endless. Well done, Bhavya!” Georgia Life Sciences also congratulates the Georgia BioGENEius runner-up, Shelby Kendrick , who is a senior at Paulding County High School in Dallas, GA. Shelby’s research investigated the ability of Aspergillus terreus, a fungus found in soil, to degrade pre-treated polypropylene plastic (PP). This fungus has been discovered to produce high concentrations of degrading enzymes and raises the moisture level of its substrate. Shelby isolated the fungus from soil samples and confirmed the species using PCR amplification and DNA barcoding. Samples of polypropylene were pre-treated with 75% ethanol and UV exposure, then placed in a liquid culture of A. terreus in Minimal Salt Medium (MSM) media, and the culture was incubated for 23 days. At the end of the trial period, PP samples were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. These samples showed changes in their surface layer, indicating evidence of biodegradation. Polypropylene plastic is found in household items such as plastic cups and is a known problem in the environment due to its inability to degrade. Shelby’s future research on the use of A. terreus for biodegradation includes optimizing degradation conditions and assessing methods of application in the environment. Judging the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Challenge were Ralph L. Cordell, CDC, and Alex Harvey, ViaMune. Cash prizes were awarded to Bhavya and Shelby. # # # About Georgia Life Sciences Georgia Life Sciences, founded in 1989, is a non-profit, membership-based organization that promotes the interests and growth of the life sciences industry. It is the state’s largest and most influential life sciences advocacy and business leadership organization working to improve access to innovative discoveries that have lifesaving impact. The association connects business, academia, government, and other allied entities involved in the application of life sciences products to fuel growth and collaboration through policy development, community programs, national industry initiatives, and a portfolio of educational and networking events. Learn more at galifesciences.org.
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